White Ginger

chapter 19



Chinese lanterns lined the veranda and pathway leading to Lili’s home. As Arne pulled up under the banyan tree, Lani ran out, squealing, “You’re here. Welcome back, Melie.”

Kevin and Lili followed, calling out greetings too.

“It looks so festive. What a lot of trouble you’ve gone to though.” Kevin and Lili and Arne and Lani exchanged smiles and led her up the path to the house. They paused in front of the double doors leading onto the barbecue area, blocking her view. Then Arne opened the door and gently pushed her ahead. “Surprise!” The cry was echoed by a small gathering of friends who surged toward them.

“We wanted to celebrate your safe return.” Jeff Jessup planted a kiss on her cheek then introduced Mary, his wife of sixteen years.

Arne spoke aloud for the benefit of their guests. “Thanks to your finding that first clue on the video, we’ve been able to stop Sanderson and his development cold. Everyone wants to celebrate. To Amelie.” Glasses were raised in a toast.

It was one of the best parties she’d ever had, surrounded by friends and the closest she had to family. Arne was never more than the touch of a hand from her side and, when the talk inevitably came back around to Tom Whitburn, he put his arm around her, squeezing gently.

Jeff spoke for all of them. “Sanderson’s development is finished. None of us wanted that monstrosity on our harbor front in the first place, but we needed a fresh pair of eyes to show us his deception.”

Rex continued the story. “His backers pulled out as soon as they heard he’d been arrested, and the bank will reclaim the land. It will probably be sold at auction though it’s likely to be offered to the council first.”

Kevin was quick to point out that the council had already put together appropriate by-laws to prevent future development applications detrimental to the reef by closing the loophole exposed by Sanderson’s project. “They’ll be ratified at our next meeting. We’re going to be much more proactive guarding our natural reserves.”

Arne looked at her. “In fact, the marine park boundaries are going to be extended to include all of this area so we’ve had a win for the whole community. Our reefs will be safeguarded for our children and for their children.” Did he really mean their children? Her toes curled in anticipation. It sounded like a plan.

Young Joe made a brief appearance with his parents, giving her the chance of another cuddle before he was carried away to Lani’s bedroom.

The moon rode high in the sky as Arne turned into his driveway. He opened her door and offered his hand, threading his fingers through hers as they strolled inside. “How do you feel?”

“Surprisingly wide-awake. That was so much fun, Arne. Lili’s a gem for organizing that party.” Oddly shy now they were finally alone, she perched on the sofa. What was their relationship? Should she just come right out with her declaration of love? He handed a glass of soda to her then sat, arm resting along the back of the seat. She leaned back, resting on his broad, safe shoulder and he played with her curls before burying his face in her hair. His lips brushed her forehead and she sighed. This was where she wanted to be.

Don’t be such a coward, Melie. Tell him.

Holding her courage close, she turned her head so she could read his expression. How would he react? She wanted a lifetime. But did he?

He beat her to it. “I was thinking, you know, that since we met we’ve been in one scrape after another.”

“With you the white knight having to rescue fair damsel in distress–”

“Overcoming the wicked witch and slaying dragons as I climbed the tallest mountain. It wasn’t all fairytale stuff though.”

She shook her head. “No, it wasn’t. But I’d do it all again.”

“I think you would. My brave Amelie. Don’t you think we deserve some quality off-duty time? So we can…get to know one another.” He nuzzled her ear.

Amelie stroked his cheek and then pushed him back. “What do you mean ‘off-duty’? You don’t mean–”

“We’ve been chasing bad guys since you arrived on Kauai. We’ve been stranded at sea in a wild storm, you’ve been attacked–twice.” A pained look flashed through his eyes. He closed them briefly, and then met her gaze. “It’s been chaos and confusion, sabotage and subterfuge. And through all that we’ve been trying to have a relationship. It’s been almost surreal.”

“So?”

“So, I’d like to go back a step or two and do some of the things I would have done if we were getting to know one another in a more–usual way. Would you like to try that?”

Intrigued, she agreed. He smiled. And suddenly everything was right in her world.

“Tomorrow morning, I’ll take you back to your cabin. You can rest, catch up on painting, whatever you want. Then, in the evening, we’ll…do something together.”

“Like a date?”

“Like a date. Okay?”

Hope sprang in her chest, lovely as a Hawaiian sunset. They had a future–together.