“I could put central air in for you right now if you’d let me. You know I’d do that for you.”
“Stop. No. You’re missing the point. I could leave the house to them to vacation in and bring their kids here.”
“That would be incredible.”
“Do you think I should consider it? Moving to Maeve’s?”
“If she wants you to live there, I think it’s very nice. She doesn’t have any other family except her sister, and apparently her sister has no desire to live on Whelk’s Island.”
“Yeah, I guess not. I wouldn’t have to do anything about my house for a while, but maybe if we moved to Maeve’s, I could use this for my herb business after all. I mean, Denali wouldn’t be here.”
“That’s a great idea,” he said. “Let her help you. Let me help you. I understand your desire for independence. I respect that, but don’t cut me out. Please let me be a part of all this too. It’s all I want. Do you believe that?”
“I do.” She looked sincere. “Maeve was talking about paying you to put Methuselah in Paws Town Square for the rest of his life, but I told her if we stayed at her place, we’d take care of him. I think that’d be so much better. That poor old dog can’t half see, but he knows his way around that house.” Her eyebrows shot up. “Sorry. I didn’t think about that taking business from you.”
“It would be best for the dog to stay at the house if he can. I agree. My business is fine. Don’t worry about that.”
“Thanks.”
“How is she getting to Georgia?”
“Her sister, Judy, is sending a car to pick her up. Maeve doesn’t want to fly.”
“Why don’t we take her? I could drive. The kids could come.”
“No, they’d hate a road trip that long. It needs to be a good experience for Maeve. It would be even better if she broke it up into two days. Even I don’t like to sit in a car for more than five hours. I get all jammed up and achy.”
“I could stay with the kids. They’d be fine with me. You go with her in the car, or drive. Whatever you think is best.”
“You’d stay with Jesse and Hailey?”
“You know the answer to that. Of course.”
“That’s a really good idea.” She pulled her hands to her heart. “I want to do that. I could make it something fun and relaxing instead of ominous.” She smiled with excitement, despite the tears threatening to fall. “She always wanted to go to Charleston. She’s never been. We could spend the night in Charleston. She could see those trees with the silvery Spanish moss.” She clapped her hands. “Oh my gosh, it would be like the best girls’ trip ever. Maeve said she’s feeling pretty good, so why not?”
“I don’t see why not. Talk to Maeve. More importantly, talk to Judy. Ask her if she minds if you hijack the transportation plan.”
“Oh yeah. That would be the polite thing to do. Do you think she’d mind?”
“I have no idea. Maybe? I don’t think like a woman, so I wouldn’t dare assume.” He shrugged. “Maeve knows what she’s doing. But she might love the idea of seeing Charleston on the way. Maeve understands grief. Clearly, it’s important to her to soothe her sister’s grief. She has a lifetime’s worth of memories of the ocean and its treasures in her mind. If she doesn’t want to do it, don’t be offended. You have to respect that.”
“I know, but I don’t have to like it.”
27
Maeve, wearing her favorite summer dress, sat in the white chair in the sunroom. Her dress was more like a caftan, really, with fun little tassels along the bottom. The colors made her think of the stained-glass windows in the church where she grew up.
Tug walked in wearing his standard chef coat, unbuttoned part of the way, a plain old T-shirt underneath. He took off his hat as he entered the room. His hair was a mess. He was in need of a haircut.
“Thanks for coming.”
Tug moved slowly, as if he thought she might dart off and run away. He sat in the other chair, his belly protruding forward like a modern-day chef Buddha. “Were you going to tell me?”
“I’ve been working up the courage to tell you for a week.”
“So this is it. No more treatments this time?”
“No. I don’t want to die sick and retching. I don’t feel that bad. I think that’s a much better way to go. Better than feeling horrible from massive amounts of chemicals in my body. Doc’s been good to me through all this.”
“I know. He’s a straight shooter.”
“He’s a good man,” she said softly.
“I’m a good man, too, Maeve. I’d do anything for you. All you had to do was ask.”
She hadn’t meant to make him feel slighted. She sat forward. “I do need your help on something, Tug.”
“Anything, Maeve. You know that.”
“I’m leaving this house to Amanda and the children. I don’t think anyone will try to contest it, but if they do, I need you to make sure folks know I was in my right mind doing it. She’s like the daughter I always wanted, and I know she’s the one who should be here.”
“I’ve seen how you’ve changed since she came along, and her kids adore you. You’re not going to believe this, but I think they like you more than they like me, and you know all kids like me. All they talk about is Maeve and her shells.” Tug mumbled, “Maeve, Maeve, Maeve.”
“Well, don’t hold it against me.”
His belly rose as he laughed. “No one could ever question your state of mind, Maeve. There’s not one loose marble in that head of yours.”
“Thank you.”
“My dearest friend.” He leaned forward, cupping his hands in front of him. “I love you. I’ve always loved you.
