Winning Back His Ex's Wife's Broken Heart by Hayley

Chapter 102

Sarah

pov.

I wasn't sure what to expect when Richard suggested a hike. Hiking wasn't really my thing; I usually liked my exercise in a nice, controlled environment-like a gym or a quick run.

But seeing his excitement, I couldn't resist. There was something about Hawaii that made me feel open to anything, like there was no room for complaints or doubts here. So, I laced up my shoes, determined to give it a shot.

"Ready?" he asked, flashing me that grin that always made my heart skip a beat.

I rolled my eyes, pretending to be annoyed, but inside, I was as excited as he was. "Lead the way, mountain man."

As we started up the trail, the forest around us was lush and alive, thick with towering trees and the scent of wet earth.

Birds chirped somewhere above us, and sunlight filtered through the leaves, making the path ahead look like something out of a storybook.

I glanced over at Richard, wondering if he felt the same thrill, that quiet amazement that made you want to just... be still and take it all in.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" he said, as if he could read my mind.

I nodded. "I've never seen anything like it. Everything feels... I don't know, like it's alive in a way I've never noticed before."

"Yeah," he said, smiling down at me. "Nature's got a way of doing that."

We walked in comfortable silence for a while, just soaking up the peace around us.

Every so often, I'd feel his hand brush against mine, and each time, it sent a small thrill up my spine. It felt good to be close to him like this, without a care in the world.

Eventually, we reached a small clearing, where we could see the ocean far below, a stretch of blue that seemed to go on forever. I leaned against a tree, catching my breath and taking in the view. "Reminds me of home, in a way," he said, his voice quiet.

"Home?" I asked, curious.

"Yeah," he replied. "Well, not exactly like this, but Grandpa lived near the water, so it's kind of... comforting, I guess."

I smiled, imagining a younger Richard, maybe running along the shore or watching the waves like he was now.

you were when you were younger." I said, turning to

until middle school before our fathers became friends and we knew each

looking a little embarrassed. "A bit of a troublemaker, to be honest. Always

laughed, trying to picture it. "I can't imagine you being anything but this...

smirking. "I had my

to know you've got a bit of a rebellious side," I teased, poking him playfully. "Might come in handy one day." He laughed, shaking his head. "And what about you? Were you always so...

rise up. I'd always tried to keep things together,

quietly. "I guess I've always felt like I had

softening. "Enough? Sarah, you are more than enough. More than anyone I've ever

"It's just... sometimes I feel like I'm always chasing something. Like I have to prove myself, to everyone. Even to

have to prove anything to

him, it felt safe to let down my guard, just for a moment. "Thank you," I

deserve the world, Sarah. And if I have to spend the rest of

my shoulders. "I don't know what I'd do without you," I murmured, my

find out," he replied, kissing the top of my head. "I'm not going

***

a while, we continued up the trail, our steps slower, our voices softer. It was as if we'd crossed an invisible line, one that brought us closer,

found myself telling him stories about my childhood, things I hadn't thought about in years-the time I got lost at the zoo and cried

out to see a midnight movie with his friends, the trouble he got into for stealing his

a little troublemaker," I teased, bumping him with

I

than I had in ages. "Yeah, I

take in the view. The entire island spread out below us, a patchwork of green and

feeling a sudden urge to just... hold him, to pull him close and never

I said, my voice

don't have to thank me,

him, pouring every feeling I had

suspended in this perfect, beautiful moment. When we finally pulled apart, I felt a bit breathless, my heart pounding in my chest. I looked up at him, smiling, feeling a little silly but too happy to care. "You're amazing, you know that?" I said, my voice barely

chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "Right back at

started down the trail, still holding hands, both

like I was floating, caught in the afterglow of that kiss,

to say something, my foot slipped on a loose rock, and

gasped,