Page 6 of The Seashell of ’Ohana

I’m a terrible mother.

“Kids say the silliest things. What Tyler was trying to say …” I let out a nervous laugh and stroked Tyler’s hair. “Yes, we saw Ian. And yes, he did prevent me from a fall. It was a good thing he was there because I might have broken something. That would have been horrible.” I fiddled with a napkin. “Anyway, he just got back from a business trip in Singapore, and he’s planning to stop by the gallery because he needed some paintings. And then he kissed my cheek to say goodbye. That’s all.”

My voice was a little too casual, but it didn’t matter anyway. Kate was sure to spot my flaming cheeks. I could try to blame it on the wine, but I had taken only a few sips.

Kate raised an eyebrow, but smiled. That eyebrow promised she’d bombard me with questions as soon as she had the chance.

“Anyway, anyone want more beef?” I asked.

When no one answered, I steered the conversation to the kids’ school and upcoming events. After dinner, everyone helped clean up, and then we settled in the family room.

Kate and I served hot jasmine tea and slices of strawberry cake on pretty plates, hand-painted with lavender Hawaiian hibiscus that nearly matched Kate’s cute, short-sleeved shirt with ruffles down the buttons. She’d given me the plates last Christmas.

“Yum. This cake is the best.” Bridget licked a smear of white buttercream frosting off her bottom lip and shared a laugh with Tyler.

They sat side by side on the hardwood floor by the fireplace, underneath the painting of a sun-soaked beach scene and a tropical mountain with a misty waterfall.

Tyler scooped up a whole forkful of only frosting. “Oh, Mom. Don’t forget Jace’s birthday party tomorrow.”

Jace, Bridget, and Tyler had been friends since preschool.

“I haven’t forgotten since the last time you reminded me today,” I said.

“Would you like for me to take Tyler so he and Bridget can ride together?” my sister asked.

“I’m good. Thanks, though.” Call me clingy, but I was delighted to perform mother duties unless I was busy at work. Grief had taught me to appreciate the little things.

“I have to say,” Lee said, “this is the best cake I’ve ever tasted. The frosting melts in your mouth, and the cake is so soft. I’ve been missing out for years.”

“That’s true. You were missing out until you met me,” Kate said with a wink. “But you can stop flattering us. You’ve traveled all over the world. Surely you’ve had better.”

Lee kissed Kate’s forehead. “It’s better because I’m sharing it with you.”

Kate’s cheeks turned as pink as my shirt. I smiled at their exchange while the kids were in their conversation.

“Anyway …” Kate placed her plate on the tea table and scampered to the door. She came back with gift bags. “We got something for you and Ty.”

“For me?” Tyler dropped his fork with a clank.

I took a sip of the hot jasmine green tea and leaned back into the sofa. “You didn’t have to do that. You’re supposed to enjoy your time together and not shop for us.”

“Lee likes to shop. It’s the only reason I keep him around.” Kate snorted and handed Tyler and me each a bag.

I parted the tissue paper and pulled out a scarf printed with Claude Monet’s White Water-Lilies.

“I don’t know what to say. Thank you so much.” I clutched it to my chest. “I love that you remembered how much I love this painting.”

“We bought that at the Louvre,” Kate said. “And the matching T-shirts for you and Ty are from Rome.”

Tyler pulled out a shirt from his bag and held it up for me. The photo on the front showed a boy and girl on a Vespa. He walked around the sofa, hugged Kate, then faced Lee. “Thank you, Uncle … I mean, Lee.” Tyler scrunched his features and shook his head.

“That’s okay, Ty.” Lee ruffled his hair. “You can call me Uncle Lee.”

It would be true before long, anyway. Lee had asked my parents for Kate’s hand in marriage this past December when we’d flown to Los Angeles to celebrate Christmas with them. My parents had been thrilled. Kate had no idea, and I couldn’t wait.

Lee planned to propose on the beach. It was only fitting, for Hawaii. He was getting some last-minute details ready and was waiting on the ring he’d had designed. I hadn’t seen it, but knowing his taste, it was going to be beautiful.

I walked to the kitchen counter and grabbed my phone. “Before I forget, let me take a quick picture and send it to Mom.” I pointed at my son. “Bridget, stand beside Ty. Say cheese.”