Throughout the entire flight to Maui, all I could do was think about how the how the plane was taking me further and further from the man I loved.
And I couldn't help but wonder if Niles was thinking about me as well.
The thought made me smile. Of course he was.
He told me that he thought about me all the time. And for that I loved him more than words could say.
Hours later our private car pulled up in front of the Nanehalaka Hae' Alahe House, and I gasped.
It was even more beautiful than it looked on the brochure.
It wasn't just a hotel as the brochure stated. It was more of a luxury resort. As beautiful as it was, it was hard not to think about who I was really supposed to be here with.
"Aloha." The gorgeous woman said as she greeted us with fragrant yellow and blue leis. I'd never felt so pampered before.
We were led to our room, which was even further away from the lobby than our gate was from the front of the airport. Funny that the long distance in Hawaii didn't seem to bother Mum.
"Here we are, Ladies." The bell attendant said. "I know it was a bit of a walk but I think you'll find this secluded area to your liking." He slid the key into the lock and opened the door.
I peered inside, completely stunned. It was the most beautiful suite I'd ever seen. Massive in size, it was gorgeously decorated with wicker and cherry wood furniture in soft shades of beige, blue and green.
It was hard not to miss the enormous king sized bed and romantic touches throughout the room. And did I mention the huge balcony with the view of the Pacific Ocean?
"Well now! This is more like it!" Mum said. "I guess I had Niles pegged wrong. He's not so bad after all."
Of course she would say that. She was in Hawaii. Anyone would have looked good to her had they given her a free trip.
"Any man who would do somethin' like this for someone he's about to marry is okay in my book." She said.
A genuine compliment! I couldn't help but smile.
"Thank you, Mum."
"The pool certainly looked inviting." Mum said.
"Well why don't you get changed and check it out?" I suggested. "I'll be there in a few minutes."
Mum sighed, lettin' me know that I'd managed to irritate her.
"Don't tell me you're callin' Niles again!"
"I promised him I'd call him when we got to the hotel." I said.
"Suit yourself, but there are a lot of eligible men out there just waitin-."
"Mum!" I interrupted.
"Oh, all right." She said disappearing into the marble bathroom.
I looked around the two rooms, grateful for the suite, which I'm sure Niles managed to have changed at the last minute. I certainly didn't want me mum sleepin in the same room. I needed me privacy.
When I saw all of the romantic touches, it slowly began to dawn on me just how much trouble he'd really gone to for me.
"I'm ready." Mum said, making a grand entrance into the room.
"You look great, Mum." I said, tryin' to smile.
"I do, don't I?" Mum replied. She spread out her arms and turned dramatically; showin' off her black one piece swimsuit, wide brimmed hat and white beach cover up.
"Now, hurry and get dressed. Those eligible bachelors won't stay eligible forever!"
I rolled my eyes wishing I was in Seattle instead of this tropical paradise. This trip was turning out to be a disaster.
