Page 46 of The Seashell of ’Ohana

“Once in a while, a seashell washes up the shore, but I’ve never seen this kind here. Usually, I find sand dollars, shark eyes, a sunray venus, or …” He stopped when I eyed him suspiciously. “I promise I’m not some kind of seashell geek, or you’ll never date me. I mean, you won’t hang out with me.” He chuckled. “When you live on the beach, it’s inevitable to be curious about the seashells you find.”

“Don’t worry,” I said. “Because if you were a true seashell geek, then you would know the name of this one. Recently, I found a similar one, only a bit bigger. Kate told me it’s called an angel wing.”

He looked at the seashell, contemplating. “Here. It’s yours now.”

“Wait.” I held out a hand.

I knew what I was about to tell him was stretching it, but he needed a reminder that his mother loved him and that she wouldn’t hold anything against him for not being there when he thought she’d needed him. I wasn’t his mother, but that was what I would want for Tyler.

I bit my bottom lip. “This might sound strange, but I was told that the person who finds an angel wing is meant to keep it. We’ve been talking about your mother, and I think it’s a sign from her. She loves you and wants you to live your life without guilt.”

I had made up the part about the person who found the angel wing was meant to keep it, but it felt right. Stories had to start somewhere.

Ian’s gaze pierced into mine with intensity. I’d thought he was going to tell me I was wrong or that I had no right to speak for his mother, but instead, his eyes became glassy under the pale moonlight. Perhaps he was holding back tears.

“You think so?” He sounded uncertain, but it also sounded like he needed to hear it.

“Yes.” I cupped my hands over his so he wouldn’t hand me the seashell. “Keep it in your room, somewhere safe, as a reminder.”

Ian nodded somberly, then looked thoughtful. “I have a confession to make. I am somewhat of a seashell geek. I knew it was called an angel wing because my mother told me. She also told me a myth to go with them.”

“Interesting. How does it go?”

Ian peered up to the sky. “An angel fell in love with a human. He loved her so much that he asked if he could turn into a mortal to be with her. When he was denied, he was so heartbroken that he dove into the ocean. When his wings touched the water, each feather turned into an angel wing seashell so that we would be reminded that love conquers all. And even when our loved ones are gone, they’ll always be in our hearts, in our memories, and in everything they leave behind. A reminder that love never dies.”

My heart skipped a beat. “It’s a beautiful myth. Thank you for sharing it with me.”

“Also, I think you’re right that the person who finds an angel wing is meant to have it. This type of seashell is found from West Indies to Brazil, Cape Cod to the Gulf of Mexico. It lives in shallow water and sometimes three feet deep in the mud. So, for one to grace us with its presence is incredible.”

“I couldn’t agree with you more.”

“And you said you found one recently? Two at the same island? Must be fate.” His lips tugged at the corners, and he offered his hand. “I suppose fate brought you and Kate to Kauai, of all places. Lee and I have to thank either an angel or someone looking after us. Meeting genuine, kindhearted people is hard to do these days.”

I dusted sand off my bottom, then off my hands. “Kate and I are thankful to have met the both of you, too.”

“Well, I wouldn’t say that too quickly, Abby. You haven’t met the real me yet. Did you bring an extra change of clothes?”

“No,” I said hesitantly, wondering why he would ask.

“That’s okay. You can wear mine.”

I narrowed my eyes. “What do you mean?”

Quick as a wink, Ian took off his T-shirt. “We have the best view. Let’s not let this go to waste. This is the best time to swim. You’re going to love it. Trust me.”

Swim? Before I could process his words, he hoisted me into his arms. I swallowed a breath and wrapped my arms around his neck as he ran toward the ocean.

“Ian!” I hollered.

Trust me. I did trust him, so I stopped kicking and surrendered.

Chapter Eighteen — Bucket List

“Ian!” I screamed.

I’d thought he would stop when water touched our feet, but we submerged into the freezing water, me still in his arms. Shocked by the change in temperature, I shivered until my teeth chattered.

“You’re c-c-crazy.”