Five Stars (Desire Island 5)

As they shared their first kiss as husband and wife, their families burst into cheers and applause. George popped the cork from a bottle of champagne and filled two flutes. He brought them to Shani and Adam as Chenoa clicked away with her camera. Toasts were made and the women bustled around, removing foil and stirring dishes as everyone lined up for the feast.

The food was delicious but Shani could barely eat a bite, too excited and happy to focus on the meal. Everyone ate, drank, laughed and shared stories, reminding Shani all over again how good it was to be surrounded by people she loved. The sun had set a while ago. The tiny lights her sisters had strung in the trees and around the tables sparkled under a dark blue sky filled with glittering stars.

Deciding it was time, Shani murmured to Adam and then got to her feet. She went over to the spot under a tree where she’d stowed her things and pulled out the small tote. Nina was on one of the blankets with Kaiah and Yareli. Shani found Chenoa playing tag with the children and asked her to find Malia and join her on Mama’s blanket.

When they were all settled, Shani said, “There aren’t words to express how grateful I am to have you as my family. Thank you for accepting Adam as a son and brother, and thank you for standing behind me, even when I ran away. Today was absolutely wonderful and I know Papa and Grandma are watching us from the stars.”

“I feel their spirits beside me every day,” Nina said, tears in her eyes. Smiling, she added, “We’re so glad you’re happy, daughter. There is no greater gift than that.”

“Maybe not,” Shani said with a grin. “But just the same, I have a little gift for each of you. Something I made special for this day.” She opened the tote and drew out the five necklace boxes. She handed them around, saving the largest, special box for Mama.

The girls opened their boxes, which contained a silver star pendant set with a single, tiny stone at its center—a ruby for Kaiah, a diamond for Malia, an emerald for Yareli and a blue sapphire for Chenoa—on a simple silver chain. They took out the necklaces, cooing with pleasure and delight. Shani lifted her matching necklace from underneath her bodice. Her star was set with an amethyst.

“It’s the five stars,” Malia, who always got Shani, exclaimed. “One for each of the five noble warrior princesses.”

“They’re so beautiful, Shani,” Yareli exclaimed.

“I love mine the best,” Chenoa cried.

“They’re works of art,” Kaiah added in a reverent tone.

Shani looked to Nina, who was smiling broadly at the girls, her eyes bright with tears. “You haven’t opened yours, Mama.”

Nina looked down at the white box on her lap and lifted the lid. Inside was a longer silver chain with five stars identical to the ones each girl now wore around her neck. Nina stared down at it, the tears now spilling onto her lap.

“Don’t cry, Mama,” Chenoa said, leaning over to put her arm around Nina’s shoulders.

Nina looked up, her face luminous in the starlight. “They’re tears of happiness, daughter,” she replied as she leaned her head forward, allowing Shani to place the chain around her neck.

The music had started, and the three kids were careening around the makeshift dance floor. Adam appeared beside their blanket, smiling down at the girls. “Can I steal my lovely bride away for the first dance?” he asked.

“She belongs with you now,” Nina said with a nod. “Your spirits are already dancing together up in the stars.”

Shani took Adam’s extended hand. He pulled her up and led her to the dance floor as Kaiah shooed the kids away. Adam took Shani in his arms and pulled her close, one hand warm and comforting on her lower back as he took the other into his. They moved together to the music amidst more applauding and cheers. A moment later, the floor filled with couples eager to join in the dancing.

Shani lost herself in Adam’s gaze as he smiled down at her. There was a sparkle in his eyes from the reflected light, so that it looked like he had a tiny diamond in each iris. Though she loved her family with all her heart, Adam—her Dom, her life partner, her best friend—was her most precious shining star.