Harbor of the Heart

by Katherine Spencer

  On Sunday morning, Claire stayed at the inn to serve breakfast while Liza and Daniel went to church. They needed to speak to Reverend Ben right away about performing their ceremony. Liza hoped he wasn’t busy that day with another wedding. It was short notice to ask him.

  “I’d be willing to change the date if Reverend Ben can’t come,” she told Daniel as they drove to Cape Light.

  “I would, too. Let’s just see what he says and figure it out from there.”

  They arrived at church a bit early for the service and went into the sanctuary to find a seat. The choir was still rehearsing, and Vera Plante, who was one of the deacons, lit the candles on the altar and rearranged the flowers a bit.

  Liza did not attend church as often as Claire, but she had been coming to this church since she was a girl, with her aunt and uncle when she visited them during the summers. Her parents had not belonged to a church, so she always felt most attached and at home in this one.

  “Look, there he is,” Daniel said. “Let’s speak to him now.”

  Liza turned and saw Reverend Ben standing at the back of the church, talking to Tucker Tully, another deacon. She didn’t want to interrupt the reverend if he was busy getting ready for the service, but Daniel had already jumped up and walked over to meet him.

  Liza followed, and by the time she reached the two men, she realized Daniel had already delivered their news.

  “Congratulations, Liza! What happy news!” Reverend Ben opened his arms and hugged her. Then he stepped back, a wide smile spread across his face. “When did this all come about?”

  “Daniel proposed last night.”

  “Thankfully, she said yes.” Daniel gave a mock sigh of relief, and put his arm around her shoulders. “We would be so happy if you would perform the ceremony, Reverend. We’re thinking of getting married Sunday, October sixth.”

  “But we’re flexible if you’re busy,” Liza added quickly.

  Reverend Ben thought about it a moment. “I’m totally clear after service that Sunday. I was just looking ahead at my calendar this morning. I’d be honored to marry you . . . but that’s very soon to plan a wedding.”

  “Yes, I know,” Liza replied, trying not to sound stressed already.

  “It’s going to be a small group, just close friends and family,” Daniel explained.

  “But a nice reception—flowers and music and all that. We’d like to be married at the inn,” Liza added. “I love this church, but the inn has special meaning for us.”

  “I understand completely. It will be a very beautiful wedding, I’m sure.” Reverend Ben reached out with a reassuring touch. “Please call my office and make a date for us to meet, to plan the ceremony and rehearsal. We have a little time,” he assured them. “How is everything else going? How are your classes, Daniel?”

  Daniel met his knowing gaze, remembering their talk on the beach a few weeks ago—and how Reverend Ben had helped him get his worries and doubts in perspective.

  “Very well, Reverend. I’m halfway through. The final exams are in August. We should know if I passed by the time we get married.”

  “Perfect timing. Good luck with the rest of it. Call me if you have any questions.”

  The seats in the sanctuary were starting to fill, though it rarely got very crowded in the summer. The choir director had come to speak to the reverend, and Daniel and Liza returned to their pew.

  The choir was walking in, singing the first hymn, when Liza noticed Molly Willoughby and her husband, Matt, take a seat a few rows behind them. “There’s Molly. Let’s try to talk to her after the service,” Daniel said.

  “Good idea. We should invite them back to the inn for brunch,” Liza suggested. “If they’re free, I mean. Then we can start to make real plans, if Molly will take on the wedding.”

  “Oh, I’m sure she’ll want to cater our wedding. I think she’ll be flattered that you’re asking her,” Daniel whispered.

  Daniel was right about that, Liza thought, as Molly gushed with surprise and delight when Liza asked her after the service. “Are you kidding? I’d love to be your wedding planner! My calendar is clear for you two,” she promised.

  “Well, we were thinking of October sixth. That’s a Sunday. Do you have many parties booked already?” Liza knew how popular Willoughby’s Fine Foods & Catering was around town. Most people made plans much further ahead.

  Molly thought a moment. “I do have a fund-raiser at the historical society around then. But October isn’t a real busy season. Besides, you’re talking about a small guest list, right? Under a hundred?”

  “Under fifty, I’m sure,” Liza said.

  Molly waved her hand. “No problem. I can do that in my sleep . . . not that I wouldn’t be totally focused and make sure that everything was super perfect,” she quickly amended.

  Liza knew what she meant. Molly did have a way about her that made you feel relaxed and confident. Even if pulling a wedding together this quickly was asking for trouble.

  “I’m sure it will be perfect. I’ve already seen what you can do.”

  Molly and Matt had been planning to go to a beach on Angel Island straight from church. Their car was packed with bathing suits, chairs, and even fishing gear. They quickly accepted Liza’s invitation to stop at the inn for lunch. Molly was even more eager to get started on the wedding than Liza, which was really saying something.

  “I just met with a couple yesterday and have all my books in the car. Is that lucky or what?” Molly told her as the two couples left the church and headed for the parking lot.

  Daniel glanced at Matt. “I have some fishing gear in my trunk. Is that lucky or what?” he asked, echoing the women.

  Matt laughed. “A little fly casting after lunch is fine with me . . . if your fiancée is okay with it.” Matt glanced at Liza, who sent Daniel a questioning look. She knew he had his own ideas about the wedding, but it was just a first meeting with Molly. Maybe it was best if he had a little downtime this afternoon—to unwind from all the engagement excitement and from his classes.

  Besides, Matt was a doctor with a busy practice in Cape Light, and Daniel might get some good advice from him about finding a position, she realized.

  Back at the inn, Claire was very happy to see Molly and Matt arrive. A table was quickly set on the back patio, under the wisteria arbor, where Claire served them lunch.

  Liza enjoyed catching up on the news of Molly and Matt’s four daughters—Matt’s daughter, Amanda, and Molly’s two girls, Lauren and Jillian. Betty, their youngest, had arrived about seven years ago and was the only one at home now.

  “I can’t believe your girls are all grown up and have left the house. Except for Betty, of course,” Liza said. “I don’t know how you did it.”

  “Neither do I.” Molly rolled her eyes. “In fact, just thinking about it makes me tired. Raising kids is like riding a bicycle. If you think too much about it, you’ll fall off. But you just keep pedaling and time just flies. We’re really enjoying Betty,” she added. “We know she won’t be little forever.”

  “Pretty soon we’ll be planning a few weddings of our own.” Matt smiled, glancing at his wife. “Amanda and her boyfriend seem very serious. And I’m sure Lauren won’t be too far behind. But at least we know someone in the business. She’s not that great . . . but we could get a good price.” He shrugged and Molly poked him in the ribs with her elbow.

  “Thanks a lot, wise guy. Do you want Liza to get worried about her wedding?”

  Liza laughed. “Molly, I have no worries with you on the job, believe me.”

  “Me, either,” Daniel agreed. “Which is why it might be good time for me and Matt to head down to the beach, so you and Molly can get down to business?”

  “Good idea. Leave the heavy lifting to the ladies. When the going gets tough . . . guys should go fishing.” Molly turned to Liza. “This is going to be so muc
h fun. Just let me grab my books. I left them in the foyer. Maybe we should talk in the front parlor? There’s more room there to spread stuff out . . . and don’t forget your laptop.”

  Liza was pleased at Molly’s all-business attitude. She was ready to jump in the deep end, holding her nose and grabbing Liza’s hand. The moment had finally come to really plan her wedding, and Liza was excited . . . and nervous, as well. It was great to have a seasoned guide like Molly. That choice had been an inspiration.

  Liza had done this often for so many other brides-to-be. But it was her turn now. She almost had to pinch herself to remember that. Daniel wasn’t the only one who had to get used to a new idea of his identity.

  * * *

  LIZA wasn’t sure how long she and Molly had been talking. Long enough for Claire to serve them iced tea and cookies, and for them to decide on quite a few important things on the order forms where Molly made notes about the event.

  Flowers were discussed and narrowed down, though not totally decided. The size of the wedding party, the way the property would be arranged and decorated, and where the guests would have cocktails and where they would dine . . .

  It was a lot to think about all at once. Liza’s head was spinning. But Molly was unflagging and still focused when they heard heavy footsteps and deep voices on the porch. Matt and Daniel had returned from fishing, and the heavy thunk of a cooler hitting the porch floor hinted that they may have even come back with some fish.

  Molly rose and went to the window. “Catch anything, honey?”

  “I’ll say. Striped bass for dinner tonight,” Matt promised. “Daniel is going to find me some more ice.”

  Liza rose and stretched her legs. She had been sitting a long time. She hadn’t realized it.

  “Did you catch anything, Daniel?” she asked as she stepped out to the porch.

  “He caught a job offer. I’d say that was pretty good for one day,” Matt answered, before Daniel could reply.

  Liza was surprised and a bit confused.

  “Matt has an opening coming up at his office. One of his associates is leaving in October. He was just about to start looking for a replacement,” Daniel explained.

  “Serena Miller is having her second child. She’ll be on a full-time leave of absence for a while, then coming in part-time. We have more patients than we can handle already. I really need another full-time doctor, even after she returns,” Matt explained. He turned to Daniel and smiled kindly. “I didn’t know Daniel was a licensed physician, but I’ve seen how he handles cases at the clinic. He’s saved a lot of lives on this island. I always wondered how a carpenter could be such a talented, knowledgeable EMT,” he added with a sly grin.

  Perhaps Matt had already suspected that Daniel had a medical background but had never asked him about it. It sounded as if Daniel had confided in him this afternoon.

  “I know you have a lot going on now, with the tests coming up and the wedding plans. But I hope you’ll give my offer some thought and come down to the office sometime soon, so we can talk some more.”

  “I definitely will, Matt. I’m very interested. I appreciate you considering me.”

  Liza did, too. A position in a practice in Cape Light? How great was that? They couldn’t ask for an easier commute or less disruption of their lifestyle. They had already been talking about renovating the third floor of the inn as their living space. Daniel’s cottage was charming but very small, and Liza needed to be at the inn so much, it only made sense for them to both live there.

  Daniel had already started sketching out some plans for the space, though Liza had been wondering if she would see him there very much—or if he would find a job with some long commute and difficult hours. This news made her practically sigh out loud with happiness. This opening was perfect, especially since Daniel seemed very enthusiastic about the idea.

  It was amazing how things were falling into place for them. Once Daniel had decided to take that first step, to return to what he was meant to do, so many doors had opened. A path to the future was unfurling right in front of them, where none had existed before. A path for both of them.

  Chapter Nine

  “THERE’S nothing like a wedding to lift everyone’s spirits,” Claire noted. A handful of guests had returned to the inn at noon and had just been served lunch in the dining room. Now Claire was setting sandwiches for herself, Liza, and Nolan on the kitchen table. Nolan helped, bringing a pitcher of iced tea from the refrigerator and setting out three glasses.

  “Liza certainly has a spring in her step these last few days,” he agreed. “She’s walking on air. If I could bottle that, I’d make a million.”

  “She’s only been engaged three days. I think she’ll float down to earth sooner or later. In the meantime, she has you and me to pick up the slack.”

  “Mostly you,” he said with a chuckle.

  “Come now, Nolan. You have more initiative than anyone we’ve ever had working around here. With your inventions and the way you spot repairs before they get to be problems . . . We’ve been very spoiled this summer,” she added sincerely.

  “That’s very kind. I didn’t think I’d like this job when you first offered it to me,” he said honestly. “But it seemed like a sensible solution to my dilemma. Now, here we are, July is almost over, and frankly, I truly enjoy it.”

  Claire was glad to hear that. She could see that Nolan took pleasure and pride in his work. Any honest work done well was something to be proud of, she thought.

  “Have you ever been married, Claire?” Nolan asked.

  Claire was surprised at the question and realized by Nolan’s look that her reaction showed. She set down his sandwich, then sat across from him at the table.

  “Is that too forward of me to ask you? I’m sorry. I was just wondering.”

  “It’s not too forward. Just not a question many people ask. I was engaged once, when I was quite young. The young man left the island, and I couldn’t leave at the time. Family responsibilities held me here. And it just sort of . . . faded out. I had chances after that, I suppose,” she said wistfully. “But no, I never decided to marry.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up sad memories.”

  “That’s all right. Our sad memories are part of us, too, aren’t they? Just like the happy ones.”

  “Very true. I think I’ve mentioned before that I’m divorced. When I ran into all those business and financial problems and started pouring all our savings into the lawsuit, my wife lost patience with me. I thought she was being unfair at the time. But looking back, I can see my part. No one is entirely right or entirely wrong when marriage fails, most of the time.”

  “That’s very true,” Claire agreed. “Have you made amends with her?” she asked curiously.

  “Not yet, but perhaps we will someday. We had a fairly good relationship for almost thirty years. And we enjoyed raising our daughter together. I’m thankful for that,” he added with a small smile.

  Nolan had faced so many losses the past few years, it was almost mind-boggling. Perhaps this accounted for his tenacity about the lawsuit, Claire mused. That was one setback he believed he could reverse.

  Nolan cleared his throat and gazed at her. “Excuse me for being so forward, Claire. But I must say that any man would have been very lucky to have you as his life partner. Of that I’m quite sure.”

  Claire was surprised by the compliment. Surprised and touched. But before she could respond, Liza came into the kitchen, a bundle of magazines and envelopes under her arm. More bride research, Claire suspected. Claire had called her a while ago for lunch, but Liza had been busy in her office.

  “Oh, great . . . a sandwich. Thanks.” Liza picked up the dish and grabbed a paper napkin. “Some mail for you, Nolan.” She dropped a letter on the table in front of him. Claire didn’t mean to be nosy, but the envelope fell right in front of her, and she recognized the sta
tionery and return address—the lawyers representing Nolan in his lawsuit.

  She took a quiet breath and put her sandwich down, watching his expression darken.

  “Sorry I can’t join you. I’m swamped with work today.” Liza swept out of the room as quickly as she’d come in.

  Claire didn’t turn to glance at her. She was wondering if Nolan was going to open the letter in front of her. He had already picked it up and was staring at it as if holding his fate in his hand.

  “It’s from my attorney.”

  “I recognized the stationery,” she confessed.

  “It’s rather thin . . .” He waved the envelope between two fingers. “I’m not sure why that would be.”

  Claire could barely stand the suspense. But she couldn’t tell him to read it if he wasn’t ready. She rose and brought her dish to the sink, just for something to do.

  While her back was turned to him, she heard the sound of paper tearing. She turned slowly and watched him read the single sheet.

  His face turned as pale as the bleached sheets on the clothesline, and his eyes widened.

  “This . . . this can’t be!” He wasn’t shouting, but his tone was even harsher than if he had. He pounded his fist on the wooden table, making the glasses and pitcher jump. “So close . . . so close to the finish line and . . . turned back again.” He sighed and shook his head, staring at her.

  Claire wiped her hands quickly on a towel. “What’s happened, Nolan? What does the letter say?”

  “That investor who cheated me, he’s hired some new law firm, and they claim I don’t have any grounds at all. They say their product is completely different. Well . . . changed just enough so that it’s not copyright infringement,” he added bitterly. “It’s very hard to prove these things in court, very hard. I tell you, Claire, I feel as if this is some sort of giant fish, hooked on my line, and I can’t reel it in. No matter how hard and long I fight with it.”