Page 65 of The Wrong Sister

She pinches me and I let out the laugh I’ve been holding in. I fucking love this crazy woman.

“You’re an asshole! You’ve lost your boss privileges!” She’s glaring at me, but I can see the passion in her eyes.

“That ring on your finger makes it pretty clear that I want you as my boss for the rest of my life.”

“Let’s see how you do now before we start talking about happily ever after. Oh, shit!” Her face falls. “We need to get going! Why would you get me all hot and bothered right now when we have to drive to Kailua? Jerk move, fiancé.”

I pick her up, kissing my way down her chest. “We have an hour, Meens.” She runs her hands through my hair, dropping the flowers on the table as we pass it on our way to the bedroom.

“I suppose I can reduce my demands to fit within the time constraints…”

We’re only a little late but it’s well within the confines of island time, no one notices. It doesn’t matter how much time we have anyway, it’s never enough. I commandeer a table near the front, putting out some of the shirts. The majority of these will be shipped after today to the presales, but I got extras for anyone that might want to purchase while here or from watching online. Ka‘eo and Norah Maheloha are upfront, talking with the church’s AV team. The group breaks up and K picks Mina up in a crushing hug. He’s got a couple of inches and a good hundred pounds of muscle on me and my girl looks like a little doll in his arms. I can hear his loud, booming voice from the back of the church.

“What’s this, Teeny? Do I spy an engagement ring on your finger? Are you marrying my boy, Griffin?” He grins, tossing me a shaka.

“You see what I see,” I yell back. “How was she even single? I couldn’t risk someone swooping in, trying to take what’s mine!”

“Smart, my man, smart! Lock her down before she wises up and realizes she is way out of your league!” His wife cackles loudly.

“You said it, K!” I laugh too.

People are starting to arrive, milling around and greeting each other enthusiastically. Ka‘eo gets the live streaming squared away. I heard his followers stepped up, buying t-shirts and pledging thousands of dollars for his head shave alone! Norah finishes lining the chairs up on the stage. They laid a couple of huge drop cloths up there to help with clean up afterward. I hang out over to the side. I’m here to help wherever I’m needed, but this is not my show. Mina and Ka‘eo have worked tirelessly to set everything up. I’m happy to be supportive. K starts his live stream, acting as emcee. He’s the best guy for that role. He’s charming, funny, and at ease in front of everyone. He talks earnestly about watching Halia grow up and the importance of ‘ohana taking care of each other. Then he calls Mina up on stage. She looks professional and beautiful, with a flash of that signature Mina Brookner fire in her eyes. I can’t fucking wait for that fire to be coming from Mina Simms.

“I’m Mina Brookner and I’m a social worker with Child Welfare Services in Honolulu. If you can believe it, I met Halia and her incredible parents after someone reported them for child neglect and endangerment!”

There are a few laughs and angry grumbles from the crowd in the church.

“Even if you’ve never met them, if you could see the crowd gathered here, you would know how ridiculous that claim was. Just like that day, this little girl is surrounded by caring, loving ‘ohana. The case was easy and cleared up quickly, but I fell for the whole family and got pulled into that circle of people who love them. When I heard Halia had leukemia, there was no doubt in my mind that she would kick its ass! And there was no doubt in my mind that people would gather around them, supporting them in every way possible.”

The crowd erupts into a loud cheer and Mina grins, waiting for them to quiet back down.

“This, today, is one small example of that. If you’re joining us online, you’ve likely seen the design of the t-shirts my future brother-in-law, the talented artist Rafferty Simms, designed. My fiancé’s law firm, Sanders & Ito Family Law, has sponsored us. 100% of the money from the purchase of the shirts is going right to Halia’s family! If you haven’t purchased one yet, we have them here at the church or you can click the link on Ka‘eo’s profile. But now it’s time for the main event, or mane event if you’re pun inclined.” She gestures to her hair and I laugh. And she saysI’ma dork.

“Everyone here today, who meets the length requirements, is donating their hair to Wigs For Kids. Halia has asked to go first. She wants to lose her hair on her terms. Both of her parents are going to get their heads shaved alongside her and then we’ll bring up everyone else who has collected pledges for their shaving. Stick with us and we’ll let you know how much money they will have to help with medical costs.”

Mina steps off-stage and straight into my arms. By the time it’s over there isn’t a dry eye in the place. Halia was a tiny badass, shaving her own head with a defiant look on her face. Norah cried when she chopped off Ka‘eo’s ponytail but she beamed with pride as she buzzed the rest off. Their scorching kiss afterward says she likes his buzzed look as much as she liked the long hair. Mina is on her phone, typing away before Ka‘eo pulls his out on stage, taking the microphone.

“We still have pledges and t-shirt orders rolling in! I don’t think we’ll be able to leave everyone with a final count during the live-stream but, as of right now, we’ve raised over $15,000! Thank you so much to everyone online for your support. If you’re here, this wonderful church ‘ohana has grindz out on the lanai. We eat and celebrate!” He pumps his fist in the air and everyone cheers.

I stand, hand in hand with Mina, watching everyone. This building has love pouring out. Everyone is hugging, wiping tears, and laughing. People pitch in, cleaning everything up and setting the church sanctuary to rights in no time at all. This is what I’ve always wanted. This is what I’ve found, with Mina. I’ve spent my life striving to do the right thing and make my family proud, but I didn’t put much thought into what that would mean for me, personally. Now I have the chance to work for the vulnerable children on our island home with my childhood friend, my forever love, my manawahine, my Mina. She has more tenacity and passion than anyone I’ve ever met. She’s dedicated her life to making sure every child she comes into contact with is safe and cared for. I’m dedicated to supporting her in everything she wants to do. I’ve always considered myself a smart guy, but I was an idiot to think that it was a mistake to have feelings for the wrong Brookner sister. If being with Mina is wrong, I don’t ever want to be right again.

epilogue

mina

One year later

I look in the full-length mirror with a critical eye. This doesn’t read traditional wedding dress but traditional isn’t my style. An acquaintance from NYC made it for me and it’s everything I could want in a dress. It reminds me of the 1950s. The sweetheart neckline makes the girls look good. There’s illusion lace up to my collarbones and over my shoulders, coming down in a deep, lace-petaled vee in the back at the waist. Under the bodice, a wide swath of satin ribbon crisscrosses at the waist and emphasizes the deep back. The skirt is super full, hitting at my knee, with lots of tulle and simple lace embellishments at the top of the skirt. And there are pockets! I feel beautiful in it. I can’t wait for Griffin’s reaction.

He was right about having an actual wedding. I didn’t think I cared, but now that I’m wearing the dress, my hair pulled back, my makeup on, excitement building, I’m into it. We’re not having a beach wedding. I wanted to wear sky-high heels and enjoy the ceremony without sand blowing into my face. We’ll leave that shit to the tourists. All our nearest and dearest are here with us at the Hawai‘i State Art Museum. It’s urban and beautiful, everything we wanted in a venue. It’s time to begin and I’m bursting with nervous energy.

We’re getting married in the second-floor courtyard with its wide windows and twinkle lights. It’s a tad unconventional but we’re combining the reception and wedding. I don’t understand why the wedding has to be somber and the reception the party. I want the entire thing to be a celebration! We don’t have a big group so it’s working out perfectly. The tables are set up in the courtyard, with gorgeous centerpieces and linens all prepared for a shared meal. Everyone can sit comfortably while we stand up in front of those big interior windows, reflecting the colors of a Honolulu sunset. Once we’re man and wife we’ll claim our own seats. I feel like a wedding genius.

I can hear the music filling the outdoor space. Part of the “crew” the Maheloha’s brought us into offered to do our music as their gift. Nalani is a gifted piano player and singer and her husband, Ames1, plays guitar and sings with her. They’re adorable and super talented—every time I hear them I get goosebumps! I step out, the evening air warm on my skin and scented with tropical flowers. Ka‘eo is doing our photographs and he’s snapping away, moving with a shocking amount of grace considering he’s freaking huge.

The tables are full of the people we love most. I spot Norah with a chair open next to her for Ka‘eo. Also at their table are the newest additions to our group: Liam and Chloe2, along with their kiddos. Ames and Nalani’s seats are currently open since they are playing up front. Jameson3just moved to San Diego and I’m sad his little family isn’t able to be with us. There’s a table of lawyers from Griffin’s office and social workers from mine. Halia and her family are in the middle with some older aunties and uncles scattered throughout—friends of our parents and neighbors. Auntie Lolo waves from the family table where our parents are sitting with my giant younger brothers.

I look upfront and there’s my man, waiting for me. He looks so fucking hot in his grey suit; he’s neatly pressed, everything in its place and I’m looking forward to mussing him up later. His eyes are on me and his smile is the only thing I need right now. I march up and I can hear people laughing. It doesn’t even bother me. I’m not going to baby-step my way into this, slowly making my way forward like I’m unsure. I want to be Mrs. Simms and I’m going to charge my way to Griffin, the way I do with everything else: shoulders back, head held high, with purpose. He reaches for my hand as I get closer. The moment his strong fingers grasp mine I feel calm. I’m right where I’m supposed to be. That dimple makes me weak in the knees and his smile promises a lifetime of love. He leans down, whispering into my ear, giving me a whiff of that clean Griffin scent that drives me crazy.

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