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"Nothing?'' Bailey asked when the woman disappeared for a few minutes.
"They are all sleeveless."
"It's very hot this time of year, Lily."
A look of sudden misery covered the bride's face. It was brief, but Bailey caught it. When the woman came back, Bailey once again asked if they could have some time on their own.
"There are other stores we can check, Lily."
"I'm sorry to be so difficult, Bailey. Maybe my father should choose this dress for me."
"You're not marrying your father."
"Be that as it may, it would not please him to see me looking immodest."
"And that's how he would feel about a sleeveless dress?"
Lily nodded, wishing Gabe was here, even as she admitted, "Its not just my father's wishes. I am not comfortable in sleeveless clothing."
Someone knocked at the door, and Bailey went to answer it. "Would you ladies like something cool to drink? Tea or a soda?"
"Water for me, thank you," Bailey said. "Water, please," Lily added.
"Okay, Lily " Bailey was not giving up just yet and only waited until they were alone again "let's try this. When the woman comes back, we'll explain everything to her. If she can't help us, then we'll head on our way."
"She's already done so much."
"It's her job."
Lily had to repeat that fact to herself several times over the next 90 minutes, but when they were done, Lily had a dress a lovely gown with short sleeves and a modestly rounded neckline. It had no train but fell to the floor with insets of lace and satin. It was so perfect for her that Bailey had all she could do not to cry when Lily had come out with it on.
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"Will Gabe like it?" Lily asked when they drove away, both tired but content.
"Gabe will love it. How will your father feel about it?" "I think he will approve. Will Evan be upset over the cost?" "No, Lily. It's under what he said we could plan on." "Thank you, Bailey." "You're welcome."
Lily put her head back and closed her eyes. By the time they pulled up in front of the house, she was sound asleep. Gabe had seen them and come out, but only Bailey emerged from the van.
"How did it go?"
"She found a beautiful dress."
"Good. Did it need altering?"
"No, we brought it home with us. If you'll help me get it out, I'll take it inside."
"It looks pretty," Gabe said, having caught a glimpse of lace as he pulled it out and laid it across his sister's arms. She got herself in the door and ran into Evan.
"How did it go?" he asked as he took the dress from her arms.
"It took a little doing, but she found a beautiful dress."
"No altering?"
"No. She's a perfect size four." "A four?"
"Yes, I haven't been that small since I was in the fifth grade!" "Well, you won't hear me complaining," Evan said, giving her a look that made her smile. "Where do you want this hung?" "Lily's closet." "Where is Lily?"
"She fell asleep in the car. Gabe is getting her."
Easier said then done, as that man was finding out. Once Bailey went on her way, Gabe opened Lily's door, but she was out cold. He knew that some of her tiredness was from jet lag and some of it was from the emotions of this time.
"Lily?" he tried softly.
Nothing.
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"Lily, honey." This time he touched her shoulder. "Can you wake up?"
Lily shifted and sat up very straight, feeling completely disoriented. She looked at the inside of the garage as though she'd boarded an alien vessel. She turned to Gabe and blinked slowly.
"I found a dress."
"Bailey told me. Do you like it?"
"Oh, Gabe, it's so pretty, but I worry about the cost."
"Evan told Bailey what he expected. She would not have ignored his wishes. Let Evan and Bailey do this for you they want to and don't forget how pleased your father was when they offered."
Lily nodded, still feeling half asleep. She looked at him with lazy eyes and admitted, "I just want to be married to you."
"The feeling is quite mutual," Gabe said with a hand to the side of her hair. It was always so soft, and since it was very straight a texture completely opposite his own coarse waves he was fascinated with the feel.
"It's hot out here. Are you ready to go inside?"
Lily came out the door and around to the back.
"Bailey took it in for you."
"Did you see it? Did you like it?"
"What little I saw I liked very much."
"I don't want you to be disappointed."
Gabe laughed. "Haven't you figured out that I would marry you if you wore a paper sack?"
"Well, that would have cost less money."
They began to walk toward the house.
"Where is my father right now?"
"He was around for a little while after lunch, but then he said he wanted to walk on the beach." "Have you seen him since?"
"No, but Evan spotted a lone figure by the cove and was pretty certain it was him."
As soon as Gabe said this he looked at his watch.
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I've got to go. I'm suppose to meet Ash, and I'm already late." "Okay. Thanks for waking me up."
Gabe took her face in his hands. "I hated to do it, but it's awfully warm out here."
"If the children want to swim, maybe I'll take them." "Um, I hate to miss that."
"Go on," Lily told him gently, and after giving her a soft kiss, he did.
Lily watched him walk away, her heart amazed that this man would soon be her husband. It was like a dream come true and more wonderful than any fairy tale she had ever read.
"How was your walk?" Lily asked her father when he came in through the doors from the veranda.
"Invigorating. Did you know that the bay is 106 meters around?
"How did you figure that out?"
"With this gadget Jeff gave me," Owen said and pulled out a GPS.
"Is that one of those Global Positioning Systems?"
"Yes. Right now we are 128 meters from the cove and," he pushed another button, "172 from the bay."
Lily smiled, thinking it was wonderful to see him relaxed and having such a good time. She forgot herself and looked up into his eyes. He frowned fiercely, and Lily's head dropped.
"Come here, Lily," Owen said suddenly and led her to the sitting area. "I want to ask you something."
Lily sat, eyes down.
"Look at me."
She obeyed, glad that for the moment they were alone. "Did I see some clothing in the closet at Jeff's? Women's things?"
"Yes, I believe you might have." "Are they yours?"
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"Yes, he bought them for me on my visit." "But you didn't bring them home."
"No. I knew I wouldn't have an opportunity to wear them."
"Well, you're in America now, Lily. It's time you wear them. In fact, I've been meaning to tell you that I have a little money set aside so you can get a few more things. I wouldn't want you looking out of place and not having the vibrant witness you've always had."
"Thank you, Father. Did you wish to shop with me?"
"No, no," he waved the thought away. "I know you'll buy appropriate things."
For a long moment Lily looked at him.
"You don't really know what to do with me anymore, do you, Father?"
Owen's attention had been headed back to the device in his hand, but he stopped and stared at his daughter.
"One moment you're upset that I looked you in the eye without permission, and the next moment you're giving me a gift so that I will feel at home here." Lily paused but said again, "You really don't know what to do with me anymore."
Owen's face looked stern but his voice was not.
"I think you must be right, Lily. I hadn't thought of it, but its quite true."
"I would just ask one thing, Father," Lily now said. "When you fly away after the wedding, please don't leave ang
ry at me. I think my heart would break if you did."
Tears had filled her eyes over just the thought, and Owen's heart was touched.
"I'll gladly do as you ask, Lily. Indeed, I shall try not to get angry for any reason. I never told you, but you spoke wisdom to me that day. I do anger easily, and I have worked to be more mindful of my thoughts and actions."
Lily smiled at him and decided to go for broke.
"Father, why did you change your mind and decide that I could come back to Hawaii?"
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"Didn't I tell you?" Lily shook her head no.
"I thought about the life I'd enjoyed with your mother. I didn't want any less for you."
The very thought Lily had entertained but kept to herself! Lily was incapable of speech over the fact that her father had come to it on his own. She had remained quiet and respectful and let God do His job.
"Thank you," she finally managed, not able to say more.
A moment later Owen went back to his GPS, happy as a child, and lily was left alone in her thoughts, trying to find the words to thank God for allowing her to talk to her father.
"Lily," Lani Pilipo began almost as soon as she'd come in the front door; the wedding was in less than three weeks. "This is Kenika Uilama. He's going to be your photographer."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Uilama," Lily said to the man who appeared to be old enough to be her grandfather.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. Lani has dragged me out of retirement for this one. I hope I haven't lost my touch."
Lani laughed and shook her head.
"Lily, have you seen all those photos on the bulletin board in the hall at church?" "Yes."
"Mr. Uilama takes them all. Your wedding photos will be beautiful."
"I would make one request," the older gentleman said. "I would like to do the wedding pictures in lieu of a gift."
"Oh, Mr. Uilama, please let us pay you," Lily said, wishing Gabe had been on time for this meeting.
"No, no. I knew Gloria before she even became a Kapaia. Besides, it's a selfish gift on my part, since it saves me from having to pick out teaspoons or towels something my late wife would have loved. As they say these days, I'm clueless."
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"Are you sure, Mr. Uilama?"
"Quite sure. Now, why don't you tell me what you have in mind."
Deanne chose that moment to come in from the kitchen, and everyone greeted her.
"Gabe is stuck on the phone," she told Lily. "He asked me to tell you."
"Thank you, Deanne. Mr. Uilama was just asking me what I want for photos," Lily said before turning to that man. "I would be happy with whatever you want to take. I'll leave it up to you."
"Why don't we put together a simple list," Lani suggested, and in a matter of moments they had a list started on paper: the newlyweds alone, the bride with her father, the groom with his parents, the newlyweds with Owen, with Gloria and Carson, and so on. Lily had never considered all the possibilities, but Lani and the newly married Deanne were pros.
By the time Gabe arrived, it was nearly settled. He greeted Mr. Uilama like the old friend that he was, and other than asking for a few pictures outside with the ocean as a backdrop, he seemed well content with the list.
The group visited for a while, but when Mr. Uilama took his leave and Lily finally had a few minutes alone with Gabe, she remembered she had something to tell him.
"On Thursday before the wedding I'm going to move back to Jeff's."
"Is there a reason for that?"
"Yes. Carson and your mother will already be here, and Carson's family will be coming in that day. It will make it easier for everyone if my room is free."
Gabe did not look happy about this idea at all. He didn't say anything, but some of the warmth had left his eyes.
"Is something wrong, Gabe?"
He didn't answer right away, which told Lily she was right. Lily stayed quiet and waited for him to speak. "Did Bailey hint that you should do this?"
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"No, I thought it was only logical."
"You have remembered that Ash's room is open these days, haven't you?"
"Yes, Gabe, but three families are coming in with only two open rooms. My room is needed."
"Are you sure they're coming that day?"
"Melika and her family are coming that day, and Kale and his family are coming Friday."
"So wait until Friday."
"No, I think it will be easier if I'm moved out before they come."
Gabe frowned at her.
"Why are you frowning at me?" Lily asked quietly. "I worry about the things your father says to you." "Like what?"
"That's just it; you never know."
Lily felt wounded. She glanced away from Gabe, not sure what to say.
"Have I upset you?" he asked her profile.
"A little. It's hard knowing that you think my father an ogre."
A tender hand to Lily's face brought her eyes back to Gabe's.
"Sweetheart," he said gently, his hand softly caressing her cheek, "I love your father, and I've enjoyed getting to know him, but in many ways he's a law unto himself. Jeff may not be there all the time, and your father has a hold on you that's hard to deal with."
"What are you afraid he'll say?"
"I don't know, but I don't want him treating you in such a way or telling you things that will leave you an emotional wreck by Sunday."
Lily tried to understand, but it was hard. "My father's been around all the time I've been here," Lily suddenly realized. "What do you think will be different?"
Gabe didn't have an answer, and that was very frustrating. He finally ended with, "I just thought you should know how I felt so
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you could be on the alert. I'm not suggesting that your father will be malicious, but the way he treats you is not always the best. I wanted your last few days before the wedding to be relaxed. I thought you might have that here. I'm not sure if you will at Jeff's. That's all."
Lily took a moment to think about this.
"Thank you for telling me."
Gabe looked at her. "Did we just have an argument?"
"Were you angry, Gabe?"
"A little."
"So was I."
"Is it settled?"
"Yes. If I find that I can't rest like you want me to, I'll call you and we'll figure something out."
"Good. I'll stop worrying."
"You have to stop worrying anyway."
Gabe nodded as he slipped an arm around her, knowing she was right. He had just snuggled her close to his side when his cell phone beeped. Lily started and was reminded that it would be at his waist almost constantly for ten months of each year, something she was going to have to get used to.
Having known Lily was coming to the office, Gabe nevertheless found himself very thankful that he'd just been put on hold when Lily entered, a stack of papers in her hand.
"Oh, I'm sorry," she whispered as soon as she saw the phone in his hand. She began to back away.
"I'm on hold," Gabe said as he waved her back, his eyes not quite reaching her face.
This was a Lily he'd never seen. He didn't know where she had found the slim white slacks and dark-blue print top she'd tucked into them, but the tiny bit of lace along the square neckline and the way both pieces fit her was causing him to forget who he was holding for.
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"Why don't I just look around the gift shop until you're off?"
"Okay," Gabe agreed, his mind distracted again as he watched her walk away from him.
Lily was completely unsuspecting. She talked for a few minutes with Mollee, who was manning the resort desk, but then made her way to the shop. She was studying an item new to the shop, a small scooter, when Gabe found her.
"Someone has been shopping," he said softly, having to work to keep his hands to himself.
Lily turned with a smile. "Do you like this outfit? Deanne took me."
"I like it," he said. His admiss
ion was a gross understatement, but this wasn't the time to tell her what she was doing to him.
"Do you want these papers now?"
"Yes. Why don't you come back into the office?"
The moment they were around the corner in Gabe's office, the door not even shut, Gabe took Lily in his arms and kissed her.
"What was that for?" Lily asked in surprise.
Gabe looked down into her beautiful face, so sweet and full of trust. He asked God to let him be worthy of this special woman.
"Let's just say I needed it," Gabe told her quietly.
Lily only smiled up at him and raised her fingers to stroke his cheek. They didn't kiss again, but both were content to look at each other for a little while, remembering that in nine more days they would be husband and wife.
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Chapter 30
With just four days left until the wedding, Gabe and Ash went out to breakfast, much the way they had before Ashton and Deanne were wed.
I'm not at the house all the time," Ashton began, "but it seems as though things are wrapping up very nicely."
"They are, thanks to Lani and the rest of the church family."
"When do the Kale and Koma gangs arrive?"
"Melika and Koma come tomorrow, Kale and Lydia on Friday."
"And that's why Lily is moving back to Jeff's?"
"Yes. I wish she could stay, but it is going to be something of a madhouse."
The men ordered their food and enjoyed their coffee for a time, but Gabe had been heavy on Ashton's heart for several days, and he wasn't going to miss this opportunity to find out how he was doing. Everything was moving so fast, especially because Gabe had not planned on getting married on such short notice. Because of that, the family had not been able to leave a cottage open for a year like they had for him and Deanne.
"Are you and Lily going to be all right living up at the house so soon?"
"We'll be fine. Things will quiet down when everyone goes home, and Evan has already warned Peter and Celia about banging on our door."
"Are you as tired as you look?"