‘Well, I feel sorry for my mother-in-law,’ Binnie said. ‘She has three grandchildren. Two in Las Vegas and one here. She never sees any of them. Nor does their grandfather. Neither of the grandfathers see much of this one.’

I held my tongue.

‘We have to use the full name,’ I said after a time, ‘not just take out the middle bit. She can’t be just Ela.’

It’s true it is a pretty name, and Noelani is a beautiful and brilliant child. Her parents have been most generous towards me with all the children, but especially with their first-born.

Binnie and Lani had three children by the time Lani had completed the apprenticeship, and they didn’t stop at three. This life wasn’t what I’d wanted for my daughter, but at least … well …

At least, Daniel, they’ve never left me. They lived with me for six years, which was long enough for me to change my mind about my son-in-law.

To tell the truth, Grandson, offering him the trainee position in the garage was a test, even a kind of punishment, for both him and for his mother and Aki. Maybe I didn’t really think Lani could do it. He’d been spoiled all his life was what I thought then. He had, has, this perfect skin, you know, which turned me against him. Teeth too. On the other hand, I couldn’t get used to seeing him covered in all that grease and oil. You’re right, Aki, about my snobbish tendencies. Besides, I was soon to find out what a very good cook he is. I pride myself on breads, cakes and pies, but have to admit there’s nothing tastier than meat, fish and vegetables cooked by son-in-law Ke‘alohilani. And the children are angels. Angels to look at, I mean. Otherwise … But the main thing is … they didn’t leave me except to move up the line a little … Well, not until later.

When they said they wanted to take over management of a grill room in the next town, I didn’t stand in their way, though I didn’t like the idea of my grandchildren being brought up in a restaurant, and when I suggested Noelani stay with me and return to them in the weekends, they agreed. It was Noelani’s wish also, to remain with me. Now all five kids are doing well in life, despite being spoiled by their father.

Once they’d gone, I sold the garage to Lou, who was the manager at the time and who had seen Lani through his apprenticeship. I could’ve moved my business closer to them, but I loved my old bakery, just as I enjoy my old-fashioned tearoom now, in this old-time town. There are all these fancy cafés around these days, but the tearoom suits me fine.