Between Rains, page 17
Of course, years of marriage had rubbed the shine off a bit. Raising four children and running a pineapple plantation could do that to a couple. Even so, their marriage had remained solid, reliable. They loved each other. For that, she was grateful.
“Well, honey. I guess it’s time.” An uninvited tear rolled down Ava’s cheek. Fighting to breathe, she leaned and kissed her husband’s forehead.
For the last time.
“Thank you, Lincoln,” she whispered close to his ear. “You made me very happy. I—well, I loved you more than I can say.” She choked back a sob and lifted. Now was not the time. There would be months, even years, ahead to miss this man—the man she’d loved.
She swept her hand across his chest, gave a final pat.
It was then she noticed a tiny corner from a piece of paper peeking out from the pocket of Lincoln’s jacket. Ava scowled with curiosity and tugged the note free, opened it. Scrawled across the paper in handwriting were the words Ua ola loko i ke aloha.
She scowled.
Who in the world had placed the note in her husband’s pocket? One of the children, maybe? And what did the words mean?
After living on Maui for as long as she had, Ava had assimilated into Hawaiian culture to some extent, yet her vocabulary still remained somewhat limited.
“Ava. Sweet hoaloha. Are you ready?”
She turned to see her closest friend peeking her head inside the door, her face filled with sympathy.
“It’s time.”
Ava mustered a weak nod. “Yes, Alani. I’m ready.” Ava lifted her chin, bit at her trembling lip. She tucked the note inside her bag. With one final look back over her shoulder, she followed her friend out the door.
* * *
~ Chapter 2 ~
* * *
After the funeral service at the church, everyone gathered on the grounds of Pali Maui, the pineapple plantation she and Lincoln had owned and managed for nearly their entire married life.
Together, they had turned the fledgling operation she’d inherited into not only a profitable pineapple enterprise, but also a favorite tourist destination. They’d also raised their four children here. Ava could think of no better place in which to hold a final tribute to her husband.
Even so, she couldn’t help but wish this day was over and she was free to crawl in bed. She was exhausted and tired of holding a smile on her face.
Katie appeared carrying a plate of what looked to be her luscious kalua pig with a generous helping of pineapple rice on the side. “Mom, you need to eat something,” she urged, pressing the plate into Ava’s hand.
“Oh, honey. I can’t right now.” Ava gave her a weak smile. “Maybe later.”
Katie hesitated before she nodded. “Okay, but—”
Ava patted her daughter’s arm. “I’m fine, honey. Please don’t worry about me.”
Funny, she should say that. Of course, they were worrying about her. She was worrying about them. She had ever since the night of that fateful call.
Ava rubbed her forehead against the ache forming. The road to Hana was known to be a dangerous drive, especially in a downpour. Why would Lincoln venture in that direction? Why hadn’t he told her where he was going and the reason?
She caught the concern painted on Katie’s face and forced a smile. She reached for the plate. “Look, I’ll take this inside the house and put it in the refrigerator for later.” She didn’t tell her daughter that doing so would provide an excuse for a quick break from the crowd.
Lincoln knew hundreds of people and it seemed they were all here now, wanting to express their condolences, and share their memories. Ava slowed on her way to the house near a couple of men, picking up on their conversation.
“So many times, Lincoln was pushed to go the way of Dole and move the entire enterprise to Costa Rica.” Miguel Nakamoa, their operations manager, let out an amused laugh. “And you know what Lincoln told them?”
The men leaned in to hear the remaining story, a tale they’d heard often out of Lincoln’s own mouth.
“That’s right,” Mig nodded. “He told them to sit on their pokey pineapple crowns. He would never leave the island.”
Ava smiled to herself as she continued walking. Actually, it had been her decision to remain on Maui. Her father would have wanted it that way. Lincoln had initially argued, reminding her that becoming a vertically integrated producer was the only way they would prosper and grow. Increasing labor costs on the island would slice away at their profit margin. Land was limited and distribution options were narrowing. Moving offered remedies to all these issues, and more. “That wouldn’t mean we would move, Ava,” Lincoln had argued. “We’d simply transfer the planting operation, harvesting and distribution aspects to Costa Rica.”
Pali Maui was located south of the town of Wailuku and consisted of nearly fifteen hundred acres tucked against the western edge of Maui’s lush Kahalawai mountains. They grew primarily pineapple, but also a few acres of banana, papaya, starfruit, coffee, guava, coconut, mango, and macadamia nuts. Tram buses toured the grounds. There was a retail operation that sold farm-fresh items grown on the farm, as well as apparel and souvenirs. The Restaurant at Pali Maui epitomized the farm-to-table concept—and then some. Presenting inventive dishes inspired by the plantation’s crops, the beautiful open-air venue was frequently deemed one of the most romantic restaurants on the island.
She’d stood firm. “My dad bought this farm and entrusted it to me, believing we had a responsibility to give back to the people and culture who so graciously extended e komo mai. Our family was welcomed with open arms. The island of Maui is our home, Lincoln.”
Inside the house, Ava found her granddaughter nestled against the sofa cushions, her attention buried in her phone. She looked up. “Hey, Tutu.”
The Hawaiian term warmed her heart. “Hey, Willa. What are you doing, sweet girl?”
She shrugged. “Just texting some friends.”
Ava extended the plate in her direction. “Would you mind placing this in the refrigerator? I just—well, I need a minute.”
Her granddaughter nodded and lifted from the couch. “Sure.”
Ava gave her a grateful smile and wandered into her bedroom and shut the door, relishing the quiet. She’d barely had a moment to herself since hearing the news. She closed her eyes against the memory of that call, and then the officers at her door. Until that moment, she’d had no idea how quickly life could tumble upside down. How your foundation could be pulled from under your feet, leaving you in a free fall.
She wandered across the carpeted floor and folded into a chair next to a bookcase filled with volumes. They both loved to read, Lincoln especially.
He seemed to be everywhere. His voice, his presence. At times, even his smell.
Especially in this room.
Ava kicked off her shoes, leaned against the overstuffed back of the chair and closed her eyes for a brief rest.
She and Lincoln had married early, barely out of their twenties. It seemed like they had no more vowed their commitment to one another and she became pregnant.
Christel was their oldest. Her daughter was known to be a little high-strung, always had been. At two, she appeared at their bedroom door wearing a scowl. When asked what was wrong, Christel simply said, “Are you guys going to boss me today?”
The memory brought a smile to Ava’s face. It was that same spunk that had propelled her girl onto the dean’s list at Loyola. Much to Lincoln’s dismay, their daughter had become very liberal, even dying her hair blonde in solidarity with her favorite candidate, Hilary Clinton. Lucky for them, she’d brought her legal talents back home from Chicago and joined the family business. She now managed all the legal and financial aspects of Pali Maui.
Katie was born four years later. Katie was—well, driven. While raising two girls of her own, she single-handedly expanded Pali Maui to include the tourist aspect of their family business, primarily the retail operation and restaurant. Lucky for them, she married one of the best chefs around. Katie was a brilliant marketer. The family could barely keep up with all her plans.
Then came the boys. Neither were married. Aiden was twenty-five and an EMT. Shane was two years younger and attended the University of Hawaii here on the island and had yet to decide his career path. If left up to him, he might never settle down. Lincoln often accused her of coddling their youngest son, but she knew Shane was simply a free spirit who loved his pau hana.
They’d raised an amazing family—a family that was now her sole responsibility. The burden felt heavy without Lincoln by her side to help shoulder the obligation of influencing, guiding and nurturing them emotionally. Parenting is the one job you never quit.
A future without Lincoln seemed a daunting thing. Yet, she knew this. She had to pick herself up and go on. She had to find a way to survive the loss and keep Pali Maui, its employees and her family on steady ground.
She would do it, she promised. Ava clenched her fists with determination.
So, help her. She would do it.
* * *
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:
I hope you’ve enjoyed this preview of UNDER A MAUI SKY which is scheduled to release Spring 2021 and can be preordered now. Purchase links to all my books, including this one, can be found on my website:
www.kelliecoatesgilbert.com
About the Author
Kellie Coates Gilbert has won readers’ hearts with her compelling and highly emotional stories about women and the relationships that define their lives. A former legal investigator, Kellie’s deep understanding of human nature is woven into every page.
* * *
In addition to garnering hundreds of five-star reviews, Kellie has been described by RT Book Reviews as a “deft, crisp storyteller.” Her books were featured as Barnes & Noble Top Shelf Picks and were included on Library Journal’s Best Book List of 2014.
* * *
Born and raised near Sun Valley, Idaho, Kellie now lives with her husband of over thirty-five years in Dallas, where she spends most days by her pool drinking sweet tea and writing the stories of her heart.
* * *
www.kelliecoatesgilbert.com
Also by Kellie Coates Gilbert
THE PACIFIC BAY SERIES
Chances Are
Remember Us
Chasing Wind
Between Rains
THE SUN VALLEY SERIES
Sisters
Heartbeats
Changes
Promises
LOVE ON VACATION SERIES
Otherwise Engaged
All Fore Love
TEXAS GOLD SERIES
A Woman of Fortune
Where Rivers Part
A Reason to Stay
What Matters Most
Kellie Coates Gilbert, Between Rains
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“Well, honey. I guess it’s time.” An uninvited tear rolled down Ava’s cheek. Fighting to breathe, she leaned and kissed her husband’s forehead.
For the last time.
“Thank you, Lincoln,” she whispered close to his ear. “You made me very happy. I—well, I loved you more than I can say.” She choked back a sob and lifted. Now was not the time. There would be months, even years, ahead to miss this man—the man she’d loved.
She swept her hand across his chest, gave a final pat.
It was then she noticed a tiny corner from a piece of paper peeking out from the pocket of Lincoln’s jacket. Ava scowled with curiosity and tugged the note free, opened it. Scrawled across the paper in handwriting were the words Ua ola loko i ke aloha.
She scowled.
Who in the world had placed the note in her husband’s pocket? One of the children, maybe? And what did the words mean?
After living on Maui for as long as she had, Ava had assimilated into Hawaiian culture to some extent, yet her vocabulary still remained somewhat limited.
“Ava. Sweet hoaloha. Are you ready?”
She turned to see her closest friend peeking her head inside the door, her face filled with sympathy.
“It’s time.”
Ava mustered a weak nod. “Yes, Alani. I’m ready.” Ava lifted her chin, bit at her trembling lip. She tucked the note inside her bag. With one final look back over her shoulder, she followed her friend out the door.
* * *
~ Chapter 2 ~
* * *
After the funeral service at the church, everyone gathered on the grounds of Pali Maui, the pineapple plantation she and Lincoln had owned and managed for nearly their entire married life.
Together, they had turned the fledgling operation she’d inherited into not only a profitable pineapple enterprise, but also a favorite tourist destination. They’d also raised their four children here. Ava could think of no better place in which to hold a final tribute to her husband.
Even so, she couldn’t help but wish this day was over and she was free to crawl in bed. She was exhausted and tired of holding a smile on her face.
Katie appeared carrying a plate of what looked to be her luscious kalua pig with a generous helping of pineapple rice on the side. “Mom, you need to eat something,” she urged, pressing the plate into Ava’s hand.
“Oh, honey. I can’t right now.” Ava gave her a weak smile. “Maybe later.”
Katie hesitated before she nodded. “Okay, but—”
Ava patted her daughter’s arm. “I’m fine, honey. Please don’t worry about me.”
Funny, she should say that. Of course, they were worrying about her. She was worrying about them. She had ever since the night of that fateful call.
Ava rubbed her forehead against the ache forming. The road to Hana was known to be a dangerous drive, especially in a downpour. Why would Lincoln venture in that direction? Why hadn’t he told her where he was going and the reason?
She caught the concern painted on Katie’s face and forced a smile. She reached for the plate. “Look, I’ll take this inside the house and put it in the refrigerator for later.” She didn’t tell her daughter that doing so would provide an excuse for a quick break from the crowd.
Lincoln knew hundreds of people and it seemed they were all here now, wanting to express their condolences, and share their memories. Ava slowed on her way to the house near a couple of men, picking up on their conversation.
“So many times, Lincoln was pushed to go the way of Dole and move the entire enterprise to Costa Rica.” Miguel Nakamoa, their operations manager, let out an amused laugh. “And you know what Lincoln told them?”
The men leaned in to hear the remaining story, a tale they’d heard often out of Lincoln’s own mouth.
“That’s right,” Mig nodded. “He told them to sit on their pokey pineapple crowns. He would never leave the island.”
Ava smiled to herself as she continued walking. Actually, it had been her decision to remain on Maui. Her father would have wanted it that way. Lincoln had initially argued, reminding her that becoming a vertically integrated producer was the only way they would prosper and grow. Increasing labor costs on the island would slice away at their profit margin. Land was limited and distribution options were narrowing. Moving offered remedies to all these issues, and more. “That wouldn’t mean we would move, Ava,” Lincoln had argued. “We’d simply transfer the planting operation, harvesting and distribution aspects to Costa Rica.”
Pali Maui was located south of the town of Wailuku and consisted of nearly fifteen hundred acres tucked against the western edge of Maui’s lush Kahalawai mountains. They grew primarily pineapple, but also a few acres of banana, papaya, starfruit, coffee, guava, coconut, mango, and macadamia nuts. Tram buses toured the grounds. There was a retail operation that sold farm-fresh items grown on the farm, as well as apparel and souvenirs. The Restaurant at Pali Maui epitomized the farm-to-table concept—and then some. Presenting inventive dishes inspired by the plantation’s crops, the beautiful open-air venue was frequently deemed one of the most romantic restaurants on the island.
She’d stood firm. “My dad bought this farm and entrusted it to me, believing we had a responsibility to give back to the people and culture who so graciously extended e komo mai. Our family was welcomed with open arms. The island of Maui is our home, Lincoln.”
Inside the house, Ava found her granddaughter nestled against the sofa cushions, her attention buried in her phone. She looked up. “Hey, Tutu.”
The Hawaiian term warmed her heart. “Hey, Willa. What are you doing, sweet girl?”
She shrugged. “Just texting some friends.”
Ava extended the plate in her direction. “Would you mind placing this in the refrigerator? I just—well, I need a minute.”
Her granddaughter nodded and lifted from the couch. “Sure.”
Ava gave her a grateful smile and wandered into her bedroom and shut the door, relishing the quiet. She’d barely had a moment to herself since hearing the news. She closed her eyes against the memory of that call, and then the officers at her door. Until that moment, she’d had no idea how quickly life could tumble upside down. How your foundation could be pulled from under your feet, leaving you in a free fall.
She wandered across the carpeted floor and folded into a chair next to a bookcase filled with volumes. They both loved to read, Lincoln especially.
He seemed to be everywhere. His voice, his presence. At times, even his smell.
Especially in this room.
Ava kicked off her shoes, leaned against the overstuffed back of the chair and closed her eyes for a brief rest.
She and Lincoln had married early, barely out of their twenties. It seemed like they had no more vowed their commitment to one another and she became pregnant.
Christel was their oldest. Her daughter was known to be a little high-strung, always had been. At two, she appeared at their bedroom door wearing a scowl. When asked what was wrong, Christel simply said, “Are you guys going to boss me today?”
The memory brought a smile to Ava’s face. It was that same spunk that had propelled her girl onto the dean’s list at Loyola. Much to Lincoln’s dismay, their daughter had become very liberal, even dying her hair blonde in solidarity with her favorite candidate, Hilary Clinton. Lucky for them, she’d brought her legal talents back home from Chicago and joined the family business. She now managed all the legal and financial aspects of Pali Maui.
Katie was born four years later. Katie was—well, driven. While raising two girls of her own, she single-handedly expanded Pali Maui to include the tourist aspect of their family business, primarily the retail operation and restaurant. Lucky for them, she married one of the best chefs around. Katie was a brilliant marketer. The family could barely keep up with all her plans.
Then came the boys. Neither were married. Aiden was twenty-five and an EMT. Shane was two years younger and attended the University of Hawaii here on the island and had yet to decide his career path. If left up to him, he might never settle down. Lincoln often accused her of coddling their youngest son, but she knew Shane was simply a free spirit who loved his pau hana.
They’d raised an amazing family—a family that was now her sole responsibility. The burden felt heavy without Lincoln by her side to help shoulder the obligation of influencing, guiding and nurturing them emotionally. Parenting is the one job you never quit.
A future without Lincoln seemed a daunting thing. Yet, she knew this. She had to pick herself up and go on. She had to find a way to survive the loss and keep Pali Maui, its employees and her family on steady ground.
She would do it, she promised. Ava clenched her fists with determination.
So, help her. She would do it.
* * *
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:
I hope you’ve enjoyed this preview of UNDER A MAUI SKY which is scheduled to release Spring 2021 and can be preordered now. Purchase links to all my books, including this one, can be found on my website:
www.kelliecoatesgilbert.com
About the Author
Kellie Coates Gilbert has won readers’ hearts with her compelling and highly emotional stories about women and the relationships that define their lives. A former legal investigator, Kellie’s deep understanding of human nature is woven into every page.
* * *
In addition to garnering hundreds of five-star reviews, Kellie has been described by RT Book Reviews as a “deft, crisp storyteller.” Her books were featured as Barnes & Noble Top Shelf Picks and were included on Library Journal’s Best Book List of 2014.
* * *
Born and raised near Sun Valley, Idaho, Kellie now lives with her husband of over thirty-five years in Dallas, where she spends most days by her pool drinking sweet tea and writing the stories of her heart.
* * *
www.kelliecoatesgilbert.com
Also by Kellie Coates Gilbert
THE PACIFIC BAY SERIES
Chances Are
Remember Us
Chasing Wind
Between Rains
THE SUN VALLEY SERIES
Sisters
Heartbeats
Changes
Promises
LOVE ON VACATION SERIES
Otherwise Engaged
All Fore Love
TEXAS GOLD SERIES
A Woman of Fortune
Where Rivers Part
A Reason to Stay
What Matters Most
Kellie Coates Gilbert, Between Rains
