“Abigail Adams Longley, you’re my good-luck charm. You’re going to have to come out with me every day.”
Abby laughed, crinkled her nose, and bit her lip.
“This is the best day we’ve had this year. Look at all these whales! This is their feeding area. We’ll stay out for another hour and watch them, let the passengers take pictures. Then we’ll head back in. This will give them something to talk about back home, enough memories for a lifetime.” Pride in his work was evident in Tack’s tone. She didn’t care if he was poor. He was a good man.
Tack kept the mike and talked about the whales, their habits, and how they related to other wildlife, and Abby squealed and pointed like the rest of the passengers every time one of the monsters surfaced and sprayed.
All the fresh air was making Abby hungry, and Tack seemed to read her mind. He reached into the cooler, brought out a bag, and spread the contents of the lunch he had purchased for Abby on the table. Then he poured her a glass of crisp, cool, sweet white wine.
“This is lovely,” Abby said, salivating over the delicate cheeses and fancy crackers, the fruit, and a turkey sandwich on sourdough bread. She ate in silence, enthralled by Tack’s knowledge and lulled by his booming voice. She might not know the difference between a humpback whale and a pilot whale, but she was interested in knowing more about the pilot of this particular vessel.
“This is a good sandwich, and the cheese is wonderful. Where did you get all this?”
“From Love Caters All, a sandwich shop and catering business. A friend of mine, Jason Wade, who used to play for the Red Sox, is the prep cook and assistant manager of the food truck they operate in the hospital parking lot. They serve lobster rolls, and they also sell sandwiches. But some of the menu items have a Mexican flair, like arroz a la tumbada—similar to paella, antojitos—snack foods like flautas, taquitos, and tamales—quesadillas, and a special family recipe, a beef stew made with squash and yucca flowers. Mexican can be very romantic. Hard to believe, but people who live in coastal towns can get sick of fish.
“I got the grocery items from the Lobster Cove Grocery Mart and the baked goods from Sweet Bea’s,” Tack added. “Beatrice O’Brien bakes brown bread, raisin scones, cookies, cakes, and cupcakes. She has a vanilla cake with raspberry filling that’s unbelievable. Her meat pies are a favorite with tourists and locals. And you should also try Ned’s Lobster Shack. They make great lobster rolls.”
“How do you know about all these places and people?”
“Because I live here. I take the time to know all these establishments so I can recommend them to my passengers if they ask, but I also know about them because they’re run by my friends. There’s some good people in this town, Abigail. You should give it a chance.”
“Maybe I will. You really went to a lot of trouble. I appreciate it.”
“Thank you.”
“So, Tack, what do you do for fun?”
“Sometimes I spend time at the Spinnaker Yacht and Sail Club north of town.”
“I’ve never been there.”
“What about the Club?”
“My in-laws belonged to that country club. Louis and I never went there.”
“Did you ever attend any events around town?”
“Like what?”
“Like the Harvest of the Sea Festival, or the Lobster Crawl, or the Oil and Water Art Festival?”
“Never heard of any of them.”
“The way I feel is if you’re going to live in a town, you’ve got to get to know the people and what’s happening in the town. Otherwise, why live there?”
“My feeling is pretty much ‘why bother?’ ”
“I’m going to have to change all that. I’ll make it my mission to introduce you to Lobster Cove and Lobster Cove to you.”
“Well, you’ve got your work cut out for you, then.”
When they pulled into the pier, the passengers were laughing and thanking the captain and tipping him handsomely. He invited them to come back for the sunset cruise, which he offered several nights a week.
As the last of the tourists rambled along the pier looking for other amusements, Tack helped Abby off the boat. “Abby, this was fun. Thank you for coming with me. When can I see you again?”
Abby stared into his eyes and got lost in them, in that face, as she drank in the sun. Tack tipped back her head and gently kissed her on the lips, and it was electrifying. She felt giddy. She was losing control. She was flying. Or maybe it was the wine.
“Tack,” she sighed. Then he deepened the kiss, and her arms flew around his neck as their tongues tangled languorously for several minutes, until—
“Daddy,” Isabella cried, running up to him. He scooped her up into his arms and flew her like an airplane around Abigail until she hovered close to Abigail’s face. She planted a kiss on Abby’s cheek. “Miss Abigail,” she said.
“Your Highness.”
An attractive elderly woman came up to them. “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend, Tack?”
Tack turned.
“Mother, this is Abigail Longley. Abigail, this is my mother.”
Abigail shook Mrs. Garrity’s hand. “It’s very nice to meet you, Mrs. Garrity.”
“Tack’s told me nothing about you, but Isabella couldn’t stop singing your praises.”
Abby’s brows rose as she shot Tack an inquisitive glance.
“Don’t worry,” said Mrs. Garrity. “My son rarely tells me anything. I was sorry to hear about Louis. He was a fine man. And I knew his parents, as well. It’s mighty tough, what you’ve had to endure. It’s no wonder you’re keeping to yourself.”
“Is that what people are saying about me? That I’m some kind of a recluse?”
“I make it a practice never to take gossip seriously,” Mrs. Garrity said. “Everyone grieves in their own way.”
“Mom, could you watch Isabella tonight? I have somewhere I have to be.”
Mrs. Garrity’s eyes sparkled.
“That is, if Abigail will agree to go out with me.”
Abby smiled and nodded.
“It’s a date,” said Isabella excitedly.
“It’s been nice to meet you, Abigail.”
“You too, Mrs. Garrity.”
“Mom, why don’t you take Isabella inside? I want to say a proper goodbye to Abigail.”
“Don’t you have to take the boat back to its berth?”
“I’ll have Andrew do that.”
Mrs. Garrity took Isabella by the hand, and they walked into the nearby restaurant.
Tack turned to Abigail. “I can’t wait to see you again. Will you go out to dinner with me tonight? I have a special spot in mind.”
“Yes.”
“Then it’s a date,” he said, echoing Isabella. “Now let’s give those gossips something to talk about.” With that, he took her in his arms and combed his fingers through her hair, nuzzled her neck, then kissed her lips, making and then breaking contact, teasing her with his tongue, then pulling it away, all the while pressing his body to hers in the most suggestive way. He moved his hands slowly up her sides from her hips, until his fingertips were almost touching her breasts. It was more like foreplay than a see-you-soon kiss, and the encounter left Abigail panting, her nipples straining against her T-shirt, longing for his touch. The warmth of the sunlight and the taste of sweet wine on his lips made her heady with lust. If they hadn’t been out in public…
“If only we were alone, Abigail, I would show you—”
He must have read her mind. Left unsaid were the things he would do. She wanted the kiss to go on forever, but Isabella stuck her head out of the restaurant doorway and called, “Come on, Daddy.”
He pulled away from her with a regretful smile. “Hold that thought.”
How did things move so far so fast? She was no longer in control of her emotions. It was almost as if she were floating in some faraway galaxy. She was falling for Tack at warp speed.
“I’ll pick you up at seven thi
s evening,” he said, his voice hoarse. “I can’t wait.”
“Thanks for a lovely day, Tack.” She sighed.
“Thank you for the company, Miss Longley. I think my luck is about to change.”
Chapter Six
“Mom, how’s Dad doing today?” Tack held Isabella’s hand while they walked toward his father’s room.
“Well, the aide says he’s having a good day, although I don’t know what’s so good about it. He doesn’t remember me.” He could see the pain in his mother’s eyes.
“Mom, don’t feel so bad. Half the time he doesn’t know who I am, either. But he does remember Isabella. And he always asks me how the whaling is going.”
“Thanks for bringing her,” Mrs. Garrity said. “I’m glad you could spend some time with your father and relieve me. I’ve been with him most of the day. He’s beginning to tire, but he always perks up for you and Isabella.”
“Where else would I be?”
“With that cute new girl of yours?”
“Mom, she’s not my girl, not yet, anyway. But I plan to change that soon. Well, Isabella and I are going to say hi to Dad, and then we’ll be home. Get some rest. See you later.” Tack gave his mother a big hug.
“Bye, Grandma,” said Isabella.
“Bye, sweetheart.”
Tack watched his mom head toward the front entrance before he and Isabella walked into Ty Garrity’s room and sat down on chairs facing his bed.
It broke Tack’s heart that this giant of a man had to be confined to this bed in this tiny room, when the great wide ocean had once been his home.
“Hi, Pop,” Tack said, taking his father’s fragile hand. “Are they treating you right in here? Because if they’re not, let me know, and I’ll take care of it.”
“Who are you?”
Tack’s shoulders sagged. His father had gone downhill so rapidly it had happened almost in the blink of an eye. He had fallen on the boat, had to have surgery, and was taken into rehab. Then, in the unfamiliar surroundings, his mind had gone, not gradually but precipitously. First he was forgetful, then he lost his ability to capture words, and then suddenly he had no short-term memory. Sometimes he recognized Tack, and sometimes he didn’t. But, miraculously, he always seemed to know Isabella.
“Isabella?” Ty’s voice was animated. He looked forward to Isabella’s visits. “Come on over and give your old Grandpa a big kiss.” Isabella went to her grandfather and wrapped her arms around him.
“And who’s that handsome fellow with you? Is that your boyfriend?”
“Grandpa, that’s not my boyfriend. That’s Daddy.”
Ty’s face was a mask of confusion.
“Have you graduated college yet?”
“Grandpa, I’m not going to college. I’m only five.”
“Of course you are,” Ty said. “Well, hold out your hand, Missy. I have a present for you.”
Isabella held out her small hand, palm up.
Ty pressed a dollar into it.
“A whole dollar!” Isabella shouted. “Thank you, Grandpa.”
“Princess, why don’t you go over to that table in the corner and color a picture for Grandpa while we talk,” Tack said.
“It’s Queen Isabella.”
“Sorry, but you’ll always be my Princess.”
Isabella took her coloring book and crayons and sat down at the table to draw.
Tack pulled his chair closer to his father.
“You’re the one who pilots my boat, aren’t you?”
“Yes,” said Tack. “I’m your son, Tack, remember?”
Tack was met with a blank stare. He didn’t care if his dad recognized him. As long as he asked about the boat, Tack was going to keep taking her out.
“Spot any whales today?”
“It was a great day for the whales, Pop. And it was all because of this girl. Her name is Abigail. Abigail Longley.” Ty tilted his head as if in recognition. “You remember the Longleys from town, don’t you, Pop?”
Ty Garrity closed his eyes.
“Pop, don’t fall asleep. I want to tell you about the whales and the girl.”
Ty opened his eyes when he heard his son’s voice. “Tack!”
“That’s right, it’s me, Pop.” Tack hugged his father. This was huge. His father had recognized him. This period of lucidity would be brief, so he needed to talk fast if he wanted his father to listen to him. He wanted to get his dad’s advice.
“We saw dozens of whales. They were surrounding the boat. Yesterday there were none. And the difference was the girl, Abigail. You should see her, Pop. She is, hands down, the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. Her hair is something else—it’s like spun gold, and it just falls around her face like she’s a goddess. I’m not kidding, Pop. She has the face of an angel, like that painting in the Uffizi gallery in Florence—The Birth of Venus. At first I thought she was a vision, something I had dreamed. But she was real. I touched her. I even kissed her. I’m going to marry her, Pop. Damned if I’m not.”
“She’s a real looker, like your mother?”
“That’s right. Just like that. I’m going to see her again tonight, Pop, because I can’t stay away. I only hope I don’t go and ruin it by coming on too strong. I hardly know how to act around her. I know we just met, but I feel like she’s mine already. I want her to be mine. And you should see how Isabella reacts to her. She’s really taken to Isabella. I think she’s the one, Pop. I feel it in my heart.”
“That’s the way it was with me and your mother. I knew she was the one from the second I laid eyes on her. It was like a lightning bolt striking my heart. But you can’t get ahead of yourself, son. You’ve got to let them catch up, wait until they understand how deep your feelings run. Steer the boat slowly. Be gentle. Don’t scare her off. Don’t scare off the whales.”
“That’s good advice, Pop.” Tack wiped away a tear with the back of his hand.
Ty’s eyes glazed over, and he stared straight ahead until they settled on Tack.
“Say, you’re the one who pilots my boat, aren’t you? Spot any whales today?”
Tack’s spirit deflated. “I sure did. I sure did. It was a good day. Isabella, how’s that picture coming? Are you ready to come on over and say goodbye to Grandpa?”
“Sure, Daddy. It’s just done.” Isabella waltzed over and handed Ty a drawing. “I made a picture for you, Grandpa. It’s a picture of you in your boat next to the biggest whale ever. Did you know I’m going to marry the Prince of Whales?”
Ty let out a laugh you could hear down the hall.
“That’s my Princess.”
Chapter Seven
Abby walked through the new gallery space. “Natalie, this is amazing. You’ve transformed this place.”
“Well, Aidan and his people did all the hard work.”
Aidan smiled and gazed at Natalie. “I couldn’t have done it without her.”
“Aidan, you really outdid yourself,” Abby said. “I love these light wood floors, and the natural pond, and the sculpture garden. I can’t wait to get the paintings up. The color on the walls is so elegant; it’s Palladian Blue, isn’t it? It’s the perfect shade. And the windows—oh, the light, both natural and artificial. The effect of the glass and stone, the marble and wood surfaces with the track lighting—it just sparkles. It’s everything I envisioned. The beautiful arches throughout the space were an inspired touch. And you’ve managed to remain true to the original standards of Longley House.”
“My grandfather built Longley House,” Aidan reminded her. “She’s an historic treasure.”
Before adding the gallery, Abby had always thought of the house as a mausoleum, a lonely old fossil that would be better shuttered. Now, people in town could visit the gallery at the mansion and enjoy the beauty of art from around the world.
“Let my crew clear away their tools and vacuum up the sawdust, and then we can complete painting the wainscoting and the rest of the wall panels in the next room. After that, we start hanging
the paintings, covering the floors with the oriental carpets, and placing the antique furniture and Chinese porcelain vases. I like your idea of placing couches and chairs in each room so people can relax while they’re looking at the paintings.”
Aidan led Abby and Natalie toward the back entrance of the gallery. “Let me show you the limestone floors leading out into the garden. I placed some concrete benches by the water so patrons could enjoy a view of Martin Lighthouse with some ocean beyond.”
Abby clapped. “This is fabulous! I can’t wait until the opening. I’ve gone over the menu with Chef, and we’ll decide on a caterer in the next day or two. Victoria is ready to send out the invitations, and we’ve received the stock for the gift shop. Aidan, how is the Maple Avenue storefront coming?”
“Why don’t you come on down and check it out for yourself,” he offered. “It’s sort of a mini version of the gallery here. Light wood floors, same paint colors. A nice selection of paintings, representing only a fraction of what we offer here at Longley House. It will give visitors a bird’s-eye view of the main gallery. What we have on Maple Avenue is really a microcosm of the artwork here at Longley House. And with the addition of the Longley collection, we almost have a mini-museum. It’s an exciting concept.”
“I can’t believe the progress you’ve made here. I will be down to see the Maple Avenue shop later this afternoon. Aidan, you have my eternal gratitude.”
Aidan looked adoringly at Natalie. “Natalie was my inspiration.”
Oh, brother! The hormones in the room are as thick as the layers of sawdust. “Have you seen Victoria?”
Natalie wrinkled her nose. “Yes, she’s waiting for you in the study with that pompous Englishman, Joshua Waterbury.”
“Where’s our prize painting?”
“On an easel, covered with a drop cloth, just like you asked.”
“I can’t say I’m looking forward to this encounter. The man sounds like a rude boor.” Abby grimaced.
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