But instead of speaking, his big hands touched her right foot. He pulled her shoe off and cradled her foot in his hand. His hand was so large, her foot lay perfectly in his palm. She tried to pull it away out of sight, but he shook his head and held tightly. A shock as profound as if she’d touched a live current of electricity raced through her when his fingers traced the scars on her instep.
Then he leaned down and pressed his lips to the scars. “Even your feet are beautiful,” he whispered. “Don’t ever be ashamed of all that you are, Annie. I know in our lives we may disappoint one another, but it is all to make us grow together. You’re the finest, most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. I love every part of you, every knock and hard spot that made you the person you are today. I’m never letting you go. Say you’ll marry me. I’m not sure what job I’ll be doing, but I’ll always take care of you.”
What could a woman say to a proposal like that except the word that sprang to her lips? “Yes,” she whispered. Mano’s arms drew her into an embrace, and Wilson poked his head out of her shirt. Annie thought he’d growl or bark to see Mano crowding his space, but the mongoose licked Mano’s face. “I think he approves,” she whispered. “That’s a kiss.”
“Yours are the only kisses I want,” Mano murmured as his lips found hers.
Words used in this series
aloha (ah-LOW-hah): a warm Hawaiian greeting or parting; love, grace, sentiment, compassion, sympathy, kindness, affection, friendship; to show kindness or to remember with affection.
haole (hah-OH-lay): white person. Can be a slur depending on tone.
keiki (KAY-kee ): child.
ki’i (Kee-ee): the stone statues similar to tiki.
’ohana (Oh-HAH-nah): family.
onolicious (oh-no-LIcious): A variation of ofono, the Hawaiian word for good.
mahalo (mah-HAH-low): thank you. Heard everywhere in the islands, even when something is announced on the loudspeaker in Kmart.
makuahine (mah-koo-ah-HEE-nay): mother.
makuakane (mah-koo-ah-KAH-nay): father.
t?t? (too-too): grandma.
t?t? kane (too-too KAH-nay): grandpa.
Reading Group Guide Available
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Acknowledgements
I had some great help with my research for this book, though as always, any errors are mine. The Big Island of Hawai’i is a fascinating place with so many different climates and areas. Some wonderful establishments gave us lodging at a reduced rate.
We loved the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. In fact, Hilo was my favorite city on the Big Island. It’s very laid back and the people were friendly. The hotel looked out on a beautiful lagoon, and we stood on the balcony and just drank in the view. We highly recommend it. And while you’re there, stop next door at Uncle Billy’s restaurant. It feels like a place straight out of an Elvis movie with thatched cabanas.
Jessica Ferracane at The Fairmont Orchid welcomed us to our first stop on the west side. The Fairmont Orchid is this glorious, old-world kind of place with lavish rooms and grounds and a bed to die for. The beach area is great for kids, and outside huts boast enjoyable spa treatments. Heaven! I highly recommend it.
Leanne Pletcher made our stay at the Hilton Waikoloa a delight! It’s a destination unto itself ! A tram takes visitors around the extensive grounds, and there’s so much to do, you may never want to leave. (Resist the temptation, though, and make sure you explore all of Hawai’i.) The room was fabulous, and Leanne presented us with a chocolate concoction that looked like a flower. We loved our stay there and highly recommend it.
There is one activity at the Hilton Waikoloa you won’t want to miss—Dolphin Quest. We actually swam with the dolphins and saw how they are trained. One of the dolphins I met was named Nani! I asked to have my picture taken with her, and you can find that photo on my Web site. Being with the dolphins was an almost spiritual experience. Patrick McLain Jr. answered my many questions about dolphins and was a great help in the research for this book.
David Warganich welcomed us to the Chalet Kilauea. We stayed in the Lokahi Lodge, a charming bed-and-breakfast in the rain forest at the volcanoes. It was a home away from home, and our hosts were very gracious. Highly recommended.
My research at the volcanoes was fascinating! The men and women who study volcanoes are dedicated and brave.
Steve Brantley at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory took an entire morning to answer my questions and show me around the observatory. It was so captivating, I didn’t want to leave! Thanks so much, Steve.
He also put me in touch with Gordon Tribble, who has done some underwater research at the volcanoes. Gordon gave me tons of information about diving to the volcanoes and the hazards involved in that. Thanks, Gordon!