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CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Leilani couldn’t remember a day she’d had as much fun as they’d had today. Yesterday with Jacob a close second.
She had ridden around on the jet ski for over an hour with Knox before he finally let her climb on the front and drive it herself.
At first, she went slowly, then sped up.
And loved it.
Jacob looked unimpressed, but when she climbed back on board, he’d wrapped a towel around her and kissed her like he hadn’t seen her for a year.
And if she wasn’t mistaken, he extended it until Knox had boarded.
Or maybe she was imagining it.
Now they were back on land, showered, changed, and heading along the beach to an amazing bonfire and dinner which had been created for them.
Dozens of bright cushions and chairs surrounded the fire and above them a string of lights in a large square had been hung, acting as a demarcation for the party. Behind them were a couple of tables with long draping tablecloths covered in fresh, delicious smelling delicacies.
Ice bucket stands dug into the sand with bottles of champagne buried in them, while brightly colored throws and towels were tossed around, giving it a luxurious and warm feel.
To one side, a little pop-up tent was flapping open for the girls and Baxter. Olivia crouched down and put him in a baby bouncer and his little legs kicked joyfully.
“Wow, look at all this,” Leilani said as they approached.
Jacob, who was holding her hand, kicked off his sandals and reached for them, then kept walking.
“What would you like to drink?” he asked.
“Nothing. I drank enough on the boat. Maybe water,” she added, waving out to Bella. She wandered over to join her and a couple of the other girls.
“Having fun?” Bella asked.
“You kidding? This whole weekend has been amazing,” Leilani said. It had helped that her mom had been well from all the reports they’d received.
She was so grateful to Jacob for getting the nurse for her. It had put her mind at rest, at least temporarily. It didn’t fix anything, but it gave her a few days' break from the constant worry.
“I’m so glad. You look happier than you have in weeks,” Bella said, handing her a plate of fresh melon.
Leilani took one and nibbled on it.
“Mom is getting worse. It won’t get better if she doesn’t stop drinking. She won’t,” Leilani replied, shaking her head softly. “The doctor told me it was time to stop trying to change her and just accept it.”
“I’m sorry. When my mom died, it was fast. Unexpected. But I couldn’t help but be angry at her for leaving me.” Bella shared. “It’s natural to feel like that.”
