The coast, 1985, a far cry from twenty years before, but the beaches and surf remained much the same, not far from the main city, and fast becoming the nemesis of the Gold Coast, with its layback, family-orientated publicity spiel. The coast had moved ahead in leaps and bounds, with domestic buildings attempting to keep pace with the growing population, with the occasional high-rise reaching skywards, to meet the demands of those wishing to be close to the water and wanting only minimal maintenance. This is an idyllic lifestyle for those seeking retirement, or just wishing to enjoy the benefits of working and living in paradise.

From his patio that overlooked the coastline, Adam gazed over the ever-changing skyline, knowing that he and his company had been instrumental in bringing about a certain amount of this change. Asleep on the recliner near the pool, was his better half in the company, Amber. Without her, he doubted he would have been anywhere near as successful as he had been. Her knowledge and background in development and planning had highlighted his enthusiasm and passion for building, making them a formidable duo.

His eyes lingered on the sleeping woman. Her tanned slender body neatly tucked inside the brief bikini had barely changed since the time they met, even though she had borne him eight of the sweetest, lovable children, any parent could ask for. He licked his lips as his mind conjured up visions of their sexual encounters throughout the years, knowing their love and appetite was still as great to this day just as it had been from the very beginning.

He made his way toward her, careful not to disturb anything around her and looked down at her lustfully. The breasts under the skimpy garment heaved slightly as she took in a deep breath. “Where are the kids?” she asked without opening her eyes, sensing he was standing there.

“I’m not sure,” he answered. “Inside, I think.”

“Well you can wipe those thoughts from your mind then,” she assured him opening one eye to confirm her suspicions. “If we’re going to do that, I don’t want any interruptions.”

“Do what?” he asked innocently.

“Adam! I can read you like a book.” She smiled, knowing her assumptions had been correct and to gloat about always being right. “If you want, we could go to the bedroom. I think I’ve had enough sun for the day. Anyway, I could do with a shower.”

“What about the kids?” he asked.

“They’re old enough to know not to come into the bedroom without knocking,” she replied, sitting up. “Lord knows, they’ve been told enough times. You could lock the door.”

He helped her up and walked inside with his arm around her waist. “This might be our last chance for a while,” he commented patting her on the backside.

“You’re kidding? It’s Christmas! I want to know I’m going to be getting something that satisfies me. Not just something that’s wrapped in paper?” she said, swaying her hips against his, as though giving him a hint.

“I’d like to think that, but…”

“Dad, can I borrow the car?” the petite blonde asked as she came from the bedroom.

“Why do you need it?” Adam asked Simone, one of the twin daughters.

“I have to do some shopping,” she replied.

“So do I,” her sister called out from inside the room, hurrying to her sister’s side for backup. They were identical twins in looks and figures, and when standing together, looked a mirror image, except for the different clothing.

“Where are you going?” Adam asked.

“The shopping centre,” Simone replied quickly, having gone through this third degree every time she borrowed the car.

“Can I go, too?” the blond haired boy asked, coming from another room.

“No!” his sister snapped.

“I’ll let you sort this out,” Amber said, moving on down the hallway, and disappearing into their bedroom.

“Well if you two are going, then you’ll have to take your brother,” Adam said, knowing the girls would object.

“But he’s a drag. He doesn’t like to shop,” Cheryl, the twin sister cried out.

“Well that’s the deal? You both go, and so does your brother,” Adam told them firmly.

The two girls looked at one another, and then scowled at their brother.

“He has to do as we tell him, then,” Cheryl countered.

Adam looked over at Thomas, inquiringly. Thomas shrugged and nodded in agreement. Simone held out her hand for the keys, knowing she had settled the matter. Adam lifted the keys from his pocket and placed them in the palm of her hand.

“Can we have some money?” Cheryl asked, a pleasing smile on her face.

Immediately, three hands presented themselves to Adam who feverishly felt about for his wallet.

“Make sure you don’t waste it. Oh, and don’t be too late. We have visitors arriving for dinner,” he added, handing out a number of notes before replacing the wallet back in his shirt pocket.

The three looked at the notes in their hands, and seemed satisfied with their newfound wealth, then headed off to the garage.

Adam watched them go, satisfied that it had not cost him as much as it sometimes did, and that with only two children left at home now, their chances of someone interrupting them, were greatly diminished. Greg, the eldest of his children had gone out earlier in the day, and Sandra and Deanne, his youngest, were spending time with his mother and father at Emerald Waters, leaving only the twins, Kerry and Katherine at home.

He opened the bedroom door and went in making sure the lock was on as he past. “Get them sorted out?” Amber asked from the bed.