Such a simple, innocent scene. But it made me want more of this. And not just because Julia’s ex-husband had escaped prison. I wanted to walk into this kitchen every day and see the two most important women in my life.
It was a strange feeling, considering mere months ago, I shied away from anything remotely resembling a relationship. But Julia changed my mind about that.
She changed my mind about a lot of things.
“Nikko…,” Julia exhaled, stepping into his embrace.
“Good to see you again, Julia. Just wish it were under happier circumstances.”
“As do I. Hopefully next time it will be.”
“I’m going to hold you to that.” He smiled, his teeth blindingly white compared to his naturally tanned skin. Then he looked toward the stove.
“And you must be Imogene.”
“I am…,” Imogene drew out, wide eyes fixed on Nikko, mouth slightly agape.
I could only imagine what was going through her mind. At six-five and 280 pounds of pure muscle, Nikko’s physique intimidated adults. To a teenager, he must have seemed larger than life.
Hell, he seemed larger than life to me at times, and I was almost as tall. But while I had a decent build, it was nothing compared to Nikko’s.
The man was enormous.
“I’m Nikko.” He held out his hand. “Lachlan’s cousin. He’s told me a lot about you. I’m happy to finally meet you.”
Imogene hesitantly placed her hand in his, shaking it as she peered at him quizzically. She glanced at me before returning her eyes to Nikko, nose scrunched.
“You’re related? You don’t look it.”
Releasing his hold, he laughed. “Technically, we’re not related.”
“Our mums grew up together on Oahu before mine moved to Australia to be with my father,” I explained. “When she brought my sister and me back to Hawaii during our breaks from school, I spent a lot of time with Nikko and his family. Once my mum moved back to the island after our father passed, they became like a second family to me. Blood doesn’t make you family.”
She met my eyes, giving me an understanding smile.
If anyone knew that, Imogene did. I hated that she was forced to learn that lesson early in life, and not in a good way. Even though she shared blood with Nick, he was never a true father to her. Nor would he ever be.
Hopefully she’d learn the positive side of it. That people who weren’t related by blood could still care about her as if they were family.
Could still love her as if she were their own.
Because that was precisely how I felt about her. As if she were my own, even if my blood didn’t run through her veins.
“Would you like to join us for breakfast?” Julia asked. “Lachlan made pancakes. Or would you like something else? I’m positive my loco moco wouldn’t be nearly as good as your mother’s, but I can attempt it.”
He waved her off. “No need to trouble yourself. Pancakes are fine.” He hesitated, leaning toward Julia and lowering his voice. “Are you sure they’re edible, though?” He playfully grimaced. “You did say Lachlan made them.”
Julia laughed, the sound like music to my ears after the past twenty-four hours. Which further confirmed this was precisely what we needed. To live our lives as if everything were normal.
As much as I hated to admit it, Julia was right in refusing to come to California. Her life was here. While we couldn’t completely ignore our reality, we didn’t have to let Nick interfere with our lives.
Didn’t have to allow him to control our lives.
“He’s actually gotten quite good at them.” Julia beamed at me. “He’s even attempted a few different variations, too.”
“A few weeks ago, he made macadamia nut pancakes.” Imogene closed her eyes, pure bliss covering her expression. “So good.”
“What’s on today’s menu?” Still somewhat skeptical, he glanced at the pancakes piled high on a serving platter.