The Mighty Quinns: Ryan. Kate Hoffmann

      THE SUN WAS just barely over the horizon when Ryan walked into the kitchen. Juni and Arthur were enjoying their breakfast, but both of them got to their feet when he entered. “Sit,” Ryan said. “I can get my own coffee.” He poured himself a mug and joined them at the table.

      “What can I make you for breakfast?” Juni asked.

      He pointed to a plate of fresh bread. “I’ll have a bit of that? What is it?”

      “Bibingka,” Juni said. “It is a bread made of cassava, coconut cream, eggs and cheese. I’ve made scones for the misses. And I have fresh papaya and mango. May I make you an omelet?”

      “No, this sounds good, thanks,” Ryan said. He grabbed a piece of the bibingka and took a bite. “Umm. I’ve never eaten anything quite like this. It’s delicious.”

      Arthur nodded. “My wife makes excellent bibingka. A tasty prawn curry, too. She is a very good cook.”

      There was pride and affection in Arthur’s smile. He’d seen that same look on Mal’s face when he talked about Amy, and in Rogan’s expression when he spoke about Claudia. It was like some secret knowledge that men had when they were in love, and until now, he hadn’t really understood. But now he did.

      He felt the same when he thought about Serena, about all the qualities that made her such an amazing woman. And he wasn’t even in love with her.

      “Have another,” Juni said, holding out the plate of bibingka. Startled out of his thoughts, Ryan accepted the offer. He made a mental note to ask Juni to recommend some Fijian restaurants. Now that he had more time, he could enjoy everything the island had to offer, including its cuisine. But first he had to work up an appetite.

      “Arthur, I’d like to go surfing today. I understand there are some awesome reef breaks off Nadi, but I need to get a board.”

      “Mr. Thom has some surfboards,” Arthur said. “I’m sure he wouldn’t mind if you used them. I’ll get them out for you.”