“Wow,” I said as I nestled in next to Josh. He put his arm around me, and I leant into him.

“I thought you’d like this,” he said.

“You’ve been here before?”

“Uh-uh. First time in Hawaii, remember?”

“That’s what I thought, but you drove us straight here, and you knew where the path was.”

“Google. I looked it up before we came.”

“Ahhh,” I said. “You’re full of surprises this trip.” I was glad that I’d come around on the whole “I hate surprises” thing, but I didn’t dwell on that thought as it was too close to my memories of James.

“Good ones, I hope.” There was a hesitancy in Josh’s tone that made me lift my head.

“Lovely surprises, very thoughtful ones.”

I kissed his mouth with a “smack” and he touched his forehead to mine, closed his eyes, and sighed softly. “Sarah …”

I had no idea if that meant, “Sarah, I’m falling madly in love with you,” or, “Sarah, this is the best vacationship ever.” I hoped for the former.

The light had shifted quickly, as it seems to at sunset, and I turned to look out over the water. The sun was setting just north of the cove, which faced southwest, but the silhouette of the rocks and palm trees against the darkening sky was breathtaking. We sat silently, soaking it all in. Occasionally, the voice of the photographer permeated the cooling air, but mostly it was quiet.

I rested my head on Josh’s shoulder and just breathed.

It was one of the most peaceful moments I’d had in a long time. It wasn’t until later that night I realised Josh, always the photographer, hadn’t taken any photos of the sunset. He’d just been there with me in that moment.

Chapter 14

I was beyond excited for our side trip to Hana, although packing everything into my carry-on bag for the overnight stay was a little challenging—it’s not a big bag. I dressed for a day of driving and adventure, including hiking and swimming.

I wore my bikini, a pair of quick-dry shorts, a tank top, and my runners—I was going for “Lara Croft meets outdoorsy chic”. In my bag, I packed a summer dress and a pair of sandals for dinner, a pared-back toiletries and makeup bag, a nightie, clean knickers, and a bra and a top for the next day. Oh, and a little clutch that went with the dress and the sandals.

I put two beach towels from the resort into my beach bag along with two bottles of water, a bag of wasabi peas, a block of dark chocolate, a bag of Craisins, and two muesli bars. Sure, Hana was just on the other side of the island, but you never can be too prepared!

“You two have the absolute loveliest time ever,” said Siobhan as we hugged her goodbye after breakfast. Her send-off made me a little sad she wasn’t coming with us.

But only a little.

“We will. And you have a lovely time at the spa and on your date.”