“It’s a place to get kids interested in the environment. Growing things.” Pointing towards a group “they’re learning to grow organic foods and over there they’re learning about erosion and how to prevent it.” Several workers waved at him with friendly smiles before going back to supervising the kids.
One young woman came over raking Himari over with her eyes before smiling at Caiden. Attempting to take his hand “I wasn’t expecting to see you today. Did you come to help with the kids, or did you come to accept my invitation to dinner?”
“Um” he stammered stepping back “I actually came to show Himari the gardens.”
“This is so cool” Himari enthused looking around not quite noticing the girl yet. She could see her mom doing something like this in Sulani. Turning to Caiden she noticed the girl with the sour expression on her face. She could sense how uncomfortable Caiden was feeling with her standing so close to him. Somehow, she got the impression he’d told her now on several occasions and yet she hadn’t taken the hint. Smiling at the girl “this is a very nice place you have here.” She reached over and took Caiden’s hand squeezing gently hoping he’d just play along.
Feeling her hand slip into his Caiden smiled down at Himari grateful for the gesture. “It was nice seeing you, but we have a lot to do today.” He edged towards the door holding Himari’s hand all the way to the garden and releasing it once they were alone. “Thank you” he murmured softly so that his voice wouldn’t carry “I apologize for that. She doesn’t usually volunteer on Sundays.” Shaking his head “looks like I might have to adjust my schedule again. She doesn’t take hints despite me telling her as nicely as I can that I’m not interested.” Sighing he walked ahead “this is what they like to call their garden in the sky. It’s beautiful isn’t it? Even in the middle of winter. Not many people come up here. They dump their kids off and go do their own and come back later. The kids love it though.”
Himari smiled up at him encouraging him to talk more so she could enjoy listening to his voice. Taking his hand, she said “might want to keep up the appearance just in case she comes up here.” Not to mention that she liked the way it felt. Looking around the garden appreciating the beauty, she could understand why the kids loved it here. “I need a picture of this to send to my mom. I think she’ll love it. Maybe even borrow the idea.” Smiling, she pulled out her phone.
“I wouldn’t mind showing your parents around when they come. That is if they can tear themselves away from their first grandbaby.” He smiled, liking the idea of playing tour guide for them and possibly spending more time with Himari. He had to admit he liked the way her hand felt inside his, a perfect fit. “Point your camera over there. No need to break it with my ugly face.”
“I’m sure my parents would love to have you show them around. Just give them a couple of days once the baby’s here. Knowing my mom, she’ll want to do some exploring around town.” Shaking her head and pointing her camera at him “for that silly comment you’re just going to have to stay front and center in this picture.” She took several pictures of him before turning to take pictures where he had directed her. “So how come you know about this place?”
Caiden’s cheeks flushed a slight pink under her scrutiny. Reaching towards a pink rose he clipped it and held it out to her. “A rose for a pretty lady” he offered with a slight bow. Once she took it, he motioned towards a bench where they would have a good view of the garden. “I volunteer here. A lot of the kids who come here don’t have anyone they can look up to at home. So, I like to show them that there’s a little beauty in the world despite the ugliness they might have to live with at home.”
She took the flower before sitting beside him on the bench. “So, this place is kind of like a safe haven for them then.” She gazed around the room. It was a really nice view they had from where they were sitting. “Do you tell them about life as a cop? Tempt them to become one? Or is it the other way around?”
He was silent for a moment considering her question. “It’s a little of both I think. I tell them being a copy isn’t for everyone. It’s often a hard-thankless job. All too often people go into it thinking they’re going to be a hero when most of the time no one knows what you do unless you do it wrong. Most of the time I just listen to them and offer alternatives based upon what they’ve told me. Most of the time they just want someone to listen.”
“At least they get the truth and an adult who cares. I think that goes a long way.” She could hear the kids below them as they went about their activities. “Maybe we could do something with them now. Hide and seek or something fun like that?”
“They’d love it” he said standing up and holding his hand out to her. “It’ll give the volunteers and workers a break so they can do something else for a while.” He led them downstairs completely ignoring the girl from earlier but still holding onto Himari’s hand as they looked for the manager.
Himari chuckled beside him noticing how the girl was giving her a look that could kill. “Your girlfriend doesn’t like me” she giggled motioning towards where she was standing watching them.
Caiden gave her a confused look until he realized what she was talking about. “I’m sorry” he looked down at the entwined hands “you don’t have to pretend to protect me. It’s not fair to you. I do appreciate the gesture though.” He released her hand as he went to discuss their idea with the manager.
A few minutes later he returned to her side. “She’s going to make an announcement. Be prepared to be swarmed by kids.”
“That’s one way of making hide and seek special” she grinned up at him, almost sad not to be holding his hand anymore. She had weirdly enough enjoyed it even though it was pretend. Looking up she watched him while they waited for the announcement. “If you find me first, I’ll pout for the rest of the day. I’ve been learning how from Rae,” she smirked, winking at him.
“I’ll see to it that you’re the last one found” he returned her wink “I don’t think I could stand a pout of the likes of Raelyn.” As he predicted the kids swarmed around them after the announcement had been made. Caiden raised his voice to be heard “who wants to help me be the seeker?” He received a few willing volunteers and the rest gathered around Himari.
“I bet you know where all the good hiding spots are, right?” A little girl nodded, taking her hand. “Great we’ll hide together.” She smiled down at the girl, squeezing her hand a little “i trust you won’t let him find us, first right?” The little girl shook her head, her smile growing. Turning to Caiden she said, “start counting.”
Playing hide and seek with the kids was a fun couple of hours. When most of the kids had been picked up by the parents finishing up whatever errands they had for the day Caiden turned to Himari. “Are you hungry? I know this great little out of the way restaurant you might enjoy.”
“Yeah playing hide and seek is a good way to build up an appetite,” laughing she hugged two of the kids who had helped find good hiding places. “If you come to Sulani one day I’ll show you the best island BBQ.”
“It’s a date…I mean…um…yeah I’d like that.” he stammered trying to recover himself. His cheeks turned a slight pinkish tone. Clearing his throat he walked ahead of her to open the door for her. “You’re really good with kids. They all loved you. Maybe if you want, you could come with me again?”
“Fine it’s a date she smiled at him thinking if he goes all the way to Sulani just for BBQ she was more than willing to call it a date. “Sure I’d be happy to come again. They’re nice kids but I have Raelyn and brother to help. So it would have to be when I am not needed by them.” Smiling she get in the waving at the kids who were outside watching them.
“I wouldn’t dream of getting in the way of you helping your brother out. Raelyn is a handful at the best of times. I’d much rather chase after half a dozen kids.” Starting the car he drove in the direction of the restaurant “I hope you like Asian food. It’s one of my favorites and this place is good.”
“Sounds good to me,” she glanced out the window as he drove. “And yes Rae is a handful but if you put her in her place a few times she isn’t so bad.” Chuckling softly remembering a few fallout they had in the beginning but it always ended with them talking it out and understanding each other a little better. “I told them to get therapy. To my surprise they agreed.”
“Wow” he chuckled “I guess he listens to you more than he does me. I’ve been telling him that for months.” Turning into a parking lot he stopped the car, turning to Himari “don’t get me wrong, I love them both but sometimes they leave me shaking my head at them. I sincerely wish them the best in everything.” Getting out he smiled noticing Himari getting out before he could race around the car to help her out. “They will no doubt be wonderful doting parents to the most beautiful little princess ever.”
“I guess when it comes from family it hits a little closer to home. My parents got therapy in the beginning too. I mean it’s not everyday you marry a mermaid.” Grinning she looked at the restaurant “they’re both stubborn. They both forget to talk sometimes. They will be wonderful parents. The princess will be so spoiled it will put Raelyn to shame.” She couldn’t help but laugh at his expression on his face “this looks cozy” she indicated the restaurant.
Joining her he winked “I can’t imagine a more spoiled princess then what Raelyn must have been growing up.” Pretending to shudder “let’s hope for everyone’s sakes their little princess will be sweet natured and the spoiling she receives will not make her rotten.” Taking Himari’s hand he led her up a small walk towards the restaurant. Pointing towards a small snow covered garden “in the summer that Japanese garden is something to see. If you come back then I’d love to show it to you.”
“I’m sure there will be plenty of opportunities in the future especially when my brother asks a certain someone to marry him. Then we’ll see who takes center stage.”
Shaking his head chuckling “it’s probably mean of me to look forward to seeing how Aki handles Rae in full on Bridezilla mode.” He released her hand to hold the door open for her. “It’s small but cozy. You won’t find better food anywhere.” He took a table towards the middle of the room. He smiled towards the approaching middle aged woman coming towards them.
“It’s a pleasure to see you again Mr Caiden” she greeted him warmly “is this the lovely Mrs Caiden?”
“Err no” shaking his head, his neck up to his ears turning red. “This a Himari. A friend from Sulani. I’m showing her around town.”
“No no Mr Caiden. She’s more than just a friend” she smiled warmly at Himari “this one is special.”
After she left Himari stared at him a moment, lips quirking in a smile. “Have I been upgraded to wife now?” she asked in amusement.
Laughing, thankful that she wasn’t offended or upset by the woman’s comment he said "she’s good people. Always wanting to know when Mrs Caiden is. I guess she doesn’t believe I’m not married. Thank you for not getting upset.” He sat back waiting for the woman to place two bowls of miso soup in front of them. “You remembered” he grinned, inhaling the delectable aroma of the soup.
“It’s Mr Caiden’s favorite, yes?” She set the bowls down and left with a smile.
“I never have to order” he explained “they know what I like.”
“Can’t quite see you as unmarried I guess. Probably a cultural thing or just that she thinks you’re way too good looking to be single.” The smell of the soup made her smile. She could easily guess why people came here. “Do you ever try something new? Like ask them to surprise you or do you just eat the same thing every time?” She tasted the soup instantly understanding why he liked it. “Why would I be upset? It’s a compliment really or does she say that to every female you bring here?”
Dropping his spoon in his miso with a splash “what! No! Never!” Grabbing a napkin he mopped up the mess he made. “If I brought every woman I dated here they’d know I wasn’t married.” Lowering his voice “I don’t go on that many dates and they usually want to go to the French restaurant in town.” Setting his soiled napkin aside “this place is” he hesitated recalling what the woman called Himari and smiled “well it’s special.” His cheeks turned a darker red, reaching for his glass he took a sip “I don’t think I’ve had the same thing twice here” he said changing the subject. “The miso soup is just the appetizer. I’ve always let them bring me whatever they think I’ll like.”
Smiling at him “there’s a French restaurant here?” She couldn’t help but laugh at his expression “I didn’t think it was large enough for something that extravagant. I’m mostly used to island potlucks. Whatever people bring is what you get. None of this fancy stuff like appetizers.” She looked around appreciating the simple homeliness of the place.
“The French restaurant isn’t really me kind of place” he chuckled, recalling the last time he’d been there. “I much prefer this place where I’m treated like family. As family they all think I should be married.” His lips twitched and his eyes sparkled across the table “what do you say? What to be my wife?”
She set her fork down staring at him. Shaking her head “do you call that a proposal? Please tell me you did not give my brother any pointers.” Laughing she poked him on the nose “on a more serious note. I’ve only met you twice. So no…I won’t be your wife. For all I know you could be a serial killer in police uniform. I have seen Dexter.”
“What? You don’t think Rae would swoon at a proposal like that?” Leaning back laughing “don’t worry when I propose you’ll know it.” He leant forward with an earnest look on his face “I’ll probably stutter and fall on my face in my haste to get on one knee.” He collected the dishes to one side “looks like the main course is about to arrive.” When they were alone again he said “quite right I could be a serial killer in disguise but for all I know so could you.” He winked at her “but I’ll take my chances.”
“Ehm with Realyn I never know what she might find romantic. She may or may not like something like that. You and my brother sound alike on how you see your proposals going.” Smiling at the woman she couldn’t wait to try the next dish after the miso soup. “Well if you are a serial killer you’re better off than me. You’re already a TV personality, A cop. It’s a pretty good cover. Then again I’ve never been heard of and could slip under the radar.” She chuckled recalling his comment about taking his chances.
They fell into a comfortable conversation as they finished their meal. Once they were done and Caiden had paid the bill he took her hand. “Is there anything else you’d like to see? I’ve shown you two of my favorite places but I’m sure you’ve seen a few places along the way you’d like to see. Not a lot is open right now in winter but we can go for a walk and see what we find.”
“How about we just walk around the old part of town? My brother mentioned a place that has the best hot chocolate according to him. Maybe we could get some?” She smiled up at him, coming from Sulani winter was something new and special to her. She enjoyed the snow and cool air. “After all, winter in Sulani is really just a little less warm than summer, not exactly hot chocolate weather.”
“I think I know the place he’s talking about” he returned her grin taking her hand. “Just let me know if there’s any place you want to stop at along the way. There are some interesting stores in the old part of town. I think there’s even a candy shop where they make their own taffy. You can watch them as they make it. If we’re lucky we might even get samples.”
“Window shopping is always fun. We can enter if it’s open and seems interesting.” She let him lead as they started walking along the sidewalk. “That shop sounds perfect. I’m pretty sure coming back with candy will make the lady of the house happy.” Tilting her head up she watched him, she had to admit spending time with him had been more fun than she had imagined.
After about an hour and shopping in the candy shop Caiden held the door open to the cafe “after you” he grinned with a slight bow. They followed the hostess to a small table for two, sitting Caiden drummed his fingers on the table as Himari set her bags of candy down beside her. “On the way back I could help you carry those for you,” he offered “I can’t be a gallant knight and not at least offer to help.”
“So Mr Gallant Knight what does the knight like to do apart from playing with kids and proposing to strangers they barely know?” She chuckled watching his face closely. She had to admit it had been a different day then the one she had expected. “I know what you do for work. Outside of that, what do you like to do?”
“Hmm” he tapped a finger on his chin “I like you.” He flashed her a boyish grin leaning back. “You know I like mysteries or I wouldn’t be a detective.It’s more than that though. I like to help people put their lives back together again. Part of that is making sure the bad guy is caught and brought to justice. Besides that I love sleeping outside beneath the stars. Swimming and hiking. I like to explore nature. Plus I enjoy volunteering my time to help kids.” Casually he sipped his hot chocolate enjoying how the late evening sun played across Himari’s hair making it look almost blue or red in areas. “What about you? What do you like to do besides coming to your brother’s aide? Which is very nice for you to do. I’m sure they appreciate your help.”
Listening to him as he talked she was tempted to ask him if he had any cold cases but decided that it was best to wait for another day. “Well I like to swim not as much as my brother, since he comes with a fancy tail and all. I like to play PC and console games. Go for walks on the beach. I do tend to mix work and fun together since work as a conservationist is never done.” Sipping her hot chocolate understanding why her brother said it was the best. “As to helping my brother, they both needed a right kick in the butt and the best way to do that was to come here. I was tired of hearing them both complaining.” Chuckling “now I’m starting to see steps in the right direction like Rae actually wanting to try to become a chef.”
“You’re joking” he threw his head back laughing “I’ve eaten a few of her concoctions while in the BC house. I wouldn’t exactly call that cooking. I’m glad she’s starting to explore her options though.” Sighing he glanced at the time wishing time would slow down “tell me what’s it like to live in Sulani? Ever think of moving?”
“I’m not kidding when I say she isn’t that bad. She is already making breakfast. All she needed was a bit of a kick in the butt when she started moping and doubting herself.” Chuckling as she recalled their first attempts at cooking. Looking at him for a bit she knew it was getting late and she should be getting back before Rae started calling wandering where she was and if she were okay. “Sulani is beautiful. It’s very calm. Life is very slow paced there unlike here where everyone is in a hurry all the time. I can’t say I’ve ever thought about moving. Sulani is home.”
Smiling softly wondering when the last time he felt at home anywhere. “I hope one day I get the chance to go there. Aki has told me about Sulani, so now it’s on my bucket list. Who knows maybe I’ll retire there when I’m old and gray.” Standing up reluctant to bring the night to an end “I’ve enjoyed our … outing today” he almost said date. Wetting his lips suddenly tongue tied “I hope we can do this again before you go home.”
“You have vacation time don’t you? Why not travel and see different places? Sulani one of those places. I know a great place where you could stay.” Looking up at him wondering where he’d feel at home feeling it was important. “Well I can always message you when I know the next day I’m free. If it fits, as the cat would say, I sits.” Pulling her phone out to message her brother that she was fine and coming home soon and not to have Rae worry. So as nice as this has been I think it’s time to head back before Rae talks Aki into coming to look for me.”
“True” he sighed thinking over what she’s saide. “I’ve booked vacations in the past and had to cancel at the last minute due to a case I was working on. It’s hard to tell parents of a missing child that you’ll look for their child when you’re back from vacation.” They started to walk back to where he’d left his car. “You’re not too cold? I could get the car and come back to pick you up.”
“Why not take it once the case is done? Have the tickets changed?” Nodding she understood he couldn’t just drop a case and go on vacation it just seemed he let his job dictate his life. Looking around the town as they stood outside the cafe “nah I have a nice warm coat. I came prepared for winter and I like walking with you.”
“You make it sound so easy but while you’re solving one case you have three other cases sitting on your desk all waiting for your attention. Parents and loved ones begging you for answers. It makes it difficult to turn your back on them knowing that the longer it takes you to start the longer the perp has to get away.” Taking her hand, something he was becoming fond of doing “but you’re right I should do that. Go on vacation. I might once I have everything set up. I’ve been thinking about this for a while and I think now is a good time to do it. I’ve decided to become a private detective, using my fame from the BC to get my name out there. That way I can decide what cases I take and how many.”
Gazing up at him she had a feeling she was beginning to understand him. “I think that’s a grand idea. Just don’t end up like the detectives in the old black and white movies.” She laughed at the look he gave her. “At least it sounds like a good use for the TV fame you have.”
Shaking his head “fame is back for a police detective but good for a private one” he mused. He talked about his plans finding it easy to tell her things that he hadn’t shared with anyone else. By the time they made it back to his car it was dark. Squeezing her hand watching the light from the street lights dance in her eyes as she gazed up at him in interest. He had this feeling he could get lost in her eyes. Clearing his throat he stepped back “I better get you home. I’m sure even Aki is getting worried now.”
“Yeah… he probably is but he knows I’m with you.” For a moment she thought he was going to kiss her. Oddly enough the idea wasn’t all that bad even though she generally never kissed on the first date. “I hope he has kept it from Rae as this will be a very long night…luckily I come with bribes.” She motioned towards the bags Caiden was holding “but just in case you better drop me off at the same spot unless you want Rae calling you for all the details.”
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