The Best Things in Life

by Kate Sweeney

  “I understand. I think,” Cara said helplessly.

  “Thank you. Mom, send Jean to the dock when she gets here.”

  “Who’s Jean? Please tell me she’s human.”

  Betty laughed again. “Jean is the vet.”

  “But she doesn’t have a plane?” Cara asked cautiously.

  “No. Only Morgan. That’s her job here. I told you she was a pilot. Wait, I just had a brilliant idea.”

  “No, no,” Cara said quickly.

  “Not now, Mom.”

  “Cara, go with Morgan.”

  “What?” Cara felt things slipping away.

  “Mom, I don’t have time for this.”

  “Go with her. You can see how important this is.”

  “Um…” Cara had no idea what to say.

  “Oh, go!” Betty pushed her along. “I’ll send Jean to the pier.”

  When Cara grabbed her purse, both women looked from her to her purse. “What?”

  Morgan gently took the leather purse. “You won’t need this. Trust me.”

  “But…”

  Morgan took her by the elbow. “You’ll be fine. Mom won’t steal anything. Mom, assure Cara.”

  Betty placed her hand over her heart. “I promise. Tell Fred I said congratulations. Name the calf after Cara. Wouldn’t that be nice?”

  Dumbfounded, Cara nodded obediently.

  “Wonderful. Now off you go.”

  Cara just followed Morgan out the door. She continued to follow her down a path through the woods, stumbling as she tried to keep up. The shoes were not helping. At least there was no mud—so far. As she looked up, she was amazed at the size of the lake. It was even more beautiful close up. It was then she noticed the long pier and at the end of that pier, one of those seaplanes with the pontoons. Another pier had a speedboat and a rowboat.

  She followed Morgan in silence to the plane.

  Morgan opened the back door of the plane. “In you go.”

  “Why don’t we take the boat?”

  “It’ll take too long.”

  “Um…”

  “I don’t have time. Just get in and buckle up, please.”

  “O-okay. Don’t push.” Cara started to climb in, cursing her high-heeled shoes, but grateful she wore slacks.

  And as luck would have it, she got a heel stuck between the planking of the pier.

  “Good grief.” Morgan laughed. “Allow me.”

  Completely embarrassed, Cara allowed Morgan to free her shoe; she couldn’t deny the tingling sensation when she felt Morgan’s warm hands on her ankle.

  “Like getting a moose out of a trap. There you go.”

  “Thank you,” she said dryly.

  Morgan hid her grin. “No offense meant. We just have a lot a moose here. It’s…”

  “The boundary waters, I know.” Cara gritted her teeth and got into the small confines of the plane.

  “Buckle up, please. And for the record, you are no moose.”

  “Aw, you sweet talker.”

  When she heard the shrill whistle, they both looked back. A woman with fiery red hair waved, then ran down the pier.

  “Right on time. Good old Jean. Okay, sit tight, we’ll be airborne before you can say Kabetogama.”

  As Morgan closed the door, Cara noticed Morgan wince and lean over slightly.

  “Fine, she’ll collapse in midair.” She saw Jean, with backpack in hand, run up to Morgan, who took the pack from her.

  She was attractive in a rustic sort of way.

  “What’s with all the flannel?” Cara whispered.

  Jean opened the door and grinned. “Well, hello. Who are you?”

  “I have no idea anymore.”

  Jean laughed and got in. “Jean Savard, veterinarian.”

  “Cara Pembroke, reporter.”

  “Reporter?” Jean asked, buckling up. “Oh, yes, yes. Betty told me. I can see by the deer-in-the-headlights look, you’ve met Morgan’s mother. Oh, dear. This is interrupting your reporting?”

  “Yes. But a cow is more important, so I’m told,” Cara said absently.

  She watched Morgan, who untied the plane from the dock, then pushed it away. She stood on the pontoon, shimmying her way to the door. She got in and quickly slammed the door, then scooted over to her seat. Cara couldn’t be sure, but she saw the thin line of pain from the corners of her mouth. Without a word, she started the plane, which was unbelievably noisy. She put on a set of earphones and talked to whomever. Cara couldn’t hear a thing.

  “Very noisy, eh?” Jean yelled.

  Cara only nodded.

  In a minute or two, the plane drifted away from the dock, and all the sudden, the plane moved over the water, slow at first, then gained speed. Cara looked out the window in amazement. It was exhilarating once they got airborne. The engine wasn’t so noisy then. Cara didn’t pay attention to the noise level, she was too busy taking in the magnificent view.

  Usually, when she flew, she got a view of cities, then nothing but clouds. Here, closer to the ground, it was amazing. It was early autumn, and the colors were just starting to change. Words to describe it failed her, but the array of muted orange and red mingling with the deep green of the pine trees was breathtaking.

  They weren’t in the air more than fifteen minutes when Morgan descended and landed the plane on the lake. Cara gripped the armrest, watching the spray wash by as Morgan slowed and taxied to a long pier. A man standing at the end waved.

  As the seaplane taxied like on a runway, Morgan cut the engine and steered it to the pier. Cara was amazed; she just watched as Morgan got out of the plane and stepped onto the dock, taking the rope to tie the plane to the pier.

  “First time?” Jean asked.

  “Yes. That was remarkable that she does that by herself.”

  “It’s her job. She’s been flying a plane since she was fourteen. Illegally, but up here in the wilderness, well, you can understand.”

  Morgan opened the door, holding out her hand. Cara took it and thankfully got out of the plane and on the dock without falling or further embarrassing herself.

  “That was exhilarating,” Cara said.

  “You liked it?” Morgan watched her for a moment. “Good for you.”

  “Thanks,” Cara said, catching her breath.

  “No worries. Jean, it’s all yours.”

  Jean followed, and Morgan grabbed her backpack from the storage section. Jean grabbed it and ran with Fred up the pier.

  “Morg,” Fred called over his shoulder. “Make yourself at home. There’s coffee ready.”

  “All we can do is wait now.”

  “No cigars?”

  Morgan laughed, then winced, holding her side.

  “What actually happened to you?”

  “How about a cup of coffee, then I’ll tell you everything.”

  Fred lived in a lovely log home. Two levels, beautifully landscaped. A speedboat and a pontoon boat were docked along the beach.

  “What does Fred do?” Cara asked as they walked in the back door.

  “He was a lawyer, moved to Minneapolis to practice, but he was born and raised here. So, he’d had enough of the city and now practices once in a while. He started farming about ten years ago. Coffee?”

  “Sure, thanks.” Cara sat at the kitchen table. “This is a beautiful home.”

  “That’s Anne. She loves to decorate.” Morgan put a mug of coffee in front of her and sat.

  Cara noticed Morgan grimace again. “So, you were going to tell me what happened.”

  “Oh, right. Besides delivering the mail and groceries around the lake, I’m also a guide, and I hire out for the fishing resorts, you know, to take their customers back and forth. Well, those two women were canoeing near the boundary waters, and after setting up camp, they hiked too far into the woods, got themselves all turned around. I was in the area when I got the call from the rangers. So, I flew out to where they were and found them. One woman had fallen down a steep rocky hill. I got to her. She was more scared
than hurt, but on the way up, she slipped again, and I grabbed for her but fell hard against a jagged rock. Broke a rib, had about twenty stitches. But I held on to her till the ranger got there.” Morgan shrugged and drank her coffee. “My mother made it out to be more than it was. I’m sure your mayor might be misled.”

  “Not to belittle your rescue, but it’s an election year. He’s enjoying the attention.”

  Morgan laughed then. “I see.”

  “You’re a good sport for going along with this and going all the way to Chicago. I can tell you’re not too thrilled.”

  “That was not my idea.”

  “Your mother?”

  “Yep. She likes to baby me at times. So, what am I expected to do when this long weekend happens?”

  “I’m not sure. I’m just supposed to get you to the mayor, and someone from his staff will take it from there. I’m sure the media will want an interview, and of course the mayor will be there, and the owner of the Sentinel will also be there if you need anything.”

  Morgan nodded. “Seems kind of silly, don’t you think?”

  “Honestly? Yes, I do.” Cara watched Morgan drink her coffee. “You know, you’re under no obligation to do this.”

  “Oh, I know. But I said I would. I wish my folks would go. They haven’t been on a vacation in years.” Morgan shrugged. “So, what’s your life’s story?”

  “My life?” Cara thought for a moment. She didn’t really talk about herself. It occurred to her that Kim rarely asked anything like this. “Average, I suppose. Born and raised in Chicago. Studied journalism at the same college my father attended. Got my degree and worked in Milwaukee on the paper there, and in Philadelphia, got a good deal of experience at both. Then I came back here when I was offered this job at the Sentinel. It’s not as big as the Sun-Times or the Tribune, but I like it.”

  “It suits you?”

  “Yes, it does. It’s more of a political paper, but we deal with anything that goes on day to day and more about people. We’re not owned by any big corporation, so there’s no agenda.”

  “Good for you.” Morgan drank her coffee. “Sorry to put a crimp in the plans.”

  “That’s the blessing of this. There is no plan. This is normal life for you, that’s what I want to see. But I should check in.” She glanced at the clock on the wall before dialing the office.

  “Hey, how’s it going?”

  It irritated her that Linda sounded as if she was eating. Probably from their favorite taco truck. Damn her.

  “Fine, fine. We’re just having coffee. Oh, and by the way, Morgan Gavin is a woman.”

  Morgan laughed while drinking her coffee.

  “What?” Linda asked. “You’re not kidding?”

  “Why would I kid about that?”

  “Is she attractive?”

  Cara glanced at Morgan.

  “She’s sitting there, isn’t she?”

  “That’s right. Yes.”

  “Yes, she’s there or yes she’s attractive?”

  “Anyway, we’re at Fred’s.”

  “Who the hell is Fred? What happened?”

  “Daisy is having a calf.” She grinned when there was no response.

  Morgan stood. “I’ll see how it’s going.” She took her coffee and walked out. Cara waited until she saw Morgan walking toward the barn.

  She let out a deep groan. “I hate your guts.”

  Linda laughed then. “Hold on, I’m still processing the Daisy thing.”

  “I’m in the middle of the wilderness on an incredibly large lake. I’ve been in a seaplane, Morgan Gavin is some sort of a bush pilot or something. Fred’s prize cow is giving birth as we speak. And it’s not even noon.”

  Linda laughed again. “Take a deep breath. I take it she’s no longer sitting there.”

  “No. She just went out to the barn to see if she can move along the birth.”

  Linda laughed again. “Sorry. What hotel did you check into?”

  “I haven’t had time. Ya know, cows…?”

  Linda continued to laugh, which was starting to get very annoying. “Well, you stay wherever you like.”

  “I haven’t even seen a Starbucks.”

  “There has to be something close by.”

  “I hate you.”

  “You said that. Now don’t be a bore to our guest. The mayor is counting on you. And I won’t count another day against your vacation.”

  “That’s not funny. Goodbye.”

  “Bye, kiddo. Write well.”

  “Write well.” Cara was suddenly exhausted. “I might as well see the baby.”

  The barn wasn’t hard to find, it was right across from the house. She took a sniff. “Yep. That’s a barn.”

  She walked in cautiously and saw Morgan talking with Fred. Jean must have been in one of the stalls. Cara was about to make a joke about the newborn calf being slapped on the bottom, but she didn’t know how the boundary people would take it.

  Morgan turned around, then walked over to her. “I’m sorry I left you alone.”

  Cara heard the sincerity in her voice. “That’s all right. How’s it going?”

  “Jean says not too much longer.”

  Fred joined them. He stuck out his hand. “Fred Danley. Sorry for the inconvenience, Morgan told me.”

  “Cara Pembroke. Don’t worry. I hope everything goes well.”

  “Oh, I think it will. It was scary for a few minutes, but Jean’s a great vet. So Daisy’s in good hands.”

  Cara laughed. “Lucky cow.”

  Fred and Morgan laughed along, then all three just stood there.

  Did I just say lucky cow?

  Chapter 4

  Daisy delivered a slimy but healthy calf. Everyone was happy—Cara was starving. It seemed to Cara the process took forever. And it did. It was nearly three in the afternoon when the baby mooing started. But it went smoothly. Morgan got them back safe and sound. It still amazed Cara how Morgan not only landed a plane on water, but also docked it by herself without falling in the lake. Jean was in a hurry; she grabbed her backpack and ran to her very own large SUV and was gone.

  Betty met them at the back door. “How did it go? You were there a long time.”

  “You can’t rush nature,” Morgan said.

  “Oh, I wish I’d have said that,” Betty said sadly.

  Cara had to laugh at that; she liked Betty Gavin. She seemed smart, definitely funny, and she adored her daughter. One could see that right off.

  “The calf is healthy. Fred is happy. I’m sure Daisy is tired. So, all’s well,” Morgan said. “Cara, I’m so sorry, I didn’t think we’d be there that long. It’s nearly five. You must be starving.”

  “You didn’t feed her?” Betty shook her head.

  Morgan blushed to her forehead. “I—”

  “I’m fine,” Cara assured her. “But what I really need is to find a hotel. So if you could let me know where the nearest one might be.”

  “Nonsense. You’re staying here,” Betty said.

  “Mom, maybe Miss, uh, Cara would like a nice hotel room.”

  “And if we had one, it would be wonderful. The closest nice hotel room is thirty minutes away, and all the resorts on the lake are booked.” Betty looked at both. “Morgan has an extra room, and I made sure it had fresh sheets.”

  “When did you do that?” Morgan asked, avoiding Cara.

  “While you were at Fred’s. Oh, by the way, I have your pain meds.”

  Morgan let out a deep groan and sat at the kitchen table. “I give up. I’m sorry, Cara. It never occurred to me where you would stay. Of course, you’re welcome to stay here.”

  “And it’s perfect. If you want to know how Morgan lives, how can you do that from a hotel room?”

  “There’s nothing close?” Cara asked weakly.

  Morgan rubbed her face. “I understand your apprehension, but you’d have to rent a car and stay near International Falls.”

  “Then drive back and forth each night? That’s just plain
silly. I won’t hear of it.”

  Morgan looked exhausted; she stared at her mother, then looked at Cara. “She won’t hear of it. Please don’t make her talk anymore.”

  Cara laughed. “All right. It would be a waste of time to drive back and forth every day. If you’re sure it’s not too much trouble.”

  “Not at all. Clean sheets.” Morgan stood with a groan.

  “There! It’s all set.”

  “Don’t push it, Mom.” Morgan opened the fridge. “Cara, would you like a beer? I’m having one. My mother drives me to drink.”

  Betty laughed. “I do not.”

  Morgan ignored her. “Cara?”

  “Sure, thanks.”

  Morgan handed her a bottle. Cara took a drink of the hoppy lager. She really needed to eat something soon.

  “Since you’re not offering me a beer, I’ll be going,” Betty said, pulling on her coat.

  “Please, don’t leave on my account,” Cara said.

  “Oh, I’m not, dear. I have a few errands to run. And my husband is probably staring into the fridge waiting for something to jump out already cooked. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “Oh, my luggage,” Cara said.

  “It’s in your room,” Betty said with a wink.

  Morgan sipped her beer, glaring at her mother.

  Cara was shocked when Betty pulled her into a hug, but in the next instant, she melted into her warm, motherly affection.

  “Morgan, behave yourself. I hope you remember how to react to company.” She pulled Morgan down, kissing her forehead. “Play nice.”

  Then she was gone.

  Cara stood in the kitchen, not knowing what to do. Apparently, Morgan had no such problem.

  “I’m sorry.” Morgan laughed then. “I should make a recording of that. You must be hungry. Do you like beef stew?”

  “Stew. Uh, sure. I haven’t had it in ages.” Cara took a drink of the heavy beer. She felt a little light-headed.

  Morgan stood there for a moment, as if sizing her up. “I hope you brought warmer clothes with you. It’s warm lately, but it gets cold at night.”

  “I live in Chicago. It gets cold there, ya know.”

  Morgan grinned. “Didn’t mean to offend.”