The following story is completely fictional. Any similarities between any person, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
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Every relationship undergoes key pivotal points in its evolution. Casual dating transitions to an exclusive arrangement. Exclusivity begets genuine feelings of love. Love ushers in cohabitation: a combining of lifestyles and possessions, a bold declaration that the pairing has a sense of permanence, and a testing ground for matrimony. Of course, there are sexual acts as well that serve as major milestones in a relationship. The exploration of fantasy and sharing a "first" builds trust and intimacy and signals a stronger, more tangible bond.
For Tammy and Robert, their three-year relationship was about to turn the corner into un-chartered territory. The plans were made, the date was set, the cable had been cut off . . . all the details were in place for Robert to make the move from Georgia to Florida to create a new home for himself under the same roof as his beautiful queen and soulmate. He was nervous about what the big change might bring but completely confident in his decision. In anticipation of the big move and as a special gift to Tammy, he planned a surprise get-away, week-long vacation to Exuma, Bahamas Grand Isle Villas. It was a luxury resort that had every amenity one could ever want or hope for: a free form pool with a swim-up bar, a private chef for in-villa dining and most importantly, a crescent-shaped white sand beach that was created by God for the sole purpose of rest and relaxation and soaking up the sun. It was his way of saying, "Tammy . . . I'm so in love with you. Thank you for completing me," and to set a peaceful, relaxing stage before movers, boxes, and disorganization reigned supreme. They had seven whole days with none of the pressures and stresses of fixed interests rates or balloon payments or doctors and insurance companies making demands that were fiscally impossible. In their Caribbean hide-a-way, they could even be free of those pesky nuisances of being in an interracial relationship that were subtle but taxing irritants.