True Intention

Ch 36- Holiday fun...

Soren POV

Over the next week, it was clear that Naomi and her parents had a strange relationship.

It was obvious that they loved her, but it was almost like they didn't... like her? As if they'd somehow bought into all the rhetoric around her being unworthy or something. Her dad was easier to like than her mom. He didn't make rude comments about her outfits or tattoos or piercings. He was sort of... ambivalent? Her mom though, seemed on a mission to make her into the fancy person they were.

Nao and I were just as active as we'd been at home, since she felt no need to respect her parents the way she had mine. Thank God, because this was a two-week trip in a tropical resort, and I wasn't about to keep my hands off of her because of her stuck-up parental units. I could care less if they approved of who I was, what I did, or what their daughter did. I had the resources to take care fo my girl, and I wasn't worried about anyone withholding things.

It was no damn threat.

Anyone wanted to be shady, I'd make sure to nip that s**t in the bud.

When she finally went to a spa day with her mom, I was on edge. It was supposed to relax her, and I could not help but worry she'd come back more tense. Roger invited me to golf, which I had never really done, but I figured I could try it and make him happy. Like I said, he was the kinder of the two. I just wished he would stand up for Naomi instead of letting Bethany b***h constantly.

It was hot, but thankfully I'd thought to bring a hat. I was probably a little out of place with my black rip stop shorts, black baseball hat, and black and gray tie-dyed muscle shirt in my favorite modal blend. With my Adidas slides, of course. Roger said nothing, just grinned. He was an odd duck, and I wasn't really sure what to make of him. He reminded me of an amoeba on an emotional level.

It was Christmas Day, so the golf course was pretty empty. It was more fun than I expected, and Roger was super chill. You don't really think of golf as being athletic or difficult if you don't play it, but it definitely was both of those things.

"What are you giving Naomi for Christmas, Ren?" He asked me as we teed off.

"Ah, well... Obviously, you know she's not really big into material s**t, right?" I replied. He flinched slightly at my curse word but seemed determined to it roll off his shoulders. Fun, I wonder how far I can push the man I was looking to make my father-in-law one day. I smirked as he nodded. "Well, since I already gave her a portrait that I painted and two tattoos, I actually bought something this time. I found it on Etsy, called a Capricious Wraith Dress. Right up her alley." He looked at me and smirked.

"That's not all, is it, young man?" He asked, a wealth of meaning in his words, and I sighed. "You don't think I know there is a reason you're out here playing golf when you've never done it and probably never would have tried it, if you didn't have something to ask me, hmm?"

"I might have bought a ring and am hoping on the New Year to ask her to marry me." I rushed out. "Would you accept that?" I was holding my breath. He patted my shoulder.

"Whether I approve or not, the ball will be in Naomi's court, right? I feel it's a little soon, but since you guys have matching tattoos already, that's more permanent than a wedding, now isn't it? You have my approval, Soren, with one condition." His tone was more serious than I'd heard it yet. He looked at my face carefully before continuing. "You wait until you're both graduated, and of course, no babies before the wedding. Cool?" All I could do was nod. I honestly hadn't thought it would be that easy. He patted my shoulder. "Perfect. Where are you going to ask her?" He said as he swung the club at the ball.

"Um, New Year's, during the fireworks they're having. I don't think she'd want it to be a public spectacle, so it will be privately, on our little patio." He nodded in approval.

"I'll make sure to get some nice champagne sent to your room that night, then." He said cheerfully.

"Roger, do you mind if I ask..." I trailed off, unsure how to begin.

"Soren, you're welcome to ask anything." He replied kindly.

"What is it with Bethany? Why is she so negative with Naomi?" His shoulders slumped at my question.

"I'm not sure. At one point, she was our daughter's biggest champion. She was the one that insisted on the police report. I think her father got to her when she tried to get his help pushing for further prosecution of the boy that initially attacked her." My jaw dropped. Great. Now I wanted to punch her grandfather. He laughed. "I get it, I'd like to hit him too son, but he's got cancer. Karma, to my way of thinking. He's one of those that victim shames women, sadly. I won't miss him, not at all. Bethany's brother, who will be the next patriarch, is actually a decent man. He's had to hide it, but once the old man dies, Bethany can be herself again."

Well, that was a lot to unpack, but still, at home, her mom could at least be positive.

"You should talk to her about her offside comments and sour expressions around Nao. It will be too late to fix it if she doesn't do something soon." I commented coolly. He rubbed his forehead. "And honestly, Roger, as her father, you should be standing up for her. You seem like a nice guy, but I don't get why you let your wife put her down like that. Please, call her on it."

"You're right. I will try." He promised. I sure hoped so. Someone besides me and our friends needed to have my girl's back, and it would be nice if it was her actual family.

That night we had dinner in their suite, a double order of the Diamond Head Dinner for Two. Lobster and prime rib. I mean, it was beautiful and delicious, but I couldn't help thinking I'd prefer my mom's home-cooked ham and all the usual stuff like green bean casserole and mashed potatoes. There was something so... homey about it. Guess that's why they call it comfort food.

After we ate, it was time for gifts. There was a Golden Eclipse in Rose Gold by Patek Philippe for Roger, and the same model, but in White Gold, for me. I sighed. It was a cool watch, but I didn't need the display of wealth. There was purse for Bethany that I didn't bother to know the name of. Probably another waste of money. Gucci or Coach or something. f**k if I cared, but Bethany seemed thrilled. I just don't see the point in spending for the sake of a name. Quality, yes, a brand? No way.

One of a kind and hand-crafted would always appeal to me far more than fancy s**t that influencers wore.

I don't need to follow someone else to be cool.

I was popular without all that s**t.

Not that I tried, but maybe that was exactly the point. People will like you more if you're your most genuine self. Everyone else probably isn't worth your time, especially if your value is centered on material things.

I could see the nervousness on Nao's face as her mom handed her their gift. She was hesitant to open the gift on the chance it was yet another expensive item. While we liked our fragrances, that again, was our splurge. When she saw the Giorgio Armani label, I could tell she was unhappy, but trying to seem excited. She was clearly torn when she pulled out the gorgeous long black velvet dress. It was sheer from the bust line to the close-fitted neckline. It was sleeveless, with a flower embroidered on one side from hip to knee. It was gorgeous, and totally Nao's style, but I could tell she was uncomfortable with a price tag probably well over $5,000. I flicked a look at Roger, and he shrugged. She folded it away and turned to me.

She handed me a package. Inside my gift was a futuristic sleeveless top in black, tunic length, with crossed tech buckles as the waist, and an oversize cowl hood. It was f*****g awesome. I could tell she was a little nervous after all the money her parents had just thrown around, but this gift held so much more meaning than an expensive watch. She picked it knowing what I liked. I kissed her hard before handing her my gift. When Bethany's face started to look pinched, I saw Roger lean over and whisper in her ear, causing a tentative smile.

She opened my gift, pulling out the soft black dress with clear relief. It was sleeveless bamboo lycra, with a built-in adjustable mask and cowl hood, but had a completely open back to the just above the bum, and the front had an open panel between the breasts to the waist, with just tonal lacing. It had a handkerchief, asymmetrical hem. There were two criss-crosses that laced over the back at the shoulder and waist. It was an awesome dress, and I knew it'd quickly be a favorite. She hugged me enthusiastically, of course. I know my girl, just like she knows me.

We're not about price, we're about uniqueness.

We soon wrapped things up, and I made sure to unwrap one more gift when we got back to our room. She was extremely appreciative. Wink, wink.

I was determined to make New Year's the day I went the next step. Thank God her parents liked me and were more than happy to help plan s**t. Bethany had been trying, but she still struggled to contain her expression. I recommended she see a therapist, and despite her lack of enthusiasm, I knew she took it seriously. All I had to say was that her daughter still needed her. She'd bawled on my chest, much to my dismay, but seemed like it helped.

As we sipped champagne and watched fireworks from our lounge chairs on our little patio, I kneeled next to her while she was preoccupied. She wore that new dress her parents bought, since the festivities had been formal. I wore a black suit and dark gray silk shirt. When she turned to me, her eyes widened in concern.

"Are you okay, Ren?" She asked, trying to pull me up. I grinned and kissed her quickly.

"Naomi Allison Ward, I have never been more okay in my life." She paused, eyes huge, holding her breath. "I've never been more certain of anything in my life as I am in a future with you. Since the moment I saw you, you were it. Would you do me the very greatest honor of marrying me... after we graduate?" I pronounced, hoping my confidence would carry me through. She was still frozen. "Babe?" I prompted. She looked down at the delicate alexandrite round-cut platinum ring I held in wonder. It had three smaller smaller diamonds on each side of the center stone. Suddenly, her arms were around me as she peppered my face with kisses.

"Yes, Soren Andrew Hayes, I will be yours forever." She said breathlessly, as I placed the ring on her left hand, where it belonged.

Unforgettable.