Page 80 of Big Island Summer
“That’s my favorite.”
“I know.”
“You’remy favorite.”
“I got you, boo.”
“You’re in a good mood today.” Emma grabbed two spoons, and they carried their pints out onto the lanai. The afternoon sunshine caressed her skin like warm water, and she sighed happily as she sat down.
“Life is good,” Lani said. “I’m madly in love with my husband, our daughters are thriving, and my mother-in-law has decided that shedoesn’thate my guts.”
“That’s a delightful turn of events.”
“I hate that it took Livie breaking her arm for Sonya to lighten up, but… I’ll take it, I guess.”
“I still don’t get that.”
“Livie could have died.” Lani’s voice was contemplative as she carved out a scoop of pale purple ice cream. “I think it frightened her so badly that it served as some kind of reset.”
“Or she realized that if she doesn’t hate herself for Olivia landing in the hospital on her watch, she’s not allowed to hate you for Tenn getting shot when you weren’t even there.”
“Something like that,” Lani agreed.
They were quiet for a moment, savoring their ice cream. Bright, tart passion fruit burst across Emma’s tongue witheach bite. The orchard shone green and red and yellow in the afternoon sunlight, and she felt a moment of perfect happiness.
“Thanks for coming by. I’ve missed you.”
“Ditto.” Lani nudged her arm in a friendly way. “Life gets busy, but I’d like to see more of you.”
“I’m right here.”
“We should do something all together before summer ends. A camping trip, maybe?”
“I’d love that.”
“We haven’t been to the beach since Olivia broke her arm. It feels mean, swimming when she can’t. But we can’t stay inside all summer.”
“How’s she doing?”
“She’s good. I covered her whole cast with dolphins and rainbows, so she’s super into it. Says she never wants to let them cut it off.”
“That’s cute.” Emma ate another bite of ice cream. “Is Rory with her babbo today?”
“No. She’s actually with Sonya.”
“No way.”
“Way. She finally decided to include Rory in her invites. So today both girls are at her house for pedicures and a movie marathon.”
“Amazing.”
“Rory was over the moon. Not that she cares about Sonya so much, but she wants to go everywhere Olivia goes.”
“Typical little sister.”
“Yeah.” Lani smiled. “I never thought that she would be a sister, much less a little sister. But she loves it.”
“Hey Auntie!” Juniper greeted Lani as she came out into the sunshine. Her hair dripped down her back onto a clean t-shirt. “Thanks for the ice cream.”
