Page 19 of Big Island Moonlight
“This is the best birthday I ever had.”
Warmth rushed through Lani’s chest, a gratitude so fierce that it brought tears to her eyes.
“Good,” she said to her daughter. “I’m glad.”
“And now more waterslides?”
Lani laughed. “Yes, and now more waterslides.”
She took Rory’s hand in hers, and they walked back to the road.
7
Emma
Gravel crunched beneath Emma’s tires as she pulled up to the Pualena farmers market. White-topped tents stretched out along the sea cliffs, sheltering a milling crowd of market-goers. It looked like the entire town of Pualena (and then some) had turned up to enjoy the sunny winter weather.
Emma stepped out of the car and took a deep breath of the wind that blew in off of the ocean. The air was crisp and cool, laced with seawater and the faint scent of ironwood trees.
She loved the white noise of waves crashing against the rocks below the cliffs. She even loved the gentle tremble of the black lava rock beneath her feet; it made her feel alive and present, which was a feeling she had fought hard to reclaim.
Juniper’s stall was her first stop. The heavily pregnant girl stood behind her jewel-toned array of homegrown drinks, a bright smile on her face as she talked story with her regular customers.
When that group cleared away, Emma stepped up to the front.
“Aloha, Auntie Em,” Juniper greeted her. “What’s your medicine?”
“I came to see if you needed a break.”
Jun shook her head. “I’m good.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yep! I have the whole afternoon to laze around and rest. Can I get you a drink?”
Emma looked over that week’s blends and said, “I’ll try the mamaki ginger.”
“You’ve got it.” Juniper filled one of the sturdy plastic cups that customers returned for her to wash and reuse. The girl was such an excellent salesperson that she usually took the opportunity to make a second sale, offering them one of her packaged tea blends or the herbal salves that she had made the month before.
“Well, I guess I’ll do some shopping. You’ll let me know if you need a break?”
“I’m fine, auntie. I can handle a few hours of work.”
“And Cody’s coming to get you after?”
“He is. And he doesn’t let me lift a finger. So go on, enjoy the day.”
“Okay.” Emma moved reluctantly away from her niece.
She was worlds more comfortable in Pualena than she had been when they first arrived, but crowds still made her uneasy. It was easier when she had a job to do, like helping Juniper serve up her iced drinks. Wandering aimlessly through a throng of people wasn’t her idea of a good time.
She made a beeline for her favorite fruit stand, intending to get in and out quickly. Then she saw a familiar face, and an electric jolt of adrenaline shot through her arms. Her heart sped,and she felt her face flush in spite of the cool breeze coming in off of the water.
“Emma!” Keith grinned and moved towards her. The crowd parted before him, making way for his easygoing confidence. His blue eyes sparkled as he came to stand in front of her.
“Hi.” She smiled up at him, willing her heart to return to normal speed. It was unreasonable that he should have such an effect on her when they saw each other on a regular basis for garden work or hikes… but whatever it was that buzzed in the air between them, it only seemed to be getting stronger as they spent more and more time together.
“Where’s Kai?” he asked, glancing around at waist level.
