Page 78 of Big Island Horizons
She took a step back. “Do you need space?”
“No, that’s not what I mean.”
“It’s okay if you do. If you don’t want me around this much, I mean.”
“Are you kidding?” His smile was tired, but it was warm and sincere. “I love it. I should get shot more often.”
“That’s not funny.”
“You’re right.” He shifted on the couch and winced in pain. “Once was enough.”
“I didn’t mean to smother you. If you want some time to yourself–”
“Lani,” he interrupted her, “I love having you here. I just meant that you don’t have to wait on me. I don’t want you to feel like you have to make up for anything. You don’t owe me anything.”
“I just want to take care of you,” she pleaded.
His grin was slow and warm. Not so long ago, the love that she saw in his eyes would have frightened her. Now, she felt simultaneously steadied and buoyed by it.
“Well, I won’t say no to that. But once you’ve made us some tea, would you sit here with me and relax?”
“Sure.” Some of the tension went out of her muscles. She smiled and let out a tired sigh. “That sounds nice.”
There was a knock on the door, hardly audible above the noise of the lawnmower outside.
“Are you expecting anyone?” Lani asked.
Tenn shook his head. “Probably a neighbor with a casserole.”
“You did make headlines.” Lani tried to keep her voice light, but her stomach still twisted at the memory. She gave him a sickly smile and then went to answer the door.
When she saw Emma’s face, she immediately burst into tears.
“I’m sorry!” Emma hurriedly set down the bags she carried and put her arms around Lani. “I didn’t mean to startle you!”
Lani held onto her friend and cried. It was a moment before she was able to catch her breath and organize her thoughts enough to say anything.
“You didn’t. I mean, maybe a little. I’m just so happy to see you.”
Emma hugged her tighter. “I’m glad to see you too. I’m sorry I wasn’t here.”
“I didn’t expect you back so soon.”
“I got on the first flight I could.”
Lani pressed her lips together to keep from crying again. “Thank you.”
“Of course.” Emma released her and picked up the bags. “I won’t keep you long. I just wanted to bring over some food.”
“Thank you,” Lani said again, wiping her face on her sleeve.
“It’s just some basics. Some soup that Tara made, fresh fruit, easy snacks for the girls.”
“The girls,” Lani echoed, checking the time on her phone. She needed to pick them up from New Horizons in an hour; she had promised herself that she wouldn’t ask ‘Olena to work overtime again.
“Okay if I pick them up?” Emma asked.
Lani looked at her in surprise. “Are you sure?”
