Page 56 of Whispering Waves

Nina held up her hands. “Too early for a test, but all signs are yes.”

Melina grinned. “Juice it is. Come on, let’s get settled.”

They sat at the table while a housekeeper got the wine distributed, and Nina’s juice arrived first.

She watched Drake sip at the golden wine, and he smiled. “This is really good.”

Pika smiled proudly. “Thanks. When the boys asked us what we wanted, we said we wanted a vineyard, so they set us up here. It has been an amazing retirement.”

Melina nodded. “The only thing we had to worry about was the boys. Keanu had Ayan as a companion, but Kimo was all alone with his chickens.”

Kimo grinned. “She likes the chickens. She’s trying to name them.”

Melina looked at Nina in concern. “You know that they occasionally become dinner, right?”

“I know. But having been there for a few days, I understand that we may lose signal, and if I need to watch something for entertainment, I can turn them into a telenovela if I have put in the groundwork.”

Melina chuckled. “Fun. So, how did you meet Kimo?”

“Um, I was over at the research station and having dinner with my brother and the other guys. They were grilling, so that apparently summoned the owner of the island. I have a living mark on my back that coincides with Kimo’s special interest, and he offered to help me get my scuba situation sorted.”

Pika smiled. “How unlike him.”

Kimo grinned. “I can be generous with my time.”

Melina rolled her eyes. “All your life, you just wanted to be left alone. Oh, do you have plans for a nursery?”

Nina shrugged. “Not on my part.”

Kimo nodded. “I have a few ideas and some queries to contractors.”

Melina looked at Nina. “Why don’t you have any plans?”

“First, I am pretty sure but not positive that the next generation has started. Second, it isn’t my house.”

Kimo frowned. “Yes, it is.”

“Well, there are five more weeks on my tourist visa, and then I go home.”

Drake sighed. “She isn’t kidding. She is alarmingly rule-following. She will even swim to the ferry station if you don’t take her. She’s funny that way.”

Kimo sighed. “Immigration is on the main island of Wonder. We don’t have an office on Blackridge as the entire span is privately owned.”

She looked at him and shrugged. “Figure it out. Fast.”

He blinked and slowly grinned. “Yes, nymph.”

Pika looked at him and laughed. “Smart man. I am so proud.”

Melina rolled her eyes. “Nina, did you meet with your grandparents today?”

Their little group froze.

Melina said, “Uh-oh. That is why you needed a hug?”

“Yeah. They loved meeting Drake, though; that’s great. He needs proper family.”

Drake looked at her. “You are my proper family. They can go fuck themselves and enjoy the process.”

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