MTLNOVEL Chapter 395: Christmas Shopping
Onboard the luxurious cruise boat, cheerful chatter and buzzing excitement filled the atmosphere as everyone came together to organize the day's shopping plans.
"Alright, team," Blaze called out as he stood at the helm of the group, sunglasses on and acting like a holiday general. "We've got two missions today. First, we need to deck the halls like Santa is coming in person. And secondly, it's Operation Baby Shower Surprise."
Everyone cheered in agreement, clapping their hands.
"This is going to be one awesome surprise party." Stacy was all smiles.
"Amelia will be so thrilled." Kayla chirped happily.
"Probably cry out of excitement." Adriana beamed euphorically. "You know how much she loves surprises."
"Well...That's the goal." Nicole said, laughing.
"Ladies...focus. I have a pregnant wife to get back to in less than four hours." Blaze said in a serious tone causing a wave of laughter.
"We will be dividing ourselves into three groups to save time and manage our resources." Blaze continued. "Team one, led by my humble self, my father-in-law, uncle Hillary, Eugene, Henry and Sarah, would be in charge of gifts."
Sarah smiled warmly, eyes drifting toward Henry, who stood near the edge of the ship and staring right back at her.
"Team two to be led by the future mother to be, Kayla and the beautiful queens..." Blaze gestured at Amelia's friends. "...would be in charge of everything baby-related, including all the items for the baby shower surprise.
"Go, girls!" Kayla chanted and all four ladies cheered loudly, their voices almost deafening.
"And last but not least, is team three, to be led by Naomi and every other person whose name hasn't been mentioned. This group would be in charge of all Christmas decorations shopping, and souvenirs."
"Excellent... I'll be needing your platinum credit card for my long shopping list." Naomi stretched out her palm, wiggling her brows, causing a ripple of laughter.
With the meeting concluded, everyone dispersed to different parts of the cruise boat to enjoy the scenery.
Sarah walked over to where Henry was standing and staring at the open sea. She nudged his elbow lightly, leaning her back on the rail.
"You good?"
He looked down at her with the softest smile. "With you next to me? Always."
Sarah's heart fluttered, and she quickly looked away, cheeks warming at his sweet remark.
"It's so peaceful out here." Henry's gaze shifted to the shimmering water reflecting the golden light of the sun.
"Indeed." Sarah turned around, facing the vast ocean this time. "It's so massive and intimidating."
"Imagine what it will be like going on a cruise ship during summer and diving into the Blue waters," Henry said, brushing his thumb against the back of her hand resting on the rail.
Sarah's cheeks glowed with a pinkish-red tone as she replied. "It will be magical."
"Is that a yes to a proposed date?" Henry stole a side glance at her.
"Are you asking me on a date in summer which is four months from now?" Sarah's gaze locked with his.
"Yes. I'm already planning ahead."
Sarah chuckled. "You already know what my answer will be."
"I don't mind hearing it again." Henry turned to face her, taking her hands into his and interlocking fingers with her, unbothered by prying eyes.
"It's a yes." Sarah exhaled, her eyes twinkling like diamonds.
Henry leaned closer and kissed her tenderly on the forehead. "I love you." He whispered.
"I love you more." Sarah cooed, embracing him.
They both turned to enjoy the beautiful view together, the world behind them fading into the background.
"I'm so happy for my best friend." Anabelle wiped a teardrop that escaped her shimmering eyes. "She finally found love."
"Yeah." Michael pulled Anabelle into his arms, nuzzling her on the side of her neck. "Just like us." He made her turn around and kissed her out in the open for the first time.
The cruise ride was full of love, laughter and scenic views as the boat sailed toward the charming neighbouring island town, famed for its Christmas markets and artisanal gift stalls.
The moment they docked, the group fanned out into the cobbled streets, giddy like kids set loose in a candy store.
Twinkling fairy lights draped the market stalls, where vendors sold everything from handmade ornaments to cinnamon-spiced cookies and hot cocoa in souvenir mugs.
Carolers sang near a snow-frosted town square, and a huge Christmas tree stood at the centre, waiting to be lit for the evening festival.
"Okay... Let's all meet at the dock in the next two hours. Happy shopping everyone." Blaze signalled and every team dispersed with their team leader.
While Blaze and the two older men in the group moved ahead, Henry and Sarah took their time, strolling arm-in-arm between shops.
As they moved near a stall, Sarah paused by a rack of delicate silver charm bracelets.
Henry followed her gaze and asked. "Do you like it?"
Sarah nodded. "It's simple… but sweet."
Without hesitation, Henry picked the prettiest one from the collection and paid for it.
"Let me...." He gently took her wrist and wore the charm bracelet around it.
"Oh Henry.... This is so beautiful. But I didn't get any for you." She pouted.
"This one is a twin bracelet." The vendor stepped in, captivated by the couple's love for one another.
"Awesome! Please, let me have it, sir." Sarah opted to pay for it declining Henry's credit card. She wore it around his wrist beaming.
"Now, we will always have a piece of each other anytime we feel lonely." Sarah beamed stroking the bracelet on his wrist.
"Thank you, my love." Henry kissed her lightly on the lips.
"Hey, love birds, are you two joining in the shopping or what?" Blaze called to them from one of the gift shops.
"Coming." They both chorused giggling.
As the sun began to dip into the sea, painting the sky in hues of gold and lavender, the group boarded the cruise again, bags filled to bursting with decorations, gifts, and baby surprises.
They were all excited to return to the island and start decorating and partying.