Page 75 of Big Island Weddings
Far out past the shorebreak, the newlyweds bobbed side by side in the lineup.
Nate came up behind her and started rubbing her shoulders, his fingers cool against her sun-warmed skin. He dug into the exact right spots, working out the knots of tension that had been softened by the heat of the day.
“I thoughtourreception was laid back,” he drawled, “but this is next level. They saw our tables scattered in an orchard and said, forget the chairs, we’ll eat on the ground.”
“I like it.”
“Me too.” He stepped forward and slipped his arms around her waist. “Next time we get married, let’s do it at the beach.”
“There’s no next time,” ‘Olena said, her voice relaxed and languid even as she scolded him.
“Fine by me.” He kissed her temple and then stepped away, pulling gently on her arm. “Come get some food while it’s still fresh.”
She allowed herself to be led up the sloping sand to the tents that had been erected at the base of the cliffs. One housed a table full of food, and the other sheltered a small wedding cake, plus four different iced drinks that Juniper and Cody had lugged down the stairs.
“That cake is gorgeous,” ‘Olena told Tara. It was snowy white, adorned with plumeria blossoms she had constructed out of fondant or marzipan. “You could make a living at this.”
“I’d only do it for friends and family,” she protested, smiling. “It’s a lot of work, and I don’t like baking nearly as much as cooking. I’d get so bored making wedding cakes on repeat. I’d much rather make nourishing, island-grown meals.”
“Well you’re equally talented at that,” ‘Olena said as she loaded her plate up with Lau Lau and ‘ulu sweet potato salad.
“It’s work I enjoy,” she said modestly. “Speaking of which, my girls have been asking if they can join you five days a week instead of three. Would that be alright?”
“Of course! We don’t have much time left before summer break, but they’re welcome to join us five days a week for the time we have left.”
“Perfect. They hated missing out on things.” Tara walked off with three cups of iced mamaki tea to find her twins and tell them the good news.
“Over here.” Nate steered ‘Olena to the right of the tents. “I set up some shade for you.”
He had put up a huge umbrella next to an old quilt, and ‘Olena settled into the cool with a contented sigh.
The moment she took her first bite, Kiki ran up with a spray of sand, her face dripping with water.
“Mama, can I play in the river?”
‘Olena swallowed. “What have you been doing the past hour?”
“I’ve been swimming in the pool part, but I want to go with the big kids where the river goesfast. Piper said I can use her board.”
“I just sat down to eat.”
“So? I can go by myself with the big kids. I swim so good!”
“You’re a great swimmer, but not nearly old enough to go on your own.”
“I’ve got her.” Nate hauled himself to his feet and stepped out of the shade.
“You just sat down,” ‘Olena protested, feeling guilty.
“I’ll rest when they’re grown,” he said over his shoulder, following Kiki to the river.
She relaxed and enjoyed her food in the shade, watching Lani and Tenn catch wave after wave. After a while they paddled out past the break to relax on their boards, just two distant dots of serenity out in the ocean.
‘Olena had just set aside her empty plate when Nate plopped onto the blanket beside her, dripping and content. She put a hand on his arm, still icy from the river.
“Where are the girls?” she asked.
“Your dad lured them away with butter mochi.”
