Chapter Fifteen
Meredith
The scent of freshly brewed coffee fills the air as I scan the bustling dining hall, my heart doing a little flip-flop with every new face. No sign of Ryan yet. Damn . Where is that man? I might have a heart attack waiting for him to appear. When I spot a familiar trio weaving through the tables, I start toward my friends.
"Have you fallen asleep in your chair?" Zara teases, waving a piece of toast in front of my face. "Are you planning on eating that fruit salad or just rearranging it artfully?"
I blink several times, realizing I've been pushing pineapple chunks around on my plate for the last five minutes. "Sorry, I guess I'm just...trying to grasp the fact that we all survived a cyclone."
The aftermath of last night's storm is evident in the slightly disheveled appearance of our fellow guests, but there's an unmistakable buzz of energy in the air. We survived, and now we're ready to pitch in with the cleanup.
"I still can't believe we slept through most of it," Zara muses, her curls wild from the humidity. "You missed out on charades last night, though I don't blame you for preferring to hide out with the studly Ryan."
For some reason, I feel the need to brag about my honey. "He was a Navy SEAL, you know. Ryan can cope with any disaster."
"Wow, Mer. You bagged a twelve-point buck."
"You hate hunting."
Zara shrugs. "Ken loved it, though. And he made the best venison stew."
Luckily, I'm spared from any deer hunting stories when Emilio's enthusiastic wave catches my eye. He, Marley, and Rene make their way over to us.
"Ladies!" Emilio exclaims. "We can't thank you enough for rallying the troops this morning and for enlisting other guests to help with meal prep. Your enthusiasm and ingenuity were a godsend."
Marley nods, her ponytail bobbing. "Seriously, you're like guest relations superstars. Maybe we should hire you all."
The idea sends a little thrill through me. Could I really stay here? My eyes drift to the dining hall entrance again, hoping to catch a glimpse of sandy blond hair and those beautiful hazel eyes. But I still can't find Ryan in the crowd.
"Oi, Meredith," Rene's voice snaps me back to attention. "You looking for someone in particular, love?"
Rather than admitting I'm searching for Ryan, I change the subject. "So, what's the game plan for cleanup?"
While Emilio outlines the day's tasks, I find myself torn between excitement for the group effort and a gnawing anxiety about my rapidly dwindling time on Heirani Motu. The thought of saying goodbye to this paradise—and to Ryan—makes my chest ache.
"You all right, Mer?" Zara whispers, giving my hand a light squeeze. "You look a million miles away."
"Just thinking about how much I'm going to miss all of this," I admit, my gaze sweeping over the dining hall and the staff who've become like family.
"You know, I was thinking of organizing a beach cleanup later," Marley says. "Maybe we could make it fun, like a treasure hunt?"
"Ooh, I like it!" Maya nods approvingly. "What sort of treasures will we be hunting for? Rene's flip-flops?"
"No, no," Zara interjects. "This is a nudist resort. We should be searching for Ryan's lost shirt. Or maybe his boxers."
Zara winks at me.
And I nearly choke on my coffee in my attempt to stop myself from laughing. I earn concerned looks from the others. "Wrong pipe, that's all."
While the conversation flows around me, my friends share tales of hidden waterfalls and zip-line mishaps, I find my thoughts drifting. Where is Ryan? The dining hall feels emptier without his steady presence, his quiet strength. And I realize, with startling clarity, that I'm not ready for this adventure to end. I'm not ready to leave Heirani Motu—or Ryan. But how can I try to broach that subject if he won't even show his face? I know he must be swamped with the cleanup efforts, but still...
The second we step outside, I gasp. The lush paradise I've come to adore looks like it's been through a blender. Palm fronds litter the ground, and debris from the storm is scattered across the once-pristine beaches. But it's not as apocalyptic as I'd feared.
"Holy coconuts," I mutter, surveying the damage.
Emilio, ever the optimist, grins. "Don't worry. We've weathered worse. This? It's just nature's way of redecorating."
"Well then, let's hope Mother Nature's done with her extreme makeover."
The staff spring into action, directing us with practiced efficiency. I'm impressed by their calm demeanor as they orchestrate the cleanup, all the while ensuring everyone's safety.
"Underground power lines," Marley explains, noticing my puzzled look at the lack of fallen wires. "Clever design, eh? We're online again now, but the backup generator was a lifesaver during the storm."
As I bend to pick up a fallen branch, my mind wanders to Ryan yet again. But my musings end abruptly when there's a stir among the volunteers. Then I see a familiar figure emerging from the direction of the main building.
Ryan.
He's here, looking as gorgeous as ever, his lean body moving with purpose as he surveys the cleanup efforts. Our eyes lock for a moment, and he smiles and winks at me. Every fiber of my being wants to run to him, to throw my arms around him and never let go.
But I can't. Not here, not now.
Zara follows my gaze, her eyebrows shooting up. "No wonder you look like you're walking on air. Your soulmate just walked by."
"I don't believe in soulmates."
"Uh-huh, sure. Come on, girl, I want all the juicy details."
I laugh, and a weight seems to lift off my shoulders. "Later, I promise. Right now, I think I need to talk to him."
While Ryan directs the cleanup efforts, I fall a little more in love with him every minute. Maybe I do want to meet his family. But the one thing I'm certain of is that I want to stay here with Ryan, on this incredible island, forever.
I take a deep breath, gathering my courage, and make my way over to Ryan. He's bent over a large fallen palm frond, muscles rippling as he lifts it with ease.
"Need a hand?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.
Ryan looks up, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Meredith. I was hoping I'd run into you."
"Well, here I am." I try to sound casual, but my pulse quickens. "I was starting to think you were avoiding me."
He straightens, wiping his brow with the back of his hand. "Never. I've just been swamped with the cleanup. But I'm glad you're here now."
There's an intensity in his gaze that makes my knees weak. I want to throw caution to the wind, to tell him what I want, but the words stick in my throat.
"Ryan, I don't..." My voice falters. The weight of the words I want to express feels too heavy.
He steps closer. "What's wrong, Mer?"
I take a deep breath and dive in headfirst. "I don't want to leave. I mean, I know I have to go home eventually, but...I'm not ready for this to end. For us to end."
Ryan's eyes widen, a mix of surprise and something else—hope, maybe?—flickering across his face. He glances around, then gently takes my elbow, guiding me away from the bustling cleanup efforts to a quieter spot near the tree line.
He keeps his hand on my arm. "I've been thinking about this too. About you. About us."
"You have?"
"I can't stop thinking about you. These past few weeks have been...incredible. You've awakened something in me I thought was long dead."
I can't help but grin. "Well, I am pretty amazing."
"That you are," Ryan chuckles, his eyes crinkling at the corners in that way that makes my heart flutter. "But it's more than that. You've reminded me what it feels like to be alive, to want something—someone—so badly it almost hurts. In a good way."
I wrap my arms around his neck. "So, what are we going to do about it?"
He pushes a hand through his hair, a gesture I've come to recognize as a sign of his inner turmoil. "I don't know. This isn't exactly a normal situation. You must have a life back home with your parents, and I have responsibilities here."
"But?" I prompt, sensing there's more.
He gazes directly into my eyes. "But I can't bear the thought of you leaving. Of never seeing you again."
"Oh, Ryan, I feel the same way. I can't imagine going back to my old life after everything we've shared here. Our families would want us to be happy, wouldn't they?"
"Yeah, I guess you're right." He pulls me closer, his strong arms enveloping me. The familiar scent of scent of him fills my senses. "What if..."
"What if what?" I prompt, my heart racing.
His mouth puckers for a moment, then all the tension washes away. "What if you stayed? Just for a little while longer. We could figure things out, see if this is real outside of the island bubble."
I can hardly believe what I'm hearing. "Are you serious?"
"Yes. I've never been more serious about anything in my life, Mer. I know it's crazy, but I can't let you go without at least trying to make this work."
"Oh, Ryan, I want that too. Let's give it our all and see what happens." I brush my fingers through his tousled hair. "I already love you, and I know you feel the same. This is going to work out. But you're right, we should give ourselves this time to be sure."
Ryan returns to the cleanup efforts, but he insists that I should have lunch with my friends to tell them the news about us. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and I feel a surge of affection for these amazing women.
"You guys aren't weirded out?" I ask. "Ryan is nine years younger than I am, after all."
"Are you kidding?" Lila grins. "We're thrilled for you! You deserve some island romance with a hot stud, and maybe something more will develop. Who knows? Wedding bells might be calling soon."
I glance back at Ryan, catching him looking our way. He gives me a small, almost imperceptible nod before turning back to his work. And even that small gesture makes me feel like I'm flying above the clouds.
"So, what's the plan?" Zara asks, her voice softening. "Are you going to stay?"
"We're taking the last week of my vacation to sort things out and decide if we want to be more than a holiday fling."
"That's a smart plan," Zara agrees. "Whatever you decide, we've got your back. You know that, right?"
"Of course I do." I feel a lump form in my throat. "God, what would I do without you guys?"
As we stand here, surrounded by the aftermath of the storm, I realize that no matter what happens with Ryan, I've already found something precious here on Heirani Motu. Something that will stay with me long after my friends and I leave this paradise. If I leave.
But I'm not the same woman who arrived here, desperate for a change and a steamy fling.
"Remember when you zip-lined across that gorge?" Maya reminds me. "You were terrified, but you did it anyway. And afterward, you couldn't stop smiling."
"This is your chance to zip-line into love," Zara adds with a grin. "Take the leap, Mer. You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain."
Laughter bubbles out of me, and I clasp each of my friends' hands one by one. "You guys are phenomenal. I never had friends like this until the day I walked into that group grief counseling session. It changed my life—for the better."
Emilio approaches our little group. "Ladies, we could use some help distributing refreshments to the cleanup crews. Any volunteers?"
Lila, Maya, and Zara exchange a look. Then Zara declares, "You've got three recruits here. What about you, Meredith?"
"Count me in. But I really need do something first."
My friends don't ask what that thing is, bless them.
While they follow Emilio, I'm left alone with my thoughts. The island breeze caresses my skin, and I close my eyes, letting the sounds of nature wash over me. I think about the woman I was before coming here—lonely, stressed, stuck in a rut, afraid to take chances. Now, standing on this beach, I feel free and alive as if the universe has opened up for me.
I open my eyes and spot Ryan across the beach, directing a group of guests. His quiet strength and dedication draw me in like a magnet. Taking a deep breath, I straighten my shoulders and begin walking toward him. It's time to take that leap.
As I march across the sand, my heart pounds with every step. Ryan's back is turned as he gestures toward a pile of debris, his tanned skin glistening with sweat. I'm right behind him when he turns, his eyes widening.
"Meredith? What are you—"
I don't let him finish that thought. My arms fly around his neck as I pull him close and press my lips to mine. Briefly, he's frozen. But then he slides his arms around my waist, and he's kissing me back with a passion that makes my toes curl.
Whoops and cheers erupt around us. I break away, suddenly remembering we're surrounded by people. Ryan's cheeks are flushed, and he seems almost embarrassed, the way he ducks his head slightly.
"Well," he drawls, clearing his throat, "that's one way to boost morale during cleanup."
"Sorry, I just...needed to do that."
He takes my hand, his thumb tracing circles on my palm. "Let's talk somewhere more private."
We're barely out of earshot when Rene's booming voice cuts through the air. "Oi, Ryan! We've got a situation, mate!"
Ryan's jaw tightens, but he doesn't let go of my hand. "What is it, Rene?"
The pilot jogs up to us, his blue eyes twinkling with barely contained excitement. "Storm's done a number on our supply lines. We need to make an emergency run to the mainland. Reckon you're up for a quick trip to the Land Down Under? It'll be like old home week for me."
I feel Ryan's grip on my hand tighten slightly. He looks at me, brows raised. "Are you okay with this? Me running away on a supply run? You seemed like you wanted to talk some more."
"Go. We need supplies, and everything else can wait." I surprised myself with how steady my voice sounds. "The resort needs you. We'll talk when you get back."
"I promise we'll finish this conversation."
As Ryan and Rene dash off toward the airstrip, I'm left standing alone. But Ryan will be back soon. That thought cheers me up as I dive back into the cleanup efforts. Sunset arrives faster than I expected, but I guess hard work makes the hours just zip by. After a long day of picking up after Mother Nature, everyone gathers on the beach for an impromptu party. It's in full swing by the time the sun is dipping toward the horizon. Tiki torches flicker in the breeze, casting warm light over the revelers. I sip my fruity cocktail, trying to focus on Zara's animated retelling of her day's adventures, but my eyes keep darting to the darkening sky.
"No more puppy dog eyes," Lila insists, nudging me. "Your sex god will be back soon."
I manage a wan smile. "I know. But it feels like eternity."
Before either of my friends can respond, a familiar rumble fills the air. Heads turn as the small jet appears, silhouetted against the fading light. My pulse accelerates, and I feel a touch lightheaded from sheer excitement.
The party goes quiet as the general manager and the pilot make their way onto the beach. They're grinning, Rene's arm slung over Ryan's shoulder as he regales him with what I'm sure is an inappropriate joke. Then Ryan's eyes lock with mine, and the world seems to fall away. My feet are moving before I realize it, sand kicking up behind me as I run. Ryan matches my pace, closing the distance between us in long strides. When we meet, his strong arms wrap around me, and he lifts me off my feet. I'm laughing, my arms wrapped around his neck while he spins us in a circle.
"God, I missed you," he murmurs, his breath warm against my ear.
"I missed you too," I whisper back, not caring that everyone's watching. In this moment, it's just us—Ryan and Meredith, two people who found something unexpected on this magical island.
He sets me down, keeping his arms around me, and I know we both have decisions to make. But right now, surrounded by the cheers and applause of our makeshift island family, I let myself bask in the joy of this moment, this connection that feels both thrilling and somehow like coming home.
The euphoria of our reunion fades into a bittersweet realization when I wake up the next morning. And for the next six days, we're both too busy to have "the talk."
Suddenly, I realize we have only two days left. The thought hits me like a punch to the gut, and I sit up in bed, running a hand through my tangled hair. We made love last night, and it had been so sweet and sensual that I nearly melted into a puddle.
"You're thinking too loud," Ryan mumbles beside me, his eyes still closed.
I tickle his lips with my fingers. "Sorry, didn't mean to wake you."
He cracks one eye open. "What's going on in that beautiful head of yours?"
I bite my lip, debating how much to reveal. "Just thinking about...time. How little we have left."
Ryan sits up now, his expression serious. "Just tell me what's going on, please."
"Okay." I sit up and wrap my arms around myself. "I want to stay here on the island—with you. Not just for a few days. For good."
"I'm glad you said that, because I want the same thing." He kisses my hand. "You are the love of my life, Mer."
He pulls me close, our bodies entwined. I try to memorize every nuance of every sensation—the warmth of his skin, the taste of his lips, the way his hands fit perfectly on my waist.
Later, as we join my friends and some of the staff for breakfast, the mood is a mix of excitement and melancholy. Everyone's chattering about their plans back home, but there's an undercurrent of sadness at leaving this paradise behind.
"I can't believe we're going home tomorrow," Zara sighs, stirring her coffee absently.
"Yeah, I'll miss you guys," I admit. "It feels like we just got here, doesn't it?"
"Speak for yourself," Lila chimes in, grinning. "I'm ready to sleep in my own bed again. Though I'll miss all you crazies."
"Not looking forward to repeating that thirty-six-hour trip in economy class."
I absently stir my coffee. "Well, at least I won't have to worry about that."
Maya stares at me. "Do you mean..."
"Ryan and I are staying together. Maybe I can get some kind of job here." I toss my Styrofoam coffee cup into the trash can. "But honestly, I'd be happy just to watch him work."
"We've lost her," Zara declares, with sarcastic sorrow. "She's a pod person now."
We laugh, but I catch Ryan's eye across the room. He gives me a small smile, and I wonder what he's thinking.
As the day progresses, I throw myself into every activity, determined to soak up every last drop of island life. My friends and I hike to the hidden waterfall, zip-line through the lush canopy, and lounge on the beach, our bodies bare and free under the warm sun. But as night falls, restlessness takes hold. I slip away from the farewell bonfire, my feet carrying me down to the moonlit shore. The waves crash rhythmically, a soothing counterpoint to my racing thoughts.
As the day progresses, I throw myself into every activity, determined to soak up every last drop of island life. We hike to the hidden waterfall, zip-line through the lush canopy, and lounge on the beach, our bodies bare and free under the warm sun. But as night falls, restlessness takes hold. I slip away from the farewell bonfire, my feet carrying me down to the moonlit shore. The waves crash rhythmically, a soothing counterpoint to my racing thoughts.
I hear footsteps behind me and turn to see Ryan approaching, his silhouette backlit by the distant bonfire. He comes to stand beside me, close enough that our arms brush.
"Penny for your thoughts?" he asks softly.
"I was thinking about us, and what our life will be like from now own. I'm no longer a guest."
"You're so much more than that now." He kisses the top of my head. "My life has done a one-eighty, all thanks to you. I'm grateful, more than you could imagine, to have you in my life. This island wouldn't be half as beautiful without your smile to brighten every day."
As we stand here, bathed in moonlight and possibilities, I know that whatever challenges lie ahead, we'll face them hand in hand. The island may have brought us together, but our story is far from over.