Page 74 of One Night in Hawaii

“What would that be?” I asked.

He gestured to his body clad in just a pair of boxers. “What you see is what I brought. I was hoping to order a few things.”

“I know a store,” I said, grinning. “You might end up looking a bit like a local. I’m not sure we’re going to find designer suits.”

“Good,” he replied. “That’s the last thing I want.”

“I’ll text Ryder and let him know we’ll meet them in a couple of hours. In the meantime, we’ll go shopping.”

After a whirlwind shopping trip to outfit Archer with a full wardrobe, we put on our hiking gear and met Ryder and Penelope in the parking lot. Penelope threw her arms around her brother when she saw him.

“I’m so glad you escaped,” she said. “I’m sorry I bailed on you. I just couldn’t take it anymore. I had to get out of there.”

“And I’m glad you did.”

The lush greenery of Oahu surrounded us. The sound of birdsong mixed with the rustling leaves in the gentle breeze. Archer reached out and took my hand, his touch warm and reassuring.

“Ready for this?” Archer asked, a smile dancing on his lips.

I nodded, my heart pounding with anticipation. “Absolutely! Are you?”

“I am,” Penelope said, smiling. “I talked to a couple yesterday that visited the valley. They said it was the prettiest place they’d ever seen.”

With our fingers entwined, we stepped onto the trail, our footsteps in sync as we ventured deeper into the tropical paradise. Ryder and Penelope were behind us. The path meandered through dense foliage, alive with vibrant flowers and towering trees. The air was thick with the scent of nature, and I couldn’t help but feel a profound connection to the world around me. The only downside was the number of people. Sometimes, I wished we could close the island and enjoy it for just a day or two without masses of people packing the trails and beaches.

As we walked, I shared snippets of local legends about the area. Ryder chimed in with his own stories. Penelope and Archer seemed genuinely thrilled with our storytelling. The trail led us over wooden bridges, beside sparkling streams, and past small waterfalls that cascaded into inviting pools. The temptation to dip our feet in the cool water was strong, but we pressed on, eager to reach the grand finale, Waimea Falls.

As we approached the falls, the sound of rushing water grew louder, like the heartbeat of the land. I had visited the falls several times, but it was so much better getting to share it with Archer. Sunlight filtered through the canopy above, creating a mesmerizing play of light and shadow on the emerald ground.

“There it is,” I said, pointing ahead with excitement in my voice.

Archer’s eyes widened as he laid eyes on Waimea Falls for the first time. The cascade was magnificent, crashing down from the rocks above into a crystal-clear pool below. The water shimmered like liquid diamonds, inviting us to get in. Thankfully, the pool was open. It wasn’t always.

We found a spot near the pool’s edge, removed our shoes, and waded into the refreshing water. I gasped at the sensation, the chill of the water sending shivers up my spine, but it was invigorating. Archer held my hand as we stood under the falls, the water pouring over us like a gentle waterfall shower. We laughed like carefree children, feeling the joy of the moment wash away any worries.

After spending some time enjoying the beautiful place, we moved on to make room for the other people all wanting to experience the beauty. We stopped to get some food before going back to the beach for a picnic.

“So, how was it?” Penelope asked her brother.

I nibbled at my sandwich and listened. I knew very little about what had happened in New York. Last night, there wasn’t a lot of time for conversation. I supposed part of me didn’t want to know what went on back there. I was too afraid to face the reality he might be leaving very soon.

“It was as you would expect,” Archer said. “Dad was pissed I didn’t want to marry Ashley. He tried to push me into it. The lawyer said I had to.”

My stomach erupted into a bundle of nerves. Was he actually considering it?

“But you’re not going to,” Penelope said.

“No. I told Ashley it wasn’t going to happen. I talked with the attorney. He went over the contracts and found my out.”

“What?”

“She’s been having an affair,” Archer said.

The three of us looked at him. It was the way he said it that had us all stopping to listen to what he was saying.

“She’s been having an affair?” Penelope asked. “How did you find out?”

Archer looked at his sister with sympathy in his eyes. “You told me.”

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