Consequences

panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Claire’s favorite amenity was the large private lanai. It included a daybed, dining table for two, and lounge chairs. Tony explained that they would have the suite for the entire stay but they would also spend a few nights on other islands. Tony now understood that Claire enjoyed sightseeing, so he planned excursions for Kauai, Oahu, and the Big Island.
    Kauai’s spectacular cliffs, canyons, rainforests, and picturesque beaches took them two days and one night of exploration. Claire treasured being on Lumahai Beach, the place where “South Pacific” was filmed. In her mind she could see Mary Martin singing. Tony arranged private sea tours. They saw spinner dolphins, monk seals, green sea turtles, as well as natural wonders, the Na Pai Coast, open ceiling cave, and Honopu Valley Arch.
    The day they spent on Oahu, they arrived early on an inter-island plane, rented a car, and Tony drove them around the island. They reverently visited Pearl Harbor, walking hand in hand and reading plaques and names. Tony drove them up Pali Highway through trees and dense forest vegetation until the city below disappeared and they found themselves in the clouds. It was Nuuanu Pali Outlook. They could see the Koolau Cliffs, amazingly lush coastline, and mountain peaks all from the stone terrace one thousand feet above the Oahu coast. The view was spectacular.
    That evening they returned to Lanai for more private and sensual explorations. Neither of them moved fast or needy. Instead, they both were thorough, sensual, and loving. The sea breeze and sound of the surf provided the ultimate aphrodisiac, and their lovemaking went on and on.
    On the Big Island they enjoyed a two-hour helicopter tour of Volcano Park. This was a first-time experience for both of them, and they found the process of creation and destruction thrilling. Claire couldn’t help remembering the volcano on Mount Etna in Sicily, also active. In one year she witnessed two active volcanoes erupting violently, yet without peril. Something told her she was pushing her luck.
    The pilot explained to them that Pele, the Volcano goddess who lives in the volcano, is very unpredictable. It could continue to erupt for another one hundred years or it could quit tomorrow. Claire nodded her head, she understood unpredictability.
    After the helicopter tour they spent a few hours hiking the trails that took them directly into volcanic craters, scalded deserts and rainforest, and a petroglyph. She read about them but to be in a volcanic tube exhilarated her. Another Big Island activity Tony insisted they complete was to walk on the Black Sand Beach. Claire didn’t think she would like black sand, sand, after all, is supposed to be white, but it was unusual and magnificent. Removing their shoes, Claire felt the warmth of the black sand under her feet. She’d expected it to be hot. Actually, she’d experienced hotter white sand in Florida, another unpredictable conclusion.
    Christmas day they spent on Lanai in their suite. Claire was prepared for the holiday this year. She had a gift for Tony, an exquisite d. Freemont Swiss watch which she’d purchased on Rodeo Drive in October. If he had seen the bill he hadn’t said a thing. On Christmas morning he acted surprised and delighted. Claire knew how he appreciated punctuality.
    Also planning ahead, Tony had a gift for Claire. However, his gift wasn’t as extravagant. Actually, it was very basic and left her speechless. He placed it in a slightly larger black velvet box, the kind that might contain a necklace. At first, she thought he forgot, but his grin indicated a scheme. “It isn’t jewelry, so I thought I could use a black box, but if you don’t want it . . .” He started to take the box back.
    Smiling, she said, “No, I want it.” She pulled the box toward her, her curiosity getting the better of her. She lifted the lid to reveal a basic calling and texting only cellular telephone. Previously, she opened velvet boxes to lavish diamonds and gold that didn’t move her like this inexpensive cellular phone.
    Watching her emerald eyes glisten Tony decided the accompanying lecture could wait. Claire felt like she received the milestone of liberties. It was a wonderful Christmas. That night, lying on the daybed under the stars, they listened to the sound of waves in the distance. Completely relaxed, spooning against her husband, Claire’s mind went back to a snowy afternoon in Tony’s