Page 64 of One Night in Hawaii

I rolled my eyes. “Yeah and treat her like shit. You’re broke and you needed her money. I’m sure that’s a recipe for a happy marriage.”

“Archer!” my father bellowed.

My mother let out a sob. “I can’t believe this is happening. Penelope was supposed to have the perfect wedding, the perfect life. Why do you guys do this to us?”

I put a hand on her shoulder. “Mom, it’s not about having the perfect wedding or life. Penelope wants to be happy.”

“I can’t deal with this,” she sobbed and walked away.

“Fix this,” my father’s command was kind of silly. I couldn’t wave a magic wand and make it better.

Matthew was still pouting. I walked over to him, like I was going to sympathize. “What exactly did she say to you?” I asked him.

“She said I didn’t love her and she couldn’t marry someone that didn’t make her happy,” he muttered.

“Did she mention anything else?”

“No.”

I found that hard to believe. I had a feeling she told him exactly why she walked out on him. “I guess Penelope and I are both going to be living the single life.”

He looked at me. “What does that mean?”

“I’m not getting married. Ashley and I are over. For good.”

I didn’t miss the tug at his lips. He was trying not to smile. That was exactly the kind of reaction I expected from a co-conspirator. “Is that wise?” he asked. “Doesn’t that mean you break the contract and Ashley profits from it?”

“It would have, but as it turns out, there is an infidelity clause,” I said, smiling. “All I have to do is show proof Ashley has been sleeping with another man while engaged to me and she’ll get nothing.”

I saw him stiffen. I grinned and patted him on the shoulder. “Good luck, Matthew.”

I walked out of the house feeling satisfied. My suspicions were confirmed. Matthew was going to run and tell Ashley. She was going to call me and demand to know what I was talking about. That would be the only proof I needed. It proved Matthew and Ashley were in cahoots. I couldn’t wait to have all of this behind me. I envied Penelope. She was probably lounging on the beach with Ryder by her side.

26

SHILOH

Ilay in bed staring up at the ceiling. It was something I found myself doing a lot of lately. I was constantly thinking about Archer. I was a little worried about him. I knew he felt stuck. What kind of shit was he dealing with? Did he have any allies standing beside him? If his sister was here, he was all alone.I felt like I should be standing beside him. Then again, that would only make the situation worse.

I felt very fortunate to have loving parents who supported me in everything I did. They helped get me to Hawaii so I could pursue my dream. I didn’t know Archer’s parents, but I couldn’t understand why they would push him into a loveless marriage. Wouldn’t they want him to be happy? He had more money and power than most people, but he didn’t have love. I was no longer envious of the people I was jealous of before. Just because they had money didn’t guarantee their happiness or satisfaction in life.

I made myself a cup of coffee and went up to enjoy the morning. It was going to be a busy day. I was taking Penelope and Ryder out on the boat today. We were going to take Penelope out to do some of the touristy things without the crowds that accompanied the many charters. We were giving her personalized tours.

I sipped my coffee and listened to birds overhead. There were already people out on the water and flocking to the beaches. I heard voices coming down the dock. I got up and saw Ryder and Penelope coming toward the boat. They looked so happy.

“Good morning!” Penelope called out.

“Good morning,” I replied.

“What is all that?” I asked at the many bags they were carrying.

“Penelope wanted to make sure we had plenty of food,” Ryder said, laughing. “I think she’s worried we’re going to get marooned on some deserted island with only the food on the boat to survive on.”

I laughed and reached for the bags. I put them on the deck and helped Penelope on board. “Holy crap,” I said as I carried the supplies downstairs. Penelope was behind me carrying some bags as well. “You really went all out.”

The excitement in her eyes was contagious, and I couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. “You guys are doing so much for me, the least I can do is provide snacks.”

“You didn’t have to bring all this,” I said gratefully, looking at the spread of veggie trays, drinks, chips, and dip. “But I’m so glad you did. This is going to be an amazing day!”

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