“Sure, no problem. Mom’s in the living room. If you wanna visit her, I’ll put the box on the kitchen table.” Melvin leaped off the porch before Nora could say thank you.
She entered the living room and found Miriam on the couch, her foot encased in a special boot-like apparatus and propped on a stool. “How are you doing?” Nora took a seat beside her friend. “Are you able to put any weight on your fuuss?”
“Jah, but I still have to wear this cumbersome boot and use my gricke.” She gestured to the crutches leaning beside her against the sofa.
“I bet you’ll be glad when your foot has healed and you can get back to doing everything you did before the surgery.”
“I’m counting the days.” Miriam frowned. “It’s hard to sit in one spot and look out the window when I want to do things in the garden.” She repositioned her booted foot. “I’ve never been one to sit around.”
“Just give it some time. You’ll get better before you know it.”
“How are things at your place?” Miriam asked.
“I painted the bathroom yesterday but need to put things back in place later on today.”
“You’re a busy gal, for sure.”
Nora smoothed her dress. “I brought everything to make supper for your family. But is there anything else I can do for you while I’m here?”
“I can’t think of anything right now. Sadie and her mamm came by yesterday and did the laundry. They also picked produce from my garden.” Miriam shifted her leg again on the stool. “The day before that, the bishop’s wife and two other ladies from our district came over and did some cleaning. And lots of folks have brought in food.”
“It’s nice to be a part of a caring community.”
“That’s for sure. One of our English neighbors said she knows many people who aren’t fortunate to have good friends and neighbors.”
Nora’s forehead wrinkled. “I can’t imagine how that would be. The friendships we’ve established in this community are tried and true.”
Miriam reached over and patted Nora’s arm. “Jah, and they even reach all the way to Hawaii. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your daughter going there to be with Mandy. It’s meant a lot to her and me as well. It’s hard to be away from family—especially when there’s a need.”
Nora nodded. “I miss Ellen, but she’s where she needs to be right now.”
Kapaa
Ellen headed for the house. She and Rob had worked up quite a thirst, and she’d told him she would get them something cold to drink.
She looked down at Mandy’s boots and noticed how dirty they were. She would clean them later, but for now she just removed the boots before going inside.
When Ellen entered the kitchen, she heard muffled sobs coming from the adjoining room.
She stepped into the dining room, where she found Mandy at the table with her head down and hands up to her face. Her sobs tore at Ellen’s heart.
“What’s wrong?” She placed her hands on Mandy’s trembling shoulders. “Has Ken’s condition worsened?”
Mandy lifted her head and took a deep breath. “I took a home-pregnancy test. It was positive.”
Ellen pulled out the chair next to her friend and sat. “Congratulations! Aren’t you excited?”
“I am, but with Ken still in serious condition, this news is bittersweet.” Mandy pulled a tissue from her skirt pocket and blew her nose. “I can’t even tell him he’s going to become a father.”
“Maybe not now, but when he gets better.” Ellen rubbed her friend’s shoulder.
Mandy’s gaze lowered. “You mean, if he gets better. What if Ken loses his arm, or his leg never heals properly and he can’t work again? What if—”
“There you are, Ellen. What’s takin’ so long with the water?” Rob marched up to her with hands on his hips. “I’m dyin’ of thirst. What happened—did ya decide you’ve had enough work for the day and quit on me?”
Ellen ground her teeth together. Doesn’t Rob see how upset Mandy is? She was tempted to give him a piece of her mind, but she didn’t want to upset Mandy any further. I quit working for Dad because Ezra was so bossy, and now I’m stuck dealing with Rob. Seems I may have gone from a hot kettle into the fire pit.
CHAPTER 21
Seeing Ellen’s face tighten, Rob realized he’d spoken too harshly. He pulled off his baseball hat and laid it on the nearby counter. Boy, I’m sure not being careful about my tone. Think I’d better lighten up. He glanced at Mandy and noticed her red face and tear-stained cheeks. “Are you okay? Is your husband worse?”
She sat, seeming to collect her thoughts. “He’s the same as before.” Mandy rose from her chair. “Excuse me. There are some things I need to do.” She glanced at Ellen, then fled the room.
Ellen stood too. “I’ll get your water, Rob.” She headed for the kitchen and he followed.
“That’s okay. I’ll get it, Ellen.” Rob made a beeline for the refrigerator, took out two bottles of water, and handed one to Ellen. “Sorry for speaking in a harsh tone to you when I first came in.”
Ellen took a drink of water before she spoke. “I appreciate your apology.”
“I shouldn’t have been so demanding.”
She nodded.
Rob wondered if she was still upset. Her eyes avoided his as she fiddled with the ties to her cap, looking everywhere but at him. He opened his bottle and drank all of it, then took a seat at the table. “Mind if I ask you something?”
“Not at all.” Ellen looked at him.
“How long are you planning to stay on the island?”
Ellen pulled out a chair and sat across from him. “I’ll be here for as long as Mandy needs me.”
“Is everything okay with her today? When I saw her in the dining room, it seemed like she may have been crying.”
“Mandy’s going through a rough time. A lot of people are praying for her and Ken, so I’m trusting God that everything will work out.”
He fingered the checkered tablecloth. “Do you believe in the power of prayer?”
“Yes. Don’t you?”
No. God let me down when I needed Him the most. Rob kept his thoughts to himself. Pushing the chair aside, he stood. “I’ve had enough of a break. How about you? Are you ready to get back to work, or would you rather stay inside for a while where it’s cooler?”
“I’m ready too.”
“Okay, great.” Rob raced for the door and held it open for her. Ellen offered him the sweetest smile. “Thank you, Rob.”
Mandy lay on her bed, staring at the slow-turning ceiling fan. Learning that she was expecting a baby should have been a most joyous occasion, and she felt guilty for not being more excited.
What will Ken say when I tell him he’s going to be a daddy? I’m sure Vickie and my folks will be glad to hear this news.
Mandy touched her stomach. It was amazing to think a new life was growing mere inches from where her hand rested. Ken and I will become parents in less than nine months. She rolled onto her side. Why did I encourage him to go surfing with his friends? Mandy had twisted and turned that horrible day into so many different scenarios. But going over and over it didn’t change what had happened.
Mandy had looked forward to the day she would surprise Ken with the news that they were expecting their first child. It would have been so special—just the two of them, alone and uninterrupted. Mandy’s dream never included her husband lying in a hospital bed before learning he was going to be a father.
So many decisions fell on her now, but she didn’t feel up to making any of them. All Mandy wanted to do was sleep. Despite her exhaustion, she couldn’t turn off her concerns.
Mandy sat up and lifted her Bible from the nightstand. She turned to Isaiah 41, which she’d marked with a peach-colored ribbon. She read verse 13, which was underlined: “I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.”
She clutched the Bible to her chest. Help me, Lord, to remain calm and remember You
r blessings.
Mandy got off the bed. She needed to get back to Ken and relieve his mother. First, she would call her parents and leave a message. She wanted to give them an update on Ken and share the news of her pregnancy.
Later that evening as Ellen cleared the supper dishes at the bed-and-breakfast, she thought about Rob and how nice he’d been to her this afternoon. She couldn’t get over how he’d apologized for acting bossy—and the pleasant way he’d spoken to her as they worked in the chicken house.
Nothing like Ezra. He was never pleasant to work with. Ellen didn’t know why she was comparing Ezra to Rob. There was no chance of a relationship with either of them. Ezra wasn’t her type, even though her mother spoke highly of him whenever the opportunity presented itself.
If Mom knew I was interested in Rob, who’s English, she’d say I should nip it in the bud.
Well, Mom need not worry. There’s no chance of me developing a relationship with Rob either. When I leave Kauai, Rob will go on with his life, and I’ll return to mine in Middlebury. Ellen had to admit she felt drawn to Rob, even though she didn’t know much about him.
Determined to concentrate on the job at hand, she grabbed a spoon and put the leftover green beans in a plastic container.
Ellen glanced at Luana, busy loading the dishwasher. I wish I could tell her about Mandy’s pregnancy. But it’s not my place to say anything. Mandy will share the news when she feels ready. Ellen put the beans in the refrigerator. Mandy hadn’t even told Ken yet, which was sad, because her husband should have been the first to know. Ellen could only imagine what it felt like to be in her friend’s position.
“You’ve been quiet this evening. Even the jokes Makaio told at the supper table didn’t make you laugh,” Luana mentioned when Ellen handed her a few more dirty dishes. “Are you tired from putting in a hard day at the farm?”
“Not too much. It was a pretty easy day. I’m just worried about Mandy and Ken.” Ellen wet the dishrag and began wiping the kitchen table.
“We’re all concerned, but worry won’t change a thing.” Luana folded her hands. “Remember the remedy for worry?”
Ellen nodded. “Prayer.”
“Exactly.”
“I’ve been sending up lots of prayers since Ken became injured, but sometimes worry creeps in.”
“How well I know. I’ve had plenty of things to worry about over the years. But fretting never changed any of my circumstances. All it did was stress me out.”
“I felt that way when Mandy and Ken moved to Kauai and I was left to run their B&B. At first I thought it was only temporary. But when they decided to sell, my stress level increased.”
Ellen finished wiping the table and put the dishrag on the drying rack. “I enjoyed my responsibilities at the B&B and wanted to buy their business. But of course I didn’t have enough money for even a small down payment.”
Luana tipped her head. “Does Mandy know you wanted to buy it?”
“No. I saw no point in telling her, since I couldn’t afford it. I’m just glad for Mandy and Ken’s sake that it sold right away. At least they don’t have to worry about mortgage payments anymore. They probably didn’t get much from the equity they’d built up in the two years they owned the B&B, but whatever they made should help pay some of Ken’s hospital bills.”
Luana poured detergent into the proper receptacle and closed the dishwasher door. “I hope they don’t have to use any of it. They’re going to need money for their future. Who knows—if Vickie should decide to sell the farm, Ken and Mandy might want to buy a house of their own.”
“Do you think they would move back to Middlebury?”
“Unless Vickie were willing to move to the mainland, I doubt they would leave her.” Luana pursed her lips. “If that brother of Ken’s had stayed here instead of running off to California because he couldn’t deal with his dad’s death, Vickie would have all the help and support she needs.” She shook her head. “I doubt Ken will be back to work anytime soon.”
When Vickie entered the house, she found Mandy on the couch, holding her cell phone. She turned to face Vickie with raised brows. “I’m surprised to see you. I assumed you wouldn’t come home until I returned to the hospital.”
“Ken’s asleep, so I decided to get a few things done here before I go back.”
“I thought we were taking turns.” Mandy placed the cell phone in her lap.
“That was the plan, but the nurse gave Ken a pretty strong sedative, so there’s no point in either of us being there right now.” Vickie studied her daughter-in-law’s pale face and red-rimmed eyes. “We both need a good night’s sleep in our own beds tonight. Do you agree?”
“It would be nice, but …” Mandy’s voice trailed off.
Vickie took a seat beside Mandy. “Is something other than Ken’s situation bothering you?”
Mandy gave a slow nod. “I have some news.”
“Oh? Is it about the farm?”
“It’s about me. I took a home-pregnancy test earlier today. It was positive.”
Vickie sat several seconds, letting her daughter-in-law’s words sink in. Then she pulled Mandy into a tight hug. “That’s wonderful! We needed some good news.” She dabbed at the tears trickling down her cheeks. “Have you told your folks?”
“I called a few minutes ago and left them a message.”
“Ken’s going to be so excited about this when he wakes up and you share the good news.” Vickie leaned in closer.
Mandy shook her head. “I’m not going to burden him with this right now.”
“Burden him? What do you mean?” Vickie bit down on her bottom lip. “Knowing he’s going to be a father will give my son a reason to get well.”
“You heard the doctor say Ken has a long recovery ahead. I don’t need him worrying about me.” Mandy clasped Vickie’s arm. “Please don’t say anything to Ken about my pregnancy. I should be the one to tell him, but not till I feel he’s ready.”
“You’re right, it is your place to give Ken the news, but I hope you won’t wait too long.” Vickie didn’t understand Mandy’s reasoning, but she would keep quiet and let Mandy do the telling.
CHAPTER 22
Lihue
Mandy sat beside Ken’s bed, looking at the book about Hawaiian customs she’d purchased in the hospital gift shop. If Kauai was to be her permanent home, she wanted to know everything about its origin, the ways of the people, and anything that might be of interest. If her parents or any of her friends or extended family in Indiana ever came to visit, she would share her knowledge of the island with them.
Mandy longed to be with her family, although it did help to have Ellen with her.
Sighing, she set the book aside and placed both hands against her stomach. I wonder if Mom and Dad will come when the baby is born. It would be wonderful to see them. Since it wouldn’t be considered an emergency, they wouldn’t fly, but maybe they’d come by boat.
She glanced over at Vickie, dozing in her chair. At least Ken’s mother will be here to see her new grandchild when it’s born.
“Mandy …”
She jerked her head in Ken’s direction, pleased to see his eyes were open. She leaned close to his bed and clasped his right hand. “Wh–where am I?”
“You’re in the hospital.”
“What day is it?”
“July eighth. You’ve been here for thirteen days.” Mandy squeezed his fingers. “Do you remember what happened?”
“Yeah. It was a shark that got me, but everything’s kinda fuzzy.” Ken moved his head from side to side. “How bad am I hurt?”
Before Mandy could respond, Vickie woke up, wide-eyed. “Oh, Ken, it’s so good to see you’re fully awake.” She left her chair and moved closer to the bed, then leaned down to kiss his forehead.
“Hi, Mom.”
“How are you feeling, Son? Are you in much pain?”
Ken grimaced. “Yeah.” He looked back at Mandy. “How bad are my wounds?”
“There are lacer
ations on the left side of your body that include your arm, side, and leg.” Mandy blinked to keep from shedding tears. She needed to remain strong for Ken’s sake. “You’ve had surgery on your arm, and your leg will be next. It’s been a slow process due to an infection that set in.”
“Guess I’m in a real mess. Not worth much to anyone right now.”
Mandy lifted Ken’s uninjured hand and kissed it. “You’re worth the world to us. We’re so happy you’re alive.”
“Taavi and Rob told us what they saw from the shore. What do you remember about the attack?” Vickie questioned.
Ken groaned and closed his eyes for a few seconds. “I’m not sure how accurate it is, but this is what I remember: I was on my board, getting ready for a big surge. Then I saw Taavi and Rob waving at me and pointing. I thought they were trying to tell me the huge wave I’d been waiting for was coming. But then I felt a bump against my board.” Ken paused, sweat beading on his forehead.
“It’s all right if you don’t want to talk about it.” It was hard for Mandy to see her husband’s pained expression.
“It’s okay.” He took a deep breath. “After the bump, I was knocked into the water. As I swam toward my board, a fin surfaced. Then the shark came toward me.” Ken looked at Mandy, his eyes wide with fear. “It was like it happened to someone else when the shark took a bite out of my arm. I felt numb—no pain, as I fought back, kicking and punching at him. Then the shark pulled me under, biting into my side, and shaking me like a rag doll. When I saw blood rising to the surface, I thought for sure I was a goner.”
Mandy’s throat constricted. She tried to imagine the horror of what Ken went through.
“When I kicked at the shark, its sides felt like cement,” he continued. “It had to be a miracle, because the shark gave up and let go. But in my exhaustion and with the loss of blood, I couldn’t even swim. If it hadn’t been for Taavi and Rob, I’d have either drowned or bled to death.” Ken groaned as his eyes glazed over. “The whole time I kept thinking, ‘I’ll never see my family again.’ ”
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