Love by Design

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Love by Design Page 17

by Chris Keniston


  “That makes sense.” Ava nodded. “If I hadn’t spent so many hours talking to the man, I would have thought he had to be crazy or senile too.” The afternoon had flown by. Not until dinner was being served did she realize how long she’d stayed.

  “So he’s carried a torch for your grandmother all these years?” Nick asked.

  “No.” Ava shook her head. “I don’t think so. It sounded to me like two good friends decided to marry, and then they each fell in love with their soulmates, before they could seal the deal.”

  “You sure?” Kara stacked the contract pages together.

  “I wasn’t at first, but, when you watch his eyes as he talked about his wife, Sally, you could see the years slip away. He loved her very much.”

  “And they never had children,” Kara added.

  “And he can’t stand his nephew.”

  Nick kissed his wife lightly on the lips, as he handed off their daughter. The gentle gesture had Ava smothering a sigh. “Doesn’t he have other nieces or nephews?”

  “Not that he likes.”

  “But he likes you?” Nick asked.

  Ava had to pause a minute. Now she would like to think yes. But that wasn’t why he’d made the original offer. “He likes Mom.”

  Kara swayed in place, patting Catherine on the back. “He knows Maile?”

  “When she was a little girl. Apparently Walter was a brat from his first words.”

  Nick shrugged. “I’m still not sure I get it.”

  “I suppose you could write it off to don’t piss off your rich relatives.”

  “Hmm.” Nick smiled. “Maybe I should call Mom and Dad.”

  Kara smacked her husband on the arm. “Don’t be silly.”

  The two grinned at each other like a couple of lovesick teenagers, and Ava decided her friends didn’t need a chaperone. “I’d better be going. Thanks so much.”

  “Anytime.” Kara nodded.

  Nick slung an arm around his wife’s shoulder and nodded. Ava grabbed the papers and, hugging them against her, said her good-byes and nearly skipped to her car. Her day had been so full, she’d missed meeting up with John and Maggie at the hospital. As it was, she was barely going to get there before visiting hours ended. By the time she visited with the youngest Everrett, it would be too late to just drop by the guesthouse. And not seeing Forrest today bothered her a little more than it should.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Sunrise in Kona had to be one of the most beautiful sights John had seen in a very long time. Last night Maggie and his sisters had chatted on about day trips to other islands. Rose was keen on spending a couple of days in Maui and seeing the sunrise at the top of Haleakalā. This morning’s view from the veranda suited him just fine.

  “Up awfully early.” Maggie settled into the seat beside him.

  “I could say the same about you.”

  “A couple of years of corralling kids will do that to you.”

  “Six years of rise and shine for me. Sleeping in just doesn’t work anymore.”

  Nodding, Maggie took a slow sip of coffee. “You’re not thinking of going home yet, are you?”

  “No, not really.”

  “The Everretts are easy to like.”

  “Yes, they are.”

  Maggie shifted her gaze to the ocean view. “Annette suggested taking a day trip to Hilo. Weather should be perfect today for visiting the volcano park.”

  “Rose would like that.”

  “Yeah.”

  He had not spent a great deal of time with his sister Maggie over the last few years, even though they had both lived in the Los Angeles area. Time was something they rarely carved out for family. But some things never change, and he was damn sure she was taking the long way around to making a point. Always the diplomat.

  “I’ve been to Hilo with the kids,” she continued, “but it would be easier if a native came along to play tour guide.”

  Her expression remained placid, her focus on the coffee cup. But he knew she was gauging his reactions. He could face down a room filled with disgruntled board members and not reveal his own feelings; he certainly could tame the inner teen eager to jump up and suggest Ava Everrett. He merely took a sip of his own morning brew.

  Maggie watched him over the rim of her cup. “Ava’s name was brought up.”

  He resisted the urge to smile. No need to suggest when someone else was willing to do it for him. God bless whoever had tossed her name into the ring. “She might have the time.”

  “I sent her a text a few minutes ago.”

  “A little early, don’t you think?” He glanced at his watch.

  “Not for Ava.”

  His coffee had grown cold, but, rather than speak, he took another sip.

  “Seems she’s buying a house,” Maggie said.

  Letting his head fall back, he smiled up at the sky. “So she’s going to do it.”

  “She’s getting started today.”

  “Today?” He snapped upright. Who the hell buys a house in less than forty-eight hours? “Did she say what she’s agreed to pay? Did the seller include the furniture? What are the final terms?”

  “Whoa, little brother.” Maggie held out one hand, palm up. “All she said is she would be at the house today, cleaning, and wouldn’t be available to accompany us to Hilo. But she was pretty sure her mother would be happy to play tour guide, as long as someone else drives.”

  “I see.” Kara had said she’d look over the contract. From all he’d heard, Nick’s wife was good at her job, but that didn’t mean real estate contracts were her forte. Nor did it mean Ava had followed her brother’s advice.

  Instead of picnics on the beach and moonlit walks, he might have to alter his plans to include paint cans and furniture polish. Not a very romantic way to win over a woman. But first he needed to find out if she’d agreed to the one-dollar deal after all.

  The sound of Maggie’s cell phone grew louder, until Rose appeared on the veranda, the phone perched on her palm like a platter.

  “Thanks.” Maggie grabbed the phone and, standing up, moved inside to take the call.

  “Think she’s got a secret lover?” Heather came through the open doorway, tightening her robe.

  “Unlikely.” Rose leaned against the balcony wall. “I didn’t expect to see you up so early.”

  Heather shrugged. “Not that early for an East Coast girl.”

  “Okay.” Maggie came hurrying through the door. “That was Maile. She’d be delighted to take us on a tour of Hilo. She says to wear comfortable walking shoes and a jacket. We need to hurry. She’s on her way.”

  “Good grief.” Heather almost whined. “How long does it take to see a volcano?”

  “I didn’t catch everything she said, but Maile mentioned macadamias and bread and waterfalls and dusk. I think she’s got a long day planned.”

  “Sounds like it.” Rose pushed away from the wall. “We’d better get moving.”

  “Yes.” John pushed to his feet and followed his sisters inside. Now all he had to figure out was how to get out of a day trip with the sisters he came to see.

  * * *

  Anxious to get started scrubbing the house, Ava was more than ready to get out the door. While she would have loved some extra help, especially with only one good arm, she wasn’t ready to have her mother underfoot, asking a lot of questions. Not yet.

  First thing this morning she’d signed, scanned, and sent the contract to Kara, Angela and Mr. Malakii. Harry. There were still legal things that had to happen over the next ten days before the house would officially be hers, but one of the papers she’d signed was a buyer’s lease agreement. For an additional dollar she could take possession right away.

  “This will be fun.” Maile propped her floppy woven hat on her head. “It’s been a while since I’ve played tourist.”

  Grabbing her keys from the brass hook by the door, Ava waved for her mother to precede her out the door. “I wish I didn’t have so much to do, or I’d go too.”


  “Well, it’s better you handle business. I can take care of the Maplewoods.”

  Ava wasn’t sure she liked the look on her mother’s face, but now wasn’t the time to ruffle any feathers.

  “I appreciate you giving me a ride. That new mechanic said he’ll finally have my car dropped off some time this afternoon.” Buckled into the car, Maile sighed. “You know I almost said no. I hate the thought of missing even an hour with my new grandbaby, but Billy and Angela should have at least a day or two, before I start spoiling my little Isabella.”

  “That’s the attitude, Ma.” Ava laughed, thankful the discussion wasn’t about her. “Let them have at least a few days out of the next eighteen years.”

  Her mother shot her “the look,” and—like she and her siblings did whenever they could get away with it—she pretended not to notice. “Hey, there’s Annette.”

  Ahead in the guesthouse driveway, Annette Deluca stood at the end of the pavestone path, coming from the main house. She’d paused and waited for Maile and Ava to climb out of the car. “Good morning. Didn’t expect to see you guys so bright and early.”

  “Nice to see you.” Maile waved, holding her hat in place with her free hand.

  Ava slammed the door shut behind her. “I’m not staying. Just dropping Mom off.” And hoping to steal a few seconds with Forrest.

  “Hi, there.” Heather opened the door. “We’re just about ready.”

  Wearing a pair of pink espadrilles and an orange-and-pink paisley sundress to match, Heather looked ready for a fashion shoot, not a day of hiking. At least Maggie and Rose were more practically dressed in capris and tennis shoes. Forrest on the other hand, in plaid shorts and a white T-shirt and bare feet, looked as though he’d just tumbled out of bed. A thought she’d have to savor another day.

  “Oh, you’re not ready yet.” A forced smile quickly covered Maile’s momentary scowl. “No problem. We can wait, while you get your shoes.”

  “Thank you, but that won’t be necessary.”

  “It won’t?” The scowl was back.

  “I, uhm, won’t be joining you.”

  Maile turned to her daughter, the frown deepening, before turning back to Forrest with a fresh smile on her face. “Nonsense. You don’t want to miss the fun day we have ahead of us.”

  “I’m sure you’ll all have a great time without me.”

  “But—” Maile began.

  “Are you not feeling well?” Maggie faced her brother.

  From Maggie’s expression Ava guessed this was the first the sisters had heard of his intentions to stay home. Ava felt a spark of excitement at the possibilities, if he stayed behind.

  “Feeling great, but Maggie’s compact car isn’t designed to fit five comfortably, and I’m sure you girls will have more fun without me anyhow.” He flashed his big sister a bright smile, and, even though it hadn’t been directed at Ava, her stomach did a slow somersault.

  “Oh.” Maggie looked to her sisters, each looking as surprised as she was. “I guess—”

  “You can have the front seat. More leg room.” Maile patted his arm, as though that had settled that.

  “Thank you, but my dear father would never forgive me if I allowed you to suffer in the backseat.”

  Rose and Heather coughed, and Maggie spun about, hand over her mouth. Ava wasn’t sure if they were laughing or sick.

  “He does have a point, Maile. Cars aren’t what they used to be. I think everyone will be much more comfortable with only four in the car.” Annette slid an arm around Maile, turning her about and walking to the door. “Don’t worry about Forrest. I’m sure he can find something to occupy his time.”

  Under her breath Maile muttered something that sounded suspiciously like “That’s what I’m afraid of,” then turned to her daughter. “Thank you for bringing me, dear. You’d better run along. You have a lot to do, and, don’t forget, Sara promised to stop by and help.”

  “Yes, but…” She looked to Forrest, torn between wanting to get her day started on her new office, and wanting to hang back and see if maybe his plans included her.

  “Hurry along.” Maile shooed everyone out the door. “Let’s get moving.”

  Unable to resist tidal wave Maile, Ava found herself shuttled into her car and staring ahead at Forrest and Annette in the doorway. If only Ava could understand why her mother had such a problem with one Forrest Maplewood.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  “You want my keys?” Annette asked.

  “Excuse me?” John dragged his gaze away from the now empty driveway.

  “To my car. Or are you planning on sitting home all day, while a pretty young lady could use a little extra muscle?”

  A grin teased the corners of his lips. If things worked out for him and Ava, he would need to remember to send Annette a dozen roses. Hell, even if he crashed and burned, he’d send the woman some roses. “Thanks. That would be great.”

  It only took him ten minutes to shower, change and head out the door to the main house. Annette drove a practical domestic SUV. Considering the palatial garage that housed the vehicle, he would have expected something more costly. Probably German. He found it oddly comforting that Annette Deluca wasn’t into status symbols to match her bank account. And, from what little he knew of the Deluca empire, she could have afforded several status symbols. The lady apparently liked buying American-made. Good for her.

  Doing his best to remember his way around, he stopped first at the local hardware store that Annette had referred him to, next he’d hit an upscale grocery store, and now, back on the main drag, he took the next corner and hoped he’d chosen the correct street. Ava’s car, parked in the same spot as yesterday, greeted him. Bingo.

  Two bags in his arms, he knocked on the back door. There was no way she could turn away a helping hand bearing gifts. At least he certainly hoped not.

  The back door flung open, and an out-of-breath, dust-covered Ava stood staring at him. From the front of the house a beam of light shone through the windows. The bright backdrop enveloped her like a blessed halo. The sight robbed him of his next breath. Dirt smudges highlighted her cheeks, and sweat dripped along her neck and trickled down, disappearing into the valley beneath her shirt. His tongue nearly stuck to the roof of his mouth, wanting to slip out and lick up the next drop.

  “Are you going to stand there and stare or come in?” Ava eased to the side.

  “Sorry, I was…uh…”

  “Yeah.” She tilted a bashful smile at him. “So was I.”

  Confused, he walked past her. “You were what?”

  “Hoping to see you. I wasn’t sure what your plans were for the day, but a little part of me hoped they included me.” She closed the door behind him.

  Standing in the middle of the kitchen, still holding the groceries, he bobbed his head. “Jo—Forrest Maplewood, at your service.”

  “You may regret saying that.” Still smiling, she peered over the edge of the bags. “What ya got there?”

  “Sustenance. For later.” Setting down the bags, he took another quick peek at the next drop of sweat to cut a path down her front and quickly opted for putting his purchases in the fridge and praying the cold gust of air would help cool his libido. If he’d let his mind follow on the track it was on, the place would never get cleaned up. “I also picked up a pressure washer.”

  “A what?”

  “Pressure—”

  “Yes, I heard what you said. But why?”

  “Because the dirt in here is coming from out there.” He waved a thumb over his shoulder. “Cleaning away at least a couple layers should make housekeeping easier.” It would also clear the way for a fresh coat of primer, but he wasn’t ready to tell her yet that he planned on doing a lot more than dusting furniture.

  Gripping a dirty rag with her good hand, she poked him in the chest. “Great idea. But let’s at least get rid of the first layer of dirt inside.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Giving her a mock salute, he accepted the rag
and followed her into the room that would most likely be her office. All the sheets covering the furniture had been removed and piled high in the corner. “Is the furniture part of the deal you made?”

  She beamed at him. “Yep. The dollar includes all the contents.”

  “Cool.” He had a hundred other questions about the contract, but, for now, seeing excitement dance in her eyes was enough.

  A Shop-Vac removed the upper layer of dust in the room, and she was now working on removing the next layer. While he dusted, wiped, scrubbed the windowsills and baseboards, Ava rinsed and wiped the miscellaneous knickknacks and larger pieces, while updating him on all that had happened since they’d left the place last night.

  “You do pretty well for a one-armed paperhanger.” John worried she was overdoing it.

  “It’s not like I’d be scrubbing with both hands if I hadn’t been bitten by an eel.”

  “True.” John shoved himself upright. But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t keep an extra eye on her. “I’m going to get fresh water.”

  “Me too. Who knew water could get so black?”

  Over the sink, he dumped her bucket first and then his. “This would probably be a good time for a little energy snack.”

  “I was in such a hurry to get here I didn’t think about food. That’s usually Mom’s job.”

  John laughed. “I bet it is.”

  “What did you bring?” She moved beside him, smiling, waiting.

  From the fridge he pulled out a small tin and lifted the cover to expose a serving tray. Chocolate-covered strawberries and plain strawberries.

  “Ooh.” She grabbed for the chocolate-covered fruit first.

  “And”—he pulled out another plastic tray revealing a variety of cheeses and crackers—”protein.”

  “All we’re missing is the champagne.”

  He could tell from the way she chuckled that she’d meant the comment as a joke, so he pulled out the bubbly next. “But this isn’t until later. After the place shines.”

 

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