Nantucket, page 19
“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.
Jack followed him inside and Liam opened the fridge and took out a couple of beers. “Want to sit outside?”
“Sure,” Jack said, looking around. “I meant to ask you last time, do you still have your boat?” Liam nodded as he opened the bottles and handed one to Jack. Then he walked outside to the picnic table next to the boathouse.
“Where is it?” Jack asked, and Liam motioned to the barn, suddenly thankful he’d come by to put her away the day before.
“Do you ever take her out?”
“Sometimes.”
Jack frowned. “Are you pissed at me or something?” Liam clenched his jaw. “Yeah, actually. I am.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re so damn lucky, Jack, to have Tracey and two great kids, and yet, you treat her like crap. I just can’t believe how much you’ve changed.”
“I haven’t changed, Liam. I’ve always been a shit and you, of all people, should know that.”
“No, you haven’t,” Liam said. “When we were in high school . . . and in the marines, you . . .”
“I cheated on Tracey.”
Liam’s eyes narrowed. “I just can’t believe the man I’ve always thought of as my best friend—who saved my life—is such an ass.”
“Saved your life? What are you talking about?”
“When we were under attack and you threw yourself on top of me,” Liam said, shaking his head. “How can I ever turn my back on you after that?”
Jack stared at him. “I didn’t throw myself on top of you, Liam. You saved me.”
Liam frowned. “What?”
“Yeah, man . . . you saved me.”
Liam shook his head. “I don’t remember it that way. . . .”
“Probably because you got hit in the head . . .” Jack paused. “Li, you’ve always been the good guy . . . and I, well, I’ve always been a little less than perfect,” he said with a smile. “Do you remember that comic strip, Goofus and Gallant?”
Liam shook his head.
“It’s a comic strip that used to be in a kids’ magazine about two boys—Gallant was always the gentleman and Goofus did everything wrong . . . and when we were growing up, I always thought of you as Gallant and me as Goofus. My mom even used to ask me why I wasn’t more like you.” He shook his head. “And if Tracey was smart, she would’ve ended up with you.”
Liam swallowed. “What are you gonna do?”
“I don’t know,” he said. “I’ve tried to change, but I absolutely suck at it.” He shook his head. “She’s better off without me.” He downed his beer. “Want another?”
“No,” Liam said, getting up.
“Want to go to The Brotherhood?”
Liam shook his head. “No.” He hesitated, trying to decide how much he wanted to share. “I’ve got some stuff goin’ on.”
“That’s fine,” Jack said with a smile. “Mind if I grab another for the ferry?”
“No, help yourself.”
Jack went into the boathouse and came back out with two beers. “Thanks, man. I owe you.”
“No, you don’t,” Liam said. “But let me know how Tracey is.”
“I will,” Jack said. “If I find her,” he added with a smile. He turned and headed to his vehicle, but then stopped and turned around. “Hey,” he called, “did you ever find out if that artist was related to what’s her name?”
Liam shook his head. “No, I never found out.”
Jack nodded.
Chapter 44
The next morning, Aidan was up and dressed before anyone else had even opened their eyes. “I’m ready for the open house,” he whispered, nudging Liam.
“Hmm?” Liam murmured, opening one eye.
“Open house . . . you know . . . at my school,” he whispered.
Liam squinted at the clock. “That doesn’t start ’til ten, pal.”
“How long is that?”
“Four hours.”
“Oh,” Aidan said gloomily.
Liam looked him over and realized he already had on his sneakers. “You look very nice, though.”
Aidan nodded, and seeing the disappointment on his face, Liam suggested, “Since we have time, how’d you like to help me make French toast?”
Aidan smiled brightly. “Sure!”
“Okay,” Liam said, sitting up, “give me a minute.”
As Aidan shuffled to the kitchen, Cadie whispered, “Good morning.”
“Good morning,” Liam said, looking over. “Sorry we woke you.”
“You didn’t wake me . . . I’ve been awake.” She paused. “You’re so good with him.”
“Am I?”
“Mm-hmm.”
Liam smiled skeptically. “Do you need anything?”
“No, I’m fine . . . but I think I might venture to the bathroom in a bit and take a shower.”
“Okay, well, don’t hesitate to call me if you need help.”
“Ha!” Cadie said. “Even though you’re going to be my husband,” she said, admiring his broad chest, “you’re not going to see me naked.”
Liam frowned. “I’ve seen you before . . .”
“That was a long time ago, and I definitely don’t look like the same.”
Liam sat on the edge of the bed. “I don’t care what cancer has done to your body, Cade. I’ll always think you’re beautiful.”
Cadie smiled sadly and looked away. Through the blur of tears, she saw a flash of red. “Look,” she whispered, wiping her eyes, “Mr. Cardinal is having his breakfast. He comes for a bedtime snack at dusk too, and he and the little missus chirp back and forth that all is well.”
“Is that what you think?” Liam asked with a smile.
Cadie nodded. “It is what they’re saying. It’s peaceful . . . but at the same time, it’s melancholy—like “Taps”—it’s as if they’re saying the day is over, but God is near.”
Liam smiled and watched as the female landed on the feeder too.
“Hi, Mom,” Aidan said, appearing in the doorway.
“Hi, hon,” Cadie said.
“I’m helping Liam make French toast.”
“You are? Well, you two better get going,” Cadie said, nudging Liam.
“Yup, I’m coming,” Liam said, getting up.
After Liam had pulled on his jeans and T-shirt and disappeared down the hall, Cadie made her way slowly to the bathroom, turned on the shower, brushed her teeth, and took a pain pill. Then she pulled back the curtain and braced herself for the sensation of a thousand needle pricks. She held on to the handrail and let the water rush over her body—and even though it stung, it felt good. She ran her hand over her sunken abdomen, keenly aware that, every day, her body was growing weaker—Is this the last time I’ll be able to shower on my own? It’s so strange to experience death in slow motion. She pushed the thought from her mind, washed the fuzz on top of her head, quickly ran the washcloth over the rest of her thin body, rinsed, turned off the water, reached for her towel, lost her balance and fell.
Tears filled her eyes, and almost immediately, she heard Liam’s voice on the other side of the door. “Cadie?!” Are you all right?!”
She could hear his concern, but all she could do was groan.
“Cadie, I know you don’t want me to see you, but I have to come in. . . .”
“No,” she moaned.
A moment later, he was kneeling beside her. “Are you okay?”
She nodded.
“What hurts?”
“My head . . . and my elbow,” she said rubbing the side of her head.
“Can you stand up?”
Cadie held on to the side of the tub as Liam helped her up. Then he wrapped the towel around her and pulled her against him. “I’m so sorry,” he whispered. “I’m so sorry you fell . . . I’m so sorry this is happening . . . I’m sorry for everything. And I do still think you’re beautiful.” Hot tears streamed down Cadie’s cheeks as she felt his strong arms holding her tightly, her heart aching for all that could’ve been.
Chapter 45
“I thought you said you didn’t know how to cook?” Levi said. “So far, we’ve had burgers, pancakes, and now, French toast . . . and even the lady with no appetite has managed to eat a whole piece,” he added, smiling at Cadie.
“Best French toast ever,” she said with her mouth full.
“Well, as I’ve said before,” Liam said, “every man needs to know how to make pancakes and burgers, but today, the French toast was all Aidan—he beat the eggs, added the milk, vanilla, and cinnamon, and dipped every slice of bread for exactly the right length of time—so they soaked up the perfect amount of egg mixture. And then, the most important part, of course, is the snow . . . and he’s a pro at sugar sifting.”
Aidan beamed proudly. “Every man needs to know how to make French toast.”
“They also need to know how to help clean up,” Liam said, pushing back from the table. “When I was growing up, Coop used to wash the dishes while I dried . . . so here you go,” he said, tossing a dishtowel in his direction. It landed on Aidan’s head, and he pulled it off, grinning, and stood ready to dry.
“What time is Sally coming over?” Cadie asked as they pulled into the elementary-school parking lot.
“Around four . . . and she’s bringing dinner.”
“She is?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“What’s she bringing?” Aidan asked from the seat between them.
“Lobster,” he said as he pulled into a spot.
“Cool!”
“Mmm, I love lobster,” Cadie murmured. “I haven’t had it in years.”
“That’s what I heard,” Liam said, climbing out and lifting the wheelchair from the back of the truck.
Levi and Emma, who’d parked nearby, walked over. “How’s your head?”
Cadie ran her finger over the tender spot above her temple. “I’ve got an egg,” she said, adjusting her pink Red Sox cap.
