She lived in the same house as their daughter – or at least on the same property – and they were no closer now than they had been before she moved home.
“What’s wrong?” Noah asked, stepping closer.
“I have so many regrets,” she admitted.
“You have to stop living in the past,” he said gently.
“It’s not about the past. Not for me. It’s about the present that I’ve created with all of my mistakes… and how my kids have paid for them.”
“It seems like your kids are thriving.”
“Zoe wants nothing to do with me.”
“Give it time.”
“I’m trying.”
“Be patient, Annie.”
“I’mtrying.”
He chuckled. “Maybe you need to try a bit less… and just let things be what they are. You’ve accomplished so much in the past couple of months, but you really haven’t been here that long. It might take a while for Zoe to accept that you’re here to stay. That is… if youarehere to stay?”
She slipped her hand into his. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Well then.” He put a hand on the side of her face. “Give it time.”
“You’re a very patient man, Noah Kapono.”
“Very.” He kissed her, slow and sweet.
“When’s our second date?” she asked.
“Whenever you’d like.”
“How long will you be in Volcano?”
“Just overnight. We’re going to camp in a eucalyptus grove and then drive into the park before sunrise to see the lava fountains.”
“When you get back, then?”
“It’s a date.” He kissed her forehead and then stepped back.
“Have fun,” she said, and meant it.
“See you soon.”
She stole one last kiss, and then he was gone.
13
Laurie
“Now what?” Laurie demanded when Kekoa made a second pit stop on the way back from town. He’d turned down a quiet side street and parked next to a hedge.
He turned to face her, and his hulking shoulders seemed to take up the entire truck cab. Laurie pulled back and put one hand on the door; she pulled the handle to release the latch.
Kekoa noticed her reaction before she was even fully aware of it herself, and he leaned away until his shoulder hit the opposite door.
