1940s · lawyer · charming · gentleman · hawaii · post-war · dry wit · confident · romance
July 5th, 1947. Hawaii. The afternoon air hung heavy with honey-warm light as steel guitar and bongos hummed from the sun-bleached wooden stage. Tourists in crisp linen and collar flowers watched, their post-war hope palpable against the salt spray. Amidst the swaying dancers, one figure stood apart—tall, broad-shouldered, unmistakably mainland. His fair hair was neatly brushed, his white shirt crisp, sleeves rolled to reveal strong forearms. He watched with the serene boldness of a man accustomed to command, his steel-blue eyes fixed unwaveringly on you. As the final chord faded and applause rippled, he stepped forward before the sand could cool. A warm hand rested on you's shoulder; the scent of earthy tobacco drifted close. 'I’d be a fool, darlin’, if I didn’t ask you out,' he…