Chapter 180: PDA, Big Capital P
** Harper **
Harper assumed that they’d be on their way to yet another tropical landmark. A waterfall in a jungle, perhaps, or a plumeria garden filled with ivory and pink blossoms. But as the bus slowly traversed the scenic coastline, keeping them occupied with announcements and stories of the island until it came to a stop high up in the mountain valley, she was unprepared to find that they had arrived at ... a lavender farm?
"Thought I’d try somewhere slightly less ’Hawaiian’, after all the tropical overdose." Eli chuckled at her surprised look. "And you might just be pleasantly impressed ... Turns out that you don’t have to go to France to see one of the most beautiful lavender fields. Come."
He took her hand again and led her off the bus. The gesture was so natural that it felt like they were just another pair of lovestruck couples going on just another romantic date ... if one could ignore a whole bus of coworkers staring intently into their backs.
Oh well. That was probably an inevitable outcome of being on a company-funded honeymoon vacation. Harper hid a grin, following him closely down the steps and to the entrance of the farm.
The moment they reached the gate, though, it became immediately difficult to continue entertaining the thought about any coworkers, staring intently or not — because Eli was right, who knew that such a gorgeous scene easily rivaling southern France was tucked in such a hidden corner, in one of the last places one would think of to resemble Europe?
Rolling waves of soft purple tumbled across the field, a dreamy contrast to the vibrant island colors. After getting so used to the wild blue ocean, the gentle sea of tiny flowers and silver green leaves was a stunning shock to the eye, and for a moment, Harper nearly forgot where she was. It was like walking into a postcard of Provence, where even the wind carried the sweet scent of French floral perfumes.
Only the backdrop of jagged emerald mountains reminded her that this wasn’t Provence, because only here would such a fairytale beauty blend so seamlessly into a vivid tropical paradise.
"Approved?" Eli sounded smug by her side. Justifiably so. "May I join the fair lady for a stroll, if she likes the view?"
Oh yes. Absolutely yes.
He led her forward, and Harper followed in a heartbeat, stepping into the purple sea. A light breeze stirred through the field, playing with the hem of her dress, and she wondered which was sweeter, the subtle fragrance of the flowers wafting in the air or the soft and warm gaze in Eli’s eyes.