Her mother’s arm quickly went around Maileah, and Junie pressed a hand to her shoulder.
The safety jet ski charged toward his last position, and people gathered closer on the beach.
Growing more concerned, Maileah bit her lip. This can’t be happening, she thought, praying for him to reappear. She couldn’t lose him now, so soon after finding him.
26
The 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. Hewas 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 sunfiltered 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.
