“One day he was here, and the next he was gone.” Vickie reached up and touched the heart-shaped locket she wore around her neck, another gift from her husband. This one held a black-and-white picture of them on their wedding day. I miss you, Charles. Vickie’s husband had been her strength, her rock. Charles would know what to do with this situation, but he wasn’t here to ask.
She tapped her fingers on the desk, thinking things through. Should I sell the farm and downsize? The thought had crossed her mind several times since Ken’s shark attack. The profit Vickie could make by selling the farm would help pay Mandy and Ken’s expenses. From the looks of things, it would be a long time, if ever, before Ken could return to his duties on the farm. The sensible thing to do would be to sell it. But will I be able to give up all these memories? she wondered.
Vickie set the bills aside and sat on the edge of her bed. The responsibilities once shared with Charles fell on her shoulders now. What would Charles want me to do if he were here? Is there a way out for all of us? Vickie had to be the strong one and make some decisions on her own. She hoped she could make the right one and that if her husband was here, he’d be pleased.
CHAPTER 30
Middlebury
Ezra’s heart beat a little faster as he sat on the front porch of his parents’ home, holding an envelope. He’d picked up the mail for his mother and found a letter to him from Ellen. Of course, with mail coming from such a long distance, he figured it would take a longer time to get a response from her, but he’d almost given up.
Eager to know what Ellen said, he tore the envelope open and read:
Dear Ezra,
I was surprised when I got your letter. It was nice of you to write. I miss my family and friends, but it’s good I came to Kauai, because I’m needed here.
Ken is out of the hospital now, but he has a long ways to go in his recovery.
I’ve been working on the chicken farm with a young man named Rob. He seems to know a lot about chickens and many other things too. Several days ago we took a break from our work and rented some kayaks. It was hard to get the hang of it at first, but once I did, I had a lot of fun. Another time, Rob and I visited Spouting Horn, an amazing sight to see.
Take care, and please tell my family I said hello.
Sincerely,
Ellen
Ezra crumpled the letter in his hands. He’d hoped Ellen might say she missed him. But no, she’d mentioned some fellow named Rob.
His fingers tightened around the wad of paper. Is Ellen interested in this man? All this hope of us being a couple may be for nothing. I wish she’d never gone to Kauai. If I could, I’d go there right now and bring her home.
Kapaa
Mandy sat in the rocking chair next to the couch where Ken reclined. It was hard to believe it was the first day of September. Ken had been home from the hospital five days, and with each passing day, his short-fused nature, along with depression, increased. He wouldn’t take the pain medicine unless she forced the issue. Ken seemed to be holding in all his problems, along with the discomfort he had to deal with every day. Sometimes he acted worse than a cantankerous old grizzly bear.
She’d hoped the news of her pregnancy would help, but as Ken grumbled on about the future, he focused on his inability to do all the things he’d done before. It seemed that her being pregnant made things even worse, because Ken dwelled on what he wouldn’t be able to do once their child grew older.
She glanced at him, lying there with his eyes closed. Was he sleeping or trying to tune her out as he sank deeper into his own little world of misery?
Mandy swallowed hard, struggling to keep from crying. Nothing seemed right in their lives anymore. What had happened to all their hopes and dreams for the future? She missed running the bed-and-breakfast and struggled with the desire to see her family back home. With the exception of their baby’s arrival, there wasn’t much to look forward to in the days ahead. There was no doubt about it—her faith was being put to the test. The question was, could she rise above her worries and remain firm in her beliefs?
“Are you two hungry?” Vickie asked when she entered the room. “It’s almost time for lunch.” She stopped and looked at Ken. “Is he sleeping?” she whispered to Mandy.
“I’m not sure. His eyes have been closed for half an hour or so.”
“Maybe we should go into the kitchen so we can talk without disturbing him.” Vickie took a step back.
Mandy was about to respond, when Ken’s eyes snapped open. “I wasn’t sleeping, and I wish you two would stop talking about me.” He pulled himself to a sitting position.
Mandy flinched at her husband’s sharp tone. The old Ken would never have responded like that. I need to be more understanding, she told herself. I don’t know how I would act if I were in Ken’s position.
“I need to talk to both of you about something.” Vickie took a seat on the end of the couch by Ken’s feet. “I’ve done some serious thinking and praying and have made a decision about the farm.”
“What about it?” Ken’s face was almost expressionless.
“I’m going to sell it and buy Makaio and Luana’s bed-and-breakfast.”
Ken’s eyebrows shot up, and Mandy’s lips parted a bit.
“Why would you do that, Mom?” he asked.
“For one thing, by selling the farm it’ll take care of the rest of your hospital bills.” Vickie smoothed her hair back away from her face. “The B&B will also give us a nice place to live, while providing a decent income.”
“Have you spoken to the Palus about this?” Mandy questioned.
Vickie nodded. “They are willing to sell it to me on the contingency that our place here sells within sixty days. And since you and Mandy have had experience running a bed-and-breakfast, I believe it will be a good thing for all of us.”
“Humph! You really believe that’s gonna happen?” Ken placed his scarred arm awkwardly across his chest. “Not many people can afford to buy a place as big as this, not to mention all the work involved in raising the chickens.” He glanced down at the cast on his leg. “Besides, how much help do you think a cripple like me is going to be running any kind of business?”
Mandy wished her husband wouldn’t be so negative. The idea of living in Luana and Makaio’s B&B and helping run it appealed to her. Even though she wouldn’t be living near her family, she would enjoy the prospect of having a place of business similar to what they had in Middlebury.
“I am sure there will be many things you can do, Son.” Vickie touched his good leg. If nothing else, you can take care of the books and be in charge of all reservations.”
Ken grimaced. “Yeah, right—that’s just what I’ve always wanted to do. And what about all the indoor and outside maintenance? Someone will have to do that, you know.”
“Yes, I’m well aware. If necessary, I’ll hire someone for that.” Vickie rose to her feet. “It’s all settled, and I’m trusting God to work everything out. In the meantime, I’m going back to the kitchen to fix us all something to eat.” She smiled at Mandy and hurried from the room.
“We need to give this a chance,” Mandy said, looking at Ken. “If it’s meant for us to move to the B&B, then the farm will sell in two months or less.”
Ken’s only response was a soft grunt, then he closed his eyes again.
Mandy left the rocking chair and leaned over to kiss his forehead. If the farm sold, and they bought the B&B, Ellen would be there to help out—at least until after the baby was born. That was a comfort in itself.
Middlebury
Nora got down on her hands and knees to plant iris bulbs. She’d wanted to purchase some at the local market but hadn’t gotten around to it yet. Then out of the blue, Birdie Mitchell had stopped by the other day, with a whole box of bulbs. Birdie said she needed to separate her bulbs and Nora was happy to accept the gift from her English friend.
Funny how things work out sometimes, Nora thought as she used the small hand rake to pull more dirt out of
the depressions she’d made. Now I’ll have something to look forward to next year, when these flowers come up and bloom. Nora sat back on her heels and looked at the area where she’d be planting the bulbs. The irises, Birdie told her, were a bluish, purple variety and would add even more color to this flowerbed. The irises would fit right in because Nora had planted perennials, bulbs and self-seeding annuals so that she didn’t have to replant every year.
“I wonder how Ellen is doing.” Nora sighed and continued talking to herself. “I miss her and can’t wait until she comes home. I’ll bet she’s getting homesick and is anxious to get back to her family.”
Nora’s thoughts went to Ezra. Once Ellen comes back, it sure would be nice if she became interested in Ezra. He’s a hard-working, reliable man and would make a good husband for her.
As she covered each bulb with dirt, Nora smiled. Although Ezra hadn’t come right out and said it, she had an inkling his interest in Ellen was growing. Sometimes a person just knew these things.
Kapaa
Shortly before noon, Ellen was surprised when Mandy came outside and said she wanted to speak with her. “Vickie has lunch on the table, and she wondered if you and Rob would like to join us.”
Ellen smiled. “I’d be happy to, but Rob had an errand to run, so he’s not here right now. He’ll be ready to grab a bite to eat before he comes back this afternoon.”
“Oh, I see.” Mandy joined Ellen by the flowerbed she’d been weeding. While the chore had nothing to do with the chickens, it was something Vickie didn’t have time for, so she’d asked Ellen to do it. Working in the flowerbeds was something Ellen enjoyed, especially back home when she’d helped her mother plant different flowers around their house. “Did Rob let Vickie know he’d be taking some time off?”
Ellen shrugged. “I’m not sure, but I assume he did. If not, then I’ll let her know when I go inside for lunch.”
“Okay, but before we go in, I wanted to make you aware of something Vickie shared with Ken and me a little while ago.” Mandy slipped both hands into her skirt pockets. “My mother-in-law is putting the farm up for sale and hopes to buy Luana and Makaio’s bed-and-breakfast.”
Ellen’s fingers touched her parted lips. “Well, now, that’s a surprise.”
“I know. She’s doing it in order to pay Ken’s hospital bills and also to provide us with a home and a job.” Mandy placed her hands on her growing belly. “I never expected she would part with the farm, and I feel humbled by her generosity. Her husband’s organic business is important to Vickie, and she is making a real sacrifice on our behalf.”
“She wouldn’t do it if she didn’t want to.” Ellen placed her hand on Mandy’s shoulder. “How do you feel about this decision? Is helping run the B&B something you would like to do?”
Mandy rolled her neck from side to side, then reached up to rub a spot on the left. “I’ve given it some thought and believe it would be a good thing for us. But Ken is concerned he won’t be able to do much to help out. And until the baby is born, and I’m back on my feet, my help will also be limited.”
“Not to worry, my friend. As I’ve said before, I’ll stay and help out for as long as you need me.” Ellen was excited about the news Mandy had told her. She loved working at the B&B back home, and now she’d have the opportunity to work at the bed-and-breakfast she’d become familiar with here in Hawaii. I should give my parents a call and give them an update on everything. I’m sure they’ll understand my reasons for not coming home real soon.
CHAPTER 31
Holding a glass of strawberry-guava juice, Ellen entered her room at the Palms Bed-and-Breakfast and sat on the bed. It was hard to believe this was the first Thursday of November. She couldn’t understand how the last two months had gone by in such a blur. The farm sold the first week it was on the market; the sale of the B&B went through soon after; and Makaio and Luana moved to the Big Island to be with Aliana and her family.
The move from the farm to the bed-and-breakfast went well, with Vickie, Ken, and Mandy adjusting to their new positions. Vickie hired Rob to do the yard work and maintenance. Since Ken was still recuperating and Mandy wasn’t up to doing much, most of the indoor work fell on Ellen’s shoulders. She didn’t mind, though. Helping at the B&B was more enjoyable than working around chickens all day and cleaning smelly poultry buildings. Besides, this home was familiar and reminded Ellen of the days she and Mandy stayed with Luana and Makaio. It seemed empty without the Hawaiian couple, though. It had been a tearful goodbye when they’d left for the Big Island, knowing she might never see them again.
Ellen’s thoughts scattered when someone knocked on her bedroom door. “Come in,” she called.
The door opened, and Vickie poked her head inside. “If you’re not busy, I wondered if you’d like to help me decorate for Thanksgiving.”
Ellen smiled. “I’d be happy to.” Even though they had no guests scheduled to stay over the holiday, three couples were coming the week before Thanksgiving.
Vickie stepped into the room and shut the door. “I’ve said this before, but I want you to know how much I appreciate your willingness to stay and help out. I’m sure you’d rather be home with your family during Thanksgiving and Christmas.”
“This is the second time I’ve been in Hawaii during the holidays,” Ellen stated. “Mandy and I helped Luana decorate the B&B for Christmas while we were staying here.”
“How do your parents feel about you being here now?”
“Mom and Dad miss me, of course, but they understand. And I enjoy being here to spend time with Mandy.” Ellen almost added that she liked spending time with Rob, too, but kept those thoughts to herself.
Since Ellen and Rob both worked here, they saw each other every day. When things had been slow at the B&B, they’d gone on a few more excursions—one that included a trip to the lighthouse on the north end of the island. It had been fun, climbing to the top of the structure and looking out over the water. The Pacific Ocean looked enormous, making the Island of Kauai seem like a mere speck in the middle of it.
Pushing her musings aside, Ellen smiled at Vickie. “Would you like me to look through the boxes of decorations Luana left, to see what we can use, or do you have some of your own?”
“Mine are still in boxes we haven’t gone through yet, so if you’re able to find the ones Luana left, we’ll use those. But before you begin, can you tell me how much you know about Rob?”
“Not a lot,” Ellen replied. “Why do you ask?”
“Rob’s a hard worker, but he doesn’t say much, and whenever I try to engage him in conversation about something not work related, he clams up.” Vickie took a seat on the end of Ellen’s bed. “I don’t know much about him, other than that he’s Taavi’s friend and shares expenses while living at Taavi’s house. Rob seems honest and upright, but one can never be too careful.”
Ellen tipped her head. “What are you saying? Has Rob done something to make you not trust him?”
“Nothing specific. However, his personal life is a mystery.”
“Rob is a little private, even with me. But aside from that, he’s been living with Taavi awhile, and Taavi seems to think highly of him.”
“You’re right, but it seems like he might be hiding something.” Vickie smoothed the Hawaiian quilt on Ellen’s bed. “I didn’t have much chance to observe him when he worked at the farm. Now that Ken’s out of the hospital, and since Rob’s working here, I’ve had more opportunity to deal with him, and …” Vickie lifted her hand. “Oh, never mind. I’m probably being too cautious.” She rose from the bed. “Let’s get those decorations out now, shall we?”
“Of course.” As Ellen followed Ken’s mother from the room, she couldn’t help wondering if Vickie’s suspicions about Rob were legitimate. Could his unwillingness to talk about his past indicate that he was hiding something? If so, Ellen couldn’t imagine what it might be.
Ken sat on the lanai, watching Rob in the yard, hauling off a stack of limbs he’d cut from a
n overgrown tree. Ken could see their hired help had made good progress on the landscaping. Ken’s mother had mentioned the other day that keeping things neat as a pin would help bring in new guests.
Ken wished it could be him out there doing the chores. He felt useless, and wondered if he’d ever be able to work again.
Ken heard his wife indoors, humming a church song. She seemed happier since he came home from the hospital and they’d moved to the B&B. Ken had certainly put her through enough heartache, yet she always bounced back and kept a cheerful attitude—at least in his presence and probably for his sake.
Ken stared down at his hands—one good—one badly scarred. The attack could have been far worse, but it didn’t seem to help his situation right now.
What’s my purpose in life these days? Ken’s cast was off his leg, and the incision had healed, but he walked with a limp and relied on a cane. He could use his left arm for some things, but there was no strength in it. Even with therapy, he doubted he’d ever be whole again. How was he supposed to take care of his wife and baby? Would he spend the rest of his life watching Mandy work, while he gimped around, struggling to do the simplest things? And he’d never be able to surf again. Even if he could get up on a board, the thought of encountering another shark terrorized him.
“Oh, there you are, Ken. I’ve been looking for you.” Mandy placed her hands on his shoulders.
The Hawaiian Discovery Page 18
