wanted that.
He’d told her three days earlier he was taking her on a surprise trip. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d actually had a vacation and she hadn’t hesitated to rearrange her schedule to jet off to somewhere unknown with the man she loved. She hadn’t realized they were landing on the island until they’d been dropped off at the helicopter facility.
There were only two ways to arrive on Catalina Island, either by air or by sea. The ferry ride over was amazing. It took about an hour, and on good days a person could see the dolphins playing in the sea along with many boaters. She’d never minded the ferry rides over, as she’d sit outside on the top deck looking out at the water as she drew closer to paradise. Her journeys away from the island had always been bittersweet. She’d known she was returning to the life she tolerated instead of loved.
“I can’t believe you managed to surprise me with this, Smoke. It’s the best gift anyone’s ever given me. I haven’t been back here since I lost my grandfather. I thought it would hurt too much.” She stopped and wrapped her arms around him. “I was wrong. Being here with you proves how much you mean to me, because I feel the magic of the island instead of the grief of not having my grandfather here with me.”
“I love seeing this sparkle in your eyes, Amira. You’re always beautiful, but right now you’re absolutely radiant,” he said as he brushed back some of her hair that was blowing around her face. The breeze on the island was just right.
“Sometimes there are incredible storms here. Gramps and I would sit at one of the restaurants and watch the powerful waves roll through the ocean. Some of the waves would come over the sea wall and smash onto the streets. It’s an amazing sight,” she said.
“I believe a storm is blowing in the day after tomorrow,” he said with a laugh. “I was concerned about that, but it appears that’s now in my favor.”
“Oh, yes, for sure. I love a great storm. My mother always complained about foul weather. I think she was very spoiled living in Southern California. But Gramps, on the other hand, told me that God’s glory showed in every storm. It’s a reminder to us of his raw power. Gramps also told me from a young age that we can see the bad in something or the beauty, it’s our choice. I fail a lot, but I try to always see the beauty,” she said.
“Mr. Rice, your bags are loaded on the golf cart that’s waiting for you,” the helicopter crewman said. “Thank you for flying with us today.”
Smoke handed the man a tip that made his eyes go wide in delight. He shook Smoke’s hand vigorously before leaving them.
“You’re such a good man, Smoke,” she said, loving that he was the one on her arm. She was proud to stand next to him, proud to be able to say he was hers.
“I was raised by a good mama, and now I have a wonderful lady to keep me in line,” Smoke said. “After you.” He held out his arm and she stepped through the gates of the helicopter pad area to the parking lot where several golf carts were lined up.
“They only allow a few cars on the island,” Amira told him. “There’s a thirty-year waiting list to get a permit to drive a car here.” She loved that the island had strict rules to keep it beautiful for many years to come.
“That’s why I rented this golf cart. I think it’s more fun to drive than a car,” Smoke said.
He helped her into her seat before he moved around to the driver’s side. They were pressed in tightly together, and she loved it.
“Have you driven one of these before?” she asked when it took him two tries to get it started.
Smoke gave her an incredulous look. “Of course, I’ve driven one before. Even if I hadn’t, though, I’d master it in minutes.” He was so damn confident. It was just one more thing she absolutely loved about the man.
Smoke looked at his watch, then put the golf cart in gear. “I was worried we’d be late with all of your last-minute packing,” Smoke told her as he began down the beautiful scenic road that took them from the helipad to the main part of town. She looked out at the sea,