Page 63 of The Seashell of ’Ohana

My sister poked my shoulder and whispered, “If you don’t snatch him soon, he’s going to get caught by someone else.”

I wanted to tell her that was fine, but Kate rushed to Lee and Bridget to take more photos. I went to Tyler, who was checking out the pebbles under the water. I heard the sound of splashing behind me and felt Ian’s presence. My heart thudded too fast.

“Look, Abby.” He pointed to the sky, his warm breath against my face. “It’s a rainbow.”

“Rainbow!” Bridget squealed.

When Kate and I were little, we made a wish every time we saw a rainbow. Seeing a rainbow after a storm meant that good things would come our way. It sure would for Kate, tomorrow. She would be engaged to the love of her life, and I couldn’t be happier for her.

“Make a wish,” Ian said.

I turned and met Ian’s gaze. His warm smile and the twinkle in his eyes made me forget the world, made me think wishes did come true. But he could not grant my wish.

Chapter Twenty-Four — Engagement

I dropped off Tyler at his friend’s house for a play date the next day, then Ian picked me up. This was the first time I had been in the car alone with him. I shifted in my seat. Looked out the window. Scrolled through my phone. My palms even started to sweat.

Ian turned into the main road. “Do we need to buy tickets for the miniature golfing event? It’s my first time.” He flashed a dorky grin.

I smiled and shook my head.

“Don’t worry about it. I already got your tickets.” I hadn’t yet, but he didn’t need to know. “But thank you for thinking about it. I really appreciate this. It’s not too late to back out.”

“I said I would take him, and it’s not a big deal. Besides, one day I’ll have kids of my own, and it’ll be good practice.”

You’re going to make a great husband and father someday. The family will be lucky to have you.

“Well, you can practice with us all you want,” I said, and immediately regretted opening my mouth, but the words came easily. Oh, God. I sucked at this friendship thing. I changed the topic to cover up my mistake. “I can’t believe Lee is going to be my brother-in-law.”

Ian changed lanes and said, “He’s been more than ready. I think, if he could, he would have proposed to Kate when they first met.” He let out a short laugh. “Lee had his share of unsuccessful relationships, then he found Kate. You know when someone is the one for you. You feel an undeniable connection, and you can’t let it go. I’m getting all mushy, aren’t I?”

“No, not at all.” I patted his arm. Don’t touch him. Every time I did, something fluttered inside me. “So, how about you? Anyone special?”

I already knew the answer, but I didn’t want to assume. Since we were on the topic of relationships, I figured this was a question a friend could ask another friend.

Ian raked a hand through his hair and glanced at me before setting his eyes on the road. “You won’t judge me, right? I want to be honest with you.”

“Your past is your past. We all have dated someone we’re not proud of.” That seemed like the right thing to say, though I was thinking more of people I knew than myself. I had always been the perfect daughter. Perfect girlfriend. Boring. Never taking a risk type of girl.

Ian released a long sigh. “I’ve dated, but only a couple were more than a casual hookup. The relationships didn’t last long. Lee said I’ve been dating women I don’t want to fall in love with because I wasn’t ready for a serious commitment. Maybe he was right.”

“Maybe you’ll want to settle down when you meet the right person,” I said.

I glanced out the window. The view had changed from grassy land to the ocean, and serenity filled my core. I kept my eyes rooted there.

We fell into a comfortable silence as we drove along the coast and listened to the radio. We talked about our high school and college years, and before I knew it, he had parked in his garage.

He asked me to direct the decorators, and he would help the caterer. We had plenty of time, but the excitement had my adrenaline pumping, and I wanted everything to be just right.

Ian and I were a perfect team as we spent the next hour creating an enchanting scene. When everything was done, I stepped back to marvel at the view. Electric candles in tall glass vases lined the backyard to the giant white gazebo on the beach. Inside was a table set for two with rose petals scattered about on the mat.

On the table were trays with dome-shaped silver lids that kept the food warm and a pretty display of candle arrangements and flowers. A wine bottle inside an ice bucket with two elegant glasses was at the table to the back. And inside a bakery glass display was a cake that read: Will You Marry Me?

Tears filled my eyes. What a beautiful setting, and what a gorgeous view. By the time Ian and I had finished, the sun had set lower, tinting the sky with periwinkle. The water sparkled with sunlight diamonds. I could stare at this view all day.

“Looks like we’re all set.” Ian’s voice came from behind me.

I stiffened when he put his arms around my shoulders. The smell of mint and ocean breeze enveloped me.