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Reiko gestured at the grill. “I was, but I’ve been snacking while I’m cooking.”

Mari rolled her eyes and picked up the other pair of tongs, putting the long cuts of veg on the grill. “This feels good.” She looked up as a large truck ambled down the road. A second truck came up behind it.

Reiko gave her another nudge. “This is like old times.”

The two lifelong friends shared a smile, nodding.

The first truck belonged to the Tanoai family. Mari raised a hand and waved at them, tongs and all.

Tiny got out of the truck first and reached into the back of the cab to unbuckle his son. Junior T almost squirmed free of his father’s grasp before he was even on the ground. His mother’s laugh echoed through the cab.

And Tiny sighed as he put the boy on the ground. “Careful!”

The boy took off like a shot and almost ran into Missus Sakamoto who laughed and put a stilling hand on his shoulder. “Careful, Junior.”

The toddler looked up at the older woman and shouted a youthful apology. “Sorry, Auntie!”

Missus Sakamoto mussed his hair and sent him on his way.

Reiko took the bowl of veg from her and lifted her chin toward the cars that were arriving on the street.

For a second, Mari thought of waiting until everyone had parked before going over, but the instant she saw Heath step into the open, she started over, smiling from ear to ear.

“I’ve never seen so many cars in your neighborhood.”

She shrugged and wrapped her arms around him, rising up on the balls of her feet to give him a kiss. “It’s a party. Our quiet little neighborhood is going to be packed tonight.”

Hoss walked by with a wave, gesturing over at Reiko before he passed her and Heath introduced her to the other guys that came with him. “Riptide wanted to come, but he had to check in at Pearl this afternoon.”

She nodded slowly. “That’s because he’s actually in the Navy, right?”

“Right.” Heath reached up a hand to rub at the back of his neck. “He’s going to try and come over when he can.”

“Good.” Mari turned to face the others. “Hey, I’m Mari. I’m-”

“My girlfriend.” She was a little surprised that Heath was introducing her like that. “This is Arctic.”

She blinked at the name of the blond Marine. “Arctic. Is that because of your eyes?”

Heath’s hand gripped her hip. “Are you trying to make me jealous?”

She bumped him with her hip. “Whatever. He’s got gorgeous eyes.” And she meant it. Arctic had icy blue eyes.

He reached out to shake her hand and she did. It was a little different from the norm in Hawaii, but unlike Rome, she just did whatever other people felt comfortable with.

“And this is Kid.”

She frowned a little, her eyes narrowing. “Kid?”

The other man was taller, and looked like he was thinner than the others, his face had that smooth, effortlessly clean-shaven look. It was probably why they called him Kid.

He stepped in and with a hesitant look at her he held out a hand. She smiled and shook his hand trying to put him at ease. “Good to meet you guys.”

“We… we brought some things from Tamura’s.” She liked the way Kid carefully pronounced the name. It had taken some effort for a guy from Minnesota. “I hope It’s okay.”

He held out his left hand and handed the bag over to her.

“It’s great.” She meant it. “I’m glad you guys were able to come over,” she leaned her head against Heath’s chest. “Everyone in the neighborhood is going to be here. Come with me.”