Chapter Sixteen
Ryan
The sun peeks through the slats of our bamboo blinds, painting golden stripes across our bed. I stretch lazily, savoring the warmth of Meredith's body nestled against me. It's been six weeks since we decided to make Heirani Motu our permanent home, and every morning I wake up feeling like it all must be a dream. But it's real.
"Good morning, beautiful," I say, pulling her closer so I can nuzzle her neck.
She yawns and stretches, her sleepy smile gradually widening. "Morning, handsome. Ready to face another day in paradise?"
"Yep. We have the best jobs on earth." I yawn too. "Nothing I'd rather do than hand out sunscreen and condoms to naked people."
We rise slowly, moving through our morning routine with the easy familiarity of a couple who've known each other for years, not months. I brew coffee while she slices fresh papaya and mango from the little garden behind our bungalow. We eat on our lanai, both of us wearing satisfied smiles. The view never gets old—jutting mountains, towering palms, a waterfall in the distance. James and Holly had insisted that Meredith and I move to a different bungalow, one that offers panoramic views of the island. We can hear waves crashing in the distance too.
Once we've finished off our breakfast, we allow ourselves a bit of time to just appreciate where we are. As general manager, however, I'm basically incapable of focusing on only the scenery. Fortunately, the woman I love gets it. She gets me .
"I've been thinking," I tell her as I set down my coffee mug. "What if we expanded the nature trails? There's that hidden ledge behind the main waterfall that we haven't fully explored yet. A couple of guests, Craig and Vanessa Hathaway, found it last year."
Meredith leans forward, her eyes narrowing slightly. That means she's thinking. Since Meredith became my right hand at the resort, unofficially, she's been funneling her newfound management skills into eco-tourism initiatives.
"Go on, baby," I encourage. "I can tell you have an idea."
"Remember those deep fissures we stumbled onto last week? I think they could be part of an underground cave system." She taps one finger on her mug. "If we could safely map it out, it could be an amazing addition to the island's attractions. Might even be archaeological artifacts squirreled away there from hundreds of years ago."
I love watching Meredith brainstorm. She almost glows from the excitement of new possibilities. This is the woman I fell in love with—passionate, determined, always seeking new adventures. I reach across the table and squeeze her hand. "That sounds incredible, Mer. And it could be a great way to showcase the island's unique ecosystem. Maybe we could even partner with some researchers to study the wildlife in those caves and in the mangroves on the other side of the island."
"Exactly!" Her expression brightens, and I can practically see the gears turning in her mind. "We could create educational tours, maybe even set up a small research station. It would be a win-win for conservation and tourism."
As we clear the breakfast dishes, I keep glancing sideways at her. It's amazing how far we've come in a relatively short time. Just a few months ago, Meredith was a guest, a stranger, a widow seeking new experiences and craving something wild. I had just taken on a job that I wasn't sure I could handle, on an island full of naked people. But I know now that I belong here with this new family I've forged. My actual family met Meredith in person a few weeks ago—though not here on the island. They aren't quite ready for that. But they're completely fine with my new life.
Now, Meredith and I are building something beautiful together, not just for ourselves, but for this island we've grown to love.
"So, when do we start exploring?" I ask.
Meredith lifts her brows. "Eager, aren't we? How about this weekend? We can pack some supplies and make a day of it."
"Perfect. I'll talk to Cooper and Mila about borrowing some of the resort's climbing gear."
As we finish getting ready for the day, I find myself thinking about what's to come for us. Great things, I know that much. An expedition to a mysterious part of the island is exactly the kind of adventure we both relish these days. And I have the perfect partner by my side.
We make our way down to the main resort area, greeting the early-rising guests with warm smiles. The Au Naturel Naturist Resort South Seas has become more than just a workplace for us—it's our community, our home.
But before we undertake our expedition, I need to do something else.
I suggested to Meredith that she ought to learn all about what goes on in the dining hall behind the scenes. If my idea made her suspicious, she didn't let on that it did. After kissing her goodbye, I jog to the gift shop. Since I don't know how long I'll have to complete my secret mission, I figure I need to get done quickly just in case. My palms are sweaty, though this building does have air conditioning. Memories rush through me—of Meredith's smile, her laughter, the way her eyes crinkle when she's truly happy.
I burst into the gift shop, startling Mariel behind the counter. "I need a ring."
Mariel stares at me blankly. "A ring? Who do you need to call?"
"No, I don't—Never mind." I scan the modest jewelry display. "I need an engagement ring. Right now."
Mariel's eyebrows shoot up. "For Meredith?"
"Yeah." I suddenly feel foolish. "Is it too soon? God, what am I thinking?"
"Relax, boss," Mariel replies, her voice softening. She gestures to a delicate band with a small, sparkling stone. "This one's nice. Simple, but elegant. Like Meredith."
I nod, trying to imagine the ring on Meredith's finger. "Perfect. I'll take it."
As Mariel rings up the purchase, she adds casually, "You know, most women like it when a man gets down on one knee. It's romantic."
I scoff. "That's a bit cliché, isn't it?"
Mariel shrugs. "Sometimes clichés work for a reason."
I pocket the ring box, my mind racing. "Thanks, Mariel. I'll...consider that advice."
Leaving the shop, I head for the dining hall. But only a moment later, I suddenly get a much better idea. I need to rehearse what I'll say. So, I go to our bungalow and stand in front of the bedroom mirror. Proposing doesn't seem that hard. Marry me , those words are all I need to speak. But as I glance out the window, I see a familiar figure through the trees, pacing around the hot tub. I freeze, watching her. Meredith stops, her gaze sweeping over the lush landscape. The calls of exotic birds and the distant rush of water fill the air. My chest tightens just from seeing her profile. Her presence always does this to me.
"Time to man up," I mutter to myself. "Go out there and just do it."
Just then, my phone rings. I don't want to answer. Yet my curiosity gets the better of me, and I find myself snatching the phone out of my pants pocket.
Conference room. Now.
The call came from Val Silva. I have to go. My proposal will need to wait a while.
As I burst into the conference room, my jaw drops. Sitting around the table are Val and Eve Silva, along with James and Holly Bythesea—all four of my bosses.
"Ryan!" Val booms, his voice as larger-than-life as ever. "Just the man we wanted to see!"
I struggle to find my voice. "What's going on? I thought you were all back in Oregon."
Eve leans forward, her eyes twinkling. "We couldn't miss this opportunity. Ryan, we want you to become the permanent general manager here at the South Seas resort."
The words hit me like a tidal wave. It's everything I've worked for, everything I thought I wanted. But all I can think about is Meredith.
"I don't mean to be rude, but..." I swipe a hand over my eyes. "You see, I was just about to do something monumental when you guys called. I'm stoked about the promotion, for sure. But, ah, just a few minutes ago, I was on the cusp of asking Meredith to marry me."
"That's wonderful!" Holly and Eve shout at the same time.
James and Val grin and slap my arm.
Then all their faces go blank. James speaks up. "There is a slight problem, Ryan. Didn't Meredith text you?"
"Text me what?"
James glances at the others, then sighs. "Read the text. Now."
I hate cryptic bullshit, but I follow James's orders. I check my texts. There is indeed one from Meredith, but when I see it, my stomach drops. "She's going to Fiji with Rene? On a supply run? And they're leaving in fifteen minutes? Shit."
Eve winces. "Check the time stamp."
When I do that, I throw my head back and groan. "The message was sent six minutes ago. No way can I get to grass strip in time."
"Of course you can," Holly declares. Then she makes a shooing motion. "Run fast, Ryan!"
James chuckles. "What are you waiting for? Rene's jet will be at any moment, and Meredith's on it. Do you really want to wait until she comes back before you propose?"
"Go, Ryan," Eve commands. "Just like Holly said, run fast!"
I'm already racing toward the door when Val's voice stops me. "And Ryan, don't forget to get down on one knee!"
As I sprint out of the room, I can't stop myself from grinning. Maybe being a lovesick moron isn't so bad after all. My heart races as I reach the trail that leads to the grass strip, having already galloped across the resort grounds. The stunning scenery flies by, blurring the trees and grass and even the sky.
The distant hum of an engine spurs me into action. I take off towards the landing strip, lungs burning, legs pumping. Rene's sleek jet comes into view just in time for me to see the door sliding shut.
"Meredith!" I shout, waving my arms like a madman. "Wait!"
Through the window, I catch a glimpse of her face, those warm amber eyes widening in surprise. My voice cracks with desperation. "Please!"
For a heart-stopping moment, nothing happens. Then the door swings open again, and she's there, gorgeous and confused.
"Ryan?" Meredith calls out, uncertainty in her voice.
I can't find the words, and so I simply hold out my arms. She hesitates for only a second before leaping onto the ground, crashing into me with such force we nearly topple over. Our eyes lock, and I see everything I'm feeling reflected back at me—hope, longing, love.
Rene's amused voice breaks the spell. "Oi, lovebirds! Make up your minds, yeah? I've got a schedule to keep."
I barely register the cheers and whistles from a crowd I hadn't noticed gathering behind us. I drag Meredith tightly against me, kissing her with every ounce of passion I possess. When we finally break apart, breathless, I can't wait one second longer.
I drop to one knee, holding out the ring box with the lid up, a sparkling diamond nestled inside. "Meredith Hayes, will you marry me?"
Her answering smile is brighter than the tropical sun. "Yes, you fool, of course I will!"
I sweep her up in my arms and spin round and round until we're both dizzy. Then I kiss her with so much passion that I think even Rene blushed. The crowd cheers. When I glance back, I see several staff members and half a dozen guests observing.
Meredith grins at Rene. "Mind going without a copilot this time?"
Rene grins. "Go on, lovebirds! I'll make do on my own."
Hand in hand, we jog back toward the resort, the jet's engines roaring behind us as Rene lifts off, headed for Fiji.
"What made you do that?" Meredith asks as we jog back to our bungalow. "Proposing in front of everyone? You've never seemed like the dramatic type of guy."
I feel lighter than I have in years, like a huge weight has been lifted. "You might say I got some very pointed advice from the bosses. Turns out they're hopeless romantics."
"Ryan Kimble," she teases, "are you telling me you've gone soft?"
"Only for you, Mer. Only for you."
When we reach the edge of the big patio, I halt abruptly, in need of a short break to catch my breath. Meredith turns to me, clearly as out of breath as I am.
"I have news to share," I tell her, my voice growing stronger. "I was offered the permanent position as general manager."
She crushes her mouth to mine. "Congratulations! You deserve it, sweetie."
A horde of people emerges from the trail, and Meredith and I reluctantly separate. Thunderous applause erupts around us. I'd almost forgotten about our audience, lost as I was in our private bubble of happiness. The faces of guests and staff alike beam at us, their joy palpable.
Mariel, who helped me choose the ring, gives me a wink. "I told you the one-knee thing wasn't too silly."
"You were absolutely right."
Meredith whispers into my ear, "You went full rom-com for me, didn't you?"
"Why not? I would do anything for you, Mer. You bring out sides of me I didn't know existed."
As the crowd continues to cheer and well-wishers begin to approach, I'm struck by how perfectly imperfect this moment is. Here we are, two people who came to this island to escape, only to find a future neither of us expected. The irony isn't lost on me, and I can't help but smile at the beautiful chaos of it all.
I gently tug Meredith's hand, guiding her toward our private bungalow. "Come on, let's take a moment just for us."
As we walk hand in hand along the torch-lit path, the soft sand gives way to smooth wooden planks. The familiar scent of plumeria and sea salt envelops us, a sensory reminder of where our journey began.
"So, Mr. General Manager," Meredith says, "what's our first order of business?"
I sweep her up in my arms, holding her close. "Well, Mrs. soon-to-be Kimble, I was thinking we could start by fucking in our private hot tub."
"Mm, that sounds divine." She taps nose with her finger. "And after that, we could sneak down to that trail we haven't told anyone about yet. I'll grab the massage oil, and you can get the beach blanket."
"Sounds like the perfect plan."
I pause at the threshold of our bungalow, the warm glow from inside spilling out onto the veranda. "I have no idea what challenges we might face in the future. But I do know one thing for certain."
"What's that?"
I rest my forehead on hers. "Whatever comes our way, we'll face it together. Naked or clothed."
Meredith's laughter, bright and uninhibited, fills the air. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
As we step into the bungalow, ready to begin our new life together, I'm filled with a sense of hope and excitement. The path ahead may be uncertain, but with Meredith by my side, I'm ready for whatever adventures await us on this magical island and beyond.