Page 74 of The Seashell of ’Ohana

She regarded me for a moment and put the lid on my drink. “What does Tyler think of Ian?”

“Ty really likes him. Ian is good with kids, and in fact, Ian volunteered to take Ty to the father and son event at his school.”

The words came out too fast, and I realized my mistake when I finished. I shouldn’t have said anything. Now she would see right through me. But when I recalled that conversation in the car, it made me smile.

Izzy tugged her lips to the side, hiding behind a smile. “So, Ian is more than a friend. You like him, don’t you?”

It sounded like a statement.

“I—I can’t. I mean—but he kissed me. I kissed him back. I wanted to. I—”

She dipped her head, then looked up at me. “Abby, I know how you’re feeling. I’ve been there before.”

I cocked my head in question. “But—”

She handed me my latte. “I’ve never told you this, but I’ve been married twice. My first husband died from a heart attack after ten years of marriage. I was devasted, heartbroken. I cursed the world for making me a single parent to my two girls. To pay the bills, I bought this café. I raised two lovely daughters on my own.”

After hearing her story, I admired and respected her even more. I wondered if her daughter got the angel tattoo in honor of her father.

She continued. “A few years later, I met Jason through a friend. He came around often and was even good with my girls. When he wanted more, I told him I wasn’t ready. I was fighting guilt and this new love I felt for him. I was scared out of my mind.”

I took a hot sip as I pondered her words, my fingers warm around the mug.

“I know how you feel, Abby, but the reason why I’m telling you my story is so that you don’t let a good man go. Also, not every man wants to deal with another man’s child. If Ian is willing to take Ty to the father-son event, well, I think he’s a keeper. We came to Earth to be together and will continue to do so after this life. You will see Steve one day, but for now, you and Tyler need to live life to the fullest.”

“Izzy. Thank you so much for sharing your story.” I reached over the counter, my arms halfway around her in a squeeze.

Izzy smiled. “I’ll always be there for you, Abby. I consider you a part of my family. My ‘ohana. Do you know what ‘ohana means?”

I hadn’t before, not until Kate had told me. Tears pooled in my eyes, I was so humbled by her words and affection toward Tyler and me.

“Yes,” I said. “‘Ohana means family, and no one gets left behind. Something like that.”

She nodded. “Always remember the spirit of ‘ohana. Nobody gets left behind or forgotten. That’s a quote from Lilo and Stitch.” Izzy offered an exaggerated smile with all her teeth.

I told Izzy I would visit her soon and left. On my way home, something made me text my sister.

Abby: Can you take care of Tyler for me? I’m going to be gone for a few days.

The decision had been made, and I had to act on it. I didn’t have time to pick up my son. I had to go home and pack. I would make up an excuse and explain to Tyler why I’d told him over the phone.

Kate: Sure. Of course. Is everything all right?

My fingers flew over the letters.

Abby: I’m going to Florida to see my mother-in-law.

Instead of getting a text back, Kate called me. I told Kate about the kiss Ian and I had shared and how my emotions were conflicted. The only way to resolve my guilt and move on was to visit my mother-in-law in Florida. Thankfully, she didn’t think my idea was crazy, and agreed with me wholeheartedly.

Chapter Twenty-Nine — Florida

It might sound strange, but letting my mother-in-law know how I felt about another man would be almost like getting a blessing from Steve that it was okay to move on.

I took the first flight to Florida. Too many memories came crashing in. We had visited his parents the summer before he had proposed to me. I texted Michelle, my sister-in-law, when I got my luggage, and waited for her in the waiting area outside.

“Abby!” Michelle waved.

I ran three cars down and smacked her in the head with my purse as I tried to hug her. It was so good to see her.