Girlfriend

"We have arrived, ma'am," the driver says when he opens the car door.

"Thank you." Sam smiles.

She has been busy for the past couple of weeks, working on the paintings for the exhibition. So when Kei suggested a trip to Okinawa to see his mom, she welcomed the idea immediately.

A light breeze plays with her hair as soon as she exits the car. It is early morning, so the temperature is still mild, a little soothing even.

"Good morning, gorgeous." Kei slips his arms around her waist from behind.

"Good morning." Sam looks back at him, meeting his green pools. A smile pulls on her lips. Kei has also been busy lately, so they haven't been seeing each other much. She has missed him.

"Take care of the luggage please, Rin."

"Right away, Mr. Ichihara." The driver bows.

"Everyone is on the plane already, shall we?" Kei motions toward his private jet.

"Gosh, I feel like a celebrity."

"Have you forgotten that you are a world famous painter, babe?" Kei asks with an amused frown.

"Oh." Sam giggles. "I actually do forget sometimes."

Kei chuckles. "Why is my girlfriend being silly so early in the morning?" he jokes as he pulls her toward the plane.

"Girlfriend, huh?" Sam raises a brow playfully.

"Do you prefer something else, love?" Kei smirks. "The love of my life, the Goddess of my bed?"

"What the hell, Kei?" Sam bursts out laughing.

"My better half," he continues. "My future wife, the woman I would die for, my first and last love?"

At this point, they have both stopped walking and just stared at each other, all playfulness has been replaced with serious emotions.

"I love you," Kei whispers as he claims Sam's lips.

"I love you too," she responds, her lips brushing against Kei's with every word.

"I'm sorry to interrupt the love birds," Jiro calls from the steps, trying to suppress a grin but failing miserably. "But we should probably leave soon to stay on schedule."

"Yes, sir." Kei pecks Sam on the lips one last time, making her blush deepen. He takes her hand and guides her to the plane.

"Hello stranger," Yoko calls as soon as she sees Sam. "It's been too long, girl."

"Hey! I know, sorry. It's been really busy lately." Sam hugs Yoko, then does the same to Jiro. "Where is the baby?" she asks when she doesn't see Haku.

"He's in the back, sleeping." Jiro motions to the governess who is sitting a few seats back with a car seat to her left.

"I'll squeeze his cheeks when we get there then." Sam grins.

"You'll probably have to get in line," Jiro says with a chuckle. "Mom hasn't even seen him yet."

"Ah yes, Yoko told me." Sam nods as she sits across from Kei.

"Good morning, Aunt Sam." Yuta's small voice comes from the seat next to Kei.

Sam looks over and finds the cute boy looking at her with his beautiful green eyes. "Good morning, Yuta. How are you doing?"

"I am good, I am excited to see Grandma. She said the ocean is in front of her house."

"Wow, that's cool. Maybe we can go swimming there." Sam smiles.

"Yes. I brought my bathing suit and my floaties."

"I also brought my bathing suit. Do you want to swim together, Yuta?"

"I would like that very much, Aunt Sam." The boy beams.

"That sounds like a good plan," she says before meeting Kei's eyes. He has been watching the whole exchange with interest.

"Can I also join?" Kei asks.

"Of course, Daddy."

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We are preparing for takeoff. Please ensure that your seat belts are securely fastened. We will be departing shortly."

It only takes about two hours and a half to land in Okinawa. The tropical air welcomes them as soon as they step out of the plane. It is only late morning, but the temperature is already in the high eighties.

Two black cars drive to them only seconds later. Sam could swear that they are the latest model of Mercedes-Benz she saw in an ad the other day.

"Welcome to Okinawa, Mr. Ichihara," the driver greets when he reaches Kei.

"Thank you, Jon."

They split into two; Sam got into the first car, with Kei and Yuta. Jiro, Yoko, and the governess in the other car.

"See you in a few," Jiro calls before climbing into the back, next to his wife and baby.

As soon as they leave the airport, Sam notices the coastal road out of the window. She opens it and sticks her arm out. The air smells like the ocean.

"It is beautiful."

"Wait till we get to the beach," Kei says, opening his window too.

He was right. Sam gets out of the car when they arrive at Amanda's house, and finds a breathtaking view. The sun is high and bright and its reflection on the water looks like thousands of diamonds on the surface.

"Welcome," Amanda calls from the porch. "Come on in guys, you must be exhausted after that drive." With the help of a non-Japanese young woman, she passes around glasses of iced tea as everyone makes their way to the living room.

"I'll be right back," Kei says while carrying his son. "Let me take him to his bedroom." Yuta had fallen asleep as soon as they got into the car.

"Okay." Sam nods.

"Oh my goodness," Amanda rejoices when she reaches Haku. "Oh, he's so precious." She immediately takes the baby from Yoko and kisses him. "We finally meet, little Haku," she whispers with tears in her eyes.

Everyone smiles at the heartwarming moment. Sam feels a lump forming in her throat but she tries to swallow it. She is not sure whether the scene invoked emotions related to not having a child, or missing her mother.

"Hey," Kei whispers close to Sam's ear. He can tell that she is feeling uncomfortable. "Want a tour of the house?" he asks.

"I would love that." Sam looks relieved.

The house is very charming, open, with large windows. Each one of them seems like a painting of beautiful coastal landscapes. Sam's eyes wander around the house, noticing Amanda's touch in every corner.

"I hope you don't mind that we are sharing a room," Kei utters when they stop in front of one of the bedrooms. "I know we haven't really announced our relationship to our families but the house is not very–"

"Kei," Sam interrupts while placing her index on Kei's lips. "I don't mind." She beams at how cute it was to watch the great Kei Ichihara rambling nervously. "How about we make it official to your mom over dinner tonight?"

"I would love that, Samantha."

Sam caresses his face and places a kiss on his lips. "As long as you don't introduce me as the Goddess of your bed."

They both laugh.

"No promises, love."