“Hey, buddy. It looks like Sally and Chad are waiting for everyone by the pool. Let’s head up there.”
“Shade,” said Sally. “How was the beach?”
“Wonderful. I almost fell asleep in the cabana.”
“Excuse me,” said Chad. “I spotted my uncle. He must have just gotten in.”
“Hello again,” said Mindy, walking over to join them. “Shade, this is my husband, Kevin. Kevin, this is Tyler and Shade. Hey Tyler, would you like to meet my granddaughter, Hanna? She’s about your age. I can take you over to her. She’s in the pool.”
“Yeah,” said Tyler, glancing at Shade for her approval.
“Sure,” said Shade.
“Oh, look Kevin,” said Mindy, “my brother’s here.”
Mindy took Tyler by the hand to greet her brother before taking him to meet Hanna. Shade heard Tyler shriek.
“Brent,” yelled Tyler, waving wildly and turning around. “Look Grandma. It’s Brent.”
Chapter Seventeen
Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.
Psalm 127:3
Brent’s smile widened, as Tyler raced toward him, his sister, Mindy, following. He embraced Mindy before looking at Tyler. “Well, this is a surprise,” he said, tousling Tyler’s hair. “Are you here with your grandmother?”
“Yeah. She’s over there,” said Tyler, pointing to Shade standing beside Sally.
“Hey, Sally,” yelled Chad, waving her over. “Come and meet my Uncle Brent,”
Sally looked at Shade. “Do you know Brent?”
“Yes. He’s Tyler’s baseball coach. What a shock,” said Shade, grappling with the connection.
Sally and Shade walked over to the group.
“Sal, this is my Uncle Brent, my mom’s brother. Brent, meet my soon-to-be-wife, Sally. It sounds like you already know Shade and Tyler.”
Brent smiled at Sally and cupped her hand in his. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sally. I’ve heard so much about you.” He turned to Shade with a whimsical smile, taking her hand. “Shade, what a nice surprise. How do you know Chad and Sally?”
“Sally works at the bakery. I’ve known her for five years. It’s so good seeing you, Brent.”
“It’s a small world,” said Mindy. “Brent, did you get settled in your room? I see you didn’t get the memo about beachwear.”
“No,” replied Brent. “I came right to the pool.”
Mindy took Tyler’s hand to introduce him to Hanna, while Chad and Sally went off to greet their guests, leaving Shade standing with Brent.
He was still wearing a surprised look on his face. “I’m glad to see you and Tyler here. When did you get in? And how long are you staying?”
“We got in this afternoon. We’ll be here for a week. And you?”
“Six days. Is it just the two of you?” he asked.
“Yep, just me and my buddy, Tyler,” said Shade, grinning. “And you?” she asked, hoping he was with someone so she wouldn’t have to fantasize all week.
“Just me. Hey, I’m going to change. Can I buy you a drink later—from the open bar?”
“I’d like that,” said Shade, smiling.
Sally found Shade by the pool. “Hey, Brent’s not a bad looking guy. How well do you know him?”
“I see him at Tyler’s baseball camp, when I can make it, and on Sundays for practice. He’s great with Tyler. What a shock—seeing him here.”
“Chad told me all about him. Do you know about the accident? It’s so sad.”
“No. What accident?”
“His wife and two-year-old son were broadsided. A guy ran a red light. They were both killed. And his wife was five-months pregnant. Chad said it took Brent a few years before he acted like himself again.”
“Oh,” Shade choked, trying to blink back the rising swell in her eyes. “How horrible. I had no idea. When did this happen?”
“About five years ago. They had just moved into their house. Chad thinks the world of his Uncle Brent. The family is always trying to set him up with someone, but he keeps to himself. Sorry, Shade,” said Sally, rubbing her arm. “Didn’t mean to upset you. Oh, darn. Chad is waving me over. I’m sure he wants to introduce me to someone else. Let’s catch up later.”
Shade walked to the pool, her upbeat mood dampened.
“Have a seat, Shade,” said Mindy, patting the edge of the pool. “I’m so glad Hanna found someone her age. So, do you know my brother well?”
“Just through Tyler. Tyler adores him. It was such a surprise seeing him. I didn’t realize he was related to Chad.”
Kevin walked over and kissed Mindy on the forehead. “There you are, sweetheart. I’ve been looking for you. Shade, do you mind if I pull my wife away?”
“Not at all. I’ll look after the kids.”
She sat at the edge of the pool watching Tyler and Hanna, her legs dangling in the water.
“Look, Grandma. I have a new friend. Hanna. She’s the flower girl.”
Shade smiled and waved to Hanna, her mind trailing. She recalled the day she noticed Brent studying Tyler. Could he have been thinking about his son? He would have been Tyler’s age. And his wife and unborn child—all taken away from him. She tasted the salty stain on her lips before she realized she was crying.
“There you are,” said Brent, waving to Tyler in the pool. “I see you have a new friend, Hanna.”
“Can you come in the pool with us?” asked Tyler.
“Please Uncle Brent,” said Hanna.
“In a minute.”
Shade wiped her face. Brent sat next to her, smiling as he watched the two youngsters splashing in the pool. She wanted to take him in her arms. To tell him how sorry she was.
“So, first time in Hawaii?” asked Brent.
“First time leaving Michigan, except for a short trip to Ohio. And the first time on a plane. I’ve lived a sheltered life. How about you?”
“I’ve been here a few times. There’s so much to see and do on Maui. Hey, since we’ll be here after the wedding, maybe I can show you and Tyler around.”
“I’d like that. And Tyler would be thrilled. Hey, where’s that drink you promised me?”
“How about a Mai Tai? It’s the quintessential drink of the islands. Be right back.”
After finishing their cocktails, Brent left to greet family members. Shade and Tyler strolled over to the buffet area. Silver chafing dishes and plates overflowed with shredded kalua pork, shoyu glazed chicken, lomi-lomi salmon, honey-roasted sweet potatoes with coconut flakes, poi, and guava cake.
“Grandma. Can I go in the pool again?” Tyler asked, after they had finished eating.
“Sure. I’ll join you,” she said, removing her cover-up and lowering herself into the tepid water. “Are you having a good time, buddy?”
“Yeah. And I’m happy Brent is here. Aren’t you?”
“Yes, I’m happy, too.”
Shade heard a splash and turned to see Brent’s toned arms cutting through the water toward them. His eyes brushed over her exposed skin. She wished she’d chosen the one-piece suit.
“Who taught you to swim, Tyler?” asked Brent. “I was watching you earlier. You look comfortable in the water.”
“Grandma taught me. She said I had to learn since we live on the lake.”
“That’s good. Hey, it looks like we’ve got the pool to ourselves.”
As dusk settled, they emerged from the pool. “Oh, look how beautiful,” said Shade, staring off into the horizon. The sun dipped into the ocean, illuminating the sky in a fiery orange-red, silhouetting wispy palm trees against the backdrop.
“Maui is one of my favorite places,” said Brent. “And the beaches are phenomenal.”
“I could sleep out here,” said Shade, sighing. She looked at Tyler, his eyelids struggling to open. “Speaking of sleep, I think the time difference is catching up with us. Tyler, are you ready to hit the sack?”
“Can we sleep outside, Grandma? In the cabana?”
“I’ll be there. It should be fun. Hey, buddy. I’ll see you tomorrow. Go get some sleep.”
After saying goodnight to Sally and Chad, Shade and Tyler went back to their room. They barely made it inside the door before dropping on their beds and falling asleep.
Shade stepped onto the balcony the next morning with a cup of Kona coffee, digesting the quiet solitude. She opened her Bible to the daily reading when the phone rang.
“Good morning,” said Sally, in a cheerful voice. “A few ladies are going out today for lunch and a spa treatment. I’d love for you to join us. Chad is going deep-sea fishing with the guys, and he suggested taking Tyler. He’d have a blast.”
“Oh, gosh, Sally. It sounds like fun, but I’m not comfortable leaving Tyler.”
“Chad said he’d take good care of him. And Brent will be there. I’m sure he’ll be fine. I really want you to come with the ladies.”
“Let me talk to Tyler. Can I call you back?” Her mind spun. She wasn’t comfortable leaving Tyler. Maybe I’m being too over-protective.
As she was waking Tyler, the phone rang again.
“Good morning,” said Brent. “How was your first night in Hawaii?”
“I slept like a rock. Tyler is still half asleep. How about you?”
“I slept well—when I got to bed. I ended up staying at the party until after midnight. Hey, Chad is taking the guys deep-sea fishing. We wanted to take Tyler so the ladies could spend the day together. What do you think?”
She heaved a sigh. “To be honest, I’m uneasy leaving him. I haven’t said anything to Tyler yet. He just woke up.”
“I promise I’ll take excellent care of him. I won’t let him out of my sight.”
After a long pause, she caved. “Well, I guess. Provided Tyler wants to go. Let me talk to him, and I’ll call you back.”
“Why don’t you put him on the phone, and I’ll talk to him?”
She handed the phone to Tyler. His face beamed. “Yeah. When are we leaving?” Tyler gave the phone to Shade.
“Sounds like he’s in,” said Brent. “I’ll come to your room in an hour to pick him up.”
They took their time getting ready. When Brent finally knocked on the door, Tyler ran to answer it. “Hi Brent. I’m ready to go fishing.”
She walked over with a small bag and warmed at the sight of Brent standing in the doorway. “I’m not sure what he’ll need, but I have his baseball cap, some sunscreen, and a few snacks. Here’s some money.”
“I got this,” said Brent. Sensing her worry, he touched her arm. “Hey, don’t be anxious. Here’s my cell number if you want to call. I won’t let anything happen to my star pitcher.”
Her heart skipped, as Brent took Tyler’s hand, steering him out the door. She said a silent prayer for their safety. And for God to give her peace.
The small group converged on the dock, prepared for the “males only” fishing expedition. Brent was amused at Tyler’s thirst for knowledge, as he relayed the basics of deep-sea fishing. He’d forgotten how much joy a young child could bring. He thought about Luke and yearned for his son’s presence.
“Fishing requires a lot of patience,” said Brent, strapping on Tyler’s life jacket. “You need to look for signs in the water. If you see a pod of dolphins, it may mean yellowfin tuna are feeding close by. That’s when we pay attention to our fishing rod in the rod holder. Hey, let’s put your sunscreen on.”
“Hey, Uncle Brent, how about a beer?” asked Chad, as the boat trolled through the deep blue Pacific. “Tyler, would you like water or pop?”
“How about two waters,” Brent replied.
Tyler sat patiently, peppering Brent with one question after another while monitoring the line. “Brent. Our rod is bending.”
“Whoa. Looks like we got a bite.” The line whirred on the spool as Brent reeled in the combative fish cutting back and forth across the water.
“It’s a yellowfin,” said Brent. “You can tell by the two dorsal fins and the bright yellow small fins along the spine.”
“Can I reel it in?” asked Tyler.
“Here, put your hand over mine and help me turn the spool. See how I keep my knees bent against the side of the boat. It helps me brace myself so I can stay in place.”
“Like a jockstrap? Wouldn’t that help you stay in place?”
Brent’s eyebrows furrowed. “That’s not for fishing, buddy. It’s more for sports. Like baseball.”
“Yeah. I saw it in a catalog, and Mr. Phelps, at school, said it helps men stay in place. I wanted to get you one for Christmas, but my grandma said we didn’t know your size.”
Brent’s lips curled upward. His attention was soon diverted to the aggressive pull on the line. After an hour of reeling, the fish swam to the surface, allowing the captain to gaff the catch and bring it aboard.
“Looks like you got about an eighty-pound yellowfin,” said the captain.
“Can I take the fish home to show Grandma?”
“We’ll ask the captain to take a picture, but we will give the fish to him.”
On the ride back to shore, Tyler fell asleep leaning into Brent’s side, Brent’s arm wrapped around him.
“Hope everyone is ready for the luau tonight,” said Chad.
“Yeah, maybe I can meet a pretty lady to bring to the wedding,” said Chad’s best man, Wayne, swigging his fourth beer. “Too bad me and the old lady split or else I’d have a date.”
“Well, you won’t be the only single guy there,” said Brent.
“I thought you were with Tyler’s grandmother, Shade,” said Wayne. “Now there’s a pretty lady. What’s the story there? She seems too young to be a grandmother.”
“Hey, stay away from Shade,” said Chad. “That’s Sally’s boss. She’s too good for you.”
Brent felt uncomfortable as her name was tossed around like a volleyball. He felt protective of her—and Tyler. He changed the subject.
When the boat pulled into the dock, the captain snapped a photo of Tyler and Brent with their catch and presented them with a 5 x 7. When they reached the lobby of the hotel, Brent called Shade’s room. She answered on the first ring.
“Hey. Thought I’d call before I brought Tyler back up, safe and sound.”
“Thanks, Brent. See you in a few.”
She threw open the door, visibly trying to contain her relief.
“Grandma. We caught a huge fish today. A tuna fish. Look, here’s a picture of us. I wanted to bring it back, but Brent said we should give it to the boatman.”
“Wow, buddy,” said Shade, planting a kiss on the top of his head. “Did you have fun?”
“Yeah. We went on a boat ride, way out in the ocean. And we saw dolphins.”
“I’m jealous,” said Shade. Tyler ran out to the balcony. “Thank you for taking him today. I hope he didn’t infringe on your guy time.”
“Not in the least. In fact, I had more fun with him than the guys. Well, I’ll let you get settled. The luau starts in a few hours. How are you getting there?”
“I think there’s a shuttle.”
“You’re welcome to ride with me. I have a rental car.”
“I wanna go with Brent,” said Tyler, running back into the room.
Brent looked at her with raised eyebrows. “Well? Pick you up at six?”
“Perfect. Thanks again.”
After Brent left, Shade took Tyler to the beach for the rehearsal. Sally and Chad were looking at different locations with the reverend as the wedding party awaited instructions. When Shade and Tyler approached, Wayne walked over and introduced himself while Tyler ran over to greet Hanna.
“Hi. I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Wayne, Chad’s best man. I met your grandson today on the fishing boat. Great kid.”
“Nice to meet you. And thank you. I’m Shade. I work with Sally.”
“So, is there a mister
Shade?” Wayne asked, eyeing her up and down.
“No,” said Shade, half smiling. “How do you know Chad?”
“We’ve been friends since we were kids. We’re like brothers.”
“Everyone, can I have your attention?” called the reverend. “Let’s get started so we can make it to the luau on time.”
When practice ended, Wayne offered to drive her to the luau. She politely declined.
Shade got Tyler dressed and then showered and changed. She adjusted the spaghetti straps of the delicate floral print sundress, hoping the scoop neckline wasn’t too revealing. Her skin against the billowy white fabric of the dress made her tan appear more prominent. After blow-drying her hair, she let it hang loose, the soft, sun bleached curls framing her face. While applying mascara, she heard a knock on the door.
“Tyler, can you get that while I finish up? It’s probably Brent.”
“Hi, Brent. Grandma’s fixing herself up.”
She could hear Brent asking Tyler about the rehearsal, and Tyler asking Brent if he brought a baseball.
While he waited for her to get ready, Brent stepped out onto the balcony with Tyler. His eyes drifted to the Bible laying open on the table.
She walked onto the lanai, apologizing for running behind, struggling to strap on her sandals.
“Wow, doesn’t my grandma look pretty tonight?” Tyler asked Brent.
“Yes, she does,” said Brent, his eyes on Shade, unwavering.
“Thank you,” said Shade, her face glowing hot. “You two don’t look so bad yourselves.”
After dining on traditional Hawaiian cuisine, the entertainment began. The storytelling hula dancers swayed to the rhythm of the island music, urging guests to join them. Tyler sprang from his seat and grabbed his dancing partner, Sally, by the hand. Up on stage, they performed their version of the dance. Tyler’s exaggerated hip action stole the show. Shade leaned into Brent, shoulder to shoulder, both weary from laughter.
The Essence of Shade Page 15