Mano followed her. “It’s going to be okay. He’ll be home again before you know it.” He hesitated. “Be prepared for a dishonorable discharge though.”
She pressed her fingers to a pain at her temple. “I don’t even want to hear what Father says about it.”
“Where’s Leilani?”
“Out with friends.” If he kept staring at her like that, she was going to melt. There was a new awareness between them, so many things left unsaid. She longed to hear them, but the thought made her catch her breath at the same time. “I’d better get dinner started.”
“I’ll help you.”
She never before realized how delicious anticipation could be. They walked together to the kitchen, and she let herself imagine doing this with him every night in their own home. Don’t go there. She jerked back from the thought as if from a river of lava. She set him to chopping vegetables.
Mano set the table, then plopped onto a stool at the counter and watched her fix the beef stir-fry. “Smells good.”
“I don’t know where Father is,” Annie said, glancing at the clock on the wall. “He should be home by now.”
“Maybe he heard about Tomi in town.” He looked around. “Are you safe here?”
Annie tried to smile. “For now. But the lava is moving this way. There’s no telling if it will pass us by or destroy the land. But it looks like we’ll be moving on to another home regardless. We’ll be okay. God is in control.” She went to the phone. “I’ll call Father.” She dialed her father’s cell phone number, and her father answered. “Father, dinner is ready.”
He sounded flustered and annoyed. “You’re interrupting my research, Annie. I had a pizza delivered.”
She took a deep breath. It was time she made her stand. “Fine, we’ll eat without you. But I’d appreciate it if next time you’ll be delayed you give me the courtesy of a phone call.”
From the silence on the other end of the phone, she knew he was taken aback by her rebuke. “I may be gone when you get back. Mano’s here, and we may go for a drive or something.”
Her father began to sputter, but Annie said good-bye and clicked off the phone. “I did it,” she said. Her shoulders straightened as twenty pounds—maybe fifty—rolled off. “Let’s eat.”
Mano’s grin spread across his face. “I am Annie, hear me roar.”
She laughed. “Or at least meow.”
He squeezed her fingers and pulled her chair out for her. She was conscious of his gaze on her throughout the meal. “You’re staring,” she finally said as they had their coffee.
“You’re so beautiful.”
She was beginning to believe he saw her that way, miraculous as it was. No snappy answer came to mind, so she just stayed quiet.
“Let’s walk down by the water,” Mano said. “I have something I want to say to you.”
Was she ready to hear it? Her heart told her yes, but her head was still afraid of disappointing him. He deserved so much more than she could give him. His warm hand enveloped hers, and he led her toward the door. Wilson zipped out under her feet and ran ahead of them to the water.
They walked down to what Annie thought of as “their rock.” She perched on it, then patted the spot beside her. Wilson took her invitation and hopped up onto her lap, then burrowed under her shirt. Mano knelt in front of her. Her pulse began to gallop. Was he going to propose? If he did, what would she say?
But instead of speaking, his big hands touched her right foot. He pulled her shoe off and cradled her foot in his hand. His hand was so large, her foot lay perfectly in his palm. She tried to pull it away out of sight, but he shook his head and held tightly. A shock as profound as if she’d touched a live current of electricity raced through her when his fingers traced the scars on her instep.
Then he leaned down and pressed his lips to the scars. “Even your feet are beautiful,” he whispered. “Don’t ever be ashamed of all that you are, Annie. I know in our lives we may disappoint one another, but it is all to make us grow together. You’re the finest, most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. I love every part of you, every knock and hard spot that made you the person you are today. I’m never letting you go. Say you’ll marry me. I’m not sure what job I’ll be doing, but I’ll always take care of you.”
What could a woman say to a proposal like that except the word that sprang to her lips? “Yes,” she whispered. Mano’s arms drew her into an embrace, and Wilson poked his head out of her shirt. Annie thought he’d growl or bark to see Mano crowding his space, but the mongoose licked Mano’s face. “I think he approves,” she whispered. “That’s a kiss.”
“Yours are the only kisses I want,” Mano murmured as his lips found hers.
Words used in this series
aloha (ah-LOW-hah): a warm Hawaiian greeting or parting; love, grace, sentiment, compassion, sympathy, kindness, affection, friendship; to show kindness or to remember with affection.
haole (hah-OH-lay): white person. Can be a slur depending on tone.
keiki (KAY-kee ): child.
ki’i (Kee-ee): the stone statues similar to tiki.
’ohana (Oh-HAH-nah): family.
onolicious (oh-no-LI-cious): A variation of ofono, the Hawaiian word for good.
mahalo (mah-HAH-low): thank you. Heard everywhere in the islands, even when something is announced on the loudspeaker in Kmart.
makuahine (mah-koo-ah-HEE-nay): mother.
makuakane (mah-koo-ah-KAH-nay): father.
tûtû (too-too): grandma.
tûtû kâne (too-too KAH-nay): grandpa.
Reading Group Guide Available
at www.westbowpress.com
Acknowledgements
I had some great help with my research for this book, though as always, any errors are mine. The Big Island of Hawai’i is a fascinating place with so many different climates and areas. Some wonderful establishments gave us lodging at a reduced rate.
We loved the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. In fact, Hilo was my favorite city on the Big Island. It’s very laid back and the people were friendly. The hotel looked out on a beautiful lagoon, and we stood on the balcony and just drank in the view. We highly recommend it. And while you’re there, stop next door at Uncle Billy’s restaurant. It feels like a place straight out of an Elvis movie with thatched cabanas.
Jessica Ferracane at The Fairmont Orchid welcomed us to our first stop on the west side. The Fairmont Orchid is this glorious, old-world kind of place with lavish rooms and grounds and a bed to die for. The beach area is great for kids, and outside huts boast enjoyable spa treatments. Heaven! I highly recommend it.
Leanne Pletcher made our stay at the Hilton Waikoloa a delight! It’s a destination unto itself ! A tram takes visitors around the extensive grounds, and there’s so much to do, you may never want to leave. (Resist the temptation, though, and make sure you explore all of Hawai’i.) The room was fabulous, and Leanne presented us with a chocolate concoction that looked like a flower. We loved our stay there and highly recommend it.
There is one activity at the Hilton Waikoloa you won’t want to miss—Dolphin Quest. We actually swam with the dolphins and saw how they are trained. One of the dolphins I met was named Nani! I asked to have my picture taken with her, and you can find that photo on my Web site. Being with the dolphins was an almost spiritual experience. Patrick McLain Jr. answered my many questions about dolphins and was a great help in the research for this book.
David Warganich welcomed us to the Chalet Kilauea. We stayed in the Lokahi Lodge, a charming bed-and-breakfast in the rain forest at the volcanoes. It was a home away from home, and our hosts were very gracious. Highly recommended.
My research at the volcanoes was fascinating! The men and women who study volcanoes are dedicated and brave.
Steve Brantley at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory took an entire morning to answer my questions and show me around the observatory. It was so captivating, I didn’t want to leave! Thanks so much, Steve.
He also put me in touch with
Gordon Tribble, who has done some underwater research at the volcanoes. Gordon gave me tons of information about diving to the volcanoes and the hazards involved in that. Thanks, Gordon!
Several writer friends proofed Hawaiian details for me. Special thanks to Hawaii resident Malia Spencer and former resident Carrie Turansky.
No story reaches its potential without good editors. Much as we’d like to think we can do it ourselves, the truth is that if you read a great story, it’s because that author had great editors. I have the best out there. Ami McConnell at WestBow Press has a great eye for characterization and the deeper meaning behind so many things in the finished product—from the cover to the narrative. She helps me dig deeper and strengthen the theme and characters. I’m also blessed to work with Erin Healy, who catches everything and helps me make sure the plot and characterization hang together right. I don’t know how she does it, but I’m so grateful.
I’m so blessed to be part of the entire WestBow team: Allen Arnold, Ami McConnell, Jenny Baumgartner, Amanda Bostic, Lisa Young, Scott Harris, Jennifer Deshler, and Caroline Craddock. Thanks, everyone!
My agent, Karen Solem, is many things in my life—friend, mentor, seat-of-the-pants-kicker, and cheerleader. Thanks, Karen!
My family has been a huge part of the Aloha Reef series. We have gone on two research trips to Hawai’i, and my children, David Jr. and Kara, are my sources for details about diving and fish. My husband, David, is my biggest fan and patiently researches with me and helps in my writing from editing to plotting. Love you all!
Writing used to be a lonely business. My critique buddies and friends, Kristin Billerbeck, Diann Hunt, Denise Hunter, and Carol Cox are my confidantes, encouragers, and brainstormers extraordinaire. I couldn’t do without them. Thanks, girls!
I can’t believe all that God has done in my life, and I praise him for it. This has been a journey so worth taking with him at my side.
THE ALOHA REEF SERIES
ALSO AVAILABLE FROM COLLEEN COBLE
AN EXCERPT FROM
Alaska Twilight
Stalwart, Alaska. Population 301. Haley Walsh laid down her itinerary and looked down from the small plane in which she flew to see its shadow moving over the treetops—a forest of spruce, birch, and alder. Snow melted in puddles and revealed muddy land springing to new life in the lengthening days. Then the shadow caressed Stalwart, a tiny collection of cabins and storefronts. Even though it was April, the temperature wasn’t more than forty degrees in this Land of the Midnight Sun, though she’d heard tomorrow would be warmer.
“It says here that Alaska has ten million lakes and a hundred thousand glaciers,” Haley’s grandmother said. At seventy years of age, Augusta Walsh’s blue eyes sparkled with warm liveliness and curiosity. Most people guessed her age to be in the fifties, and her blond pageboy made her look like an older Doris Day, a resemblance she generally played to the hilt. “There are immense areas that have never had a human footprint, and thousands of mountains that have never been climbed.”
Augusta’s awed pronouncements just served to deepen Haley’s fear. She swallowed hard and tried not to look down at the vast wilderness that yawned below her. The plane dipped, and the lake below grew closer, then the tiny craft touched the water. The plane glided to a stop beside a rickety pier that jutted into the water like an accusing finger.
“Let’s go, go, go,” Kipp Nowak bellowed. Everyone in the plane jumped at the sound of his foghorn voice, but he either didn’t notice or didn’t care. Only five feet five, his voice was the only large thing about him. Bruno Magli boots encased his small, slender feet, and his dark hair had been spiked into a careless style that would have suited a twenty-year-old but just deepened the lines around Kipp’s blue eyes. He looked better on film than in real life.
Haley had watched his documentaries on TV for years. His antics with bears in Yellowstone had captured the American imagination for nearly a decade. Now she was going to take pictures of his next adventure herself. He’d maintained his adventurer’s image by picking them up in Anchorage and piloting them out here himself. She settled back against the seat and pulled her camera, a Nikon f/5, up to her face. She adjusted the aperture to compensate for the glare of the glass, then snapped a few shots at the wilderness outside the plane. The familiar whir and click of the camera made her feel less out of her element, though her hands were still clammy.
“That’s it, boys and girls. Your last glimpse of civilization for now.” Kipp rubbed his hands together. “For the next few weeks, bears will be your companions. I’ve been here for a month with Tank Lassiter to get the lay of the land as the bears emerged from their dens. Now that the wildflowers are ready to bloom, it’s time to shoot. There are a couple of bears I’m eager to show you yet today.”
No one said anything. They all knew better than to get Kipp started on his hobbyhorse. Haley shivered. Was she strong enough for this? Staring out the window at a wilderness that seemed to go on forever, she struggled not to give in to her doubts. She lifted her chin, then moved to get out of the plane.
Haley had consulted several Web sites before purchasing Seven jeans, a long-sleeved Rebecca Beeson T-shirt, and a Timberland wool shirt and jacket. The layered outfit was supposed to keep her comfortable no matter what the weather might do. She wore rubber Wellington boots, and though they weren’t as stylish as she would have liked, they would keep her dry. She wore a pair of thin wool socks over her regular socks as well, because a local in Anchorage told her the temperature might well drop to the teens tonight. She liked fashion, but she knew better than to let it dictate her choices totally. Functionality was key in Alaska. She remembered that much.
“I thought we’d land in town,” Augusta said. She looked around the clearing. “This is nowhere.”
Kipp swung open his door. “We have plenty of supplies, so I didn’t want to waste time in town. It’s to our north, and the bears are to our south. This area is sheltered, and our plane can float here with no problem. We’re in a good central location.” He got out of the plane and moored it to the dock.
The rest of the crew began to clamber out of the plane. Haley rubbed slick palms against her jeans. She turned her head and felt the blood drain from her face, leaving her vision swimming. The barren trees were still devoid of leaves, and the starkness struck her with an ominous sense of lifelessness. She clawed at her camera and brought it up to her eyes. Adjust the aperture, focus, center the photo. The familiar tasks gave her perspective. The camera whirred as she snapped too many pictures to count. The action gained her enough emotional distance to ease her ragged breathing.
Augusta touched her hand. “Don’t look at it yet,” she whispered.
Easier said than done. Her hands shaking, Haley lowered the camera. “I’ll be okay in a minute. It just caught me by surprise.”
Augusta cupped Haley’s face in her hands and looked deep into her eyes. “I’m so proud of you. You’re brave enough to face it now.”
She was in her Doris Day encouragement mode. Haley was in no mood for it. “I’m not being brave,” she said. “I want my movies, my friends, the malls, and especially my powdered donuts. This is not my idea of a good time. I’m only here because my shrink said this would help bring closure, so I’m going to see it through. If I reconnect with Chloe, maybe the nightmares will stop.”
Augusta’s brilliant smile faded, and she dropped her hands. “God would help you more than ten shrinks.”
They’d been over this a thousand times. Haley decided not to make it one thousand and one. She began to gather up her belongings. She slung her knapsack of photographic equipment over her shoulder, then grabbed her single suitcase and the carrier that held her dapple dachshund, Oscar.
Oscar yelped at the sudden movement and began to bark to be let out. Haley soothed the dog. She was thankful when Augusta grabbed her suitcase and exited onto the weathered pier without saying another word. Haley followed. Uneven ground was difficult for her to navigate, and the mud didn’t he
lp as she struggled to exit the plane.
She found her balance, though, and took in the scene. The lake was surreally blue, as blue as Augusta’s eyes. Haley stared at the amazing sight and the stand of spruce on the other side. Such a wild, untamed place. She shivered again. The lake and river drained into Cook Inlet to their south, and this airy forest with new moss and sprouting ferns appeared to be the end of the world. She opened the carrier and let Oscar out to do his business. The miniature dachshund dashed out and went to nose a patch of green breaking through a dwindling patch of snow.
Haley listened. The sound of rushing water and the chatter of birds overhead roared louder than any freeway noise. It pressed down on her like a heavy blanket. Vaguely familiar scents assaulted her as well—the last vestiges of melting snow, mud, wet moss, and the decay of last year’s vegetation. It might appeal to some people, but for her, it just drove home the truth that she didn’t belong here. She’d rather smell other humans and hear the sounds of civilization. She hurried to join the others among the litter of suitcases and boxes of supplies at the end of the dock.
“Ah, it’s good to be back,” said the producer-cameraman, Denny Saumik. “I grew up in Alaska, you know.” His voice held a trace of Alaskan accent, an almost toneless quality. It looked like someone had put a bowl on his black hair, then cut it with jagged scissors. The small, smile-shaped scar above his left eye made him look like he was on the verge of asking a question at any moment. A tiny bear carved from some kind of bone hung from a rawhide string around his neck.
She hadn’t known what to make of Denny at first. He never shut up. Her ears still rang from listening to him all the way from the Anchorage airport. But he was friendly, and had immediately made her feel part of the team.
She dared to invite more conversation. “When were you here last?”
“About two months ago. My base is here, though I’m gone much of the year. I pop back now and again.”
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