Still Life and Death

by Tracy Gardner

  “You look beautiful. I miss you.”

  “I wish you were here.”

  “Oh. Hey now. I will be tomorrow.”

  “What? Shut. Up.” She sat up in bed. “Why?”

  “Are you free around five?”

  “Sure!” She was awake now. She opened her mouth to ask how long he’d be in town and then decided against it. She didn’t want to know. Any answer he gave wouldn’t be good enough.

  His wide grin filled her screen. “Perfect.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Savanna set out for a walk on the beach Saturday morning, Fonzie racing ahead of her as usual. After a while, they took the footpath from the dunes through the trees, emerging on the far end of lush, green Carson Park. Savanna and Fonzie headed across to where the gazebo and the proud, twelve-foot-tall statue of Jessamina Carson stood. Beyond the park was the beginning or end of Main Street, depending on your perspective. Around this time last year, Savanna had discovered Jessamina beheaded, with a spray-painted threat across the pedestal just before Carson’s hard-won Art in the Park festival had kicked off. The beloved town landmark was now intact, thanks to the restoration team.

  They were passing the playground area when Fonzie found Nolan playing on the jungle gym. Her nephew looked summery in his orange-and-white striped polo shirt and shorts, making Savanna yearn for her first summer in her house. She’d been making lists of flowers she wanted to plant in garden boxes on her deck, but she needed Uncle Max’s advice before she got started with the project.

  Savanna spotted Skylar a few yards away on a park bench and joined her. “Nolan looks like he’s feeling better.”

  “He and Travis are both doing a lot better. Your soup and Lego set helped perk Nolan up yesterday. No fever since Thursday night, so I thought some sun would be good for him.”

  Savanna had been thinking about Aidan’s gift to her all week. She had a possible compromise...maybe Skylar would lend her objective opinion. “I think I know what I’m going to do about the boat slip.”

  “Really?”

  “What if I told Aidan I accept the gift, but just that part of it?”

  “What do you mean?” Skylar asked.

  “Well, he bought the dock assignment for two years, and opened an account with Gus for whatever type of sailboat I want. Which sounds even crazier when I say it out loud,” Savanna said, shaking her head and smiling.

  “It’s quite a gift,” her sister agreed.

  “What if I keep the slip but tell him he cannot buy me a boat? I mean, that’s way too extravagant. You know the slip alone is an over-the-top birthday gift. And it gives me an excuse to start saving to get another sailboat like the one I gave up in Chicago.”

  Skylar nodded slowly. “I like that. I think he’ll be okay with your solution. I miss Dad’s sailboat—could you hurry and save so you can take me out on yours?”

  Savanna laughed. “Sure, no problem.” Her phone jingled beside her. She grabbed her hoodie off the park bench and pulled it from the pocket. “Hi, Uncle Max! How are you?”

  Skylar watched her and listened, waiting, until she hung up.

  “He’s coming over here—he’s at Fancy Tails right now. He says he’s got news. I wonder what’s going on?” That reminded her. “Hey. I’ve been meaning to pick your brain about something.”

  “Sure, what is it?”

  “Okay, just hypothetically, if the beneficiary of a life insurance policy is found guilty of murdering the insured person, what happens to the payout? Would the policy be voided? The killer couldn’t get the payout, I assume?”

  “Hypothetically, if the primary beneficiary is convicted of any involvement in the insured party’s death, that only voids their right to receive the payout. But if there is a secondary or what’s sometimes called a contingent beneficiary, that person would then receive the payout as long as they weren’t also implicated in the insured party’s death.”

  So Savanna had been right in her assumption. Though it still didn’t clear anything up in terms of Anthony’s or Rachel’s or even Marcus’s possible involvement in Libby’s death. “Thank you.”

  They spotted Uncle Max walking past Jessamina toward them. Savanna waved and Fonzie ran over to him, prompting Nolan to follow suit.

  Max caught Nolan and scooped him up. He carried him the rest of the way. “Well, hello, young sir! I see we’re completely recovered and full of beans this morning.”

  Nolan pushed off Uncle Max’s chest. “I only eat beans when Mama makes me.”

  Max chuckled and set him down, and the boy darted off toward the slide, blond hair flying and Fonzie at his heels.

  Savanna scooted over for her uncle. “Sit. Tell us your news!”

  “Libby won!”

  “Oh, wow!”

  “The Cry Violet took first place overall. Anthony got word from Rachel this morning. The judges were a little befuddled when Rachel couldn’t explain how Libby had cultivated an extinct plant, but it didn’t stop them from awarding it the placement it deserves. Rachel said they were captivated with the entry, and the Cry Violet will be on the cover of Plant Life next month.”

  “I’m so thrilled.” Savanna hugged Max around the shoulders. “I suppose Libby’s secret stays with us.”

  “Well,” Uncle Max said, “not entirely. I showed Anthony the book you found. I offered to help him or Rachel try and raise another plant from the remaining seeds, but they’re giving them to me. I’m so excited, love. I’ve already sent a message to an old colleague in London, and we’re going to collaborate on how best to get them all to germinate. It might even be something one of the botany journals would be interested in.”

  “Nice!” Savanna smiled at him. “I think Libby would be happy knowing her work had an impact.”

  She stopped at Halle’s Berries before heading home. The fresh farm stand was a staple of Carson’s downtown and even busier on weekends than during the week. Savanna came away with homemade strawberry rhubarb jam, bright red radishes, and blackberries to pack for the picnic she and Aidan had planned this afternoon, and fresh asparagus and zucchini for Sunday dinner tomorrow. It was her turn to cook, and she was still working through her menu.

  In her sunny kitchen, Savanna packed the picnic basket she’d borrowed from Aidan. She’d told him it was her turn to plan their evening. She was taking him back to the secluded spot he’d found for a picnic date they’d had last year. That was the night she’d first felt that whatever was between them was solid, somehow intentional and magical at the same time. It was a strange combination of contentment and excitement, the same way she felt every time Aidan was close.

  When her phone rang an hour before he was due to pick her up, an unwelcome sense of déjà vu accosted her. She answered his video call from her bedroom. She’d pinned her wavy auburn hair back on one side, and was in the middle of figuring out what to wear. She might go with what she had on: a wispy pink skirt that just brushed her knees and a black fitted top. “Hi, Aidan,” she said, sitting in the window seat Harlan had built for her. She made her voice cheerful and pushed away the sudden worry that he was canceling.

  Aidan’s smile was only at half wattage, and he looked fatigued. Once again, he was in blue scrubs and surgical cap. “Hi there. I’m so sorry... I’m going to be late.”

  That wasn’t so bad. “Okay, no big deal. I understand.”

  “I’m just out of an emergency surgery, but I need to hang out for a bit to make sure there are no issues. I should be there by seven, all right?”

  “Sounds good. Really,” she stressed. “If it’s later than that, I’ll know why. Don’t worry.”

  He didn’t react, and she thought their connection had frozen or dropped. Then she saw the subtle shift as his expression changed, his brow relaxed. “Thank you, Savanna. I’ll see you soon.”

  The time flashed on her screen when they hung up: five p
.m. Sydney popped into her head. She’d probably just arrived at the small Lake Haven airport Finn had told her he was flying into. He’d shocked Savanna last night when he’d called her. Aidan had given him her number. He had an out-of-the-box idea for his date with Sydney, and wanted a restaurant recommendation in the area he was thinking of. Savanna had been happy to help. She was excited for her sister. She was sure she’d be thrilled with where Finn was taking her.

  Aidan made it to her a little sooner than he’d planned. After she put the picnic basket in the back seat and sat in the front, she had him turn left at the end of her street onto the main road. She hadn’t told him where they were going, and planned to navigate while he drove.

  He turned south—the wrong direction. “We have a quick stop to make first.” He glanced at her. “It won’t take long.”

  “Okay.” The only thing inside Carson limits to the south was the marina. “Aidan, I’ve been thinking a lot about your birthday gift to me. It’s so unique and thoughtful...but much, much too generous. Seriously.”

  The muscle in his jaw pulsed. He kept his eyes on the road. “Don’t refuse it, Savanna. I thought you’d love it.”

  She turned in her seat so she was facing him. “It was an amazing idea, and I do love it. I can keep part of it. I’d like to keep the slip for my future boat, okay? It’s such an incredible gift, and it motivates me to get a boat again soon. I can still teach you to sail using the ones at Sweetwater. You just cannot buy me a sailboat.”

  He sighed. “I had a feeling you were going to say that.”

  “I’m sorry. I love the gift.” She put a hand on his forearm, tanned from his early morning golf session with Uncle Freddie.

  “Okay.” He met her gaze briefly as he made the right turn into Carson Marina.

  While they were here, they could reserve the little Catalina again for a sail later next week. She’d done the math, and if she set aside a portion of her paycheck every two weeks, she’d be able to get a small pre-owned sailboat within a year. Most of the inventory at Sweetwater Boats was used; it wouldn’t be hard to find a nice one.

  Aidan held out a hand to her, and they crossed the parking lot and headed toward the docks.

  “Are we checking on the slip?” she asked.

  He nodded. “I had Gus’s guy install the dock ladder. I just want to take a quick look.”

  “I think they’re still open,” Savanna said, craning to see the front of Gus’s shop as they approached. “You could stop and have him close that account while we’re here.”

  “Yeah, I could do that,” he said. His tone sounded strained. He must be upset, even though she’d tried to turn down the boat portion of his gift as compassionately as possible. He raised a hand in greeting as they walked by Sweetwater Boats.

  Gus leaned in the doorway, leathery arms crossed on his chest. He nodded back and met Savanna’s gaze.

  “Hey, Gus, how are you?” she asked.

  “Hey there, Miss Savanna. Dr. Gallager.” His gravelly voice was low and quiet. An uncharacteristic grin broke his weather-worn features. “You two have a nice evening.” He turned and went inside his shop.

  “That was weird.”

  “Was it?”

  Now she wondered whether possibly Aidan’s emergency patient earlier today hadn’t done well. But she hated to ask and completely ruin his mood. They turned down the row of docks that led to hers. When they got close enough, she saw why he was preoccupied. In slip 142 floated a gorgeous blue and white Catalina 355, a thirty-five-foot cruising yacht. She felt her jaw literally drop. She turned in what felt like slow motion and looked up at Aidan.

  His gaze was on her. He’d been watching her reaction. That smile, the one that always got her straight in the heart, began at one corner of his mouth, hesitant. He raised his eyebrows when she still hadn’t spoken. “Mad?”

  She started to speak but nothing came out. She had no words. She shook her head once, briskly, to clear it. And looked again at the boat. And then again back at him. Everything about him was overwhelming. She finally found her voice. “Aidan. You can’t keep doing this.”

  “Hold on,” he said, squeezing her hand and then letting go. He pulled a white envelope from his back pocket and handed it to her. “I didn’t buy you a boat. It’s not just yours. I bought it for us.”

  “What? What is this?” Holy wow. What went on his head? Who just upped and bought a sailboat on a whim? When they couldn’t even sail? She opened the envelope and silently scanned the official-looking document.

  “Title of ownership. I didn’t buy you a boat,” he repeated. “This belongs to both of us.” He pointed to where both their names were typed in the owner box on the form.

  Savanna stared again at the beautiful Catalina. “You bought a yacht. I mean, do you even... I can’t believe you did this.”

  “All right. Let’s go take a look.” He stepped down onto the decking.

  She took off her inappropriate-for-boating wedges off and followed him, barefooted. He stepped onto the boat, more easily this time than he had when they’d gone out on Gus’s small Catalina sloop, and then steadied her as she climbed aboard.

  The cockpit and deck gleamed. This was a much larger boat than she was used to sailing. Tipping her head up, she took in the mast and jib sheet, and noted there was even rigging for a spinnaker, the large, colorful sail that could be unfurled at the bow.

  “I know it’s big. But we really need this size for the lake; it’s safer. We’ll stick to days when the water’s like glass, to start with, while you teach me.” He motioned to her. “Check this out.”

  She went down the five steps after him into the cabin. Warm, highly polished mahogany and plenty of recessed lighting made the large space look clean and inviting. There was a complete kitchenette, a table with bench seating, two sleeping quarters—the works.

  “And—come on!” He disappeared through the far set of doors, and she heard a clang. Following him, she saw he’d opened the hatch and was hoisting himself up through it, something she hadn’t seen anyone do except for herself and her sisters on Harlan’s boat when they were little.

  She giggled, peering up at him through the open hatch that led out to the bow. “Oh my God, Aidan, you’re ridiculous.”

  He leaned over and stuck a hand through, waiting. She grabbed it, pushing off the hardwood as he helped her climb through.

  She closed the hatch and straightened up. “I don’t know what to say.”

  Aidan was already moving along the side decking. He hopped back down into the cockpit.

  Two slips over, an older couple was cleaning up and tucking their boat in for the night. The woman waved to Savanna and Aidan. “Hi, neighbors!”

  As naturally as if he’d been a sailor his whole life, Aidan waved back and called out, “Hi there! That’s a great Pearson you’ve got. I’ve always admired that model.”

  “We love her,” the man replied. “Yours must be new. Haven’t noticed it here before.”

  Aidan nodded. “Secondhand new. But she’s in good shape.” He propped a hand on the large steering wheel at the stern. As if! As if he’d even know how to handle the wheel out on the water. He was crazy.

  “Nice,” the man said. “Heading out for a night sail?”

  “Thinking about it! Looks like you just came in. How’s the wind?”

  Savanna was frozen near the starboard halyard, halfway between the bow and cockpit, staring bug-eyed at Aidan. If she didn’t know better, she’d swear she’d never seen this man before.

  “It’s a little choppy—and will probably pick up even more. Watch yourselves out there,” the woman answered.

  “Will do,” Aidan said.

  The couple climbed onto their dock and headed toward the parking lot, carrying their things.

  Savanna unfroze herself and joined Aidan in the cockpit. “Who are you?” She grabbed a ha
ndful of his maritime-blue dress shirt with the shirt sleeves rolled up, the tiny white polka dots of the fabric lending him a nautical air. Here on his Catalina yacht. Wearing—she glanced down, realizing she hadn’t even noticed them until now—brand-new Sperry boat shoes. Chatting with their new boating neighbors. “What in the world are you thinking?” She searched his face and couldn’t help smiling. He looked like a kid, his expression was so joyful, and there was something else there. A hint of worry?

  “So...you’re not mad?”

  She shook her head. “How could I be mad? You’re so excited.” She glanced over her shoulder, taking in the entirety of the surprise boat before turning back to him. “Look at this beauty.”

  His focus remained only on her. He held her gaze and slid an arm around her, the warmth of his hand on her back radiating through the thin silk and chiffon of her skirt. “Savanna. I’m so in love with you.”

  Her breath caught in her throat, and her neck and cheeks flushed hot. She reached up and wrapped her arms around him and kissed him, standing on tiptoe, her fingertips in his hair. When he loosened his hold on her, she kept one hand on each side of his neck near his jawline. “I love you too. Sometimes I think I conjured you from wishes and daydreams.”

  He smiled. “I’m glad you did.”

  Sydney arrived at Lake Haven Airfield a few minutes early and drove around the small complex until she found the parking area Finn had directed her to. Rather than wait in the car for him, as she had no idea whether his plane had landed yet or not, she got out and headed toward the triple-warehouse-sized blue hangar. She was almost to the hangar entrance when she spotted him coming around the corner of the building in his navy-blue Air Med Lifeteam jacket and aviators. They met in the middle. Sydney went to hug him, and he scooped her up, her feet leaving the ground as he kissed her.

  He put her down, shades still on, and scrubbed a hand across his thick black hair. “Hot dang, Syd. I’ve missed you.”

  She reached up and took his sunglasses off. “Better. It seems like you’ve been gone a month.”