Chapter 15
After breakfast, Imeet Jordan at the theater where everyone gathers before going onshore. Today is our last onshore day. Maui is an island formed by a pair of volcanos, giving it a rugged and diverse landscape of steep, sharp ridges, waterfall-decorated valleys, enchanting forests, secret beaches, and rocky, windswept craters.
Today is also my last chance to spend an entire day alone with Jordan, since the rest of the cruise will be at sea.
“What are we up to today?” I ask Jordan.
He kisses me on the cheek and grins. “Why do you ask when you want me to surprise you?”
“Testing you. I’m enjoying everything you come up with, although the rope bridge was a little scary.”
“If you’re afraid of heights…” He trails off and takes my hand. “Don’t worry. I’ll be with you every step.”
“You’ve been perfect.” I lean against him as we stroll to the railing and watch our approach into the cruise ship port. “The scenery is perfect.”
“As are you,” Jordan says, always flattering me and treating me like a goddess.
“Paradise.” I take a deep breath of the fragrant sea. “I can’t get enough of these views. Joy and Sheri are taking the road to Hana. Are we going to get a chance to see the other side of the island?”
“Your eyes will explode with what I have planned. Just hope your stomach can take it.” He hands me a motion sickness patch. “Not to ruin the surprise or anything, but you should put this behind your ear a few minutes before you need it.”
“Oh, no. I’m afraid of heights. What have you gotten me into now?” I’m still reeling from the swaying rope bridge and the steep cliff trails of the previous days’ treks.
An hour later, I’m strapped to a helicopter seat next to Jordan, wearing noise-cancellation headsets while listening to the pilot describe the sights below.
Takeoff is scary as the rotors whir faster and faster, but once the chopper rises high over the harbor, the ride is smooth, and my heart rate returns to normal—almost.
I hold on to Jordan’s arm and take deep breaths, trying not to worry about crashing. The views are out of this world: sharp volcanic ridges covered with lush vegetation, strips of sandy and rocky beaches, and the blue-and-green jewel-colored water. We skirt the island and then head inland between sheer cliffs bedecked by majestic waterfalls. A rainbow greets us as we rise above the clouds toward the crater of a dormant volcano.
I’m in so much awe, I forget to breathe. It’s hard when my heart is jumping out of my chest, and I’m clutched on to Jordan for dear life. I want the ride to last forever, but I’m so scared I want it to be over.
I get my wish when the chopper touches down on a mountain meadow. The blades blow the tall grasses flat, and I start to panic when I realize this is not the place we took off from.
“What’s happening?” I ask. “Is something wrong?”
“Lunch break,” the pilot says. “You and Jordan are getting off.”
“You planned lunch for us up here?” I gasp, unable to think of a more romantic spot.
“It’s our last day on the islands, and I want to make it last forever.” Jordan leans over and kisses me lightly, reassuring me.
We get off the helicopter and walk to the edge of the meadow where Jordan lays down a blanket and sets a picnic basket on top. I’m expecting the pilot to join us, but the whirring of the rotors startles me.
“He’s leaving us!” I shout over the noise and gape as the chopper takes off. The pilot waves at us, banks, and disappears through a cloudbank.
Before I can properly panic, Jordan covers my mouth with his and kisses me. He takes his time, caressing my lips and stroking my tongue slow and sensuous. His strong, warm hands cup both of my cheeks as he melts every fiber of my body with kisses full of promise.
I sigh as we part for air and gaze into the eyes I want to stare at for the rest of my life. We’re alone, on the top of paradise, surrounded by perfect beauty. Precious seconds of our lives tick by, and it’s only a matter of time before the chopper returns, stealing this wondrous and magical moment.
We walk hand in hand and enjoy the views, pointing at the beauty surrounding us. The colors, the contrasts of light and dark, the rugged beauty and the lushness, the scent of the breeze and the warmth of the sun lull me into a state of bliss.
If there’s a heaven on earth, it’s here. High above the island of Maui, in the arms of a man who believes I’m the only person who matters to him.
My heartbeat accelerates, and I wonder if I’m about to step off the edge and ruin the fantasy by telling Jordan how I feel.
It has to be now, today, if I’m brave enough.
Tomorrow we’re back at sea on the return journey, and it’s going to be bittersweet, a long and silent goodbye.
