Page 28 of Big Island Weddings
She knew he was gorgeous. She understood the draw. She had felt that magnetism the night that they met in Greece, and she had been instantly charmed by the few English words that he knew.
She didn’t feel anything for him now.
She had lots of complicated, contradictory feelings about his appearance in Rory’s life.
But feelingsforhim? None. Zip, zilch, zero.
Her heart belonged to Tenn… but her heart wasn’t the only one on the line here. She had to ask herself what was best for Rory. If Lorenzo wanted to make a go of things, would it be selfish of Lani to ignore that? To deny Rory the chance at a family?
Quickly, she dismissed the idea. It was ridiculous.
Except… if she were single, she would at least give the man a chance. If she hadn’t met Tenn, it might seem like the perfect happily ever after. Her daughter’s father finds them, they find each other…
But shehadmet Tenn. Had met himfirst, as a matter of fact, all the way back in their school days. He was her person.
If he even wanted to be…
She put both hands to her head, trying to slow the awful tornado of worries that spun through her thoughts, sucking everything up into the chaos of it all.
“Mama!” Rory’s voice was close, and Lani straightened up in surprise. Her daughter was running towards her through ankle-deep water, beaming.
“Hi, baby.” Lani pasted on a smile.
“Did you see my jumping?”
“I did! And I saw you climbing. You’re so brave!”
“I’m brave and I’m strong!” Rory posed, showing off the muscles on her tiny arms.
“She is a wonder,” Lorenzo said. His voice was almost reverent as he looked at their daughter, and Lani’s heart lurched.
“Babbo invited us to pizza!” Rory told her, nearly shouting with excitement. “Can we, Mama? Please?”
She shook her head. “Not today.”
Rory whined in protest and stomped one foot with a splash. “Why not?”
“We already have plans.”
“Do not! What plans?”
“We’re bringing dinner to the hospital for Auntie Mahina and–”
“Not the hospital!” Rory shouted. “I hate the hospital!”
“You are going to the hospital?” Lorenzo asked with concern.
“My uncle had a heart attack,” she explained. “He’s still there, and his wife and daughter have barely left since he got there.”
“Attack?” The furrow of concern between his eyebrows deepened.
“A heart attack,” she clarified, putting a hand over her own heart.
He looked at her with confusion, and then his face cleared.
“Ha avuto un infarto.”
“A heart attack,” she said, nodding.
