“You will stay in the guesthouse. While we are looking for a new home, I’ll arrange for our—I mean, your—work to be done in the kitchen. I can get the island discount. It’ll cost you triple if you organize it yourself. By the time it is done, we will be out.” With that, he pushed his plate away and drained the last of his juice.

Quinn wasn’t sure how to respond. His tone had made it clear that he’d accept no debate or arguing. Quinn had never known a grandfather, but if she had, she would’ve imagined one like Kupuna, a no-nonsense sort of fellow who could also turn to mush when helping a child with homework.

“How long do you think it will take?” she finally asked.

“It will take as long as it takes,” he said, then stood and turned, shuffling out the back door.

It slammed in his wake, and Quinn jumped.

As long as it takes? What was that supposed to mean? Did the old man think that everyone was on island time? She had a life to get back to.

She looked at Maria, who had stopped eating and bore a stricken expression.

“I’m so sorry. He’s accustomed to being the patriarch. It’s the Hawaiian way, but I can talk to him,” she said, but Maria’s eyes implored her with a silent plea that Quinn could feel all the way to her bones.

This was one of those moments in life that defined the kind of person you were. Quinn could make it simple. She had every legal right to involve officials and could probably have the house empty by nightfall. She didn’t even have to be present to watch them gather their things and leave.

But could she live with herself afterward?

Her thoughts scattered back and forth, from one angle and option to another so quickly she felt dizzy. Was this the universe’s way of teaching her a lesson?

Before she could get any words out, the door opened, and there stood Maria’s son, his expression defiant when he saw Quinn—his sudden enemy—sitting there.

“Your room is ready, Your Highness,” he said, crossing his arms and glaring at her.

Alani sat upright and clapped her hands. “I love that! Can I be the princess?”

Her outburst broke the tension, and Maria laughed first. Alani looked from her mother to Quinn, confused. Her innocent expression was priceless and prompted a miracle.

Pali’s scowl dissolved, and he laughed too.

Quinn felt instantly lighter. How bad could it be? It could even be an experience she’d never forget, if she could possibly allow herself to embrace the positive in the circumstance instead of focusing on the negative. Who knows, maybe she’d even learn something authentic about her mother’s heritage.

Alani was still waiting for an answer.