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On the way back to their bungalows, Isabella slung her arm over Kelsey’s shoulders. “Thanks for cheering me up this morning.”

Kelsey looked over at her and smiled. “I was simply returning the favor. This entire trip has been amazing because of you, Bella. I don’t have time to think about things at home when I’m gazing at these amazing views and snorkeling and dancing.”

Isabella chuckled. “It’s not because of me. We need to thank Carmen. She’s the one who set this up for us.”

“She may have set it up, but she’s not hanging out with us,” Kelsey said.

“Well, partner,” Isabella said with a lilt to her voice. “How about putting these in our bungalows and hanging out at our favorite spot on the beach until Carmen texts us?”

“I can’t think of a better way to spend Christmas, or anyone else I’d rather spend it with.”

“Same for me.”

“Oh, by the way. I haven’t missed the mountains or snow one bit. I knew Christmas at the beach would be lovely.”

Isabella chuckled. “It feels a little unreal to me.”

Kelsey stopped and stared at Isabella. “I thought the same thing last night.”

“It’s like we’re living another life while we’re here, but in a good way. I think that’s the concept we’re trying to sell with these monthly vacations.”

“I didn’t know it would feel like this, but I’m embracing it. Don’t people do things on vacation they wouldn’t normally do?”

“Yes,” Isabella said, drawing the word out. “I think I see what you mean. Don’t question so much, just do and live it.”

“Yeah, live it. I like that, Bella. We should use that in our videos and blogs.”

Isabella smiled as they stopped in front of the bungalows. “Meet you at our place.”

Moments later, she tossed her purchases onto the bed. “Live it,” she murmured.

12

“Hey,” Kelsey said as Sylvie drove into the circular driveway of the resort. “You work on St. Thomas, too?”

Sylvie gave her an amused grin. “No work today, ladies. Today, we play.”

Kelsey and Isabella looked through to the passenger side of the car and saw Carmen smiling.

“Merry Christmas,” she said. “Hop in.”

Once Kelsey and Isabella were settled in the back seat, Carmen turned around. “Did I not tell you Sylvie is my wife?” She winked at Sylvie and Kelsey heard them both chuckle.

“No wonder Sylvie knew exactly what we needed when we needed it,” Isabella said.

“Not true,” Sylvie said. “I gave you the same service I give all my guests.”

Carmen turned to look at them. “Sylvie has her own outfitter company and I run the resort.”

“Please tell me you share clients,” Kelsey said.

They chuckled. “We do, but we all try to share guests on the islands,” Carmen said.

“Let me guess. It’s the island way,” Isabella said.

“Exactly.” Sylvie chuckled.

They pulled into a parking area, walked down a dock, and stopped at a boat.