CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY SEVEN – Crossroads

As they headed back to shore, Mara realized that she hadn't thought about the rude guests or any of their earlier tension all day. The adventures they'd shared had reminded her of why she fell in love with Cassius in the first place - his spontaneity, his desire to share new experiences with her, the way he always seemed to know exactly what she needed. Back at the resort, they showered and changed for dinner. As they walked hand in hand towards the restaurant, Mara felt lighter than she had in days. "You know," she said, leaning into Cassius, "I think this might be the best day of the entire vacation." Cassius smiled, but there was a glint in his eye that made Mara suspect he had one more surprise up his sleeve. "The day's not over yet, my love." Instead of heading to the main restaurant, Cassius led her down a path towards the beach. As they rounded a bend, Mara gasped. There, on a secluded stretch of sand, was a table set for two, surrounded by tiki torches and strewn with rose