“Ry!”
They both turned to see a tall brunette jogging across the yard toward them.
“Cassidy,” Ryan said warmly. “What are you doing here?”
“Just checking on things for the parents.” She hugged him, then peered at Nicole, waiting as Ryan introduced them.
“Oh yes.” Cassidy shook her hand. “Ryan’s mom mentioned you were coming to manage the gallery while she’s gone.” She wrinkled her nose. “How’s that going? I mean, is it even possible to manage Amyra?”
Nicole grimaced. “It’s a challenge.”
“I’ll bet.” She turned to Ryan. “So what are you guys doing?”
He explained about the walking tour. “Do you want to come?”
She frowned. “I wish I could, but I’m scheduled at the hospital today. Noon until nine.” She looked back at Nicole. “Enjoy your tour. There’s no one better to do it than Ryan. He’s a whiz when it comes to architecture.”
“I can see that.” Despite herself, Nicole couldn’t help but like this woman.
“Well, I better go. I still have a couple errands to do before work. You guys have a great day!” She waved and jogged back toward the bike parked in the driveway.
“She’s on a bike?” Nicole said as they continued to walk.
“Yeah, she’s a biking freak. Rides her bike almost everywhere. It’s not that I don’t approve, but it worries me that she rides at night.”
“Yeah, that sounds dangerous.”
“She claims it’s perfectly safe and uses good lights and all that. But I’m not convinced.”
They walked together in silence for a bit. She assumed he was worrying about Cassidy. So was she, but her worries were of a completely different sort. Cassidy was even sweeter and more charming than Nicole had imagined. She really wanted to ask Ryan about her—or more specifically, about him and her. But it was none of her business, and she could think of no way to ask without making it sound all wrong.
Ryan continued describing the various elements of the houses and which particular period they’d been built in and how that affected their design, but Nicole felt distracted now. As if the moment had been lost the instant she’d shaken hands with Cassidy.
16
“Here we are.” Ryan stopped in front of some tall wrought-iron gates. “The McDaniel Mansion. Or the McMunster Mansion, as my brother still insists on calling it.”
She looked beyond the ornate metal fence to see a tall Gothic-looking house looming beyond some lush green landscaping. “It’s beautiful,” she said.
“Really?” He sounded surprised. “You think it’s beautiful?”
“I do. In a majestic sort of way. I love the stonework and the arched windows.” She narrowed her eyes as Ryan unlocked the gate. “Although I can imagine how it could look pretty spooky on a foggy night. It would be great in a vampire movie.”
“It actually has been used in some horror movies,” he said as he led her in.
“Well, I like it. I think it has a grandness to it. I’m sure it’s got stories to tell.”
He chuckled. “That’s for sure.” He waved to the foliage all around them. “It’s completely overgrown still. I need to get landscapers in here as soon as possible if I’m going to list it this summer. I don’t want it looking like it’s had a bad haircut right before I put it on the market.”
“Do you think it’ll be hard to sell?”
“According to Alex.” He shrugged. “But there are people who love Gothic architecture. I just need to make sure it gets marketed in a big way. It could even attract an international buyer. I’ve heard Japan likes this sort of thing.”
“It looks big enough to be a hotel,” she said as they got closer.
“It could be zoned for a bed-and-breakfast. I already checked on that.”
“A spooky bed-and-breakfast might have an appeal with young people. Your niece would definitely approve.”
“Yeah. Bernie loves this house.”
“I invited her to come, but I’m glad she decided to stay home with her dad. I think they need to have a good talk.”
“Hopefully they will.” He unlocked the tall, ornately carved double doors, allowing them to swing open into a huge foyer with white marble floors.
“Oh my.” She went over to a massive wooden post with the heads of wild animals carved into the wood. “This is beautiful.” She fingered the profile of a wolf. “Amazing.” She looked around to see numerous other carved posts, each of them unique, each a work of art. “Wow.”
“It’s not everyone’s cup of tea. But the craftsmanship is exquisite. When I heard someone else planned to buy the place and gut it, I felt like I had to step in to preserve it.”
“I’m so glad you did.” Nicole examined the other posts, marveling at the detail. “The animals actually have expressions,” she said. “As if the artist knew them personally.”
He laughed. “I never thought of it quite like that, but I have to agree. The artist was truly a master. I’m not sure if he was responsible for all the carvings in this house, but I suppose it’s possible. As you’ll see, there are a lot of them.”
“I can’t wait to see them.”
They went from room to room, and as Nicole examined the carvings, she came to the conclusion there had been more than one wood-carver. “The style just seems different,” she explained, pointing out some of the variances. “But they were all obviously very talented. I can’t imagine how long it took to create these pieces.”
“Houses like this took years to build,” he said. “So they had time.”
“I’m surprised at how light it feels in here,” she told him as they went up the stairs. “I had expected it to be dark and maybe even gloomy. But all these windows really brighten it up.”
“They do. At least during the daytime. Can you imagine how dark it would’ve been at night back in its early years? Or on an overcast day. They only had gas lamps, and I’m sure it must’ve felt pretty shadowy.” He pointed to an old-fashioned light fixture. “I’ve restored these to electricity, but I’ve tried to keep the wattage down to what’s equivalent to gaslight. It’s a challenge.”
“Does it look spooky in here at night?”
“I actually think it looks romantic.” His dark eyes twinkled. “But maybe you’d like to see it at night for yourself.”
“I would.” As soon as she said this, she regretted it. Did it sound like she was flirting? Had he been flirting? What would Cassidy think? Nicole felt confused, so she continued to focus all her energy on this amazing house. By the time they finished the tour, she was convinced that Ryan was an architectural genius.
“This place is absolutely amazing,” she told him as they were leaving. “I’m really impressed.”
“Well, thank you. It’s always nice when someone appreciates your work.” He locked the front door.
“But I honestly can’t imagine a normal family living there,” she confessed.
He grinned. “Well, not a normal family. Maybe the Munsters, though.”
She laughed. “I didn’t mean that. But it is so huge. It’s hard to imagine how it would function, you know?”
“I know. I never really figured this would be a family home, but I do think it would make a good B and B. Savannah is a destination city, so I think there’s a market for it. Especially since some believe we’re the most haunted city in the world.”
“That makes sense. I bet you’ll have no problem selling it.”
“I hope so. I’ve pretty much invested everything in this project.” He sighed as he opened the gate. “My dad and brother both advised against it. But Mom believed in me.”
“I believe in you too,” she said. “I think the house is marvelous.” She wanted to ask him what Cassidy thought about it but couldn’t bring herself to. Really, it was none of her business.
“Unless you’re in a hurry to get home, I thought you might like walking through Forsyth Park,” he said as he turned them down a different street.
“I’m not in a hurry,” she assured him. “I don’t think I’ve ever been there before.”
“It’s an amazing place. It’s about thirty acres, and some say it’s Savannah’s best park.” As they walked along another tree-lined street, he told her a bit of the history. “Although it’s a beautiful place now, it was actually one of the bloodiest battlefields of the Revolutionary War. But even that bit of history seems to fit Savannah.”
She grinned. “Lots of ghosts there?”
“Probably.” He chuckled. “I’m sure Bernie thinks so. Anyway, the park is more than 150 years old, and it’s got a lot of Parisian influence. The main fountain is the centerpiece, and—well, you’ll just have to see it.” He turned them onto a path cutting through a grassy area. “Welcome to Forsyth.”
Soon they were strolling down a walkway where the trees arched like a canopy overhead. Spanish moss hung down in a magical way. Every place she looked was green and lush and perfectly maintained. But it was the circular fountain up ahead that really captured her attention. With the light coming through, it seemed almost lit up by the sunshine. As they got closer, she could see that the statues around the fountain were mermen. Very interesting mermen. The sculptures, the birds, the fountainhead—all were beautifully done.
“I just love the art in this town,” Nicole said as they strolled around the circular fountain. “It feels so rich and full of history. We just don’t have that in Seattle. Not like this, anyway.”
“But you have the Space Needle,” he reminded her. “Alex and I were so enamored with that when we went to visit your family that summer. And you have lots of natural beauty too. The mountains and the Sound. It’s all pretty spectacular.”
She nodded as she studied the way the light was filtering through the fountain spray, pausing to take a few more photos. “But it’s different here. I like it.”
“Looks like they’re getting ready for a wedding.” He pointed to an area that was being cordoned off. “This is a very popular place to tie the knot.”
“I’m sure a wedding would be beautiful here.” She glanced over the area. “Although it would be sort of public, wouldn’t it?”
“Yeah. I’m not a big fan of that.”
“I wouldn’t be either.” She felt her cheeks warming as she realized they were talking about weddings. But it was silly to be embarrassed. This was just a general conversation. What was wrong with her anyway?
“What’s that over there?” She pointed to where people seemed congregated in another section of the park.
“Oh yeah. Saturday market. Want to check it out?”
“Sure.”
They went over to see the various vendors, and soon Nicole had accumulated enough produce and food items that they both needed to carry a bag. “Hopefully Bernie will help me eat some of it,” she said after she failed to push some of her purchases off on Ryan.
On the way home, he took her past Lafayette Square, pointing out a townhouse. “That’s Greek Revival,” he explained. “And it’s also the childhood home of Flannery O’Connor.”
“Really?” She looked closer. “I love her writing.”
“There’s a museum there now. They’re probably open if you’d like to go in.”
Nicole glanced at her watch. “I promised Bernie I’d hang out with her today, and it’s nearly noon. I should probably get back.”
“Another time, maybe.”
“Yeah, I’d love that.”
By the time they got back to the house, it was pretty warm outside. “Thanks so much for my tour,” she told him. “It was wonderful.”
“Mind if I grab something to drink before I go?” he asked as they stood on the front porch. “All that walking . . . I feel kind of parched.”
“Yes, of course. Come in. Welcome to your parents’ home.” She laughed. “Mi casa es su casa. Literally.”
Bernie was in the kitchen fixing a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. “There you are,” she said as Nicole and Ryan set their bags from the market on the countertop. “I thought maybe you got lost or abducted or something.”
“The walk took longer than I expected.” Nicole knew Bernie was kidding. Well, mostly. She felt a small wave of worry. Was Bernie getting too attached to her? Nicole had seen high school students do this before, and sometimes it ended badly. Especially when the student eventually realized that Nicole could only do so much, or that she had a life of her own. Befriending needy adolescents could be tricky.
“That’s okay.” Bernie broke into a triumphant smile. “I was just eager to tell you we got a table at the Pirates’ House.”
“Great!” Nicole started putting fruit in an oversized bowl, arranging each piece with care as if she planned to paint the arrangement, which wasn’t a bad idea.
“The Pirates’ House?” Ryan asked as he took a water bottle from the fridge.
“Yeah, we’re having dinner there tonight,” Bernie said.
“You actually got a reservation?” Ryan’s brows arched. “On a Saturday night in the summertime?”
Bernie nodded as she carefully licked peanut butter from her knife.
“Man, I’m jealous.” He took a long swig of water.
“You could probably come too,” Nicole suggested.
His eyes lit up. “Cool! I’d love to escort my two favorite ghost hunters to the Pirates’ House.”
“Dad’s going too,” Bernie said quickly.
“Oh, is Alex back already?” Ryan glanced at Nicole.
“He got home last night.” Nicole wondered if she’d overstepped her bounds by inviting Ryan to join them. But wouldn’t four be more fun than three? Besides, that would prevent the dinner from feeling like a date with Alex, something she was trying to avoid. “I’m sure he’ll be glad to have you come with us.” She turned to Bernie. “What time is the reservation?”
“Six fifteen.”
“Sounds perfect,” Ryan declared. “I’ll meet you there.” He held up his water bottle. “Until then, I bid you adieu.”
Still feeling a little guilty for inviting Ryan, Nicole turned to Bernie. “So what are you up to today? Any big plans?”
Bernie shrugged, biting into her sandwich.
“I was looking forward to just vegging,” Nicole said as she got a water bottle from the fridge.
“Sounds good to me.” Bernie took another bite.
“Tomorrow is a working day for me.” Nicole took out a container of leftover coleslaw. “I’m not sure if you want to work on Sunday or not, but I’ll understand if you—”
“I want to work,” Bernie declared with a full mouth.
“Great.” Nicole smiled as she took out the carton of potato salad. “I’ll be happy to have your company.”
“It might actually be fun when Amyra’s not there.”
Before Nicole could respond, Alex came into the kitchen, cheerfully greeting them. “I’ve come to beg for leftovers,” he said. “Last night’s dinner was so good, I’ve been thinking about it all morning.”
“Help yourself.” Nicole pointed to the cartons she was lining up on the counter. “That’s what I’m doing too.”
“Unless you’d prefer a PB&J.” Bernie held up her half-eaten sandwich.
“Tempting.” He smirked at her. “But I’ll pass.”
“I hear you got a reservation at the Pirates’ House,” Nicole said as she put some coleslaw on her plate.
“Yeah. Like I told Bernie, it’s not what you know but who you know, at least in this town. Although I think the concept applies to most places.”
“Nicole invited Uncle Ryan to come,” Bernie informed him.
Alex’s brow creased slightly.
“I figured a reservation for three could easily be changed to four,” she said quickly. “And Ryan really wanted to go. We’d tried to get in there the other night, when we took the ghost tour.” She smiled at him. “I hope you don’t mind.”
“It’s okay,” he said. “But maybe I should call and see if we can get a table for five instead.”
“Five?” Nicole asked.
“That way Cassidy can join us.”
“Oh yeah,” Bernie agreed. “That’s a good idea.”
“I think she’s working tonight,” Nicole told them.
Alex looked surprised. “How could you possibly know that?”
“We saw her this morning. She was heading to the hospital, and I think she said her shift goes until nine.”
“Oh.” He nodded as he dished out some potato salad. “That sounds about right.”
Her plate loaded with leftovers, Nicole excused herself, taking her food outside to eat. It wasn’t that she was trying to be nonsocial, but she felt it was important for father and daughter to have some alone time. There were so many things Bernie needed to tell her dad . . . so many things he needed to hear.
She had just gotten settled at the dining table by the pool when Alex came out with his plate. “Mind if I join you?”
“No, of course not,” she answered a bit stiffly.
“Bernie was finished in there, and like usual, she had her nose stuck in her phone.”
“Oh, yeah.” Nicole nodded. “Sometimes it seems like those phones need to be surgically removed from teenagers’ hands.”
He laughed. “I know. But I have to admit I’ve been just as bad in the past. It used to drive Lori nuts. I’ve tried to wean myself some.”
“That’s good.” She glanced toward the door to the house and, seeing it was closed, decided to capitalize on this opportunity. “Alex,” she began quietly, “I wanted to talk to you about Bernie. In private, you know?”
He blinked. “Yeah, sure. Okay. Where do you mean ‘in private’? Not out here?”
“Well, I wouldn’t really want her to hear what I need to tell you. It’s nothing bad about her. It’s about your family—you and Lori. And the divorce.”
His expression grew serious. “Oh, yeah.” He glanced around. “How about we take a little stroll after we’re done with lunch?” He frowned. “Or if you’re all walked out, we could take a drive. I need to get a few supplies. Maybe we could tell Bernie we’re making a food run. She hates grocery shopping.”
Under a Summer Sky--A Savannah Romance Page 14
