A Change of Plans (36 page)

L
ATER, WE
showered, dressed, and went in search of food. The sun shone near its peak when we came down the stairs. Everyone, including the Scouts and their families, sat by the pool or was eating from a spread in the dining room.

Olivia hadn’t wasted the morning, having spent the time interviewing each of the Scouts about their experiences. Once she finished, she would have enough material for a two-hour TV special.

Jack, Aislinn, and D’Arcy joined us as soon as we came outside. I sat quietly and ate while Braedon’s family finally had a chance to talk to him about what had happened.

When he left for a minute to refill his plate, Jack reached over and clasped my hand. “Kid, you look happier than I’ve ever seen you.”

“I can’t even put it in words.”

When Braedon returned, I rose from the table and kissed him on the cheek. “You talk with your family. I have some business to take care of.”

He looked at me quizzically, but I shook my head. I would tell him about it once I found out if I would be successful. I found Lua and Etano lounging by the pool.

“Talofa,
Lyn!” Lua called when he saw me approaching. He and Etano scooted over to make room on their towels so I could sit with them.

“How’s your arm?” I asked Lua.

In answer, he lifted his wrist and bent his elbow. He grimaced only once. “Almost as good as new. The doctor said
it’s taken so long to heal because of our poor nutrition. Plus, I pulled a muscle rowing. Now I’m eating good again, I should do great.”

“Excellent.” I paused, wondering how to bring up my gift.

Etano had been watching me. “What’s wrong?”

I decided to just come right out with it. “I have a gift for the two of you.”

They exchanged uneasy glances and Lua looked around for his father, who stood talking with Olivia. Lua beckoned him to join us. We rose as Moli approached.

Rubbing his chin, Lua announced, “Lyn says she has a gift for us.”

Moli pursed his lips, his eyes narrowing.

I held up my hands. “It’s a gift to help with college.”

Their faces relaxed.

“I didn’t want to do the interview with Olivia, but I agreed to it on one condition—that the fee be paid to Lua’s and Etano’s families.”

“Now, Lyn—” Moli began, alarmed.

I interrupted, “It’s enough for college—anywhere they want to go.” That was not completely true, but I felt sure Braedon would agree to make up any difference.

Frowning, Moli demanded, “How much is it?”

I passed him the check Olivia had given me earlier.

The boys leaned over to examine it and gasped. Moli tried to hand it back to me, but I stepped away and put my hands behind my back.

“I’m here because of you, Moli. Lua and Etano brought Braedon back. Are you going to make me feel obligated to you forever?” I tapped the check in Moli’s hand. “This isn’t enough, but it’s the best I can give.”

His mouth pinched, Moli glanced at the boys and then back at me. “All right.”

I threw my arms around him and then each of the boys. “Thank you! And I mean what I said about any college. If you want to go to the mainland, you can. Braedon went to Harvard, and he’s got connections there.”

From their expressions, I knew I had gone too far. “It all depends on what you want to study. It’s up to you.” I hurried away before they could argue and went in search of Braedon.

I didn’t see him and wondered if he had gone back inside for more food. I stopped by Olivia, who sat holding a book and observing everyone.

She waved me over to sit by her, so I took the lounge chair at her side and laid back, enjoying the sun. I wished Braedon would come back. I had been away from him for a whole ten minutes, and I was already getting edgy. When Olivia didn’t say anything, I turned my head toward her and found her watching me.

“What?”

She smiled and looked down at her book. “Thank you for letting me be a part of this.”

“You made it all happen. I swear you’re like my fairy godmother ... well, maybe Braedon qualifies as that since he got the dress.” We laughed. “But seriously, Olivia, you’ve been incredible.”

“Oh, don’t make me out to be too altruistic, Lyn. This was very much a business decision ....” She paused, and I raised my eyebrows at her. “At least in the beginning. But I admit I’ve gotten emotionally involved in your story. You’re a fortunate woman.”

I sighed, nodding. “You know, three months ago I’d have
disagreed with you. But now ....” Braedon entered the pool area from the grounds with his father, and I smiled. “Did I tell you that when things were getting too serious too fast between us on the ship I avoided him for four days and then tried to ignore him for another three?”

Her eyes opened wide. “Tell me!”

Embarrassed, I shared all the gruesome details.

Olivia frowned, confused. “The obvious question is why.”

“I couldn’t trust myself to fall in love with a fairy tale.” I tilted my head and watched Braedon. “I mean, look at him.”

She peered at my husband, who now stood talking with Moli. “Well, he’s not exactly my type ....”

I gave her a ‘be serious’ look. “I knew I was falling hard.”

Olivia considered me. “You ought to write this all down.”

I laughed. “Me? Who’d want to read about me?”

She smirked. “Well, don’t tell that to my advertisers, because we’re counting on lots of people being interested in your story.” She patted my hand. “I’m truly happy for you, Lyn. You got your fairy tale after all, didn’t you?”

Braedon, who had been working his way toward me, stepped to my side and touched my hair.

I reached up to take his hand and grinned at Olivia. “Yes, I did, didn’t I?”

D
ONNA
K. Weaver has always loved reading and creating stories, thus she’s been ever entertained. A Navy brat and US Army veteran, she’s lived in many US states as well as South Korea, the Philippines, and Germany. An avid cruiser, she’s sailed the Pacific four times. When she retired from Shorei Kempo Karate with a black belt, she decided it was time to put her imaginary friends and places on paper. She lives in Utah with her husband. They have six children and eight grandchildren.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

F
IRST AND
foremost, I need to thank my husband, Edward, who helpfully sought comfort from
StarCraft2
and
MineCraft
while I was writing. My beta readers Rachelle (the first person to ever read anything I wrote—and yeah, she’s still talking to me), Carole, Mellie, Kelsey, Bobbie, and Sarah all provided valuable insight that helped to make a better story. My Pied Piper critique partners Robin, Meredith, Donea, and Shanna, plus critiquers Melanie, Laura, Natalie, Heidi, and Jennifer all succeeded in messing with my head and forcing me to view the story differently, and I so appreciated the brainstorming sessions with fellow members of the iWriteNetwork.

I’d like to thank my son David who was so kind to point out that I’d emasculated the love interest; my nurse son-in-law, Spencer, who provided valuable input on many of the medical issues; and my brother David for his help with the geology of the island. I send many thanks to Captain Matt Faria from Captain Andy’s Sailing Adventures on Kauai who put up with my sailing questions during a catamaran trip to the Na Pali Coast. I would also like to express my gratitude to KellyAnne Terry, the library director for the Lewistown Library, who took time out of her busy schedule to meet with me and talk ranching.

I appreciate the wonderful input and expertise of Rhemalda editors Kat and Diane for polishing the book, but I owe so much to Emmaline Hoffmeister, Rhemalda vice president. It was her encouragement, support, and enthusiasm for the story that let it see the light of day. Thank you!