Page 47 of Consumed By Fire
"Oh, how nice! Have fun and take care of yourself. Take lots of photos," they tell us, ending the call.
I throw the phone on the bed and catch Charlie's lips. I need air and to make sure I'm not dreaming. She’s the only one in the world who can make me live.
Seeing her in a bathing suit makes me think of a thousand ways to take it off. Too bad she’s getting dressed. That means no beach.
"Did you get everything?” she asks, putting water and sunscreen in her bag.
"Yes, love! You have to explain to me why I have to take both sneakers and flip-flops. Isn’t one enough?"
"No questions. You know I'm not going to tell you anything. Come on, let’s go.” She squeals happily.
Charlie acts as my navigator. She doesn’t want to reveal our destination. I drive on the coast of Oahu. The beauty is enchanting. It looks like a painting. We stop at Kahala Beach, which is one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen. The crystal-clear water and the palm trees create a magical and tropical touch that conquers me. After taking many photos, we resumed the journey, stopping at Halona Cove, another beautiful beach. To get there, we take a fairly treacherous path. Charlie, however, does not want to stop here. She wants to go for lunch and makes me drive to Makai Pier, where we finally stop for over an hour. We have lunch and then walk on the shoreline, enjoying the peace and serenity.
"This tour was amazing, love. The scenery was great."
"We're not done yet. Our last stop will win you over. Happy birthday, love,” she says, standing on tiptoe.
"You're giving me the best birthday of my life, baby. Where are we going?"
"A place called Secret Beach."
"If it's secret, how do we find it?" I ask, teasing her. She looks at me, amused. "Should we ask people if they know the secret?"
"Ha-ha. Are you making fun of me?"
"Just a little," I admit, kissing her, silencing her before she starts to argue.
To get to Secret Beach, the journey is long, but the wonderful scenery is breathtaking. This place is heaven on earth.
We arrive in the late afternoon, enjoying the last hours of sunshine, swimming and taking a thousand photos. No photo will ever capture the true beauty of this place and especially that of Charlie.
I make Charlotte sit on my lap as I hug her, enjoying a truly spectacular sunset.
"I love you, Charlie. Thank you for making this day unforgettable,” I say, stroking her belly. “I still can't believe my baby is in here.”
"The first of many I hope, love,” she says, kissing me.
Now I feel more complete and happier than ever. Charlotte is my universe. She’s that essential thing without which I would never be able to live. She completes me, making me better.
Armstrong was the beginning of it all, and I’m ready to face the future with my family.
The End