The Hawaiian Quilt (39 page)

Lihue, Hawaii

T
he minute Mandy entered the baggage claim area, she spotted Luana and Makaio, both wearing eager expressions. She ran toward them, excitedly. Before any words were spoken, Luana’s warm hug encompassed Mandy.

“It’s so good to see you,” they said in unison.

Then Makaio stepped forward and pulled Mandy close. Tears flooded her eyes, and she gulped on a sob. In some ways it felt like she’d been gone longer than nine months. In another way it seemed as if she’d never left at all—most likely because there hadn’t been a day when her thoughts hadn’t returned to the islands and the people she’d come to know and love. Oh, how she had missed the warmth and beauty of Kauai. Even more, she’d missed spending time with her Hawaiian friends. It would probably be harder to leave this time, but at least she’d have fourteen full days to spend with Luana and Makaio before returning home.

“Let’s get your suitcase.” Makaio pointed to the revolving conveyor belt where her checked luggage would be coming.

As Mandy stood waiting for her suitcase to appear, she took in the sights around her. She saw the familiar landscape of the hills in the distance and felt a warm breeze coming through the open areas in front of the building.

“There it is!” she shouted, when her luggage appeared. “The one with the green ribbon tied to the handle.”

Once Makaio retrieved her luggage, the Palus led the way to their car. Before getting in, Mandy paused and lifted a silent prayer:
Thank You, Lord, for bringing me here safely
.

“How were your flights?” Luana asked as Makaio directed the vehicle onto the main road.

“A little bumpy sometimes, but it didn’t bother me much—especially when the nice lady sitting beside me helped calm my fears.” Mandy rolled down the back window a crack and breathed in the fresh, balmy air, feeling her whole body relax. “I could get used to traveling by plane. It’s so much quicker,” she commented, resting deeply against her seat.

“Were you nervous making connections?” Makaio asked.

“A little at first, but my cousin Ruth has flown before, so she told me what to expect.” Mandy put the window down farther and held on to her head covering.

“You didn’t break any church rules by flying, I hope.” Luana looked over her shoulder with concern.

“No, because I have not yet joined the Amish church—although, my mother wasn’t too happy about me coming.”

“She didn’t want you to return our quilt?” Luana’s tone was one of surprise.

“Mom wanted me to mail the quilt, but I felt better returning it to you in person.”

“Speaking of the quilt,” Luana said, “I can hardly wait to see it. I’m almost one hundred percent sure from the picture you sent that it’s the same one we were given as a wedding present.”

Mandy smiled. “One of the first things I’ll do when we get to the B&B is open my suitcase.”

Kapaa

When Mandy entered the bed-and-breakfast, she felt as though she was at home. With the exception of a few new plants in the living room, everything looked exactly as it had when she and Ellen left last April.

“We have the Primrose Room ready for you. Is that okay?” Luana asked.

“Yes, it’ll be perfect. Speaking of Primrose, when will I get to see your sweet baby granddaughter?”

“Ailani will be coming to work tomorrow. She always brings the baby with her.” Luana picked up a framed picture sitting on a side table. “Can you believe how much my granddaughter has grown?”

“She’s adorable.”

“Yes, we feel truly blessed.”

It was tempting to ask how Ken was doing, but Mandy figured it wasn’t a topic that should be discussed, since as far as she knew, he’d gotten married back in November. Even though she no longer dwelled on the feelings she’d once had for him, occasionally she thought about the friendship they’d established and hoped he was doing well.

Makaio set Mandy’s suitcase on the floor. “Should I take this to your room now so you can unpack your things?”

“You can leave it there for the moment. I’m going to open it now and take out the quilt.”

Mandy went down on her knees and unzipped the suitcase. Then she lifted the covering out and handed it to Luana.

Makaio inhaled sharply, and Luana gasped, clasping her hands to her chest. “It … it’s our beautiful wedding day quilt!” She lifted one corner and pointed to the initials. “See here—
L. M
.” Tears gathered in her dark eyes and dripped onto her cheeks. “I truly never thought I would see this again, much less that it would be found in such an unexpected place.”

Makaio slipped his arm around his wife’s waist, then gave Mandy a wide grin. “
Mahalo nui loa
—thank you very much.”

Wiping away her own tears, Mandy barely managed to say, “You’re welcome.”

It did her heart good to see and actually feel how much they appreciated receiving this quilt. Luana and Makaio showed Christ’s love to others as they entertained strangers almost on a daily basis. It was her utmost pleasure to see them get something in return. She thanked God for allowing her to be instrumental in getting their beloved Hawaiian quilt back where it belonged.

“We can talk more about the quilt after you’re settled in,” Luana suggested. “I’m sure after your long day of travel, you must be exhausted.”

“I am a little weary,” Mandy admitted. “It’s hard to believe I started out this morning in Indiana and arrived here on Kauai before the day was out.”

“While Makaio is putting your suitcase and carryall in your room, I’ll put some water in the teakettle, and we can have a little snack out on the lanai before it’s time for bed. It’ll be good to catch up with each other’s lives.” Luana winked at Mandy. “Oh, and I made your favorite macadamia nut cookies.”

Mandy moistened her lips. “Sounds wonderful.”

The following morning when Mandy woke up, she took her purple muumuu out of the suitcase and slipped it over her head. While she was in Hawaii she would dress like she had during her previous stay. Once Mandy joined the church, which she felt obligated to do, there would be no opportunity to wear the dress again. It was like one last fling during her rumschpringe days.
At least I’m not doing anything totally crazy or wild like some young people do
, she thought, looking at herself in the mirror.

It was tempting to go outside, pick a pretty flower, and put it behind her right ear. Instead, Mandy secured the black scarf she’d brought along to the back of her head in preparation of going to the kitchen to help Luana with breakfast. It would be like old times, except this morning she was the only guest in the house. Luana had mentioned last night that they didn’t have any other B&B guests scheduled for the next two days. Mandy had already determined when those guests checked in, she would help out by making beds, cleaning rooms, and offering to do anything else that would help Luana. It was the least she could do in exchange for the free room they’d offered her. Makaio had tried to reimburse Mandy for the amount she’d paid for the quilt when she’d found it at the thrift store. But she’d been adamant, saying the money she’d paid should be considered a gift.

Mandy lifted the window to enjoy the Hawaiian breeze and listen to the birds’ sweet melodies coming from the trees. A flash of gray and white appeared, landing on a branch. The red-headed bird looked like one she’d seen once before in the Palus’ yard.
Weerit, churit, weerit, churit
, it chirped.

“Hey, I should be the one scolding you.” Mandy giggled, remembering how a bird looking a lot like this one had left its calling card on her muumuu. Even the memory of Ken wiping the splotch from the shoulder of her dress held a special place in her heart.

When good smells from the kitchen began to waft upstairs, Mandy quickly closed the window.
I need to quit thinking about Ken and see if Luana needs help with anything
.

Mandy’s nose twitched when she entered the kitchen and smelled a sweet aroma. “Something smells familiar.” She peered over Luana’s shoulder and studied the batter in a large bowl. “Is it my favorite mango-flavored pancakes with sweet coconut syrup?”

Nodding, Luana smiled. “It’s one way I can thank you for bringing our quilt back to us.”

“It was my pleasure, and I’m happy it all worked out. I will carry the memory of giving it to you for the rest of my life.” Mandy slipped into a colorful apron. “Now what can I do to help?”

“Nothing really, unless you want to…” A knock at the door interrupted Luana. “Would you mind seeing who that is, Mandy? I’m about to start cooking the pancakes, and I don’t want them to burn.” She reached over and grabbed the spatula from the pan.

“No problem.” Mandy hurried across the room. Turning the knob, she opened the door. Heat flooded her face when she looked into Ken’s blue eyes as he stood, holding a carton of eggs.

“Mandy!” His eyes widened. “I sure didn’t expect to see you here this morning. What brings you back to Kauai, and how long will you be staying?”

Lightheaded, Mandy felt her heart beat so fast she could almost hear it echo in her head. Ken was as good-looking as she remembered, and his pleasant, deep voice still sounded the same. The only thing different about Ken was that he’d cut his hair, although it was still thick and curly. She had to catch herself to keep from giving him a hug.
But you mustn’t even think such thoughts
, her conscience reminded.
He’s a married man
.

“I found Luana and Makaio’s lost quilt in a thrift store in Shipshewana, so I brought it back to them.” She spoke quickly, trying not to stare at his handsome face and barely making eye contact with him.

“Wow! How about that!” He set the eggs on the counter and stared hard at Mandy. “I can hardly believe you’re here. I’ve missed seeing you and—”

“How have you been? I’m looking forward to meeting your wife.”

Ken tipped his head to one side. “My wife?”

“Yes. Luana wrote in a letter she sent me about you getting married last November.”

Ken’s eyebrows furrowed. “Me, married?” With his eyes fixed on Mandy, he brushed some hair off his forehead. “Oh, you must be talking about my brother, Dan. He got married in November.”

“Oops! Guess I messed up and wrote the wrong name,” Luana called from across the room. “I must have been preoccupied when I wrote that letter. Come to think of it, I was holding Primrose at the time.”

Mandy’s lips parted, but no words came out. So Ken was still single. It was difficult not to get her hopes up, but a longing welled in her soul like nothing before.
Could there be a chance Ken might … No. He only sees me as a friend. That’s how it was before I left, and I’m sure nothing’s changed
.

M
andy’s legs trembled like they had when she and Gideon first started courting. Only Ken wasn’t courting her. He merely stood staring at her with a wide smile. She could hardly believe he hadn’t gotten married.

What does it matter?
she asked herself.
I’ll be returning home in two weeks and will start classes to prepare for joining the church this spring
. She shifted uneasily.
I wonder what would happen if I didn’t join and stayed here instead
.

Mandy’s thoughts swirled until she felt as if her head might explode. She remembered when Luana had told her how she and Makaio left their family and friends on the Big Island to begin a new life as owners of the B&B here.
Would it be wrong to leave my family and stay in Kauai permanently? I would miss everyone, but I’d go home for visits. It would be hard on my folks, though, especially Mom. She wants all her children living close, which I totally understand. If I was married and had children, I’d wish for the same thing
.

“Why don’t you two go out to the lanai and get reacquainted?” Luana suggested. “After you’ve visited awhile you can join Makaio and me in the dining room for breakfast.”

“I should help you,” Mandy offered.

“No, it’s fine. You’re our guest here this time, and guests don’t help with the cooking.”

Mandy was tempted to argue, but Ken had already started out the door, so she thanked Luana and followed him to the lanai.