“I am. I really am. I have a business plan and everything. I already have a contract with Auntie Kua.”
Oakley grinned. “Full speed ahead, then.”
Akemi threw her arms around her and squeezed. “Thank you.”
“We love having you home. Mom too, even if she’s not always good at showing it. If you want to go all in and put some roots down here, I’m all for it.”
“I do. I’m ready.”
“And what does Lorenzo say?”
“He wants to spend more time here too. It’s where both of his children are.”
Oakley nodded. She had her doubts – she knew as well as anyone how wide the gap could be between a man’s words and his willingness to follow through – but when she looked down the beach at Lorenzo and saw the incandescent joy on his face as he played with his son, she felt cautiously optimistic for her sister.
Maybe Akemi’s unusual attachment would be more successful than Oakley’s more traditional marriage had been. She could only hope for the best.
Either way, she – and the rest of their sisters – would be there to support her.
16
Akemi
With Auntie Kua’s blessing and Oakley’s infusion of both energy and cash, the little house next to Paradise Books was soon gutted and well on its way to achieving Akemi’s vision.
Noah and Kekoa had both stepped back from construction work – Noah to flip houses, and Kekoa to focus on his carpentry business – but they both agreed to help with the café as a favor to the Kalamas. Between the two of them – and with the added muscle provided by Noah’s foster son, Jayce – they were making rapid progress.
“I can’t believe how quickly it’s all coming along,” Akemi marveled.
“I can,” Oakley said. “That’s why I hired them.”
“I mean, yeah, but still… this is amazing.”
“After the magic Kekoa worked with the old dance studio next door, I knew this place would be a breeze.”
“I guess it seems like magic if you’re not the one hauling materials,” Noah teased as he passed by with an armful of boards.
“Magic!” Oakley did a little softshoe routine, complete withjazz hands.
He laughed. “You’re in good spirits.”
“That’s because…” She did a drumroll on their newly installed wooden counter. “We’re firing up the espresso machine today! We are officially a café!”
Noah raised one eyebrow and looked around with a dubious expression. There was no furniture yet, and they had torn out the entire back porch in order to build something that wouldn’t suddenly give way underfoot.
But even so. They were making progress, and Akemi was excited.
She’d spent the whole morning placing orders for soft mats, foam blocks, plastic slides, and the rest of the things that they would need to make their playspace a reality.
It was all coming together.
Best of all, Lorenzo was still there. He wanted as much time with Kaleo as he could get, and so he spent his days exploring the island with their son while Akemi worked on bringing her café to life. Rory was with them too, whenever her mother would allow it, and Akemi was glad that the half siblings were finally getting more time together.
“I’m going to run to the store for some milk,” Oakley announced. “Anybody need anything?”
“Food!” Kekoa shouted from the back door.
“You just had breakfast!”
