" Peach Jelly ?That's crucial. Did you get it ? "
" Yees. I will get that , don't worry".
" Ok, ok, then what about that rye bread, huh ? Did you remember that ? "
" Yes. I didn't forget that either "
" I can promise you, you will regret it if you forget that jelly. "
" Well, I believe that about covers it. You got your orders, Navy boy "
" And you know I always follow orders. By the way, I love you, Tani. "
" And, you know I love you as well. Don't take too long, though. "
chk
With that, the call ended.
For a second or so afterwards, Junior stared at the Galaxy smartphone he held. Up until a few seconds ago, he'd been enjoying a ( somewhat one sided, but not in a bad way ), conversation with his fiancee back home, as she directed him to secure various resources that she felt they ( well, she, to be more accurate ) felt she needed. Unsurprisingly, that had included yet more Rye bread, and peach jelly.
One corner of Junior's mouth lifted, in a subtle but genuine smirk. It really was quite adorable, how she always had him loading up on those exact things over the past week or so. Nearly always when he left the house on his own, he could expect to get told to not forget to return without them.
And, especially on a day like today.
Because, currently, Junior was standing roughly at the center of a local farmer's market, dressed fittingly in a Navy ( obviously ) blue polo shirt, tan-shaded shorts, and red sandals, with a wicker shopper's basket swinging casually in his other hand. All around him, was the lively and animated bustle of over a hundred Organic-hunting, farmer-supporting ( obviously, considering what this place was ), folks meandering through and around the veritable maze of set up vendors, all of who had turned up here at the crack of dawn ( as they were that very select group of the human race who can actually tolerate getting up that early so often ), to prepare themselves for the day's business.
Which, for them, was selling off as much of their hand harvested, personally baked, cooked, and brewed culinary products as they could.
And there was a lot of that, as Junior had observed.
In every direction, there were folding tables, erected out behind a small fleet of parked trucks, pickups, and vans ( some of which were actually cleaner than what you'd expect a farmer's truck to be; not spattered from end to end with mud ). Awnings had been raised over most of them as well, proving shade to both customers and vendors alike , as the former walked and wandered around, perusing, examining, and haggling with the proud vendors over the piles and bins of all kinds of produce; everything from radishes, to bok choy, to carrots and red peppers, with Brussels sprouts and pineapples, was available here.
Junior had already filled the lower half of his basket with his own choices: some little boxes of raspberries, and a few ears of sweet corn ( the former went beautifully with oatmeal, and the latter tasted amazing with Cayenne pepper dusted on it ), which had to share the space with the aforementioned to be secured rye bread- a full loaf of the dark bread.
Technically, he was ready to leave, but then again, Tani had been quite clear on that call just now: No coming home without that peach jelly.
Right.
Pocketing the smartphone, Junior set off, weaving his way past a quartet of girls with University of Hawaii shirts-co-eds, laughing and giggling heading the other way. All 4 of them were holding cups of " coffee "; really just concoctions of actual coffee, with ice cream, cream, and chocolate chips.
He scoffed inwardly. This may be a farmer's market, but it was still the current era, which dictated that the millennial needed to have their desert drinks. At least Hawaii grew actual coffee, though.
Leaving them behind, Junior kept looking around for where someone might be selling jellies ( no, not the fish. Why would anyone eat JELLYFISH, when there's mahi mahi and Halibut also in the sea ? ), still somewhat amazed how much just a small group of folks- farmers, as most these days had left agriculture behind- could turn out.
It was quite commendable.
Thanks, green thumb folks
After a little while longer, he finally found what he was searching for:
A vendor- a squat, older man with a wide brimmed straw hat- stood behind a table with banner hanging from its edge that proclaimed what was on it to be from " Halakai's Fruit's and Preserves ": a spread of glass jars that, from a distance at least, did look to be filled golden brown, red, and dark purple contents- the shades of honey, blackberries, and strawberries.
Perfect. Exactly what he was looking for.
Sidestepping a slightly confused looking teenager ( who probably wasn't used to so much food that wasn't ramen cups ) , Junior approached the table.
" Hello there ", he greeted the vendor.
Standing with hands on the table, observing the crowds as they moved by, the glanced over at who was speaking, then perked up at once when he realized it was a prospective buyer.
" Aloha ! ", he replied gravelly, smiling. " Interested in some jam, eh ? "
" I am, yes " , Junior affirmed, stopping at the edge of the table, peering down at the piled jars. They were of especially clear glass, with brightly shades cloths tied down tightly over their tops.
Junior reached out, and lifted one that was a burnt orange shade.
" That there's some peach ", stated vendor, who was obviously Halakai named on the banner. " It and all the others are fresh from this morning ".
As he was no connoisseur ( though he was getting close, with Tani having him getting so much of it ) of preserves, Junior wasn't sure how it was supposed to look with age, but it did look very appealing. He actually did somewhat want to take a spoon, scoop some of it out.
" You can taste it, brother, just to be sure ".
" Hm ? "
I must've been more obvious than I thought
A bit concerned that he was too readable ( though he admitted it was convenient ), Junior agreed:
" Oh. Actually, yes. That'd be perfect, thanks. "
Halakai turned to the back of his opened pickup truck bed to retrieve a little metal spoon from a box that sat there, along with an just as small thimble full of jelly.
" There you go. How about this, eh ? "
From everything he'd seen of these products, Junior didn't doubt the quality, and when he actually put some of it into this mouth, he knew he'd been right all along.
The jelly was sweet. Actual sweetness from real fruit, with a few bits from the peaches themselves mixed in. Overall, Junior definitely decided he liked this.
He'd have to get two, just so he could have his own jar, and scoop mouthfuls of it out of the fridge at 11pm.
With a strong nod of approval, Junior declared:
" Mmm. Yes, this amazing. It really is. I'll have two. "
If he approved, then there was a good chance Tani would as well. Junior hoped so; he didn't want to be on the receiving end of her wrath if any of this turned out to be unsatisfactory.
Well, only one way to find out.
" Isn't it ?! Glad you like it. ", Halakai beamed.
" Got to warn you, though: It is $8 a jar, though. "
That fit. Handcrafted preserves couldn't cheap, if they were any good. Besides, it was good. That, and Tani had to have her jelly these days.
" Done. Two jars. "
" As you say. I will bag that up for you, allright ? "
" Yes. Thank you. "
Turning back to the truck to get a canvas sack to place the jars in, Halaki offhandedly asked:
" Got to say, I am curious: Is this a gift for someone ? Because I've had more than a few customers get one of these just for that "
So, Junior was unintentionally following a bit of a tradition here, he noted. If this turned out to be accurate, then he'd definitely done something right, selecting this particular brand.
As long as Tani didn't reject it, of course. As much as she wanted all these things, she'd also been more fickle with them as well; Junior's found that out the diffcult way when she'd blatantly ignored some other brands he'd brought back.
For another moment- not the first by any measure- he wondered what that could mean.
That could wait till he got back, though. For the moment, he simply replied:
" You could say that. "
" I only get the best for her. "
It was about another half hour, before he was ready to head home.
Fortunately, the weather was still co-operating with Junior, as he strolled along the flank of one of the roads that trickled through his neighborhood.
The market happened to be held withing walking distance of home, so Junior had taken the opportunity to get there, and back, on foot, eager to take advantage of the lightly warm temperatures, with the mild breeze buffeting everything, and the patchwork of cottony clouds overhead.
As he walked down the length of the road, those conditions were still holding, but they were also beginning to change.
From off to the far side, where the Pacific was closest, Junior noticed a bank of darkened clouds encroaching on the overall tranquil sky. They were still a ways out, but they seemed to be advancing steadily.
Around him, the air seemed a little warmer, with a rise in humidity.
Basically, another storm was inbound. Which, admittedly, wasn't too surprising; that was pretty much was the only kinds of weather Hawaii had: storms, and periods of balmy calmness in between. If any place was to have only dual seasons, though, then at least Hawaii's didn't include snow, cold, or ice.
As a SEAL, Junior could handle hot or cold. But, personally, he wasn't insane. Hot beat cold, always.
Smiling with the thought of a nice rainshower dousing the island ( as long as it didn't get any bigger than that ), Junior couldn't not also spare a glance at another piece of the natural vista that he liked: the looming peaks of the Ko'olua Mountain range. The peaks, nearly off the horizon- they were that far- still carved a powerful image for themselves, covered in jade foliage, with mist and clouds shrouding their tops.
There was still nothing quite like a well laid out, clean and safe urban setting to live in, Junior maintained, but for a vista, the Ko'olua range fir the bill nicely.
Hawaii. Mountains, jungles, beaches, and cities. You've got it all. You're a real treasure to this Earth.
Finally able to stop ogling the scenery, Junior felt his Galaxy vibrate in his pocket.
Fishing it out, he found there was a text from Tani on it:
How close are you ?!
Junior smirked, amused with Tani's tone here.
He compiled a reply in short order:
Less than 5 mikes. Promise.
And, he got another even faster:
Go for 3. ;D
Now, Junior outright chuckled. It was no secret, that good humor was essential, and they both understood that. It was one of the most loved things of Tani, Junior had decided long ago.
When he looked back up at his surroundings, he found that the whole recent exchange had been a bit pointless, but also entirely not bad.
After all, he was just about home.
It was off to his right. A small, scattered-pieces granite stone path led off from the road's flank and sidewalk, up to the hardwood front door. All the sides of the path, bunches of flowers swayed in the still-present tropical breeze; Hibiscus, roses, petunias and daffodils.
Their collective aroma rose, and tickled the inside of Junior's nose as he strode past them. Planting them had been Tani's idea, as she claimed the front of the house need more " ambiance ". Personally, Junior hadn't been so sure, but when they'd finally come in, and whenever he was among them ( such as now ), he had to admit, it'd been a good call.
But, as amazing as they were to look at, they were easily surpassed by:
The front door opened, and exactly what- who, actually- that was appeared.
Tani, as always, looked beautiful. The 5-0 Captain wore a loose, sand shaded dress that reached down to just past her knees ( of legs that ended in bare feet ), and a U-necked top that exposed her tanned, athletic arms. Her long brunette locks hung straight for once- evidently, she decided a new hairstyle was in order ( not that there was anything wrong with the previous one, but then again, that's generally women for you ).
To be fair, Junior thought, feeling a broad grin cross his face as his gaze fell on her, beautiful was the wrong word.
Gorgeous was better.
Junior was struck both by how lovely she looked, and with a sense of gratitude that she was his.
In a moment of action driven by such feelings, as he went along the path, he plucked out a Hibiscus, and held it out to her as he approached
" I can't tell which is better looking: this, or you ", he called.
The beautiful woman standing under the doorway smirked, crossing those arms in an " Oh, really ? " kind of way.
" And I don't know which takes longer to be useful: them or you. You're just about late. "
" Keywords, ' just about ' ". Junior pointed out, with a nonchalant shrug. " Besides, I come bearing gifts ".
He hefted the basket.
" And not just these. "
Having closed the distance between, Junior proceeded to thread that Hibiscus into Tani's hair, deftly sliding it between the strands. She laughed- which was easily one of the very best sounds in the universe-lightly as it happened.
" All right, all right. Consider yourself forgiven. "
" Get inside, though That rye isn't going to just toast itself right here and now, you know. "
Turning to one side, she gestured into the house.
" After you, Mr Breadwinner ".
Shnk !
The toaster's main activating handle clacked, as Junior pushed it down.
Automatically, the heating coils within activated, and the interior of the machine took only a handful of seconds to turn a bight orange shade, as the temperature inside quickly shot up from normal, and began to climb.
" Done. " Junior stood back, slapping palms together. " Only 3 minutes ! "
Standing at the nearby sink, busily scrubbing out a ceramic coffee mug, Tani turned her head to beam at him.
" That's what I like to hear ! ", she exclaimed, not bothering to hide the delight in her voice.
" Otherwise, I'd have to do it myself. "
Taking a sip from the liter bottle of San Pellegrino he'd taken from the fridge earlier, Junior shrugged.
" So, you'd use your captain's powers to order me around to do your bidding. ", He sighed, and shook his head. " I feel used. "
It was enough for them both to enjoy a hearty laugh over it. There was nothing about humor and joking between them that could be called bad, because, ultimately, laughing together was the bedrock of what they had, and what helped hold them as one.
but even as they did, something else was on Junior's mind.
For just the shortest of moments, Junior thought said voice was, well, a bit higher than normal. As if she was actually truly delighted about something else, but was using her enthusiasm for the toast to hide it.
It only increased Junior's curiosity; there had to be something behind Tani's recent behavior. He told himself now- yet again- that he shouldn't press her on it, that it was something that would come out on its own.
Yet it still wouldn't leave him alone.
Take your own advice. Let her do it at her own pace
Putting aside his doubts for the moment, Junior decided, that if she was cleaning mugs, then he might as well get some coffee ready for both of them. Black, of course. They were not the ones who flood it with all those extra trimmings.
He headed for one of the cupboards, where the filters and beans were held. Coffee was always a good go to option for when you were confused by anything. A nice, hot mug of it, from locally harvested beans.
As he pried them open:
" So, ah, I can't help but notice: Is all this toast and jelly a part of some new diet trend I haven't head of ? "
It was aimed to be a mix of a casual question, and a way to get at what Junior thought could be going on behind the scenes. Nearly as soon as he said it, though, he felt a rather pointy gaze from Tani drilling into his back.
Do not ever bring up dieting to a woman , he belatedly remembered, kicking himself.
I might've gotten myself into deeper trouble than I thought.
" That sounded better before I said it ".
" As do many things you say ", admonished Tani- or at least, Junior hoped she was as not-so-angry as she sounded.
" But, when I get it right, I get it right, don't I ? "
" When, being the operative word. "
Shaking out the last droplets of water from the mug, Tani carefully set it down on the counter.
" To answer that question of yours, though: Its just, you know, a phase. "
That was, an, interesting response. Probably one of the last Junior had anticipated, to be honest.
He actually stopped for a second, thinking about it.
" A, phase ? "
Pivoting, Junior found Tani standing in what she probably thought was an innocent way, toying with the mug in both hands.
" You know. Maybe I didn't before, but I love them now. Besides, don't tell me you have anything wrong with toast, do you ? "
" Well, no. I can't say I do.-"
" Good. And why wouldn't you ? I mean, when its crisped just right, well, who could say no ? Nobody. That's who. "
Again. She seemed just slightly more cheerful about it than what seemed normal. It was only just noticeable, but Junior noticed it, as he easily would.
" Why ? You're not calling it an addiction, are you ? "
" Actually, I was thinking- ", Junior replied carefully.
Well, this shows my hand a bit. Still, no going back
"- craving ".
There was a definite stillness in the room now. Tani's eyes widened.
" Well, I didn't say that was a bad thing", Junior quickly went on, seeking not to have it seem like he was seeking to find anything out, though he had. " But, I can't not notice, that you didn't want it this much before. And, this has been ongoing for a while. "
" That, and it seems to get you a bit exited for that, too. But, its ok. This is just what I know. "
" Wait-Oh. You've, been thinking about it ? "
Rather tellingly, Tani's response had a note of surprise to it: as if Junior had somehow uncovered some kind of secret she'd been keeping all along.
And, that was yet more confirmation that all of this- her more-cheerful-than-before-ness, and borderline craving for rye bread, and peach jelly, out of all of both- had a source behind it all. Something was up, and Junior simply had to know what it was.
She had a hand up to her mouth too; a telltale sign that she'd been caught by surprise. A borderline complete giveaway, actually. Junior had a strong feeling that he was getting close.
" I thought- well, I wasn't sure- "
Tani was stammering now ? That wasn't like her, not at all. Over all the days Junior had known her, she hadn't ever stammered.
So, it was something more, then. And she thought, that he thought, it wasn't.
That was all but proof.
" Tani. If there's anything you want to tell me, its ok. ", Junior promised, aware that she already knew that, but unable to prevent himself from sounding that way.
It seemed to have done the trick, because Tani slowly lowered her hand. She looked off to the side- another subtle, agitated gesture of hers that Junior had learned to recognize- and Junior waited for what she might have to say.
" Junes, I- "
Her voice seemed to shake bit.
Abruptly, she stopped, with a slight gasp, and covered her mouth again.
" Tani ? Whats- "
Before Junior could get any further, he could only watch as Tani suddenly hurried over to the open topped wastebasket placed in the corner of the room, nearest the back door.
She leaned over it.
And vomited.
It was as if someone had flipped a switch in Junior.
One second, he was standing all but still.
In the next, he was in motion. The transition from stillness to movement was so sudden, he didn't register it in his mind.
There was only one thought occupying the front of it at the moment:
I have to help her !
Which is exactly what happened. Junior reached Tani's side in seconds, and knelt beside her, slipping his arms around and gently, but firmly, propping her up.
" Hhkk ! Ghh-hk ! "
It may not have been the most pleasant moment he'd had his arms around her, but Junior wasn't moving from where he was.
" Its ok, its ok. I am here for you. "
There was no point as to whether she actually needed that, at least not to Junior. It was still the right thing to do, and he knew it. All thoughts of what she'd been about to reveal, were placed in the backseat, so to speak, for now.
Besides, Junior was now rather close to being sure, that he already knew.
Let her say what it its herself. But, let her recover first.
His initial shock faded a little, letting him think more clearly, as Tani's gasping, coughing spit-up moment began to trickle off.
" Ghh. Hh. Hhh. "
A few more gasps later, and it finally seemed to be over. Tani stayed in that position for several moments more, inhaling and exhaling, calming herself down, and wanting to be sure she actually felt ok.
Junior waited for that too, exactly where he'd been.
They stayed like this, until, at last, when Tani had gingerly swiped off at least some of what had ended up around her mouth:
" Oh. My- Junes, now I know you love me. Thank you ".
Tani's breathless, ashamed-tinged statement brought a ghosted smile to Junior. Truthfully, he'd do this again. Needless to say, they both knew this.
They were so often-thankfully- in sync.
Junior rubbed a hand over her back.
" Any day, Miss Rey. "
" C-Corny as sin ", she pointed out, slowly sitting back from the bin.
" Apologies. "
" Don't be. "
Acknowledging she was right, Junior one armed hugged her.
" Wait here. I'll get the dishtowel, wipe that gunk off you. "
He stood to go get it, but Tani grabbed his arm.
" Junior, wait. "
For a second or so, Junior thought she might've felt another wave of nausea approaching. He was about to couch next to her again, when-
" You were right. There's something I have to tell you. "
There was a note or urgency in her voice, but, oddly , also a note of excitement.
Or, not so perplexing, if-
Quiet. Let her speak.
" As you wish ". Junior did as she wanted, coming down to both knees, which nearly touched hers.
" You got an audience. My ears are yours. "
There was an electric charge up the air right now; Junior could feel it through him. He stopped himself from wondering any more though; that was past. Tani was about to provide those answers.
She looked him in the eyes. In hers, Junior was certain he hadn't ever seen so much joy in them.
A second later, he was told why:
" I only found this out today. It explains everything about why I've been lately. "
" Junior, I'm pregnant ".