“If a shark breaks through the cage, I’m going to use you as bait to get away.”
He folds his arms across his chest, frowning. “Wow—I was just joking about cage diving, but it’s good to know you’re willing to sacrifice me.”
“I’m kidding. I would never do that.” I laugh. “But what are we really doing?”
“You’ll see. And I promise it doesn’t involve sharks.”
Wind whips through my hair and ocean water splashes me as our boat glides through the stunning Na Pali Coast.The towering cliffs, lush valleys, and turquoise waters look like something straight out of a postcard.
Our captain, Kekoa, expertly maneuvers the boat into the heart of a glorious sea cave.
“This is Pukalani, which meanswindow to heaven.” He gestures toward the large circular opening above us.
Maddox and I tilt our heads back in awe, completely mesmerized by the breathtaking views. The vibrant blue sky stretches above us, illuminated by beams of sunlight cascading through the opening. It truly looks like a window to heaven.
Kekoa takes us through more sea caves before bringing the boat to a stop. “This is the perfect spot to snorkel,” he says, handing us our snorkel gear.
Excitement bubbles in me as I buckle my life jacket and slip the mask over my face. It’s my first time snorkeling, and I can’t believe I get to do it in freakingHawaii.
As we dive beneath the shimmering surface, a sea turtle swims past us. Maddox quickly retrieves his Kamado Tech Adventure Cam and captures the perfect shot of us with the turtle and other magnificent sea creatures in the background.
“Did you two have fun?” Kekoa asks, handing us towels as we return from our snorkeling adventure. We’d been having such a blast that we completely lost track of time.
I remove my snorkel gear and wrap the towel around my body. “Yes, it was gorgeous out there. I wish I could stay out here all day.”
Maddox settles next to me and pulls me onto his lap. “I’ve been snorkeling before, but I have never seen views like this. I’m so glad I got to experience this with you, Rosie.”
“Thank you for giving me this experience, Dimples.”
Just when I thought my birthday couldn’t get any better, Maddox surprises me with massages by the beach, followed by a helicopter ride to a waterfall where we’re currently having a candlelight dinner beside the water.
After we finish our main course, our chef, Makoa, comes out with a ukulele singer and a cake. They all join together and sing “Happy Birthday” to me.
“Happy birthday, beautiful,” Maddox says, kissing me on the cheek.
I shut my eyes and wish for Abuelo to be cancer-free, for me to have the courage to leave the job I hate, and for what I have with Maddox to last for an eternity.
Using my fork, I dig into the carrot cake—my favorite flavor—and pop it into my mouth. “Oh, this tastes like heaven.”
Maddox takes a bite and hums in satisfaction. “My mom will always be my favorite chef, but Chef Makoa comes pretty close. Do you think I can pay him to move to San Francisco so I can eat more of his food?”
“And leave this?” I gesture to the scenery around us. “I don’t think there would be enough money in the world for that. I’m already dreading leaving paradise.”
“I am, too. What do you say we come back to Hawaii after basketball season is over? We can explore the other islands then.”
“I would love that. One of the things I want to do is travel more. I’ve been to Cuba with my family, to a few cities in Cali, and Mazi and I went to Vegas during spring break last year. But there’s still so much of the world I have yet to see.”
Leaning in, he plants a soft kiss on my cheek. “We can see it together. Traveling is one of the greatest luxuries in life, and this trip is the first of many.”
A smile spreads across my face and warmth fills me as I envision us traveling the world together. I imagine going to Paris and placing locks on the Love Lock Bridge above the SeineRiver, visiting Japan during cherry blossom season to meet his grandparents, and staying in one of those glass domes in Norway as we watch the aurora borealis dance above us.
“Out of all the places you’ve traveled to, what has been your favorite?” I ask.
“Hawaii.” He reaches over and strokes my cheek. “Because every other trip I’ve been on, the whole time I was wishing you were there with me. You are my favorite person, Rosie, and anywhere next to you is my favorite place to be.”
Digging into his front pocket, he pulls out a red heart-shaped velvet box and places it in my hand.
“Maddox, you didn’t have to give me another gift. You’ve already given me enough.”
