Chapter 26
26
T he water’s surface broke, and Sailor shot up with a grin and a wave. A cheer exploded across the beach. Relief flooded Maileah; she jumped up, waving.
A collective sigh of relief rippled through their group under the canopy.
“Thank heavens,” April said, and Junie nodded with a smile of understanding.
Skeeter drew a hand over her forehead and chuckled. “He’s fine. That might have been a little theatrical on his part.”
“I’ll kill him if it was,” Maileah said, drawing a deep breath. If that’s what he did, he could have warned her.
Kiana’s husband Aaron was next up, and Maileah thought he was equally good. All the surfers looked like they were having a good time.
As the event wound down, the air buzzed with excitement. Sailor held the high score, with Aaron next in line.
As Mayor Isabelle made the awards, Sailor said, “ Mahalo . Thank you all.” He waved to everyone.
Maileah snapped more photos and filmed short videos as Sailor signed autographs for fans. He was good in front of a crowd. She saw him looking for her, and when he saw her, he blew her a kiss and motioned for her to join him.
“Hey, there,” she said, throwing her arms around Sailor. “You were amazing. It’s so exciting to watch that live.”
“I hope I didn’t frighten you,” he said, smoothing a hand over his wet hair. “We were just having a bit of fun out there. Giving the fans a show.”
“That’s what Kiana figured.” She thumped him on the chest in reproach. “I wish you’d warned me.”
“Did I worry you?”
“A little.”
“I’m sorry.” A slow smile spread across his face. “You really care, don’t you?”
“Of course I do,” she said, smiling.
“Then I won’t do that again.” He kissed her cheek as an apology.
They stayed and talked with other surfers and their families during the beach reception. Soon, the event broke up so people could get ready for the dinner and auction that evening.
“We’ll see you later at the hotel,” April said. “We’ll go early.”
“So will I,” Maileah added.
She wanted to make sure everything was ready. Volunteers and some board members would be there, but she also wanted to take photographs of the decorated ballroom before the event.
After Sailor pulled into her driveway, he helped Maileah with her bag again. She said, “I have to go early, so I’ll see you there.”
“I don’t mind going with you. You might need an extra hand.”
She started to decline his offer, and then she recalled what he’d said about feeling like he was needed. “That sounds wonderful. I’ll see you soon. Beach casual, remember. ”
The setting sun filtered through the gauzy curtains of Maileah’s cottage, bathing it in sunset hues. She stood before the full-length mirror, smoothing the skirt of the ivory linen dress Babe had helped her choose.
Tonight would be the culmination of weeks of hard work. Footsteps sounded outside, and she opened the door to Sailor.
“Well, look at you,” she said.
“What do you think?” he asked. “I don’t dress up very often.”
“Let’s see.” She tapped her chin, teasing him as she took in his sand-colored khakis and a white linen shirt, sleeves casually rolled up to reveal muscular, sun-kissed forearms. His longish blonde hair, freshly washed, brushed the edge of his collar, giving him a rakish charm that made her heart skip a beat. He looked every bit the island heartthrob he was.
Yet, this relationship was more than a paradise holiday romance.
This was for keeps.
“You clean up well, surfer dude,” she said, sliding her arms around his neck. “You have my whole-hearted approval.”
“And look at you.” He took her hands and stepped back to admire her. His gaze lingered appreciatively over her outfit. “You look gorgeous.”
She feathered her lips against his in the softest of kisses. “Would you help me with my necklace?” She handed him a chunky turquoise necklace that she’d borrowed from her mother and turned around, lifting her hair for him.
He draped the necklace around her neck and fastened it, kissing her neck before she let her hair down. “I’ll be the luckiest guy in the room tonight.”
She loved hearing that. She thought about how he’d been at the beach today with all the young women in bikinis. He’d only had eyes for her.
They got into his vehicle. Soon, the Majestic Hotel loomed before them, its grand red and white facade lit against the deep blue ocean beyond.
“Welcome,” Whitley said with a broad smile, ushering them inside. “What a handsome couple you two make.”
Tonight, his bright coral jacket was a cheerful pop of color against the new blue, white, and dove gray interiors that April’s friend Deb had designed around the existing antiques.
“Right this way,” Whitley said. “Your mother and grandmother have already arrived.”
“You’ll have to save a dance for my grandmother tonight,” Maileah said.
Even though she knew the way to the ballroom, she let Whitely guide them. She knew he was keen on Ella.
“What a good idea,” Whitley said, tapping his temple. “I’ll be sure to do that.”
As they followed Whitley through the hotel’s renovated corridors, Maileah’s excitement grew. The ballroom doors swung open, revealing a space transformed into a beachside paradise with special lighting, a tiki bar, seashells, and surfboards.
Ella, Margaret, and April were bustling about, putting the finishing touches on the decorations.
“This looks like fun,” Maileah said. “Especially the tiki bar.”
“The volunteers have been a wonderful help,” Ella said. “And your silent auction will certainly draw attention.”
“We’re also taking online and phone bids,” Maileah said.
April spoke up, “Sailor, I was quite impressed with your abilities today.”
“Maileah is my good luck charm,” he said. “Ever since she came into my life, I’ve been more focused.”
“I’ve been watching,” Ella said, her eyes twinkling. “You’re having your best year ever, aren’t you?”
“Yes, ma’am,” he replied, clasping Maileah’s hand. “In many ways.”
Margaret joined them, brushing decorative sand from her hands. “Congratulations on your marketing and fundraising efforts, Maileah. Before the event begins, I wanted you to know we’ve already exceeded the target from ticket sales and Adrian’s song. That was a huge success for us—and so innovative. Extra funds will allow us to do even more for injured athletes and others.”
Those words of praise warmed Maileah’s heart. “I’m so glad to hear that.”
From across the room, the soft strumming of a guitar caught their attention. Adrian sat on a chair by the stage, tuning his guitar. His good friend was also accompanying him tonight.
Adrian looked up, a proud smile on his face.
“There’s our champion.” He set aside his guitar and joined them, wrapping an arm around Sailor. “Congratulations on your win, son. You made us all proud out there.”
Sailor embraced his father. “You’re the one who got me started.”
As they moved through the room, greeting volunteers, taking photos, and making last-minute adjustments, Maileah was filled with gratitude.
This event had become more than a fundraiser; it was a testament to the cohesiveness of the island community and the strength that comes from pursuing a dream.
She looked at Sailor and smiled.
At that moment, something shifted in her, and she knew.
She belonged here on this island, making a difference. It had taken her a while to figure this out, but she was more confident of her way forward than she’d ever been.
Soon, people began to arrive, and the room was filled with chatter and laughter. A line formed at the tiki bar, and servers circulated with appetizers. People signed up for silent auction items, with many items drawing competitive bidding wars .
Maileah smiled, watching them. This was what she’d hoped for.
Once everyone was seated and servers delivered plates of grilled seafood or pasta, Ella took to the podium to thank everyone. She asked all the surfing participants to stand, and attendees applauded their efforts.
Next up was Mayor Isabelle, who praised everyone involved for contributing to the community efforts. “And now, our live auction will get underway: Broken Boards for Unbroken Spirits. Each one has a story. Maileah and Sailor, will you kick off the auction for us?”
Maileah took Sailor’s hand, and they made their way to the podium.
“First, I’ll explain how the bidding process will work,” Maileah said. She introduced the volunteers who would take bids from the floor and by phone. “Sailor will give a history on each broken or banged-up board and explain how it got in that condition.”
Sailor leaned in toward the microphone. “I’ll ask each surfer to rise and add anything they want.”
“Our first item up for bid,” Maileah began as a volunteer displayed a broken board.
Sailor grinned. “It was an early morning in Hawaii, and Aaron was surfing giant waves at Pipeline…”
Applause and cheers went up as Aaron stood. Kiana looked up at her husband with admiration.
After Sailor told the story and Aaron embellished it, the bidding took off. Maileah had engaged a professional auctioneer from Los Angeles, and he smoothly took over.
Competition was intense, and the bids soared. Maileah knew there was a popular restaurant in Las Vegas bidding on one phone line, a surfing memorabilia collector on another, and a celebrity on yet another line.
When the auctioneer’s gavel finally came down, Maileah was astounded at the amount a broken surfboard went for .
Sailor was, too. He whispered to her, “This is stuff we would have thrown away. Brilliant idea, Maisie.”
She smiled and went on to the next item. Again, bids soared. More boards were auctioned, with the bidding becoming even more competitive. The colorful, local artist-embellished boards with surfer’s handprints and signatures came next.
At last, Sailor’s board was up for auction.
Sailor began, “This is one of mine that met its fate in Nazaré, Portugal. That monster wave came in heavy and fast and got the better of me that day.”
He held it high, and the bidding reached a fevered pace. Finally, the gavel came down.
“To the gentleman at that table,” the auctioneer announced.
Ryan stood. “That one will have a home at the Majestic. We take care of our hometown heroes.”
The locals cheered, and Sailor went into the crowd to give Ryan a bro hug. “ Mahalo , man. You’re a stand-up kind of guy.”
Quickly, Maileah snapped a photo. Then she gathered the surfers, their boards, and new owners to take more photos.
The mayor stepped up to the microphone again. “Finally, I’d like to introduce a very talented man you all know. Talent clearly runs in their family. Join me in welcoming the owner of Regal Bikes and Sailor’s father, Adrian Marino, performing the smash hit he wrote for this event, ‘Unbroken.’”
The crowd erupted in applause, and people stood to record the song on their phones.
Adrian’s soulful ballad filled the room. Through open doors, the music spilled out onto the terrace and the beach beyond, sounding even better than Maileah recalled from the cave on the beach. But that had been good enough to video record and raise a considerable sum for the cause.
Enthusiastic fans and local media soon surrounded the stage. Adrian’s performance was yet another highlight of the day, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Maileah saw tears in the eyes of some of the athletes and others the charity effort would support. This cause was personal to so many.
After the conclusion of that special song, Adrian and his friend continued playing original songs interspersed with old favorites from Jimmy Buffet, the Beach Boys, and Iz from Hawaii.
As a slow love song came on, Sailor held his hand to Maileah. “Care to dance?”
“I’d love to.”
He swept her into his arms, and she laced her fingers behind his neck.
“You have good rhythm,” she said, reminded of their dance on the beach.
Sailor grinned. “Maybe it comes from developing a sense for the waves. Or growing up with a musical father. But then, so do you.”
Maileah smiled, her heart swelling with happiness.
“Hello, you two,” Ella said as she passed them with Whitley.
“They look like they’re having a great time,” Sailor said.
Maileah watched them twirl around the dance floor. They looked like they’d been dancing together for years. Her grandmother was widowed long ago, so maybe they had been. “I wonder if there’s love there.”
She wondered why they hadn’t taken the next step. Her mother and Ryan were on the dance floor, and Junie and Knox joined in. They all looked like they were having a wonderful time.
Deb danced with several men; Maileah saw some cutting in to talk to her. She looked spectacular in a coral sundress that showed off her long, toned legs and her mane of blond hair.
No matter what she wore, Deb was like a glamorous auntie to her that she respected and admired for her business acumen and approach to life. Although Deb dated often, she had never married. Having a partner did not define a woman, but Maileah was curious if that was by choice. While her mother and grandmother were great sources of life experience, someday soon she resolved to talk to Deb.
When there was a break in the music, Sailor took her hand. “These folks can do without us for a little while. Want to take a walk?”
“I’d love that,” she said, catching her breath. “It’s been quite a day.”
As they headed toward the water’s edge, cheering erupted from the event. Sailor laughed. “Dad sure is hot tonight.”
“That’s his dream, and he deserves it.”
“Just like we do,” Sailor said. “Think of all the adventures we have ahead of us.”
His words and the promise of tomorrow touched her heart.
Under the magical glow of a full moon, he led her away from the crowd on the terrace and onto a more secluded stretch of beach. They slipped off their shoes and left them tucked beside a rock.
With the moon rising across the sea, they strolled along the water’s edge. Cool waves lapped at their feet. The sounds of the event faded into the background, replaced by the steady rhythm of the ocean.
“I can hardly believe how this past year unfolded,” Maileah mused, squeezing Sailor’s hand. “A year ago, I couldn’t have imagined that I’d be living on Crown Island, building my own business…and falling in love.”
Sailor’s eyes sparkled with emotion. “I like that last part best. Over the years, I used to see you on the beach with your family. Maybe part of me was waiting for you to return. When you crashed back into my world, suddenly everything made sense. ”
“I wish we’d met earlier,” she said. “I wouldn’t have had to interview the dating app guys.”
Sailor chuckled at that. “In hindsight, it was somewhat entertaining.”
She poked him playfully. “You could have rescued me earlier.”
“No way,” he said, laughing. “You had to rescue yourself.”
“I know, and I probably wouldn’t have let you anyway.”
“But I was waiting.”
Maileah nodded, tears of happiness pricked her eyes.
He cupped her face. “I want you to know you’re the one for me. I want to experience everything in life with you. Wherever big waves take us, whatever you want to see, any children we might have—I want it all with you.”
Maileah held her breath as Sailor took her hands and kissed them.
Clearing his throat, he said, “I’ve never done this, but will you have me?”
Her heart quickened at his words. Smiling, she asked, “Have you what?” She needed to hear every word.
His expression was as solemn as she’d ever seen it.
With the moon lighting his face, he dropped to one knee on the soft sand. “Will you marry me?”
Maileah lowered her eyelids, savoring the delicious sound of four simple words that would change their lives. She’d waited a lifetime to hear that question. And he was the right one to ask it.
Her heart was beating wildly now, and she felt a little light-headed. Overwhelmed by her pure love for this man, Maileah brought a hand to her mouth and nodded, unable to speak. She—the expert at the snappy retort—was speechless.
“That’s good enough for me.” He stood and folded his arms around her. “I promise to love you and cherish you forever, Maileah.”
She gulped in the cool sea air. “And I will always love you.” Twining her arms around his neck, she kissed him with all the love in her heart.
When they finally parted, Maileah laughed softly, feeling lighter than she had in years. “I came to Crown Island determined to check my list and settle into a normal life like almost everyone around me. But this—us—is so much better than anything I could have imagined.”
“Never settle.” Sailor grinned, his eyes twinkling. “You will always be the champion of your life—and my heart. We’ll be better together.”
“Ditto,” she said, kissing him again. She’d found her person to soar with—a best friend, a lover, a partner through life.
And it was even sweeter than she’d imagined.
When they reached the rock where they’d left their shoes, Sailor put his hand on her shoulders. “I have one very important thing to say, though.”
She looked into his eyes, wondering what that could be. “Yes?”
“I’m putting in my notice as your chaperone. I quit, Maisie.”
Laughing, Maileah took out her phone. “Watch this.” With a tap of her finger, she deleted the dating app. “Never again.” She threw her arms around him.
“You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” Sailor grinned and lifted her, whirling her around.
Maileah wanted to remember everything about this precious moment. Someday, she would tell their children, Between the moonlight and the music, there was magic in that night.