Page 52 of Big Island Moonlight

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“This is gorgeous,” he said, looking at her illustration of a Hawaiian honeycreeper surrounded by native flowers. “People are going to love these.”

“I sure hope so. I’ve poured enough time into them.”

“I’ve got to get to work.” He handed the books back and kissed her soundly. “Good luck today.”

“Thanks.”

“Will you be home for dinner?”

“Probably not. We’ll stay Kona side for sunset and then drive home.”

“Okay.” He kissed her again. “See you tonight.”

Once he was gone, Lani went looking for the girls. They were in the backyard, playing with plastic dolls in the rain.

“It’s a monsoon!” Rory yelled, spinning her dolls in a circle. “We’re doomed!”

“Monsoons don’t do that!” Olivia said.

“Doooooooooomed!”

“Girls, come inside!” Lani called. “It’s time to get ready to go.”

“Go where?” Rory demanded.

“Kona beach day, remember?”

“Is it sunny in Kona?” she shouted, blinking rain from her eyes.

“It’s sunny in Kona,” Lani confirmed.

“Hooray!” She held her dolls over her head. “We’re saved!”

Lani wrapped each girl in a towel as they came through the door, then sent them to their room to change into bathing suits and dry clothes.

There was a knock on the door and Lani frowned, wondering who would be out knocking on doors in this rain. Her family stopped by without warning sometimes, but they would just open the door and let themselves in.

She opened the door, and her stomach dropped in surprise.

“Lorenzo?”

“Ciao.” His smile was nervous, and water dripped from his dark hair.

“What are you–”

“Babbo!” Rory shouted. She ran past Lani and slammed into her father, who laughed in delight.

“Buongiorno,stellina!” He scooped Rory up, and she threw her arms around his neck. Streams of water ran from her wet hair onto her dry cotton sundress.

Lorenzo squeezed her tight and then looked at Lani, who stepped back from the doorway.

“Come on in,” she said, her tone not exactly welcoming.

“It is so good to see you,figlia mia,” he said, holding their daughter tight.

Rory gasped. “Now I can give you the bracelet I made you!”

“What is a bracelet?”

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