The Hawaiian Quilt (31 page)

Tears welled in her eyes, and she fought to keep them from falling onto her cheeks. In some ways, she wished he hadn’t come. It may have made it easier. On the other hand, she was glad for the opportunity to see him one last time. If Mandy still had her camera, she would have taken a picture of him.

“We’re certainly going to miss you both.” Luana’s statement pushed Mandy’s thoughts aside. “I hope you’ll call or write so we can keep in touch.” Her eyes misted. “Maybe someday you can visit Kauai again, or we might go to Indiana to see you.”

“It would be nice, but another trip for me would be expensive.” Mandy was barely able to speak around the lump stuck in her throat. She’d known almost from the minute she and Ellen first arrived at the bed-and-breakfast that it would be hard to leave, but she’d never expected it would be this difficult to say goodbye. Of course, back then, neither of them had an inkling they’d be staying for several months. If not for Makaio’s accident and Luana needing help at the B&B, they would have gone home long ago.

“I have something for both of you.” Luana rose from her seat and left the room. When she returned, she handed Mandy and Ellen two quilted potholders and pillow shams, all sewn with colorful Hawaiian print material.

“They’re beautiful. Mahalo,” Mandy whispered tearfully.

Ellen, also with tears in her eyes, nodded. “Yes, we appreciate your thoughtfulness.”

“Now don’t forget to take home the ukulele I gave you.” Makaio spoke up. “You’ve learned the basics, so now all you need to do is practice. It won’t be long and you’ll be playing as good as me.” He looked over at his wife and smiled.

Mandy could only manage a nod. Every time she played the Hawaiian instrument, she would think of Makaio, as well as Ken because he, too, played the ukulele. Of course, she would also have the sunrise picture Ken had given her.

“Hold up your gifts so I can get your picture. These will be nice to put in my scrapbook.” Ailani smiled. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know you. Mahalo for helping my ohana while Papa’s leg was healing and for taking care of me and Primrose when we came home from the hospital.” She bent to kiss the top of her baby’s head.

“You’re welcome.” Mandy smiled. “It was our privilege to help your family.”

Ellen nodded. “We appreciate all that’s been done for us, too.”

“I have something for both of you.” Ken stood and made his way over to the couch. Then he handed Mandy and Ellen each a paper sack.

“How about you young people sitting on the sofa together so Ailani can take your picture after you’ve opened Ken’s gifts?” Luana suggested.

The two friends scooted over and Ken took a seat beside Mandy. Even though they weren’t talking much, she was grateful to be in his company this evening.

Mandy opened her gift and fought for control when she pulled out a lei made with kukui nuts. “Mahalo, Ken,” she murmured. “This looks like the one you’ve worn a few times when we did some things together.”

“It’s the same one. I wanted you to have it as a symbol of our friendship, and so you would remember your time here on Kauai.”

How could I ever forget it—or you?
Mandy kept her thoughts to herself but nodded to Ken. She wished she could freeze this moment. Having him here, receiving his heartfelt gift made it even harder to leave tomorrow. Ellen, on the other hand, had made it clear she was ready to leave Hawaii and get home to her family.

Ellen opened her gift and revealed a pretty shell lei. “Thanks, Ken. It was nice of you to think of us.”

“Okay, ladies, hold up those gifts, and everyone smile.” Ailani snapped a few pictures before returning to her seat.

“What’s for dessert?” Makaio asked.

“I made an angel food cake with strawberries and whipping cream, in honor of our most special guests,” Luana replied. “I’ll get it ready to serve right now.”

“I’ll give you a hand.” Ellen rose from the couch.

Oke came over with Primrose, who’d begun to fuss, and handed her to Ailani. “I think she needs her
makuahine
.”

Makaio wandered out to the kitchen, and soon Luana announced it was time for dessert. Ken got up with Oke and Ailani, and they headed for the dining room.

Mandy remained seated a few minutes, closing her eyes to hold back the tears threatening to spill over. She wished she and Ken could spend a few minutes alone, but it was probably better they didn’t. She couldn’t be so bold as to ask if they could take a walk outside, and he had certainly not suggested it. Once more, she consoled herself with the fact that this was how it was supposed to be. The Hawaiian words
a hui hou
, which meant “until meeting again,” floated through her mind, but she didn’t voice them because deep down she knew she would probably never see Ken again.

Saturday, April 16

Mandy wondered if Ken would miss her. She knew Makaio and Luana would—especially with all the hugs Luana had given Ellen and Mandy when she drove them to the docks. The tears Makaio’s wife spilled with their goodbyes were proof enough. The Palus were such a special couple.

Mandy thought about tomorrow and how she’d miss going to church in Kapaa. She would not be able to see Ken up front with the rest of the worship team. She’d miss the inspirational songs of praise, the pastor’s encouraging message, and even the brightly colored Hawaiian clothes many people wore.

She looked down at her Amish dress. Her muumuu was packed away now, and it saddened her a bit, knowing she wouldn’t have any reason to wear it again. She’d probably show it to her family, and then it would be put in a drawer to be looked at from time to time as a reminder of her days on Kauai.

Ellen had been eager to board the ship and talked about the delicious meals they would have on the cruise liner. She was also looking forward to seeing the volcano that Sadie and Barbara had seen before heading for the mainland.

After Ellen finished freshening up before dinner, Mandy quickly closed her journal. She didn’t want her friend to see what she’d written. She was fairly certain Ellen had suspicions about her feelings for Ken and didn’t want to discuss the matter. Talking about it and thinking about it were two different things. Mandy’s feelings for Ken were all she could think of right now, even though she tried to squelch them. The image of his face was constantly on her mind, not to mention how he’d looked at her when they finally parted last evening. If Ken had taken her into his arms, even for a casual hug, she didn’t know what she would have done. Truthfully, she wished he had. Would she have been able to let him go?

Mandy closed her eyes, finding it hard to forget their final, silent goodbye. She’d walked with Ken to his vehicle, while the rest of them stayed inside. The short walk felt like miles, instead of a few feet. The silence between them was deafening. She’d studied every feature of his face. As he gazed into her eyes, she silently screamed,
Please, Ken, ask me to stay
. When he reached out to take her hand, it may as well have been a kiss. Coming from Ken, even this simple act of friendship had sent her heart soaring. The look on his face before he turned and got in his SUV nearly tore Mandy’s heart apart. As difficult as it was, she kept silent and let Ken walk out of her life. He was English. She was Amish. What more could either of them say?

My fantasy is over now
, she reminded herself.
It’s time to face reality and focus on my life back home. Mom, Dad, and the rest of my family are waiting for me, and so is Gideon
. She massaged her forehead, continuing to mull things over.
Do I care for Gideon as much as I did before? Will Ken become a distant memory when I see Gideon again? Guess I won’t know for sure until I see him again
.

Middlebury

“I’m glad spring is here,” Peggy said Monday afternoon as she opened her store’s front window and drew in a deep breath. “Can you smell the fresh air?”

Barbara nodded from where she sat behind the counter on a wooden stool. “It smells like clean towels when they’ve been hung outside to dry.”

“On afternoons like this, I wish I could be home working in my garden, instead of cooped up in this stuffy store. When I sell the store someday, I’ll be able to spend more time in my garden and do other things I enjoy.” Peggy remained at the window a few minutes, then moved toward the door. “Since there are no customers at the moment, I think I’ll go outside and take a short walk. I’ll keep an eye on the door, and if any customers show up, I’ll hurry back inside.”

“Go ahead. Take your time.” Barbara motioned to the bolts of material lying before her. “While you’re gone, I’ll put these away.”

“Danki, Barbara. Don’t know how I’d get along without you.” Peggy smiled. “You’re a hard worker. It’s a comfort to have someone I can depend on.”

Barbara’s face warmed. “I love working here and want to do a good job for you.”

“Well, keep doing what you’re doing, and you’ll have a job here for as long as I own the store.” With a parting wave, Peggy went out the door.

I hope she doesn’t sell this business anytime soon
. Barbara fingered a quilted potholder lying on the counter.
Wish I could buy the store when she decides to sell, but there’s no way I can afford it
.

Sniffing the warm breeze coming through the open window, Barbara’s thoughts wandered back to Peggy’s other comments. She felt the same way as Peggy did about spring. It affected her soul, making her feel more alive. Springtime seemed to put the spirit of youth in people, young and old alike. The drudgery of cold winter months, long and gray, faded as each vivid new bloom brightened the landscape. Even from inside the store, Barbara could hear the birds singing and the leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. There’d even been a bee in the store earlier, which she’d quickly shooed out the window. Saying goodbye to the winter blues was something Barbara didn’t mind at all. Spring was also a time when hearts seemed merrier, and the spirit of love seemed to be felt everywhere.

Will I ever be fortunate enough to find love? If I never get married, I’ll continue working here as long as Peggy owns the store
. Barbara picked up two bolts of material and carried them to the shelf where they belonged. She had started back to get the others when Gideon entered the store, smiling widely. “Did you hear the good news?”

“What good news?” She picked up another bolt of material, holding it under one arm.

“Mandy and Ellen are on their way home.”

“Oh? I hadn’t heard. When will they be here?” Barbara tried to sound nonchalant, but internally, she was shaking.

“It’ll be a few more days. I talked to her daed yesterday. The man who owns the B&B where they stayed is doing better now and can take over his job again. The cruise ship Mandy and Ellen are on was supposed to leave Kauai Saturday night.” Gideon leaned on the counter. “Of course, it won’t go directly to Los Angeles. It’ll stop at another Hawaiian island for a good part of a day, then move on to stop in Ensenada, Mexico, before docking at the port in L.A. From there, they’ll catch a train to bring them the rest of the way home.” Gideon’s smile widened. “Isn’t it exciting, Barbara? Just think, by this time next week I’ll be reunited with Mandy. Then we can start making plans for our future. I can hardly wait.”

Barbara hadn’t realized she’d been holding her breath until she felt the need to breathe. “That’s wunderbaar.” She forced a smile.
Mandy is a good friend, and I look forward to seeing her again, but once she gets home, I won’t be seeing Gideon as often. He won’t need a sympathetic shoulder to cry on, and Mandy might not appreciate me spending time with her boyfriend. I need to set my feelings for him aside and try to be happy for them
.