“Don’t know. We’re checking on it.” Ben sat back in a chair and blew his breath out.
Yoshi stared at Lani. “Tell me what happened out there.”
Lani sighed. “It’s a long story.”
“It’s my lupus, isn’t it?” Rina asked with a calm note to her voice.
Lani nodded. “Partly. That’s the reason for the coral and orchid smuggling. He developed a compound that he called a cure.”
“It wasn’t, not really,” Rina said. “Whenever I quit taking it, I’d feel bad again.”
“He was obsessed with you,” Ben said.
Rina bit her lip. “He was my friend, always,” she said. “I knew he was always a little jealous of the men in my life, or any of my friends for that matter. He didn’t like how close Josie and I are. When I went to prison, he went to school nearby, got his medical degree, and set up his practice. He brought me money on every visit.”
“You met at Taylor Camp?” Yoshi asked.
Rina nodded. “We became close from the start. Jerry was always a little odd, but I liked him.”
“How did Ethan’s death tie in?” Yoshi asked. “And what about the way his place was ransacked? And Meg? I still have a million questions.”
“He killed Ethan to flush out Nancy,” Lani said. “He’d tried to find Ben’s mom for years and didn’t realize Ethan was her son until he met Ben and saw the resemblance to someone from Taylor Camp named Ash. He’d killed him and thought Ben was Ash resurrected.”
Rina gasped and put her hand to her mouth. “He killed Ash?”
Lani nodded. “And he wanted to punish Nancy for letting you go to prison when she could have given you an alibi.”
“I saw Natalie’s parents at the orchid farm. Pick them up for questioning. They’re involved. I’m sure they knew about the pearl,” Ben said.
“What pearl?” Rina asked.
“Jerry found a pearl in a coral cave that he intended to give to you,” Lani explained. “When he realized Ethan had stolen it, he had Kato search for it.” Lani remembered what Jerry had said about Nancy. Ben needed to know the truth. She took his hand where he sat beside her on the sofa. “Jerry said he killed your mother, Ben. And that her body would never be found.”
His eyes widened, and he sagged back against the sofa. “No,” he said. “That can’t be true. I never—” He gulped and stood. He rushed to the door.
Lani remembered how she felt the day her own mother never came home. She jumped up and hurried after him. Fisher followed her. When she stepped outside, she saw him mounting his bike.
“Wait, I’m coming too,” she called. She ran to join him.
He jerked when she touched his shoulder, then turned and pulled her into his arms.
“I didn’t think it would hit me like this,” he whispered in a choked voice. “She never loved me.”
She clutched him tightly and wished she could share the hurt. “Sometimes the relationships that are the most strained are the hardest to lose. You know there’s no second chance.” The words Ilove you hovered on her tongue, sweet and bitter at the same time. Her love might feel cheap to him. Her past might leach any comfort out of her words.
He nodded against the top of her head. His lips trailed across her hair and down to her forehead, then lingered along her cheek and finally found her mouth. His kiss held a tenderness she craved. She wrapped her arms around his neck and plunged with him into a maelstrom of emotion far above anything she’d ever felt. While she’d thought herself in love a time or two, she knew now her heart had never been touched. Ben owned it.
His hand became tangled in her hair, and his kiss deepened with promise and passion as pure and intoxicating as the flowers over their heads. Lani drowned in his kiss, reveling in the touch of his lips, the whisper of his breath on her face. She felt bereft when he pulled away, and she tried to burrow closer.
He cupped her face in his hands. “I love you, Lani.” His gaze searched hers, and he nodded finally, a slight smile curving his lips as if he’d found what he was looking for.
“It was you,” she whispered. “You were the man who changed my life. I hated you for a while.”
His tender smile broadened. “I’m the one who came to you and told you that Ethan was married,” he said. “Is that what you’re talking about?”
She nodded. “My life changed that day. I saw myself for what I really was, and I didn’t like the picture. It set me on the path to find Jesus.”
His eyes lit. “I didn’t know. I’m glad I had a part in that.” He moved to take her in his arms again, but she stepped back.
“Are you sure you can love a girl with a past like mine?”
“Your past is gone. You’re free from it, Lani. It’s buried in the sea. You’re the woman I want to marry. I want you to help me raise Meg. I love you.”
How could she believe it? “What happens when I’m home late from shopping or you don’t know where I am? You’ll remember what I was and wonder. Anyone would.”
“I won’t,” he said. “I know your heart, Lani. Say it.” His eyes crinkled at the corners as his smile widened.
She swallowed past the words clogging her throat. “I love you,” she whispered.
He scooped her up in his arms and twirled her around. “I knew it,” he crowed.
“Stop—your shoulder!”
“You don’t weigh anything,” he scoffed. He set her down and kissed her thoroughly.
Her bones dissolved, and her breath whispered away by the time he released her. “Are you sure you want to trust me with Meg?” she asked.
“I wouldn’t trust her with any other mother,” he said. “I want some of our own too.”
Her cheeks warmed under his smile. “I love kids,” she said.
He folded her in his arms again. “You’re the only family I have now,” he whispered.
Snuggled next to his chest, Lani couldn’t think of a better future than one shared with Ben. “Leilani Mahoney has a nice ring to it,” she said, smiling into his eyes.
His gaze sobered. “I’ll do anything to make you happy, Lani.”
Tears stung her eyes. A smile blossomed. “There’s just one thing I really want before I promise to marry you,” she said. “No, wait, two things.”
His eyes crinkled with laughter. “And they would be?”
She glanced at Fisher pressing against her leg. “You have to promise I can have Fisher. He’s mine.”
His chuckle came quickly. “Don’t you know even excops have to report extortion?”
She gave a mock gasp and put her hand over her heart. “It will be my engagement gift. I won’t ask for another thing.”
He bent his head to brush his lips against hers. “You drive a hard bargain, sweet girl,” he whispered. “But I think I can agree to that condition. What else?”
“I want to ride away from our wedding on your Harley.”
He gave a shout of laughter and swept her into his arms. “I suppose that’s with Fisher too?”
“Of course,” she said, smiling up into his face. “Whither thou goest, I goest, and so does my dog.”
“A fair deal,” he agreed as his lips met hers.
Epilogue
Amy Hanaiali’i Gilliom’s voice sang “Aloha No Kalakaua” from the speakers strewn around the garden. Hawaiian prints covered the tables, and long leis of leaves, ferns, and flowers ran down the middle of the tables. Tantalizing aromas of chicken and pork wafted from the imu, and Lani’s mouth watered. She realized she’d skipped lunch.
She lifted the train of her wedding dress and ran lightly over the sand toward where her bridesmaids stood under the arch awaiting the start of the wedding. Tiki torches enlightened the beach, and masses of orchids, ginger, and plumeria infused the air with fragrance. Sunset illuminated the water and beach with a pink and orange glow. It was a perfect night and a perfect setting for her wedding.
Lani reached her sister. “Sorry I’m late. I wanted to knock Ben sideways.”
Annie sq
ueezed her hand. “You will.”
Her father cleared his throat. He’d flown in the day before, but they’d hardly spoken other than during the rehearsal. “You look very beautiful, my daughter. I’m proud of you.”
She hugged her dad and forced back her tears. There was room in her heart to forgive him his failures. “Thank you, Father.”
Fawn hugged her. “Let’s get you guys hitched!” She and Annie were dressed in traditional holokus, seamed, loose-fitting dresses with yokes. The bright aloha patterns glowed in the tiki lights.
Lani’s stomach fluttered as the music ended and drums took over. Mano stepped to the front and blew the conch shell three times. Lani’s pulse kicked up at the melodious sound. Excitement surged through the audience as well. She smiled at her aunt, who sat with her head held high. Annie winked at Lani as she started out. Annie and Fawn proceeded down to join her brother, Tomi, and Mano under the gazebo. The men wore aloha shirts that matched the bridesmaid dresses over white pants and maile leis.
Lani had eyes for no one but Ben, looking so handsome in his white pants and loose-fitting shirt. Meg looked darling in her white dress as she dropped orchid petals along the path. She reached her uncle and grabbed his legs. “Gum!” she demanded in a loud voice. Laughter rippled through the gathering.
Ben slipped Meg a piece of gum and turned to catch Lani’s eye. As her father walked her down the path that led to Ben’s side, her heart felt so full she wanted to burst into song. Ben’s gaze never left her face. She drank in the love in his eyes, the tender smile on his face. He took her hand when she reached his side.
The warm pressure of his fingers steadied her. With her eyes fixed on his, she barely noticed her father’s words or what the minister said. She repeated her vows in a daze of love and happiness.
Then Ben lifted her veil, and they shared their first sweet kiss as man and wife. She clung to him, nearly drunk with the scent of him, the amazing devotion in his eyes. The crowd shouted when Ben finally let her go, and Lani buried her face in his chest.
“Let’s party!” Ben shouted. He swept her into his arms and whirled her around. Fisher ran around them barking and giving his happy whine.
“Party!” Meg said. Her uncle swooped her up to join Lani in his arms.
By the time everyone had hugged and congratulated them, the moon was out, casting a romantic glow over the reception. The music strummed out over the water. Tyrone appeared with his dog, Ranger. He slapped Ben on the back. “I wouldn’t say the best man won, but I’m happy for you, Ben. Sort of.” He grinned and grabbed Ben’s hand. “You take good care of her.”
“You can count on it,” Ben said.
Tyrone walked away, and Lani squeezed Ben’s hand. “I’m ready for that bike ride,” she told him.
“There’s one more surprise,” he whispered. He scooped up Meg, then motioned to Simi, who had been standing along the sidelines.
Simi fell into step with her. They were trying to reach his parents, but so far the red tape had been overwhelming. He smiled shyly when he reached Lani’s side. Her gaze went to his hand. “Looks like it’s back to normal.”
He nodded and flexed it. “No hurt.” His shy gaze met hers. “You very pretty, Miss Lani.”
She curtseyed. “Thank you, Simi. Please dance with me later.”
“Come with me,” Ben said. “You too, Simi.” He took her hand and led her toward the parking lot.
“What on earth?”
“You’ll see,” he said with a mysterious smile.
A blue Taurus pulled up as they reached the lot. Five people got out. Arlo exited the driver’s side. A Polynesian man, short and stocky, helped a woman out of the backseat and held her hand solicitously. Two children came behind them. The little boy looked like a younger version of Simi, and the little girl held his hand and scurried as fast as her short, plump legs would carry her.
Lani stopped and put her hand to her mouth. Simi hadn’t seen them yet. “Simi, look,” she said.
Then the little girl called to him. “Simi!” Her small legs pumped, and she jerked her hand out of her brother’s and ran toward Simi.
Simi turned at her voice. The look in his eyes would be a treasure Lani knew she would take out often and remember. “Go,” she told him.
Tears sprang to Simi’s eyes as he started forward. “Fa’e! Tamai! ”He shouted out the Tongan words for “Mother” and “Father.” “Fetina!” He scooped up his baby sister. She wrapped thin arms around his neck and kissed his cheek over and over.
His parents and brother reached him. They fell into one another’s arms, and tears flowed. “How?” Simi asked, turning to Ben.
“Rina is giving your father a job in the coffee business. She’s lost quite a bit of help. There’s a small cottage on the property where you can all live.”
“It is too much.” Simi’s tears came again. “Thank you.” He turned to Lani. “And thank you, Miss Lani. I never forget you. And Meg.”
“You’re family now,” Lani said, kissing his cheek. She, Ben, and Meg moved away to let the little family enjoy their reunion in private. Ben’s fingers gripped hers tightly as they strolled the perimeter of the laughing crowd.
A wind stirred and blew through the gathering. Lani’s fingers tightened on Ben’s, and her eyes blurred with tears. Her heart throbbed with a painful joy. Tradition said that wind at a wedding was the loved ones who had gone on to heaven rejoicing with the family. Lani wanted to believe her mother was approving Lani’s love for Ben. From the crowd, Annie glanced her way and smiled. It was affirmation to Lani that her mother’s breath of love was on her life.
“Your mother?” Ben whispered.
He always seemed to know her thoughts. She nodded. God’s aloha seemed to hover in the air, to whisper through her heart. Looking into Ben’s smiling eyes, she felt God’s blessing on their future. And she was content to leave it in his hands.
“I’m ready for that bike ride,” she said.
“Me too.” He led her to the bike with the sidecar attached. Annie ran to take Meg from her arms, and the guests gathered around to watch their departure. Fisher hopped into the sidecar. Lani had asked for special hooks to be added when her dress was altered so she could gather it up to ride safely. She hooked up the bustle and gathered the folds of the dress together, then hopped on the bike.
She put one arm around Ben and let go of her veil with the other as the bike sped away. She was free to love, free to laugh, free to leave her past buried in the sea. And God smiled.
Acknowledgments
Have I mentioned I love my life? Who would have thought God would take a simple country gal and give her the opportunity to work with my wonderful family at WestBow? I love them and appreciate them so much. Mahalo to my priceless editor Ami McConnell. You have such a gift for story. I’m in awe of the things you pull out of my books. Mahalo to Allen Arnold, publisher of WestBow. Your vision and passion drive us all to bigger and better things. Mahalo to Jennifer Deshler. Your creativity has to be experienced to be believed, and I love your belief in my books. Mahalo to Natalie Hanemann. You are a light in my day. Mahalo to Mark Ross and Belinda Bass for my awesome covers! You are the best in the business! Mahalo to my fellow Hoosier Lisa Young, Allen’s fabulous assistant. You smooth all the bumps in the road. And a big mahalo to my freelance editor Erin Healy. Girl, you make me look so good! The insight and polish you bring to my books can’t be repaid with money.
Mahalo to my agent and friend, Karen Solem. I thank God every day that he put you in my life!
I’m an e-mail junkie. E-mail me at
[email protected] and you’ll likely get a response back in minutes. My fellow Girls Write Out bloggers keep me sane and make the journey worth the work. Mahalo to my buddies Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, and Denise Hunter. Love you, girls!
A special mahalo to my friend Robin Miller. Your constant encouragement and belief in me bolsters me on the days when I think I should toss everything I’ve written. Mahalo for reading the manuscript a
nd pointing out where it stunk. And a big mahalo to Malia Spencer, my Hawaiian expert who has the good fortune to live in the islands. She catches the things only a Hawaii resident would know.
And always my very special mahalo to my family. To my wonderful husband, Dave: there has never been a more supportive husband than you. (Check out the T-shirt he bought with my face and the cover of Alaska Twilight on it at www.girlswriteout. blogspot.com). My son and daughter by marriage, Dave and Donna Coble, and my baby girl, Kara Coble, are part of everything I do. Don’t you just love the way your activities make it into my books? (Scuba; Harleys; tall, curly-headed guys; strong and beautiful women!) That’s what moms do. Love you guys.
And all my love and thanks to Jesus, who gives me wings.
Dear Readers,
Are you part of a bookclub? I love to talk with readers, and if you’d like me to call in when you’re discussing one of my books, email me at
[email protected] and we’ll arrange a time for me to call and answer questions. I look forward to hearing from you!
Colleen
An Interview
with the Author
Q: Midnight Sea is a thrilling, beautiful story—a real pageturner. Can you tell us what inspired you to write it?
A: I was legally blind before LASIK—I couldn’t even see the big Eon the board. My sight has always been a precious thing, especially since I love to read. And trust can be hard for all of us. When I was thinking out this story, I wondered what event could come into my life that would rock my world the most and make me question everything. Losing my sight came to mind immediately, and I began to think about how hard it would be—how it would affect everything about my life. I just had to explore that theme in fiction. Incidentally, it’s great to be able to see the clock in the night now since my LASIK surgery. I felt like Lani after her sight came back.
Q: Leilani has to wrestle with her disability over the course of the novel. Was it tough to write about a blind character?
A: It was very tough. I did things like move around my house blindfolded. One afternoon I sat in my chair with my eyes closed and just listened to what was going on outside my window—trying to see if I could tell what vehicle was rolling past and the age of the kids who were laughing as they walked home from school. The experience left me filled with admiration for those who live with a disability every day.