Finn ran toward his nephew and swooped the boy into his arms before he was swallowed by a wave. Gabi followed into the edge of the water.
Kai laughed with joy and kicked. “I want the waves,” he said.
“Not when you run in without me,” Finn said. “Back to the beach.”
Finn carried him back to the sand. “Now show me the right way to go into the ocean.”
Kai gave a heavy sigh. “Take me with you into the ocean, Daddy Finn,” he said and offered his hand.
Finn nodded and took Kai’s hand. “Let’s go.”
Gabi watched as the two of them plunged into the surf. Finn lifted Kai as the waves plunged over them. Kai chortled with glee and pleasure. He was clearly a water child.
Gabi couldn’t help enjoying watching his fun with the waves. He was a natural.
Finn lifted Kai over and over, and only allowed him to experience a dunking now and then. Finally, Finn dragged Kai ashore. Kai looked water-logged, but, oh, so happy.
Finn tossed the boy up into the air and both laughed. The sound and sensation was so infectious she couldn’t stop herself from laughing, too. The joy of the moment was too much. Everything inside her bubbled up to overflowing. She couldn’t remember ever feeling this way.
When Finn set Kai down, Gabi instinctively extended her arms and the boy rushed toward her and hugged her. She relished the sensation of his sweet, warm, little-boy body.
Kai pulled away then rolled in the sand.
Finn winced. “Kai, now you’re going to need a shower before you can even go in the house.”
Kai jumped up and down. “When can we go into the waves again?” he asked.
“In a day or two,” Finn said. “You wear me out. Let’s get something to eat.” He pulled Kai into his arms and walked toward the house.
Gabi followed them inside. Nanny Alani still sat in the kitchen.
“I fixed some poi,” she said. “And I can stay over tonight.”
“Are you sure?” Finn asked. “You said you were more tired than usual.”
She shrugged. “Like I said, I have an appointment next week. It will help that I’m here instead of going back and forth to my house.”
“If you’re sure,” Finn said.
Gabi sat down to eat with Finn and Kai. The meal was different, but delicious. She enjoyed chatting with Finn and Kai.
Suddenly, she realized she hadn’t checked her phone in quite a while. She reached for her small purse, but her cell was missing.
Finn must have read the expression on her face. “What’s wrong?”
“I can’t find my cell phone. It’s missing,” she said, checking her purse another time.
“Are you sure?” he asked. “Let me check the car.”
They looked everywhere—the car, the kitchen—but it was nowhere.
Gabi panicked. Her mind reeled with anxiety. What if she’d lost it? What if she couldn’t respond to her clients? She and Finn looked for another half-hour and she grew more frantic.
“I don’t know what to do,” she said. “I must have my phone. I must have it.”
Finn stared at her, his expression filled with understanding and a shade of disappointment. “Take it easy. We haven’t finished looking.”
“Take it easy?” she echoed. “I’ve spent the past year trying to work this deal, and it could blow up in my face right now.”
“It’s next to the swing,” Kai admitted. His sweet face was sheepish. “I didn’t want you talking while we swimmed.”
Relief rushed through her, and she and Finn rushed to the swing. Gabi spotted her phone and picked it up, seeing the message light blinking. She took a deep breath. “This could have been a full-blown disaster,” she said. “I don’t know what I would’ve done if my phone was actually lost.”
Finn patted her shoulder. “Hey, no one’s life was in danger. It’s not that big of a deal.”
“It is to me,” she said. “I’m sorry if you don’t understand that.”
Finn paused for a long moment, his easygoing nature suddenly gone. “Okay. I’m going to take a shower and get ready for the event tonight.” Though Gabi wasn’t part of the wedding rehearsal, the reception hall would be opened up to all the guests after dinner wound down.
“Thank you. I would appreciate it,” Gabi said, still tense. “I may not have much time to spruce up, but you’ll look great as usual.”
“That’s my job,” he muttered. “Looking great for you.”
* * *
IT DIDN’T TAKE Finn long to shower and get dressed. He escorted Gabi into the Jeep and drove down the mountain toward the resort.
During the drive, Finn struggled with his emotions. He knew that Gabi was an amazing woman, but her reaction to Kai hiding her cell phone bothered him. At the same time, he understood it. Years ago, he would have gone over the edge if someone had swiped his cell. Communication was too important to lose. Her response, however, just pointed to a huge reason why he’d better not fall for her. The only thing he could say in her favor was that she hadn’t taken out her frustration on Kai. Still, he could tell she’d had to rein in her emotions.
“Any important messages?” he forced himself to ask.
“Just a couple,” she said, and pushed her hair from her face.
It was obvious she was still upset. “Have you responded?” he asked.
“I’m working on it,” she said.
He paused and took another approach. “Can I help you?”
He felt her silent surprise.
“Maybe,” she said quietly. “Thank you for the offer.”
“Don’t make excuses. Just tell them you’ll take care of them as soon as you can,” he suggested.
“Do you think I should mention that I’m attending my brother’s wedding?” she asked.
“It depends if you want to keep your job and personal life separate. Sometimes when you draw your clients into your private life, they become more invested, but it’s a tricky road. Some clients like having the inside information,” he said, although he usually preferred to draw a line between his business and personal lives.
She frowned. “I don’t think my clients need to know everything about me.”
“Good for you,” he said and shot her a glance.
“Then why did you suggest it?” she asked.
“Just in case,” he said.
“In case what?” she demanded. “In case I want to share everything with my clients?”
He smiled. “You proved my point.”
“What point?”
“That you know how to set important boundaries. Sometimes when you’re working a hard deal, it’s tough to do that.” He knew that Gabi was trying to prove herself to everyone in the world through her career. He wished he could help her make the leap to understanding that there were so many things in life more important than a job.
She frowned again. “Sometimes it sucks to be on call this much.”
“That’s something worth thinking about,” he said. Although he had a strong feeling Gabi might one day value people and relationships over her job, he was pretty sure it wasn’t going to happen now. With him.
* * *
AS SOON AS Finn pulled into a parking space, Gabi tore off toward her room. “I’ll see you as soon as I can,” she said. “I won’t be beauty-pageant beautiful.”
“No worries. What kind of drink can I get you?” he asked.
“Could you wait fifteen minutes, then order a glass of white wine for me? I have a feeling my father may quiz me about work,” she said.
“I can help with that,” he said, but Gabi was already running.
Out of breath, she strode into her room and immediately turned on the shower and stripped. She took three and a half minutes to quick-wash her b
ody, shampoo, condition and rinse. Outside the shower, she toweled off and plastered her hair into a messy bun at the back of her head.
She put on some of the organic tinted moisturizer, blush and lip gloss. Then she curled her eyelashes and colored them with mascara. Gabi refused to over-study the finished product as she pulled on her undergarments and a long sundress.
Taking several calming breaths, she grabbed her room key and stepped outside her door to find Finn leaning against the wall with a glass of wine. Her heart jolted.
“Well done,” she said
“I was thinking the same thing,” he said, and put a flower in her hair.
“Thanks.” She was touched both by the flower and the wine. She took a sip. “How does the party look?”
“I don’t know everyone, but it looks like things are a little chaotic,” he said.
“What do you mean?” she asked as they walked toward the reception hall.
“I don’t know. There’s a weird vibe,” he said.
“Really?” she said, curious. “What makes you say that?”
“The bride seems a little out of whack. Plus, her parents are here and apparently her father has brought his latest babe. She looks to be the same age as the bride,” he said.
Gabi’s heart sank. “Oh, no. That can’t be easy for Cara.”
“I thought you didn’t like her,” he said.
“I never said that. I just said I wasn’t sure about how she would do with Nick’s daughters.” Gabi felt a stab of guilt. “But I wouldn’t have wished this on her and Nick. Nick mentioned something about her parents’ multiple marriages. This can’t make her feel good.”
“There you go, being thoughtful again,” Finn said with a chuckle.
“I’m really not that thoughtful,” she said.
“Agreed. You’re a total wench,” he said dryly.
She couldn’t help smiling. “We’ll see about that,” she muttered as they walked toward the banquet room.
She stepped inside. The tables were dressed in fine linens, with flowers adorning the tops. Wedding guests milled about sipping cocktails and wine. A half beat later, her brother appeared in front of her.
“Have you seen Cara?” he asked, looking worried.
Gabi shook her head. “I just got here. Is there a problem?”
Nick raked his hand through his hair in obvious frustration. “She left the party a few moments ago. She’s upset because of her father.”
“He brought a teenager with him,” Gabi said.
Nick managed a half smile. “Not quite, but close. And Cara’s mother is wigging out.”
“Because it’s all about them instead of her. Right?” she said.
Nick sighed. “Yeah. I need to find her. If you see her, let me know. Right now, I’m not sure this wedding is going to happen. And Gabi, I really need her in my life.”
CHAPTER FOUR
“WELL, THAT STINKS,” Gabi said after Nick left.
Finn nodded. “I can see why the bride would be upset.”
“Me, too,” she said, frowning at him and taking a small sip of her wine. “I wonder if I should try to find Cara.”
Finn shrugged. “I don’t know. What does your gut tell you?” he asked.
“Hmm,” she said. Her gut was twisting with regret. “I’ll look for her. Keep your cell phone handy.”
Gabi turned away from the party and walked to the beach. Following her instincts, she headed east across the sand. Gabi spotted a figure in the distance and walked in that direction.
Several steps later, she saw that the figure was a woman. Her future sister-in-law was sobbing. Gabi rushed forward.
Cara looked up and met her gaze. “Why are you here?” she asked almost defiantly.
“I’m just taking a walk on the beach,” Gabi said with a shrug. She was lying, but she tried not to overthink it.
“Oh,” Cara said, and looked as if someone had popped her balloon.
“What are you doing here?” Gabi asked.
Cara sighed. “Escaping my parents. They’re both drama queens. I don’t know who’s worse, my mother or father. My father brought a woman—or is she a girl? The fact that she’s so young is driving my mother crazy.”
“It just makes him look like a fool. It has nothing to do with your mother or you,” Gabi said.
“You think so?” Cara asked.
“I know so,” Gabi said and sat down beside Cara.
With the breeze blowing over them, Gabi and Cara breathed in the sea air.
“Sometimes I wonder if I can be a good wife,” Cara said. “I wonder if I can stay married.”
“Because of your parents?” Gabi asked.
Cara nodded. “My father is a complete disaster and my mother isn’t much better.”
“Just because your parents are a disaster doesn’t mean you are, too,” Gabi said.
Cara slid her a glance. “Are you sure you believe that?”
Gabi took a deep breath and answered honestly. “In the beginning, I was afraid you wouldn’t love Nick’s girls the way they needed to be loved.”
“And now?” Cara asked.
“Well, the truth is I think I’ve underestimated you. I’m very impressed that you’re taking a class, to learn to help parent the girls.”
Cara sighed. “I’m actually terrified. I want to be good, but Megan is so incredibly perfect. At the same time, she’s encouraging me to marry Nick. How can someone be so perfect?”
“I guess she can’t help it,” Gabi said, and they both laughed. “But I know my brother wants and needs you in his life. I hope you’ll stay.”
Cara’s expression softened. “Thank you for coming to see me.”
“Go see Nick. He’s desperate for you,” Gabi said.
Cara’s eyes filled with tears. “I hate to make him feel sad.”
“Then go make him feel happy. You’re very good at it.”
Cara gave her a long, deep hug then stood. “Thank you. I always thought you didn’t like me.”
“I think I was afraid to like you, but I don’t feel that way now.” Gabi stood and gave Cara another hug. “Happy wedding and marriage to my fabulous brother. He’s a lucky guy.”
“Thank you,” Cara said. “Thank you so much.”
Gabi and Cara walked back toward the resort. Just as they approached the sidewalk, Nick appeared, out of breath.
He stopped directly in front of Cara, his gaze totally fixed on her. “Are you okay?”
Cara took a deep breath. “I’m fine. I just needed to escape from my parents for a little while.”
Nick took her hands in his and his expression was so full of longing that Gabi felt as if she shouldn’t be watching the moment take place. It was so private, so emotional. “Next time you need to escape, let me run away with you,” he said.
“Oh, Nick, I love you,” Cara said and flew into his arms.
Gabi felt her eyes grow misty at the sight of them. “I, uh, need to go to the restroom,” she muttered and quickly walked away. She was pretty sure her brother and his bride-to-be had been unaware of her during that moment. Gabi supposed that was the way it should be if one was truly in love.
She walked toward the party and immediately spotted Finn chatting with her mother and father. Her stomach clenched. Oh, goody. One potential disaster after another.
Mentally girding herself, she walked toward her parents and Finn. “There she is,” Finn said, and opened his arms to her.
She walked into his safe embrace. “Hi. Are you having a good time?” she asked, nodding toward Finn and her parents.
“Mostly,” her mother said and frowned. “Nick and Cara have been missing.”
“I think they’ll be back soon,” Gabi said.
“Wh
at do you know?” her mother demanded.
“Nothing really,” Gabi said. “They’ll be here soon enough.”
“It’s about Cara’s father,” her mother said. “Isn’t it?”
Gabi stifled a sigh. “This whole celebration should focus on Cara and Nick, not anyone else,” Gabi said.
Her mother nodded. “You’re completely right.”
“Speaking of priorities, have you been in touch with your clients?” her father asked.
Gabi clenched her teeth. “I sure have. One of our best clients is begging for the organic products.”
Her father frowned. “You know that kind of thing takes time. It’s very expensive to deliver a new line.”
“Then why have we been teasing them?” Gabi asked.
“We’re not teasing,” he said. “We just don’t want to do anything unprofitable at this point.”
“Well, I’ve sent samples to the drugstore buyers and I’m waiting to hear back. I think if we don’t step up soon they’ll choose someone else. I’ve done what I can do,” Gabi said. “You’re going to have to make a decision. I can’t stall much longer.”
Gabi met her father’s gaze and felt the tension between them. Something about the last few days had made her stronger and bolder. Was it Finn?
“Don’t take too long,” she said, and turned to Finn. “I’d like to dance.”
“Works for me,” he said and nodded toward her parents. “Excuse us.” He led her onto the dance floor.
“Your father’s mouth is hanging wide open. He’s still trying to figure out how to respond to you and what you said about your new line.”
“It’s not my new line,” she said. “But I wish it was. The research and development department sent me over a dozen samples. They’re over-motivated because my dad’s the CEO.”
“Maybe you should share them tomorrow and ask people to give their opinions. It can’t hurt,” he said, spinning her around.
Gabi stared at him. “You’re right. Perfect. But that means I need to go back to my room to figure out the distribution.” She winced. “Maybe I should bow out of this dinner.”
“Maybe I could help.”
She looked at him in surprise. “Really?”
Island Promises: Hawaiian HolidayHawaiian ReunionHawaiian Retreat Page 18
