Nantucket, page 22
“You don’t have to tell my parents,” she’d instructed matter-of-factly. “They probably won’t come anyway—especially since I want my ashes to be scattered, not buried.”
“Maybe you should write this down,” Liam had suggested, blinking back tears as he listened to her casually talk about it.
“There’s only one other thing . . .”
“What’s that?”
“I want it to be a celebration—no tears—and maybe Emma could sing a hymn.”
Liam had nodded, trying to muster a smile. “I can’t promise anything—I mean, we’ll try to make it celebratory, but there might be some tears.” He paused. “What hymn?”
“Something upbeat,” she’d mused thoughtfully, humming a few notes of one of her favorite hymns, and Emma, who was sitting in the next room, recognized it and smiled.
At least it will be simple, he thought . . . and we don’t have to plan a party.
Cadie’s service was simple and beautiful—just the way she wanted. On Tuesday morning, after Levi stoically read from John 14 and Aidan helped Liam take the top off the box of ashes and then held Sally’s hand, Emma slipped her guitar strap over her head, strummed a few notes, adjusted the strings, and sang the hymn Cadie had hummed that day—“Lord of the Dance”—her sweet voice carrying over the sand. Finally, with the wind whispering through the grass, Liam tearfully walked to the water’s edge and released the ashes across the gentle waves of Tuckernuck Island.
They stood and watched in silence until Aidan whispered, “Play it again, Em.”
She looked down and smiled. “Only if you’ll sing it with me this time. . . .”
He nodded and Emma started to softly strum her guitar again.
On the ride back, the runabout skipped lightly across the waves, but the hearts of her passengers were as heavy as anchors, each of them feeling as if they were leaving someone very important behind.
“The purpose of life is to sow seeds of love, encouragement, wisdom, and forgiveness,” Levi read as they sat around the kitchen table the next morning. He looked up from the worn, leather journal Cadie had filled with quotes, verses, prayers and sketches. “Look at this drawing,” he added, sliding the book across the table. Liam and Emma both leaned forward to look at the sketch of a little boy.
Emma smiled. “If that isn’t Aidan, I don’t know who it is!”
Liam nodded. “Now we know where you get your talent, Le.”
Levi shook his head. “I had no idea she could draw or that she kept a journal.”
“It’s a real treasure,” Liam agreed.
Levi paused and looked up at Emma. “I think now would be a good time.”
She smiled and nodded.
“A good time for what?” Liam asked.
“Mom wanted us to give you something,” Levi said, “when the time was right.”
Liam watched curiously as Levi disappeared down the hall and came back with a large, flat package wrapped in brown paper. “This was in my show—so you may remember it, but before the show even opened, Mom bought it, and she made Devon and Chase promise not to tell me. When I arrived, I realized it had sold and I couldn’t believe it. Of course, they wouldn’t tell me who bought it, so I didn’t find out until the show ended . . . when Em and I went to pick up the paintings that hadn’t sold.” He paused. “By then, Mom was pretty out of it most of the time, but one morning when she happened to be awake, I told her I would’ve given her the painting if she’d told me she wanted it, but she said no, she wanted to buy it—and she wanted to give it to you. I tried to explain that she could’ve saved a lot of money, but she didn’t care—she wanted to support me.” He paused and searched Liam’s eyes. “When she bought it, she didn’t even know if she was going to see you again.”
Liam nodded, and as Levi pulled away the paper, his heart stopped—it was the painting of the island. He stared at it in disbelief, remembering how he’d admired it and how disappointed he’d been when Tracey explained what the red dot meant. “I love it,” Liam said, misty-eyed. “When I first saw it, I wondered how you had captured it so perfectly.”
Levi smiled. “I worked from the old photos Mom had taken—she said they were from the last day she saw you. The photos are beautiful. The sun is setting behind the trees and the island is bathed in a warm, rosy glow.”
“Well, you captured it perfectly. I’ve often recalled how beautiful the sky was that evening,” he said, nodding approvingly. “I love it,” he said again, and then looked at Levi and Emma. “Where do you think I should hang it?”
“Over your bed,” Emma said. “The lighting in there is perf—”
Just then, there was a knock at the door and Tuck scrambled to get up. “Hey there, Tuck,” a familiar voice said as Tuck nudged the door open with his nose and went out to greet the mailman.
“Hey, Mike,” Liam said.
“Hey, Liam,” Mike replied, kneeling to give Tuck a treat.
“What’ve you got for me?”
“Another certified letter that needs a signature,” Mike said, holding out the card.
“Great,” Liam muttered as he looked at the name of the sender.
“Sorry,” Mike said.
Liam nodded. “I’ll forgive you this time, but don’t bring any more.”
Mike smiled as he stood up. “I’ll try not to.”
Liam took the envelope inside, sat down at the table, and scanned the letter from Carlton Knox’s attorney.
“What’s it say?” Levi asked.
Liam shook his head in disbelief. “It says your grandparents—due to their extensive financial support of Aidan and his mother— have been granted temporary custody until the court makes its final decision. It’s effective Wednesday, September sixteenth.” He glanced at the calendar. “That’s today!”
He reached into his pocket, pulled out John’s business card, walked over to the phone, and dialed. A moment later, he was leaving a message and looking worriedly at his watch. “He’s not there . . . and I have to pick up Aidan.”
“I’m going with you,” Levi said.
“Someone has to stay here in case he calls back.”
“He has Mom’s cell phone number.”
“But I left the home number in my message. . . .”
“I’ll stay,” Emma said. “You two go.”
Chapter 52
As soon as Liam pulled into the elementary-school parking lot, he saw Carlton Knox standing in front of the building with a police officer while a woman they didn’t recognize held Aidan’s hand.
“Holy shit,” Levi growled in disbelief.
Liam parked the car and they made their way through the crowd of parents picking up their children. “Excuse me, Officer,” Liam said as they approached. “What’s going on? You can’t just come to school and take my child without notifying me.”
The officer immediately stood straighter, as if he’d been warned about a possible confrontation. “Sir, please step over here,” he said.
Liam’s heart pounded as he stared at Carlton. “I’m Aidan’s guardian,” he said, trying to control his anger. “You have no right to take him.”
“I’m his grandfather,” Carlton snarled, “and I have every right. I have a court order that says I’ve been granted custody until the court’s confirmation.”
“I don’t care what you have,” Liam said, his voice rising. “His mother’s dying wish was for me to be his guardian—it says so in her will.”
“Do you have the will?” the policeman interrupted.
“I don’t have it on me. My attorney has it.”
The woman shook her head and, without an ounce of sympathy, stated, “I’m afraid Aidan will be staying with his grandparents until further notice.”
Liam eyed her. “I’m sorry . . . I didn’t catch your name.”
“Michelle Logan with DCF,” she said, extending her hand.
Liam ignored her outstretched hand and looked back at Carlton. “Cadie doesn’t want you raising Aidan.”
“Ms. Logan,” Levi interrupted, trying to gain control over the unraveling situation. “Aidan is settled here—he’s started school; he loves his teacher; and he’s happy. It’s wrong to take away him from his home right after he lost his mother.”
“I’m sorry, but we have the court order right here,” she said, holding up an official-looking document.
Liam looked down at Aidan and saw tears in his eyes. “How can you take him?” he asked angrily. “He obviously doesn’t want to go.”
The DCF agent looked down at Aidan. “It’s okay, hon,” she soothed, squeezing his hand, but Aidan pulled free.
“I won’t go,” he cried. “I want to stay with Cap.”
A crowd began to gather around them curiously, but the policeman motioned for them to move along. Then he turned back to Liam. “Sir, please come with me,” he said, trying to motion to Michelle Logan to take Aidan to her car, but when she picked him up, he started to howl.
Liam glared at Carlton. “You can’t even grant your daughter her dying wish, you son of a bitch,” he seethed.
“Stay away from my grandson, you pathetic piece of shit,” Carlton growled.
Suddenly, all the years of pent-up anger were summoned to Liam’s fist, and in the next moment, he lunged at Carlton, and although Levi made a valiant effort to step between them, he couldn’t stop Liam’s fist from connecting with Carlton’s chin, knocking him to the ground.
“Arrest him,” Carlton demanded, rubbing his chin. And before Liam knew it, his throbbing fist was in a handcuff, and Levi was shouting, “Dad, give me your keys and don’t resist!”
With his free hand, Liam tossed his truck keys to Levi. “Call John Alden,” he shouted. “Tell him what happened.”
Carlton struggled to his feet and watched as Liam was led away. “Good luck getting him now,” he sneered.
Liam swore repeatedly as the officer ducked his head into the back of the cruiser. “I can’t believe this is happening,” Liam growled. He looked out the window and watched as Aidan, still howling, reached out for Levi. “Oh, Cadie, I screwed up,” he whispered, feeling anguished tears streaming down his cheeks. He wiped them on his shoulders. “Your father’s right—I’m never going to get custody now.”
Two hours later, a different police officer peered into Liam’s cell. “Well, well, well, if it isn’t Liam Tate. What the hell’d you do, Li?”
Liam looked up. “Hey, Frank,” he said, “something stupid, obviously.”
“I’ve never known you to do anything stupid,” his old classmate said, reaching for his keys.
“I did this time,” Liam said, shaking his head.
Frank unlocked the door. “Not to worry. Sally bailed you out—you’re free to go.”
Liam walked to the main desk, collected his wallet and watch, and gave Sally a long hug. “I really messed things up, Sal.”
“So I heard.”
“I think I’ve lost him.”
“You never know,” she murmured.
“How come you bailed me out? Where’s Levi?”
“He and Emma are on their way to Boston to pick up the will. Your attorney said he’d send it overnight, but Levi said he didn’t want to take any chances.”
Liam sank heavily into the passenger’s seat of Sally’s wagon and shook his head. “I can’t believe this is happening.”
“It’ll work out, Li. Once you have the will—which appoints you as guardian—her father won’t have a leg to stand on.”
“Even after I assaulted him in front of DCF and a police officer?!”
Sally looked out the window and didn’t say anything, and Liam glanced over. “Your silence speaks volumes.”
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I’m trying to think of a way to justify that.”
“There isn’t a way.”
“Have you eaten?” she asked, changing the subject.
“I’m not hungry. If you could just drop me off, I’ll just wallow in my misery.”
“Suit yourself,” Sally said with a sigh.
“It’s shoot yourself,” Liam corrected.
“I won’t be able to leave you alone if you talk like that,” she said, pulling into his driveway.
“You know I’m only kidding, Sal.”
“I know,” she said, giving him another long hug, “but try not to worry too much—you and Aidan are meant to be together.”
“We’ll see,” he said skeptically as he got out of the car. “Thanks for bailing me out,” he added.
“Anytime,” she said with a half smile.
“Hopefully not anytime soon,” he said, closing the door and tapping the roof of her car. He watched her pull away, waved, and then walked toward the house.
As soon as he opened the back door, Tuck landed his big paws on his shoulders and slobbered him with wet kisses. “Hey, pal,” Liam said, holding him up. “I know, I know—I just got out of your favorite car. Unfortunately, Sally’s already on her way home.” He held the door open so Tuck could go out. “Need to get busy?”
Tuck trotted down the stairs and looked up the driveway to make sure Sally was really gone; then he headed across the yard. Liam turned on the outside light, scratched Moby behind his ears, and read the note Levi had left. Then he opened the fridge, grabbed a beer, opened it, took a sip, and realized Emma had left a plate with a note taped to it instructing him to Just Nuke! He shook his head, feeling lucky to have them both in his life. He heard Tuck lumbering up the porch steps and went over to push open the door. The big golden trotted in, wagging his tail expectantly, and Liam chuckled. “And I know you’ve already eaten,” he said. “Levi left a note, so you can’t fool me.” Tuck gazed at him innocently as if he didn’t remember eating and Liam shook his head. “Nice try, though.”
He stood in the middle of the quiet kitchen and looked around at the spotless counters. He’d always thought he’d kept things pretty shipshape—for a bachelor—but Emma went beyond tidy—when it came to a neat house, she was what Coop would call “OCD.”
As Liam pulled off his shirt and turned on the bedroom light, he noticed the hospital bed was gone, and his bed, which Emma had made up with fresh sheets, was back in its original spot with Teddy propped up on the pillow. Everything’s back to normal, he thought, whatever that means. He pulled the soft flannel shirt Cadie had liked to wear on over his T-shirt and realized Levi had hung the painting too. Emma was right—over his bed was the perfect spot—the painting’s earthy colors went well with the color of the walls.
Liam reached for his beer, and with Tuck moseying beside him, went outside. As soon as he’d settled into a chair, Tuck rested his chin on his lap and Liam stroked his noble head and looked into his solemn eyes. “It’s just you and me again, pal—like old times.” Adjusting to a house full of people had been a challenge at times, and it had made him realize how set in his ways he’d become, but now that everyone was gone, it was even harder. He looked up at the dusky sky, sparkling with diamonds, and listened to the waves tumbling to shore, and then over the sound of the ocean, he heard a faint chirp. He looked around and, in the waning light, saw a female cardinal flutter to the stone wall. She cocked her head from side to side, studying him and chirping. Moments later, she flew away.
As quickly as she’d come, she was gone, and Liam whispered, “Was that you, Cade?”
Chapter 53
On Thursday morning, Levi and Emma returned to Nantucket, bringing Cadie’s will with them. They were only able to spend the night, though, and after breakfast, they headed back to Boston.
As soon as they’d gone, Liam called John Alden but only got his voice mail, and when John finally called back later that day, he told Liam he’d submitted a copy of Cadie’s will to the court and requested an expedited decision. Then he asked Liam about the encounter he’d had with Carlton Knox. “Don’t worry,” he assured him. “It sounds like he was trying to provoke you, and although that’s no excuse for hitting him, what’s done is done.” His words weren’t much solace, though, and after Liam hung up, he paced the floor, reliving the whole episode.
The next day, John called back and reported that—in light of Cadie’s will—Aidan was going to be moved to foster care.
“Aidan’s going to be so confused,” Liam lamented. “How can they keep moving him when he just lost his mom?”
“It definitely seems screwed up,” John consoled, “but I promise you, it’s a positive sign. Another good thing is they accepted our request for an expedited court date. You need to be in Boston on Monday, October fifth, at nine a.m., clean-shaven and nicely dressed. And if you see Carlton Knox, stay away from him.”
“Got it,” Liam said, sounding a bit relieved.
After rattling around the house all day Saturday, Liam tightened the laces of his running shoes. Although there’d been a time when autumn on the island had broken his heart, he’d come to love the lonely desolation and silent beauty. As he ran, he lightly touched the gold band on his finger, and prayed, with all his heart, that Aidan would be allowed to come back and live with him.
The next two weeks dragged by as if they were pulling a tremendous, barnacle-covered anchor along the ocean floor. Liam couldn’t believe how quiet the house was without the constant comings and goings of life . . . as they’d prepared for death. It was ironic, he thought, that death could bring so much life to a house, and so, to avoid the lonely silence, he began spending long hours at the boathouse.
The days were getting colder and he spent one entire afternoon, splitting firewood and stacking it in the woodshed behind the boathouse; then he carried several armloads inside. When the last log was stacked along the wall, he opened the creaky, iron door of the ancient Vermont Castings woodstove, crumpled up some newspaper, and started to throw it in, but he stopped when he noticed the date—Saturday, August 2—the day before Levi’s opening. He smiled sadly, thinking of everything that had happened since then. Who would’ve guessed life could change so much in six weeks’ time? He stuffed the newspaper in the stove, piled kindling and wood on top of it, struck a wooden match, and gently fanned the flame with the dustpan. When it started to catch, he added more wood, closed the door, turned the ceramic handle to open the damper, and listened to it crackle and hum. “Ah, Coop,” he murmured, recalling how much his uncle had loved a fire in the woodstove. “This one’s for you,” he said, and Tuck moseyed over, licked his cheek, and curled up on a nearby rug.
