Page 65 of Beloved Beauty
“My father hasn’t been well. It’s more serious than we thought, and my mother refuses to leave his side. They won’t be able to travel for the wedding.”
My breath catches.
“Oh, Malie––”
“I haven’t told Aleki. He’s close to his grandparents, and I don’t think he’ll take it well.”
She swallows, her eyes locked on the mat between us. “He’ll smile and say it’s all right, he understands. But I know him, Magnolia. He’ll tuck it away—quiet and deep—and carry it in silence.”
She lifts her gaze, steady and soft. “That’s how he is. You need to understand that about your husband. How he conceals his pain.”
My chest aches because she’s right. Alex isn’t a man who outwardly shatters. He folds quietly and without complaint.
I reach for her hand, holding it. She doesn’t cry, but her silence is loud.
“What if we bring the wedding to them?”
Her eyes lift, wide and disbelieving.
“We can do one ceremony here as we planned. Then we can go to Samoa and do it again with your parents and everyone there.”
She stares at me, and a huge smile blooms. “You would do that?”
“Of course.”
Her fingers tighten around mine. And when she leans in to kiss my forehead, I feel her breath against my skin.
“Oh, lo’u afafine, you are such a blessing to our family.”
The words settle in my heart.
And just like that, Malie and I decide—together––without Alex.
The mat we’re weaving won’t be for the Sydney ceremony. It’s only fitting for it to be for our second wedding in Samoa.
For the part of Alex’s soul that lives on the island.
For the family that shaped the man I love.
For all the people who deserve to see him stand in his joy.
We roll up the mat and place it in its secret resting spot, then settle on the back patio with glasses of chilled white wine in hand. Something crisp and dry, a variety that pairs well with good company and warm air.
She takes a sip, then angles her head toward me with a look that’s all mischief and knowing.
“Tell me about the girl with the clever mouth and lion’s heart. The one always locking horns with Elias.”
I laugh into my glass as I take a drink. “Violet. She’s coming to Sydney for a six-month job assignment. Alex made a quiet call and pulled a few strings to make it happen.”
Malie arches one brow. “So your fiancé has matchmaking talents now?”
I grin. “I’m leaning more toward a heart too big for his chest.”
She nods at that because she knows exactly what kind of man she raised.
“What does Violet hope to gain here?”
I hesitate for a beat, wanting to answer her honestly—but also wanting to protect what’s still unfolding between Violet and Elias. It’s not my story to tell. But I can share what matters. What’s real.
