Courageous Love: A Christian Romance Novel (The Hawaii Love Series, #1) (12 page)

Daniel smiled at the pretty waitress, surprised again at how unrushed the island caused him to be. “I don’t want to put you out, really,” he said, trying not to come across as pushy.

“No worries,” Kaiko said, scooting away from Daniel. “In fact, I’m a friend of the Clemens family, so I’m happy to help out. Now you just sit back and enjoy your coffee.” She moved away to take another customer’s order.

“Thank you,” said Daniel. He sipped his coffee, watching as the locals and tourists dined on island specialties and breakfast favorites. The front door jingled every time a customer came or went, and the sounds of silverware clanking and quiet chatter were like soft music to Daniel’s ears. After several minutes, Kaiko reappeared with a large plate full of eggs, Portuguese sausage, papaya, and white rice.

“Our famous Hula Combo plate,” said Kaiko. “I hope you enjoy!”

She disappeared again, and Daniel looked down at his plate. White rice for breakfast? That was unusual. But when in Rome ... After several minutes of cutting and savoring every bite of the food, Daniel sat back fully satisfied. He spent the next few minutes looking at the different surfing signs and pictures on the walls.

“Well, did you like it?” Kaiko asked, placing his check on the counter.

“It was delicious. Thanks again.” Daniel took some cash out of his wallet and handed it over to Kaiko with the check. “Keep the change,” he said, offering her one of the biggest tips she had ever received.

The shocked look on her face made Daniel think twice. He hoped he hadn’t offended her. “Wow, that’s very generous,” said Kaiko, ringing up the check. She closed the register drawer, pocketed some of the money and then handed Daniel the rest. “And entirely unnecessary.”

Kaiko came around the other side of the counter and stood in front of the very handsome Daniel. “Like I said, I’m a friend of the Clemens and it is my pleasure to take you to their home. Now if you give me just a minute, I’ll finish up and head out of here early.”

A few minutes later, Daniel and Kaiko were on the street heading toward the path that would take them to Trinity Ranch. The sounds of the sea and downtown Haleiwa became increasingly distant as they walked.

“So, what brought you to Hawaii in the first place?” Kaiko asked playfully, hoping to drag the walk out as long as possible. She was very attracted to Daniel and wanted to spend as much time with him as she could.

“I came over for work,” Daniel replied, thinking of how beautiful the island was and not paying too much attention to Kaiko.

“What kind of work is that?” Kaiko asked.

“I’m a stunt actor,” Daniel said, not liking the way it sounded whenever he said it. Daniel was both an actor and also a stuntman.

Kaiko stopped and looked at Daniel, not surprised that the fit, handsome man in front of her was in movies. “Really? That is so exciting!” She turned back toward the road and continued walking. “I don’t work at Hula Surf for fun. Actually,” Kaiko continued, “I took the job so I could save money to finish my college degree. I want to work for a big corporation someday. That’s my dream. I used to attend the University of Hawaii, but then...” Kaiko’s voice trailed off. It still stung to talk about her family’s financial troubles and the shame her father had brought on them. She loved him, but it was difficult to accept that he turned so far away from God and instead let his addictions direct his course. Kaiko had forgiven her father, but still had a hard time accepting that her family’s future hung in the balance because of the bad choices he made.

Daniel kept silent, too absorbed in the natural beauty surrounding him to notice Kaiko’s discomfort. “Anyhow, I will work for a big company someday. Hopefully, my own!” Kaiko was the eternal optimist. Despite the hardships her family faced, she never failed to give up hope. She knew God had a plan and purpose for her life, and she trusted Him to work everything out perfectly.

The two walked along the path for a few more minutes and toward the final hill blocking the ranch from view. “Will you be staying on the island long?” Kaiko asked, knowing she would be saying good-bye to this handsome stranger soon.

“No, I hope to leave as soon as I get this ticket situation straightened out,” Daniel answered, not realizing that Kaiko was very attracted to him.

“That’s a shame,” said Kaiko as they climbed the small hill. “I’d love to show you the Festival of the Legends if you’re still in town. It’s in a few days.”

They got to the top of the hill and stopped. “That’s it ... Trinity Ranch.” Kaiko looked across the valley to the farmhouse and then to Daniel.

“Thank you,” he said, his eyes fixed on the ranch. “Thank you very much.” Daniel blinked and then looked down to Kaiko. He took her hand in his, and before he could speak, she threw a hug around him.

“My pleasure. And remember what I said about the Festival of Legends.” Kaiko skipped down the hill, and as she disappeared out of sight, Daniel heard, “Aloha!”

D
aniel began his descent into the valley and onto the expansive property of Trinity Ranch. He watched as horses roamed freely near the edges of the forest and hundreds, maybe thousands of cattle grazed in fields as far as he could see. The ranch was not only breathtakingly large, it was beautiful. Fruit trees skirted the outbuildings and tropical scents rose up to greet him as he got closer to the main house. Daniel noticed the lush pastures from the distance, but as he got nearer, he saw that the green fields were marred by spots of scorched earth. It appeared that the cattle had overgrazed and new grass had been unable to grow. Despite the obvious brown patches speckling the acreage, the ranch was remarkable. Daniel had seen some amazing places in his travels, but Trinity Ranch was unlike any place he had ever been.

The afternoon sun was warming up as Daniel approached the house. Sweat trickled down his back, and he stepped into the shade of the front porch. He was about to knock on the door when it swung open and a small Hawaiian woman with white hair greeted him.

“Aloha,” said the little lady. “Can I help you?”

Daniel was surprised and stalled for a second. He hadn’t known what to expect and certainly hadn’t planned out what to say. But now that he was on this stranger’s doorstep, on this prominent family’s land, he was nervous. And he had no idea who the woman on the other side of the threshold was.

“Um,” he stammered. “Um, yes, I’m here to see Michelle? Michelle Clemens?” Daniel stood still, unsure of whether or not he should show his airline tickets as some sort of identification. Why was he so nervous? he wondered.

“Miss Michelle?” the little woman asked. She nodded her head once and opened the door wider, signaling Daniel to enter. “Wait here please,” she said, closing the door behind him and scurrying off down the entry hall.

Daniel took in his surroundings as he waited. The front hall was decorated in a light blue paint with crisp white trim and molding. A sturdy wooden table sat at the entranceway and held a beautiful cut glass vase filled with fresh flowers. Above it hung a picture of a large family. Daniel saw what appeared to be grandparents and parents all dressed in floral shirts and white shorts and skirts. In front of the older people stood a half dozen children, all with dark hair and big brown eyes. At the end of the row of kids stood a girl with deep eyes and a pink flower in her long flowing hair. He wondered if that was ...

“I’m Michelle.” Daniel wasn’t sure if he imagined the picture was talking or if he actually heard a voice until he turned and saw the beautiful girl all grown up. Michelle stood in front of him looking more captivating than he had remembered her. She recognized him immediately and smiled.

“Hi,” she said, surprised and curious at the same time. “Mave said someone was here, but didn’t say who.” Michelle went on, “I’m sorry, Daniel, right?” Michelle asked his name to be polite. She knew exactly who this very handsome man was. She just wasn’t sure why he was standing in her hallway.

Daniel stood fixated on her amazing eyes. Why was he so nervous around her? “Um, right, Daniel.” He felt like an idiot. “I mean, yes, I’m Daniel.” He fumbled with his belongings as Michelle giggled at his nervousness.

Daniel smiled weakly, trying not to look as jittery as he felt. “Well, Daniel,” Michelle went on, “what are you doing here?” She realized instantly how rude that must have sounded.

“I’m sorry,” now it was Michelle’s turn to be embarrassed. “I mean, I’m surprised to see you, again.” She fidgeted with her dress, feeling like a little schoolgirl. “It’s just that,” she went on. “Why are you here? And how did you find me?”

Daniel took a breath and explained the situation. “When we bumped into each other, or rather, I ran you down,” he smiled. “I got our tickets mixed up and handed you mine by mistake.”

The look on Michelle’s face suggested she needed more details. Daniel went on. “I missed my flight because I had your tickets instead of mine. And apparently,” Daniel reached into his pocket and took the ticket out. He handed it to her. “You’re not going back to California, but I am.”

Michelle took the ticket, looked at it, and held her hand up to her mouth. “Oh no,” she said, realizing his misfortune. “I’m so sorry!”

“No, it was my fault,” Daniel interrupted, not wanting to make this pretty woman feel bad. As it was, he had already intruded on her time with her family and shown up unannounced in her home. The last thing he wanted to do was make her feel like she had done anything wrong. “Really, I’m the one who’s sorry. I just wanted to return your ticket and get mine so I can get back to California.”

Michelle raised her head and smiled. “Of course, of course, again, I’m so sorry.” She paused and then tilted her head to the side. “But how did you know where to find me?”

“The concierge at the hotel.” Daniel explained to Michelle how he learned the history of the Clemens family. “And then after arriving here, a nice friend of yours, Kaiko, took the time to walk me to the ranch.”

Michelle smiled, lowering her head. “Again, I’m sorry you had to travel all this way and miss your flight. What an inconvenience.” She realized they were still in the foyer. “Oh, please,” she said, taking Daniel’s elbow in her hand, “come in.” She escorted him into the large living room, releasing her gentle grip from his strong arm as she did.

Daniel felt a kind of shock as Michelle touched his arm. The sensation sent shivers up his spine. He followed her into the living area and stopped as he took in the fine furnishings and the panoramic view of the valley and the mountains. “Wow,” he said, unable to hide his amazement. “This is beautiful!” Daniel stared out the wall of windows at the back of the house and watched the palm trees in the distance. He saw the rolling fields leading all the way to the Koolau Mountains in the distance. He let out a long whistle, taking in the majestic vista. “Really, this is absolutely breathtaking.”

“It is, isn’t it?” Michelle said as she stood and looked at the view with new eyes. She loved being reminded of the beauty around her. That was one thing Lilo had insisted she never do, take things for granted. All the years she had lived in Hawaii, she had tried to be true to that. But now, after being away for so long, she was able to really feel what Lilo had been saying. She vowed at that moment to never take God’s beauty for granted again.

“Please, sit down,” Michelle showed Daniel to a seat in the living room. “Can I get you something to eat or drink? You must be hungry after that long trip.”

Daniel shook his head politely. “No, thank you. I am fine. I had breakfast at the Hula Surf Restaurant and am still quite full.”

“Well,” she said, unsure what to do with this strange, handsome man in her living room. She should have felt nervous, but she didn’t. She should have gotten up to get the tickets from her bags so he could be on his way, but she didn’t. And Daniel wasn’t making any movements either.

“How’s your grandmother?” Daniel asked, catching Michelle by surprise. She raised an eyebrow and then remembered their run-in at the airport.

“Oh,” she said, putting the pieces together. “She’s ...” Michelle didn’t know how to answer that. Lilo was not okay, but she was at peace. Michelle wasn’t sure if she would get better and come home or pass on and go home to Jesus. “I don’t know, but she seems okay.” That was all Michelle could come up with. “Thank you for asking.”

“Of course,” Daniel said. “Is she at a local hospital?” Michelle went on to tell Daniel where she was staying and how they would be heading back there later in the day for a return visit.

“Well, I don’t want to keep you then. I’ll just get my ticket and head back to the hotel.” Daniel rose to leave, not sure why he was stalling, but not wanting to put this family out any further.

“Where did you say you were staying again?” Michelle asked, getting up.

“Oh, I wasn’t planning to stay the night. I was hoping to catch the shuttle back down to the airport and make the evening flight.”

“Oh, you won’t be able to fly out today,” said Michelle. “The only other bus back to the city leaves later tonight and the last flight to California leaves in just a few hours.” Michelle only knew that because she had checked return flights before she booked her trip home. Because there were so few flights available, she decided to purchase a one-way ticket, only buying another one when it was time to leave.

There was a strange look Daniel’s face. Michelle could have sworn it was relief. “Oh,” he said slowly, grateful that he didn’t have to leave today, but unsure what to do next. “Are you sure? Then I guess I’ll stay at The Corinthian. I saw it when I arrived in town,” said Daniel as he smiled, remembering the colorful hotel next to the bus stop.

Michelle turned abruptly and spoke. “Oh, you don’t want to stay there.”

Daniel looked at her, surprised. “Why not?”

“It’s got a bad reputation for theft and prostitution,” Michelle said matter-of-factly.

“Prostitution and theft? I didn’t get that impression,” said Daniel, not believing the nice looking hotel could be a hotbed for illicit activity.

“Uh-huh,” said Michelle as she walked past Daniel. “It’s a tourist trap. It’s right in the downtown district so unsuspecting tourists go there a lot. And because of that, thieves and some of the shady women prey on people there. I wouldn’t recommend staying there.”