Nantucket (18 page)

T
he following morning, Lisa stopped by with a wheelchair and a dozen cider doughnuts. Cadie reached into the box, pulled one out, and took a bite. “Oh, my, I think I've died and gone to heaven,” she said with a sugary grin.

“I thought I might get you to eat one of those,” Lisa said with a smile. “I worked at Downyflake when I was in high school, and I definitely ate more than my share of their famous doughnuts,” she added, rubbing her stomach. “I was one of the few freshmen who
lost
fifteen pounds when I went away to college.”

Liam surveyed the offerings in the box, and then, smiling at Aidan, recited, “As you ramble on through life, brother, whatever be your goal; keep your eye upon the donut . . . and not upon the hole!”

Aidan laughed. “I'm keeping my eye on this one,” he said, taking a huge bite. “Mmm . . . I think I've died and gone to heaven, too, Mommy!”

“They are yummy,” Cadie said, discreetly breaking off half and putting it back. “Thanks, Lis!”

“You're welcome. I'm glad you're feeling better. I also thought you could use a wheelchair—in case your fiancé decides to take you on any more adventures.”

“Our next adventure is to the jeweler's and then to the town hall,” Liam said.

“Well, have fun and don't do too much.”

“Don't worry,” Liam said. “I learned my lesson.”

As Lisa gathered up her things, Emma and Levi came in from taking Tuck for a walk. “Hello,” she said as Tuck bounded across the room to say hello, but halfway there, he skidded to a halt, lifted his nose into the air, followed the lovely new scent over to the doughnut in Cadie's hand, sank to his haunches, and gazed at her.

“Oh, my goodness,” Lisa said with a laugh. “What a beggar!”

“You've got that right,” Liam said. “He definitely knows how to use those sad brown eyes.”

Lisa shook her head. “I've got one just like him,” she said, pushing open the door.

After she'd gone, and Cadie had given her last morsel to Tuck, Levi and Emma split a doughnut . . . and then they split another. “Wow!” Levi said. “I'm going to have to move here just so I can have these doughnuts every day.”

Liam chuckled. “Don't let Sally hear you say that!” Then he turned to Cadie. “Are you ready to head out?”

“Yes, I just need to use the loo and take a pain pill. We won't be gone longer than four hours, will we?”

“No, but bring the bottle just in case,” Liam said as he went outside to put the wheelchair in the back of the truck. “And your driver's license!” he called over his shoulder.

 

After stopping at the jeweler's—where Cadie slipped on her newly sized, sparkling, pear-shaped diamond—they headed to the town hall. “The secretary is a real busybody,” Liam warned as he helped Cadie into the chair.

“That's okay,” she said with a smile “I hope she tells the whole world we're getting married!”

Liam chuckled—how come he hadn't thought about it that way? How come his biggest concern was keeping his business private and not letting the world in? “I wish you'd stick around a little longer,” he said with a smile. “I still have a lot to learn!”

“You're learning already,” Cadie teased. “Look at the limb you're walking on!”

“You're not kidding,” he said.

When he wheeled Cadie into the office, Lucy was on the phone, but when she saw Liam standing at the counter, she quickly got off. “Hi, Liam, what can I do for you?”

“I'd like to apply for a marriage license.”

Lucy frowned. “I must've forgotten to tell you that you
both
have to appear. . . .”

“We
are
both here.”

“You are?” Lucy said in surprise, standing up and walking to the counter. “Oh!” she said, seeing the frail, petite woman wearing a pink Red Sox cap sitting in the wheelchair. “I'm sorry—I didn't see you.”

Liam handed the application and their driver's licenses to her, and Lucy made copies and told Liam he could pick up the license on Friday. “Does Cadie need to come?” he asked.

Lucy shook her head as her mind raced with questions.

“Okay, thanks,” Liam said, turning the wheelchair around while a stunned Lucy watched them go.

“Did you see the look on her face?” Cadie said, grinning. “Do I really look
that
bad?”

“I
did
see the look on her face—it was priceless . . . and no, you don't,” Liam assured. “You look beautiful. I especially like your new hat.”

“Thanks,” she said, “my sons got it for me.”

“I know,” he replied as he helped her into the truck. “You have some fine sons.”

“I do,” she said.

Liam walked around to the driver's side of the truck. “Do you feel like getting a bite to eat?” he asked.

Cadie looked out the window, wishing she had the strength to celebrate. “I better not,” she said, mustering a smile.

“That's fine,” Liam said. “It was just a thought.”

“You must be hungry, though . . .” she said. “Why don't you pick something up?” She paused. “You know what would be good?”

“What?” Liam asked curiously.

“A milkshake,” Cadie said, her eyes sparkling. “I love chocolate milkshakes . . . and I'd like to have one last—”

“You've got it,” Liam interrupted, not wanting to hear the rest of her sentence. “The best place for shakes is the pharmacy. . . and we have to go there anyway to pick up a prescription.”

“Perfect,” Cadie said, leaning back in her seat.

While Liam went into the pharmacy, Cadie gazed out the window at all the vacationers who were making the most of the last full week of summer. Other than her boat trip two days earlier, she hadn't been out in the world in almost two weeks. During that time, people had gone to the movies and to dinner; they'd gone to the beach and shopped for T-shirts; they'd wandered through galleries and bookstores;
and
they'd continue to do all those things
after
she was gone. The thought was so hard to take.

“Do you ever try to wrap your mind around the concept of
eternity?
” Cadie asked as they sat in a quiet beach parking lot, sipping their shakes.

“Hmm?” Liam asked uncertainly as he swallowed.

“You know—
infinity and beyond
. . .” Cadie said, gesturing heavenward. “Eternity . . . the endless time that happens after you leave this earth.”

Liam shook his head. “I try not to think about it.”

“It's really hard to imagine the sun shining and the stars sparkling, the moon glowing, the birds singing, the crickets and cicadas chirping and buzzing, and all the other precious things that make up this wonderful life . . . still happening after you're gone. It seems like they should stop too.”

Liam looked over. “This conversation is pretty depressing. . . .” Cadie smiled sadly. “I'm sorry. It's just . . . it's all I think about lately.”

“I thought you had an unwavering faith,” he said softly. Cadie shrugged. “I don't know about unwavering. I do have a strong faith, but I still have doubts about God's plans—especially when they don't align with mine.”

“I know what you mean,” he said. “When my parents died, I couldn't understand what plan God could possibly have for my life—I couldn't understand why they had to die. But then you said I'd brought light to Coop's life, and that it wouldn't have happened if my parents had lived. I'd never thought about it that way before. I guess we
do
have to trust that there's a greater plan we don't always see.” He paused and looked over. “And as far as eternity goes, I've heard it's much better in heaven. Jesus even has a room all set up for us when we get there,” he said with a smile.

Cadie gave him a suspicious look. “Have you been reading my Bible?”

Liam grinned and took a sip of his milkshake.

O
n Wednesday night, a fierce thunderstorm rumbled across Nantucket, leaving in its wake air so cool it prompted even the hardiest islanders to reach for their flannel.

“Sheesh!” Liam exclaimed as he stood on the porch in his boxers. “Let me know when you're done,” he called, leaving Tuck squatting in the woods as he went back in to pull on jeans and a shirt. When he came back, Tuck was sitting on the porch, swishing his tail. “C'mon,” he said, holding the door open. “You're certainly a lot happier than you were last night,” he said as he poured kibble into Tuck's bowl. “You're so silly to let thunder bother you, you know that?” he said, and Tuck wagged his tail in agreement.

Liam set Tuck's bowl down next to Moby's untouched food, reminded Tuck not to touch it, and turned to the next order of business—coffee. “Where
is
Moby?” he wondered out loud, trying to remember the last time he'd seen him.

Just then, Aidan wandered into the kitchen. “Are there any doughnuts left?” he asked hopefully.

“There's
one
left,” Liam said, holding up a ziplock bag.

“Do you think anyone wants it?”

Liam shook his head. “Nope, it has your name on it.”

“It does?! Where?”

Liam laughed. “I don't mean that literally . . . I mean it figuratively.”

Aidan frowned.

“That means it's for you.” Liam said, putting it on a plate.

“Oh,” Aidan said uncertainly.

“I'll explain it better after I have my coffee.”

Aidan nodded and took a big bite as Tuck plopped down next to him.

“Tuck, leave Aidan alone,” Liam scolded, nudging him with his foot. Then he noticed that both bowls were empty. “I told you not to eat Moby's food,” he said sternly, and Tuck swished the tip of his tail guiltily, his eyes full of sad remorse.

Liam shook his head. “Aid, have you seen Moby?”

Aidan nodded. “Yesterday—he had something in his mouth.”

“He did?”

“Mm-hmm . . . it was gray and furry. Levi buried it.”

“Was it a mole?”

Aidan shrugged. “What's a mole look like?”

“It's a little bigger than a mouse and it has a funny nose.”

“Does it have big feet?”

“Yes.”

“It was a mole,” Aidan said matter-of-factly.

Just then, the phone rang. “Hello?” Liam said, wondering who was calling so early. “Hey, John,” he said. “Yes, ten should be fine . . . Thanks . . . See you then.”

As he hung up, Emma shuffled in, pushing back her hair. “Mornin', loves,” she murmured, reaching for a mug.

“Mornin',” Aidan replied.

“Coffee's not quite ready,” Liam said, and she nodded as she sat down across from Aidan—still holding the mug in her hands. “You're awfully cheerful, mister . . .” she said, eyeing his sugary cheeks. “Wait a minute! Did you eat the
last
doughnut?!”

Aidan giggled as he swung his feet. “Mm-hmm. Liam said it had my name on it.”

“Oh, no,” Emma said, shaking her head. “It most definitely had
my
name on it.”

“Mm-mm,” Aidan said, shaking his head.

“Well, I'll need to see it then,” she said.

“You can't see it,” he giggled. “It's all chewed up in my stomach, and besides, there wasn't
really
a name on it—Liam meant it figure-tively.”

“Did he now?” Emma said with a chuckle.

“Mm-hmm.”

Liam listened to their exchange and smiled to himself. Cadie was right—Emma was so good with the boys, and she'd definitely be a comfort to them when they needed it most.

 

At around ten-thirty, Liam heard Tuck barking and looked out the window to see John Alden getting the official Tuck Tate greeting. “C'mon, Tuck,” he called, and the big dog bounded up the porch steps.

“Hey, John,” Liam said, shaking his hand. “Thanks for coming.”

“No problem,” John said. “You have a great place.”

Liam nodded. “Coop bought it in the early seventies. It was pretty overgrown and run-down, but he worked on it tirelessly, clearing the property and creating the gardens, and then he spent years restoring and adding on to the cottage—it was a labor of love.”

John looked around admiringly. “I'd love to find an old fixer-upper and retire to work on it . . . and leave the crazy legal world behind. Cooper did it right,” he said enviously.

“He did,” Liam agreed, surprised that a man of John's caste could be envious of the life of a lowly boatwright.

“Anyway,” John said, holding up an official-looking folder. “I have Cadie's will and the adoption paperwork for Aidan. I took the liberty of filling out the basic information on the computer, just to make it easier. I hope that's okay.”

“That's fine,” Liam said, holding the door. “It's a little too chilly to sit outside.”

“I know,” John said as he stepped inside. “It feels like autumn.”

Cadie was sitting at the table and John immediately walked over to shake her hand. “It's nice to meet you,” he said, and even though Liam had explained their situation, her gaunt appearance reminded him of his mom and it caught him off guard.

“It's nice to meet you too. I can't thank you enough for helping us.”

“I'm happy
to
help,” John said with a genuine smile.

He sat down across from her and went through the will, explaining each part, including where it named Liam as Aidan's legal guardian.

“It's perfect,” Cadie said.

“Good,” John replied; then he looked up at Liam. “You said there'd be a couple of friends here who could serve as witnesses.”

“Yes,” Liam said, standing. “Emma and Devon are down on the beach. I'll get them.”

Cadie watched him go and then turned to John. “I appreciate what Liam is trying to do,” she said quietly, “but my father won't give up easily. Do you really think it'll work?”

“I think so,” John assured her. “Liam has many things working in his favor, and it will definitely help that Aidan will be in school out here. The court will be reluctant to take him out of a situation in which he is thriving, especially so soon after losing his mother,” he added gently.

Cadie nodded, finding it odd that her death could somehow be an advantage for her son. Just then, Emma and Devon came in and witnessed her signing the documents, and then signed them too.

 

That afternoon, Liam took Aidan shopping for school supplies—a venture that resulted in several moms looking up with surprise as the local boat builder shopped for sneakers and backpacks with a cute little blond-haired boy in tow. Liam noticed them looking and smiled as he ran his long brown fingers through his thick, sun-streaked hair, causing them to almost trip over their own children.

When they finally got home, it was nearly five o'clock and the savory stew Emma was making was already simmering. “Sorry,” Liam said, putting the onion she'd asked for on the counter.

“No problem,” Emma assured him. “I saved a little fat and I'll just brown it up and throw it in.”

Liam lifted the top off Coop's old Crock-Pot and the rich aroma of simmering beef and vegetables drifted through the kitchen. “Mmm, it has been a long time since the kitchen smelled this good, hasn't it, Tuck?!” Liam said with a grin, and the big dog looked up at him and thumped his tail.

“Has he been underfoot all afternoon?”

“Noo,” Emma said with a smile as she skillfully chopped the onion, “but he has been keeping an eye on my every move.” She threw a hunk of fat into the hot skillet, slid it around with the knife, and added the onion. Immediately, the aroma of frying onion filled the room too.

“It smells so good in here,” Cadie said, leaning weakly against the doorframe. “I wish I had more of an appetite.”

“You're up!” Liam said. “How do you feel?”

“Okay,” she said, sitting down in the nearest chair.

Liam frowned. “Would you like something to drink?”

“A cup of tea would be good.” She looked at the bags near the door. “How was school shopping?”

“It was great!” Aidan said, showing off his new sneakers.

“Wow! Those are sporty,” she said, admiring his new white canvas high-tops.

“You know who else is going to like those?” Emma said.

“Who?” Aidan asked.

“Levi. He loves retro sneakers.”

“That's the artist in him,” Cadie said with a smile. “Is he here?”

Emma shook her head. “No, Devon asked him to stop by the gallery. The show wraps up this weekend, so we have to pick up the paintings that haven't sold.”

“Do you know how many
did
sell?” Cadie asked as Liam set the tea in front of her.

“Eleven!” Emma said with a huge smile. “Devon said it was the best show they've had.”

“That's wonderful,” Cadie said, wrapping her hands around the warm mug. Then she looked back at Aidan. “What else did you get, hon?”

“A new backpack,” Aidan said proudly as he slipped it over his shoulders.

“Nice,” Cadie said with a nod. “I love the color.”

Aidan nodded. “There's an open house at my school tomorrow. Do you want to come?”

Cadie searched his face—so full of hope. “Of course I'll come,” she said. “I can't wait to meet your new teacher and see your school.”

“Great!” Aidan said with a grin.

“Hey, Aid,” Liam said. “Would you take Tuck out and throw the ball for him?”

“Sure,” Aidan said. “C'mon, Tuck!”

After he'd gone outside, Liam sat across from Cadie. “Are you sure you're going to be up for that?”

“I'm sure,” Cadie said determinedly. “And even if I'm not, I'm going. I'm not missing something so important.”

“Okay,” Liam said, reaching for her hand.

“Levi and I would like to go too,” Emma chimed in. “We don't want you to feel like Aidan's going to be completely your responsibility, Liam—we want to help out in any way we—”

Just then the phone rang and Liam reached to answer it. “Hello?” He paused. “Oh, hey, John . . . He's just noticing now? Yes, no problem, I'll see you in a few minutes.” Liam hung up the phone. “John's son's wallet has been missing since he ran the boat up on the rocks. He thinks it might be in the boat, so John was wondering if I could meet him there to take a look.” He paused and looked at Emma. “Is there time before supper?”

“Of course, go ahead.”

 

Ten minutes later, Liam found Jordy's wallet under the seat, and when John got there, he didn't even have to get out of his car. “Thanks, Liam—sorry to drag you out.”

“No problem—you're doing plenty for us.”

John laughed. “I actually think I'm getting the better end of the deal.”

“I don't know about that,” Liam said.

“Well, remember, if you hear anything more from Cadie's father or his attorney, have them contact me. Don't get into a discussion . . . and please keep me posted on Cadie.”

“I will,” Liam said with a half smile, waving as John pulled away.

He walked back into the boathouse to turn off the lights, and as he did, he heard tires pulling into the parking lot. “What'd you forget, John?” he murmured, but when he looked out, he saw a dark SUV with Vermont plates parking next to his truck. He frowned uncertainly and then realized it was Jack.

“Hey, man,” Jack said, seeing him.

“Hey,” Liam said. “What're you doing here?”

“Is that any way to greet your best bud?” Jack asked, sounding wounded.

“I just mean you're never out here . . . and now, you've been here twice in a month. . . .”

Jack shook his head slowly. “She left me, Li. She took the kids and . . .”

“What?” Liam asked in surprise.

“Tracey left me . . .”

“Is she out here?”

“I dunno . . . she's been gone three freakin' days and she doesn't answer her freakin' phone, so I came out here, ya know, thinkin' she might be at her parents' house, but it's all closed up . . . so I went to The Brotherhood and had a couple . . .”

“A couple?” Liam said with a chuckle. “Man, you look toasted!”

Jack waved him off. “I'm fine . . . 'cept I can't find my family. Even the freakin' dog's gone . . .”

“What happened?”

“I dunno. I came home from a business trip and she wasn't home, so I waited, thinking they're just out somewhere, but then it got dark and they still weren't home . . . and then she doesn't answer her damn phone. Finally, I was so beat I just went to bed, and in the morning, they
still
weren't home.”

“Did you call the police?”

“No, what the hell are they gonna do? Turn it into a federal case with a lot of publicity that I don't need.”

“Do you have any idea why she left?”

“She's probably tired of me screwin' around. . . .”

“You think?” Liam said, rubbing his temple.

“You got any beer?” Jack asked.

Liam eyed him. “Don't you think you've had enough?”

“I told you I only had a couple. But if this is the warmest reception I'm gonna get, I can leave.”

“No, I'm sorry—I just have . . .” Liam paused and shook his head.
This is the last thing I need right now....
“C'mon in . . .” he said, not wanting to explain.