Page 35 of The Seashell of ’Ohana

My fairy godmother had swooped down and cleaned up the mess. Tyler’s clothes were folded neatly inside the laundry basket. His toys and books were stacked back into their slots on a wooden cabinet. Dishes were washed, and the dry ones were put away. And the blanket and cushion pillows had been picked up and arranged tidily on the sofa.

Tyler and Ian were sitting at the dining table, and Tyler was reading aloud to Ian. Something he refused to do with me. Ian would ask him a question, then he would praise Tyler when he answered. Tyler’s eyes beamed, round and bright like the moon in the window behind him.

The floor creaked when I took the next step. Like a thief in the night, I froze.

“Abby.” Ian came around the table and stood between the family room and the kitchen. “You were sleeping, and I didn’t want to wake you. You must be hungry. Let me heat your soup.”

“Ian, I can do it. You don’t need to take care of me.” I fluttered my hands and dropped them back to my sides.

Ian ignored me as he placed a bowl in the microwave. Knowing he wouldn’t cave, I pulled out a chair and sat next to Tyler.

“I’m done with homework.” The book in Tyler’s hand thumped on top of another book on the table. “Ian helped me with math, and we read together. Homework was fun today.”

I liked how Tyler enjoyed his time with Ian, but I didn’t want him to get attached, either. Ian had come because I was sick, and he wouldn’t have needed to if Kate had been here.

It’s just this one time. It’ll be fine. You’re thinking too much.

I stroked Tyler’s cheek, looking at him adoringly.

“Here you go, Abby.” Ian placed the bowl and a spoon in front of me. “Be careful. It’s hot.”

Steam rose from the chicken soup, and my stomach rumbled in expectation. Slices of carrot, celery, onion, and diced chicken bobbed in the hot liquid when I blew over the surface.

“Ian. I don’t know what to say. You cleaned up my mess, and you helped Tyler with his homework. Thank you for everything.” I offered him a grateful smile. “Can you come over every day?” I laughed.

Ian snorted, standing beside Tyler, and ruffled his hair. “Don’t worry about it. Besides, I had a helper.”

I gawked when Tyler shrugged and didn’t push Ian away. He didn’t like people touching his hair.

“Aren’t you going to eat?” I picked up the spoon.

Ian strolled to the kitchen and came back with two white bowls of ice cream. “Tyler and I ate soup and sandwiches, and now we’re having dessert. I remembered we both love chocolate chip ice cream. I bought some when I bought dinner. I hope you don’t mind.”

“No, of course not. Let me pay for—”

Ian shook his head and settled back in a seat across from me. “No paying for anything. You can make it up to me with a homecooked meal. I have heard from my sources that you are an excellent chef. How does that sound?”

“Yes!” Tyler punched the air and shrank when he realized he was being loud. He lowered his gaze and clanked his spoon on the bowl.

Ian and I laughed.

While I ate, Tyler and Ian talked about different video games in between pale, rounded spoons of ice cream. Tyler’s eyes lit up when he laughed. He looked so happy, and I tried not to stare at Ian. His deep chuckle made me smile.

We sat around the table as if we were a family. A mom, dad, and son. This was what it would have been like if Steve were alive. Tyler having a father as a role model. Family dinners. It felt strange to have another man in our house.

“Do your parents live in Kauai, too?” My spoon clinked on the bowl.

“No, but they visit. We grew up in New York. I see them two or three times a year.”

Tyler wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. I cringed and handed him a napkin.

Ian swallowed ice cream. “My older sister, Iliana, is a pediatrician. She’s married with twin girls. They’re two years old.”

“Awww.” I smiled.

“My younger brother Isaac was a dentist, but he got into real estate at the same time I did, thanks to Lee. He lives in Florida, but he visits.”

“That’s wonderful. Congrats to Isaac. He’s brave for switching his career.”