Bamboo and Lace by Lori Wick Read Free Book Online Page A

fine.”
    Jeff didn’t have the heart to tell her to look at him. Eyes averted, she was doing her best not to twist her fingers together, and he knew she was scared to death about the whole affair. There was so much he could say, but he didn’t know where to begin.
    â€œDo you remember the family names?”
    â€œI think so. Gabriel Kapaia is your good friend. His brother is Ashton, and his sister is Bailey. Her husband is Ian…”
    â€œEvan.”
    â€œThat’s right! Evan. And their children are Peter and Celia.”
    â€œWow, you do remember. Now about the resort. There are 13 guest cottages on the beach, but you’ll be staying in the main house with the family.”
    â€œThey all live together?”
    â€œYes. They’ll have to tell you how it works, but it does. I know that Evan has someone come in and help Bailey clean up a bit two mornings a week, but I think they always eat together.”
    â€œOkay.”
    â€œAnd do you know what I just remembered?”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œI’ve got to do some laundry before I pack.”
    â€œOkay.”
    â€œGather anything you need to have washed, and I’ll teach you how to use a washing machine and dryer. And bring a book, or it’s like watching paint dry.”
    Lily’s laugh did much for his heart. Doing laundry on their last night was not exactly memorable, but Jeff thought it might be best to stay as “normal” as possible.

Chapter Four

    Lily enjoyed Sunday school and the church service, but all the while her brother’s departure was in the back of her mind.
    I need to confess my anxiety to You, Father, she prayed even as they drove to the Kapaia Resort. I missed most of the sermon because things haven’t gone my way. I don’t know if I’m afraid of this new situation or angry at You that You would dare to interfere with my plans, but even if I can’t figure this out, Lord, I’m sorry. I have no right to play God.
    Jeff prayed for that very thing over breakfast, so I know he’s struggling with the same issues. This is all so confusing, but You’re not surprised. Thank You for whatever Your plan is, and help me not to fight You anymore. Help me to contribute to this home for the next eight weeks—not just survive and be in the way, but be a help and an encourager.
    â€œAre you all right?”
    â€œI’m getting there. I had a good deal of confessing to do.”
    â€œYou too?”
    â€œI’m afraid so,” Lily said with a sigh. “I get so sick of my sin, Jeff. I don’t know how God stands me.”
    â€œGrace.”
    â€œYes, and more love than I can imagine.”
    On those words, Jeff pulled off the main street and under an archway that read Aloha and Welcome to Kapaia Resort. Everything was lush and green—an amazing difference from what they’d seen along the road, where many of the fields were dry and brown.
    â€œThey must water everything.”
    â€œYes, they do. That’s typical of the resorts at this time of the year. When the rains don’t take care of it, they have no choice but to water to keep the grounds looking beautiful.”
    Up the road, signs directed cars to several driveways, and Jeff took the one that said Private Drive. The others had said Resort Office and Gift Shop, Little Bay Restaurant, and Deliveries. Jeff’s light-blue Honda scooted past thick palms and dense bushes until it rounded a circular driveway that put the car parallel to a large two-story home.
    â€œHere we are,” he said unnecessarily.
    Lily climbed out silently and reached for her bag in the backseat. Jeff had also given her a thin garment bag to hold the things he had purchased, and he took that in his hands. Lily felt her heart pound but tried not to show her fear.
    â€œShould I have brought them a gift, Jeff?”
    â€œNo, Lily, nothing like that is expected, I assure you.”
    Lily’s face was