Page 17 of The Seashell of ’Ohana

What a sweet man, to ask. “Sure. But don’t worry. We won’t lose.”

Ian’s lips tugged into a sly grin. “I like this side of you.”

I flushed. Ian’s words threw me off a bit, but I got my head in the game when Lee served. The white plastic ball bounced once on his square, went over the net in a blur, and pelted at me.

My paddle smacked into the plastic ball with a loud, echoing crack and slammed across to Kate. She volleyed back to me. Ian threw a backhand. Then Lee crushed a fast one on my side. I leaped and slatted right on the white line toward Kate. She couldn’t react fast enough. Her paddle swiped at empty air, and she spun around.

“Score!” Ian exclaimed with excitement, and raised a hand for a high five.

“Yah!” Tyler jumped out of his seat and gave me a fist bump, then Ian.

Lee served again and scowled when the ball hit the net.

“That’s okay, Lee. Do it again,” Kate encouraged.

“Yeah. Don’t give up,” Bridget said.

Lee hit the ball just barely over the net on my side. I dove for it, my chest landing on the table, but I missed. I had been seconds too slow.

“Sh—cra—oooops.” I almost said shit, then crap, and tried to fix it, but when I glanced at the kids, who were looking back at me with wide eyes—well, too late. They understood what I’d almost said.

“Good effort, Abby.” Ian patted his paddle with mine rapidly as if we were clapping. “That’s okay. It’s only one-to-one.” Ian narrowed his eyes at Lee. “Do your worst.”

Lee served, fast and hard. Ian hit back. Kate returned. I slammed the ball in front of Lee, and he swung a second late.

“Woo hoo.” Ian swung me around unexpectedly. “Take that, Lee.”

Lee didn’t hesitate to serve, and Ian and I almost missed the return. He dropped the theatrics, and we all settled in for a serious game. Before I knew it, we had won—eleven to nine.

“Better start thinking about that pot roast you’re going to make, Lee,” Ian teased, and took a sip of his beer from the bottle on the side table.

Lee flipped the paddle like a pro in his hand, his eyes focused on the table. “You haven’t won yet. That’s only the first round. Stop talking and serve the damn ball.”

“Here.” Ian held the ball in front of me. “Air kiss for good luck.”

I hesitated, then puckered up and blew a kiss.

Ian served to Kate’s side. The ball moved so fast. I couldn’t follow it.

She missed and gaped at Lee. “Sorry.”

“That’s okay, babe.” He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

The sweetest sight. Even sweeter, Ian leaned closer so only I could hear. “You’re my good luck charm.”

I gave him a warm smile and flushed again when Kate hiked an eyebrow at me. I’d have some explaining to do later.

Lee drained the last of his beer and Kate sipped her drink, but I’d stopped, since I had to drive home. Lee had told me that Tyler and I could spend the night—they had plenty of extra bedrooms—but I didn’t want to impose. Besides, I was a creature of habit. I preferred sleeping in my bed.

“Can Bridget and I go swimming now?” Tyler tugged on my shirt. “Mom? Mom.”

Bridget was patiently waiting for Tyler, both of their gazes on me. I had stressed that the kids had to wait at least half an hour after they finished their dinner.

Under different circumstances, I wouldn’t let Tyler swim after dinner, especially on a cool spring evening, but the pool was heated. I had no excuse.

“Okay. Just be careful.” I gave him a quick kiss, then turned to the game.

Lee and Kate won the second round. We were on the last game, and Ian and I were a point behind. Occasionally, Kate and I would glance at the kids in the pool. They had been swimming at the shallow end as I had asked, so I didn’t worry much.