Not his family

Kinda crazy

3 days later

*Catalina*

The car Zac has sent to pick us up drives into a private airstrip, stopping in front of a small jet plane, making me wonder what this is about.

Then I see Zac coming down the stairs from the plane, a big smile on his face, waving at us.

I get out the door, looking at him and then at the plane. "A private jet ? I thought I told you nothing crazy, this kind of counts as crazy Zac … very much crazy".

"Well it was just easier and not that much more expensive when we are nine people". He says with a shrug and a very innocent smile.

He comes over to give me a quick and very innocent kiss. We have agreed not to go further in front of the kids and to try and keep it friendly for now in front of JR and his wife Lali, even though it will be hard.

"Will you tell me now where we are going ?" I ask, knowing the answer to my question, even before he shakes his head.

"No, it is a surprise". He says with a boyish grin.

He goes to get the kids out of the car, and they all hug him happily. Angel gives him a big kiss on the cheek, and he looks so happy, so content with the kids' affection, that it is melting my heart all over, making me realize I am not only falling for him …I love him already, deeply and passionately.

He gets our bags, and walks up the stairs. I pick up Adrian on my arm. "Come on everybody and meet my best friend JR and his family".

I feel a bit nervous getting on the plane, I know he is close with JR, what if he doesn't like me ? But I soon realize that I have no need to worry too much, as I am met by a handsome and smiling JR, hugging me tightly. "You must be Catalina, so nice to finally meet you, I am JR".

"Likewise". I say, immediately liking him, I also like his wife LalI and their adorable little boys Christopher and Hal, the oldest is clearly very attached to his ‘uncle’ Zac, it just shows that all kids love Zac.

Soon after, we are in the air, and the kids are allowed to run around in the spacious cabin playing. I stand and watch them. Andrian and Christopher are sitting together on the floor with some toys, and I feel Zac's arms around me, his head resting on top of mine, and I lean back against him, I can’t imagine a better way to stand.

"They are cute playing together like that". He says and I can feel him smiling, making me smile too.

"Yeah they seem to hit it off".

*Zac*

JR motions for me to join him at the little bar on the other end of the plane, so I give Catalina a light kiss on the cheek and go to join him. "Yeah, what is it ?"

"I really like her, Zac, and the kids are truly adorable". He says, keeping his voice low enough for only me to hear him. "But it would be clear to a blind man that you two are much more than friends … You act like it is your family Zac, but it isn't and I am scared you could end up getting badly burned here".

"Is it that easy to see ?" I sigh, I know he is right, but it is just too late for me to turn back now. I am already too emotionally invested. So I guess I am doomed to hurt myself.

He nods and sends me a small smile. "Oh yeah especially to me, I think, but it is also very clear to see how taken she is with you".

"It might not be my family yet, but I will do everything in my power to make her mine. She needs to get away from that husband and the kids too, and I got a plan". I say softly.

JR nods and pads my shoulder. "I really hope it is going to work out for you, you truly deserve to be happy, and we will support you in any way we can of course".

"Me too. I don't know what to do if I can't get him to let her go … He has to". I say with a sigh, looking at Catalina, who is sitting on the floor next to Adrian and Christopher now. I truly don't know what to do if it doesn't work.

Lali walks over, smiling and holding a hand over her heart. "Oh you truly love her. I can see it in your eyes and on your face, when you look at her. I am so happy for you sweetie, even though I wish she didn't come with quite so much baggage, for your sake".

"I don't mind that she has kids, not at all". I know I am going into auto defense, but I already know people will wonder often and I am not going to make anyone think I see the kids as anything but a blessing.

Lali smiles and kisses me on the cheek. "I wasn't talking about the kids. I can see you adore them like they were your own. I am talking about the husband".

*Catalina*

About four hours after take off the pilot tells us to buckle up for the landing. I sit next to Zac, with Adrian on my lap, looking out the window, seeing a well known view coming into sight. "Orlando ? You are taking us to Florida ?"

"Yeah, I take it you have been before". He looks at me questioning, like he is afraid he has made a big mistake.

I smile and nod. "Yeah my mother lives close by, but I haven't seen her for a very long time. Rafael and her don't get along".

"Well maybe we can go see her then". He says and my heart beats faster, I miss my mother terribly. I just hope she can forgive me. "Yeah maybe if she wants to see me".

We land safely, getting off the plane. We walk straight through customs, heading towards the exit.

I spot a sign that reads Orlando International Airport and for some reason it sparks a tightening in my chest.

As soon as I step out of the airport I feel the heat hit my face, it's hot here as always at this time of the year.

There is a minivan waiting for us, the luggage already being loaded into the back as Zac helps me get the kids in.

“Ready for adventures ?” He grin and all the kids cheers, including JR.