“But it’s all working out,” Junie finished, turning to her with a spoonful of sauce to taste. “I’m happy for you. You and Sailor seem right for each other. You both like travel and adventure. Knox and I are such homebodies in comparison. Penny keeps us plenty busy.”
Maileah hardly knew how to answer that. She wanted the same thing Junie did, just in a different way. Instead, she blew on the sauce and tasted it. “That’s delicious.”
“I have to admit, I wasn’t so sure about Sailor at first,” her mother said as she arranged slivers of parmesan cheese over a bed of romaine lettuce. “But as I’ve come to know him better, I find him genuine and charming. I can see that you enjoy each other’s company, and that’s what matters most. You’ve changed, darling.”
Maileah was relieved to hear that from her mother. “He’s much smarter than he lets on. I didn’t know he had a degree in business. He told me Nana tutored him in science.”
Ella nodded at the memory. “Sailor is from a fine family with good values. That’s more important than people realize in relationships.”
April nodded, but she still looked concerned. “But what will he do after his surfing career?”
“He told me he has investments and plans,” Maileah replied. “He seems smart about his career.”
Ella rose from her chair. “Since I’ve relinquished my chef duties to Junie, would you help me set the table outside?”
“Of course, Nana.” Maileah placed flatware and napkins on a tray as she’d often watched her grandmother do. Her action wasn’t lost on Ella, who smiled approvingly.
A realization dawned on Maileah. She had changed since arriving on Crown Island. She felt it, and others could see it. Knowing that felt good.
When she and Ella were outside setting the table, hergrandmother’s eyes brightened. “Tell me how you’re doing, dear.”
Maileah’s heart lifted at Ella’s words. She had often confided in her, perhaps more than anyone else in the family. “These last few months have been the best of my life. And I hope that trend continues.”
“Why wouldn’t it?”
“I have confidence in my new business,” she began, folding blue napkins beside the vintage white place settings. “But there’s more.”
“Are you referring to Sailor?”
Maileah nodded. “He says he wants a life with me, but I’m not sure what that will look like. His lifestyle is unconventional.”
Ella followed her, placing the flatware. “Are you worried he won’t be there for you or be a good father?”
“Like Junie said, we have similar interests, but I still want a partner and a family. Sailor is my best friend, and I’ve grown to love him. I can’t imagine settling for anyone else, but I wonder if I’m cutting myself off from a family. Am I making a mistake?”
“There isn’t one way to be a family, dear. I’m sure you know that. Neither of you fit the traditional mold.”
“So why start now, is that what you’re saying?”
“Something like that.” Ella took her hand. “Sweetheart, you need to listen to your inner GPS.”
Maileah grinned. “My what?”
“Your inner guidance system,” Ella explained. “You might call it your intuition, a gut feeling, or faith. We all have small sparks of insight and wisdom. Learning to trust that feeling can guide us better than anyone else might advise us. And ignore it at your peril.”
Ella sat on a cushioned bench and patted a spot beside her.
“That’s a good point.” As Maileah sat down, she recalled listening to her intuition when she was younger. Somewherealong the way, in an effort to please others—bosses, men she was dating—she had started focusing on what others wanted, prioritizing their desires over hers.
“I’ve watched you push boundaries your entire life. Not that there is anything wrong with a traditional role. My darling Augustus and I had that sort of marriage, although he allowed me great freedom. Times were different then. Would you be happy trying to fit into the usual roles?”
Maileah considered this. “I thought I wanted that, but probably not. I know I’m different. But could Sailor and I make a nomadic life work with a family?”
“Live your dreams, not your fears.” Ella smiled. “Your life is what you both make it. But look around; I don’t think you have to look too far to find different examples. And by all means, talk to him about it before you make any life-changing decisions.”
“Dinner is ready,” Junie called from the kitchen.
Maileah hugged her grandmother. “Thanks for the advice, Nana. I’ll help bring out the food.”
