Page 39 of Big Island Moonlight
As they were setting the food out – still covered – in the orchard, a trickle of guests began to arrive. Lani greeted them at the front gate, leaving Emma free to chat with Tara. With the kids jumping on the trampoline as they caught up, things started to feel more normal between them.
“Emma, this one’s for you!” Lani shouted from the carport.
She walked around to the front yard, greeting friends and acquaintances in passing.
Keith waited for her near the fence, half hidden by the oversized leaves of the ‘ulu tree.
Kai ran by with his friends and a casual, “Hi, Keith!”
Emma felt grateful that her son had gotten to know her new beau as a friend, just another steady member of the strong community they had found in Pualena. She hoped that it would be an easy transition for him as she and Keith gradually found their way towards something more.
She hoped that theycouldfind their way towards something more.
“Hello,” she said, surprised and pleased to see him. “I thought you had class today.”
“I do. I need to get back to the farm in a minute. I just wanted to drop this by.” He held up a small canvas bag filled with roots and bulbs.
“What’s this?”
“It’s black turmeric.” He broke one small root in half to reveal the bright blue flesh and a strong, camphor-like smell. “For her collection of medicinals. It makes a powerful tea.”
“That’s so thoughtful.”
“And this too.” He gestured to a banana keiki that she hadn’t seen amongst the low-lying plants surrounding the ‘ulu tree. “For Jun and the baby. Should start producing by the time he’s up and running. Saba variety. It’s her favorite.”
“Thank you.” Emma kissed him lightly on the lips, like it was the simplest thing in the world – and in that moment, with no time to overthink things or work herself into a state of anxiety, it was. A tranquil warmth suffused her when he kissed her back.
Keith’s hands found her waist. He rested his forehead on hers – not pushing for more or going in for a second kiss – just making contact and extending the moment. And in that moment, Emma felt a settled sense of safety that had eluded her for a very long time.
They stood that way for a while, sheltered by the ‘ulu tree and hibiscus bushes, just breathing together. The greenery around and above them moved and whispered in the wind, like the whole world was breathing along with them.
“You should get to class,” she said at last.
“Right,” he said, not moving his hands from her waist. “Class.”
“Go on.” She took a step backwards.
“Dinner tonight?” he asked, and a smile overtook her face. The thought of seeing him again filled her with a warm sense of anticipation.
“Yes.”
“Okay.” He closed the space between them, claiming a second kiss, and then he moved away.
Emma stayed beneath the ‘ulu tree a minute longer, one hand on a steady branch as she worked to regain her equilibrium.
Then Cody’s car pulled up out front, and she sprang into action.
“What’s going on?” She heard Juniper’s voice from the other side of the lilikoi-covered fence. “Why are there so many cars?”
“Surprise!” Emma ran to the gate and leaned over it, beaming at Jun. “It’s a baby shower!”
“Hello!” a voice shouted down the street. Fern ran up, her long legs moving gracefully even as Theo bounced and giggled in the carrier on her back. “Are we late? I’m sorry! We’ve been potty training and it’s all turned into a bit of a production. He won’t sit on the potty unless there’s a certain song, but the toy that plays the song broke and so I had to find it online – anyway, we’re here now.”
“You’re right on time,” Emma assured her. “The guest of honor just arrived.”
“Hi, Dad.” Juniper looked past Fern to Ethan, who came jogging up the road.
“Hey there, Junebug.” He strode up and kissed his daughter’s forehead. “How are you feeling?”
