His Saving Grace

by Janice Carter

  Grace pressed the side of her face against his chest, his heartbeat pulsing at her temple. She wrapped her arms up and around to his back, and when he tipped her face up to kiss her, she knew she was making another big mistake. But then all thought of anything more than his lips on hers vanished and she let herself sink into the kiss, letting it flood all her senses, until he finally pulled away.

  “Wow.” His laugh sounded a bit shaky. “I’m tempted to suggest closing the store and going somewhere—anywhere—so I can be alone with you.”

  We could, Grace wanted to say but didn’t dare.

  “But I should get back today,” he went on, “and start the ball rolling on my recommendation. I have an idea... I have some days off coming to me—not many, maybe three or four—but I’d love to come back to...well...um, see more of the town and—I’m sounding like a teenager here, aren’t I?”

  Hope soared. “Go on.”

  “You’re not letting me off the hook, are you?” He shook his head in mock resignation, his eyes shining. “I really want to be with you—and that could be anywhere, really—to get to know all about you.”

  “That sounds good to me.” Though it didn’t really. She didn’t want him to know all about her.

  Their eyes locked for a long moment and as Grace was thinking another kiss might happen, Felix gave a loud, plaintive meow. “Okay, Felix, we get the message.” She bent down to unlock the cage and scoop up the cat.

  “Right.” Drew sounded disappointed. “And just to clarify, I’m recommending a sale rather than a teardown and will organize the structural inspection, okay? It might take some time.”

  Too overwhelmed to speak, Grace could only nod.

  “I’ll contact you about coming back. Maybe toward the end of the week? Does that sound good?”

  “Anytime. Soon, I hope.” She watched him head to the door, glad that she was holding a cat and unable to run after him for one more hug or kiss. The bell sounded as he left. She stared at the closed door as if expecting him to change his mind about leaving and come back to her. But he didn’t. She let out a long sigh. “All right, it’s just you and me now, Felix. Although you’re going upstairs and I’m staying here until lunch. And Dad.”

  * * *

  GRACE CALLED OUT a “hello” as she opened the door of her parents’ home and headed to the kitchen. Her mother was putting the finishing touches to a salad at the island counter and looked up when she walked into the room.

  “Just in time, dear. Lunch is ready so why don’t we sit at the table?” Her mother pointed to the bistro set by the opened sliding doors. “Or we could sit out on the terrace.”

  “Too sunny for me,” Charles complained as he sat down at the table.

  “That’s fine. Grace, will you get glasses and the pitcher of iced tea from the fridge.”

  During lunch, Grace focused on the salad and her mother’s butter biscuits but felt the tension rising inside. When her father mentioned a desire to get back to work, she jumped at the chance to forestall the planned discussion. “Has your doctor okayed that, Dad?” She caught her mother’s head shake but ignored it.

  “I’m sure he will. I’m feeling better than ever. There’s a town planning meeting coming up at the end of the summer and I hope to attend.”

  “What’s the meeting about and why do you want to be there?”

  “Budgets for the coming year.” He glanced quickly at Evelyn. “Our plans aren’t finalized yet but there’s more land up by the highway available for expansion.”

  “Charles, you know very well Ben wants the company to assess the risks involved.”

  The unexpected tension in the room interested Grace, who worried her father’s sour expression at this unexpected reprimand from her mother might jeopardize her plea for the lighthouse.

  “Why don’t we have our talk over tea in the den?” her mother suggested and got up to clear the table.

  “So, about my lighthouse memorial idea,” Grace began once they were settled in the den. “Drew thinks whatever problems the lighthouse has could possibly be fixed.” Well, he hadn’t said that, but Grace felt certain that he would once the inspection was completed.

  “That isn’t the issue though, is it?” Charles asked.

  “I’m not sure what you mean.”

  “The point isn’t whether the thing can be fixed, it’s whether it ought to be a memorial.”

  “Surely that’s something the town could decide,” Evelyn said. “With input from Brandon’s family, of course.”

  “That’s what I’m trying to point out,” Charles exclaimed.

  “No need to get testy, dear. Grace is going to speak to Jane and Suzanna, aren’t you?”

  “Of course. And frankly I don’t see a problem. Why wouldn’t they want a permanent reminder of Brandon, rather than that makeshift one someone’s established.”

  “Whoever could that person be, making that shrine?” her mother unexpectedly asked.

  “Suzanna?” Grace suggested.

  “I got the impression she didn’t like going out there.”

  “There’s something else to consider,” Charles interjected. “What about the cost of buying the thing? Why the heck would the town want to buy an old run-down lighthouse?”

  “We could have a fundraising campaign. Maybe the town council would match what we raise, or at least contribute. I could go to that budget planning meeting, too.”

  Charles frowned. “I’ve heard rumblings that money is tight. I doubt the town would have enough for something like a memorial as well as paying infrastructure costs for our proposed subdivision expansion.”

  Grace’s hope for an easy resolution sank. Her father’s stubborn streak was a family legend. She was about to get up and leave when he said with a loud and heavy sigh, “Well, go ahead and do what you want, Gracie. You will anyway.”

  Her jaw dropped. She glanced at her mother, who gave a quick shrug. Grace wasn’t about to question that remark. “Thanks, Dad, I appreciate your support.”

  But his comment about buying the lighthouse was on Grace’s mind after her return to the bookstore. The information about the town’s budget meeting took the whole issue to another level. Drew had mentioned the inspection process could take a while. She didn’t know when the budget meeting was happening, but she ought to have fundraising ideas in place well in advance. Then she got an idea.

  * * *

  “NICE WEEKEND?”

  Drew was surprised to see Ensign McNaught at his desk on the other side of the office early Tuesday morning. He set his takeout coffee cup on his own desk and said, “Yes, thanks. You’re in early.”

  “Yeah, thought I’d finish off some stuff I didn’t get around to on Friday.”

  Drew was tempted to ask, “You mean when you left work midafternoon?” but restrained himself. If he got the promotion to take over the office for good, he’d need cooperation from McNaught.

  “And here’s that complete list of towers and stations in the state that you asked for,” McNaught said, crossing the room with a file folder.

  Another surprise. Drew had asked for it almost two weeks ago, when he was still on the road surveying the lighthouses. “Great. Thanks.”

  “Let me know if it’s okay. Right now, I’m working on something for Jim.”

  “Yeah?” Drew sank onto his swivel chair.

  “An up-to-date inventory of lighthouses that’ve been decommissioned and what happened to them.”

  Drew straightened up. That seemed to be something he ought to have been told about or even doing himself. He felt a combination of annoyance and confusion, which got him knocking on his boss’s door seconds later.

  “It’s basically a make-work project,” Jim explained at Drew’s concerns. “McNaught has applied for a promotion out of lighthouse maintenance and into Human Resources.”

  “What?” />
  Jim sighed. “I know. Between us, I don’t get it. Anyway, I need to assess him and so I dreamed up this task over the weekend. Didn’t think you’d mind.”

  “No, guess not. I was just taken aback.”

  “While you’re here, I’ve been thinking over what we talked about Friday. That tower in...what’s the name of the place again?”

  “Lighthouse Cove.” Drew had a bad feeling about where this was going.

  “Right. Whatever. Anyway, I don’t see the point in spending some of my budget on a structural assessment. Money’s tight and about to get tighter from what I hear. You’ve said it would take a lot to get the tower up and running even if it passed. Also, the proposal to sell hasn’t even been discussed by town officials. Am I right?”

  Drew nodded, wishing his report had been far less detailed.

  “What I’m thinking is, let’s go ahead with the original plan to decommission and tear it down.”

  “But—”

  Jim held up a hand. “My decision’s made. I’m also expecting your performance review for McNaught by the end of the week, please.” He turned his attention to the computer on his desk and Drew knew he was dismissed.

  He stood in the hall a few minutes longer, his brain swirling with all kinds of unhappy thoughts and one in particular. Grace. Then he headed downstairs to Human Resources.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  “GRACE?”

  Ben looked up from the notes he was writing, surprise in his face. Grace scanned the small construction site office comprised of four desks, four chairs, a sink, microwave and what looked like a bar fridge along with a filing cabinet and cork bulletin board covering one whole wall. Of course, the company had a proper headquarters in Portland, but this was where her brother and other personnel hung out when they were “on the job” as her father would say. Since the town’s first and only subdivision was still growing, Grace guessed the site might become a permanent fixture.

  “Figured you’d still be here,” she said. It was almost six and she’d come right after closing the store and feeding Felix, hoping she’d find Ben alone.

  He pushed his chair away from the desk. “Have a seat and tell me what finally brings you to my home away from home.”

  “Hmm,” she said, giving the room another once-over. “A bit cramped and definitely not as pretty as your actual home.”

  He snorted. “Yeah, but at least it’s all mine. For now, anyway.”

  “You could always find your own place in town, you know. Move out.”

  “I could, but then I’d be making a statement.”

  “How so?”

  “That I’m here to stay.”

  So, he’s grappling with the same dilemma that I am. Leaving the Cove after a year or staying. “Yeah, I get it.”

  “Would you go back to Augusta?” he asked. “Especially now?”

  “What do you mean by especially now?”

  He shrugged. “You seemed pretty cozy with Drew Spencer last night.”

  “Cozy?”

  “I got the impression you were a bit more than just friends but hey, I’m only your brother. What do I know?”

  Grace knew her face was red. Her adult brother was a lot more insightful than his teen version had been. But she wasn’t here to discuss her love life or even her imagined one.

  “I have a favor to ask.”

  “Uh-huh?”

  “You know my plan to restore the lighthouse as a memorial for Brandon?”

  Ben’s face darkened. “Not that again. I thought you were supposed to pass it by his family. And Dad.”

  “I talked to Dad today. He said if Aunt Jane and Suzanna agreed, he was okay with it.”

  “Dad said that?” Ben tossed the pen in his hand onto his desk. “I don’t believe it. Is this Gracie interpreting events for her own purpose?”

  “Cut it out, Ben. I’m not a kid anymore so stop treating me like one.”

  Another flash of surprise that was followed quickly by pursed lips. “Okay. Sorry. I deserve that.” He rubbed a hand across his eyes and yawned. “It’s been a long day but that’s no excuse. I don’t know why, but for some reason coming back home has catapulted me right back to those days when I was an actual teen.”

  “Yeah, I’m finding the same thing. I think it’s hard for Mom and Dad, too. I bet they’re having some difficulty looking at us as adults, especially since we’ve lived away from home for so many years.”

  Ben grinned. “When did you get so smart, little sister?”

  Grace waved a hand. “Don’t change the subject. If Dad and everyone else agrees, what’s your objection?”

  He took so long to reply she wondered if she’d touched on a sensitive subject. Though she had no idea why that would be. How could it matter to him?

  Finally, he said in a low voice, “I suppose it’s because those days after Brandon died were so hard and painful. And not just for our families. For other people, too.”

  Grace knew he was referring to Ella, who’d left the Cove a day after being questioned by police about the note Ben had passed on to them. She had never returned. It was a very sensitive topic for both of them and one she’d have to carefully tiptoe around. But she hadn’t come here to discuss that night.

  “That’s why I think a proper memorial would give Brandon a presence in town. Something more than a bad memory. Did you know that some people consider the lighthouse haunted?”

  “That doesn’t surprise me. I guess it kind of is for his family. Though I don’t understand why it should be for others.” He stared blankly ahead, as if he were in another place and another time.

  “Back to the lighthouse,” Grace prompted.

  The expression he shot at her was startled. Grace gave him a few seconds to get his mind back to the present. “If the rest of the family is on board—” she mentally crossed her fingers at that “—then all we have to do is get a structural inspection. Drew said that could take some time with the Coast Guard but—”

  “That’s the favor.”

  “Yes. I’m sure there’s someone in the company who’d qualify to do that.”

  His nod was encouraging, and she quickly added, “As soon as possible?”

  “Grace...”

  “Stop rolling your eyes. Yes or no?”

  “Okay, okay. There is someone, an engineer who also happens to be interested in lighthouses.”

  “Great!”

  “When does this have to be done?”

  “Like right away?”

  Ben shook his head. “I don’t know why, but suddenly I’m getting the feeling I really am back in the past. My little sister wrapping me around her finger again.”

  “You’re not. This is the adult me, big brother. Get used to it.” She stood, grinning. “Let me know when,” she said, giving him a small wave as she walked to the door.

  * * *

  SHE WASN’T EXPECTING Drew to call, but the sound of his voice reminded her of Ben’s remark. Yes, you’re right, Ben. He is more than a friend.

  “Hi,” she said, hoping she didn’t sound as giddy as she felt. “How was your trip back?”

  “Oh fine. How’s Felix adjusting to being in his old home again?”

  “Nonchalantly. He aimed right for the spot in the kitchen where Henry used to put his food dish.”

  “Nice to be a cat, oblivious to change.”

  “As long as food and water are provided.”

  “For sure. And speaking of Henry, have you heard from him since his doctor appointment?”

  “No, but he’ll be seeing me tomorrow when he comes to pick up Felix.”

  “Right. Well, say hi for me.”

  “For sure.” This is almost as awkward as a high school phone call, Grace was thinking. “By the way, I spoke to my father and he’s okay with the memorial project. Thought I’
d call my aunt tonight and talk to her first before I approach Suzanna.”

  “Ah...uh...well that sounds like a good idea.” After a long pause, he said, “Um, I’ve taken a couple of days—Friday and Monday—to make a longer weekend and thought I’d pay you a visit.”

  Pay me a visit? Was I one of his aunties? She stifled a sigh. “That’s great. Will you stay with Henry again? I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.”

  “I don’t like to impose. I was thinking the hotel or maybe that motel up by the highway, closer to Portland.”

  “Sure, but—hey, why not stay at my place?” There was another long pause. Had she been too presumptuous? Misreading the cues?

  “Oh well, that’s a wonderful thought but—”

  “I wouldn’t be here. I mean, I can stay at my parents’ for the weekend.”

  “That seems to be a lot of trouble for everyone.”

  “Are you kidding? They’d love to have me around.” Well, Mom would anyway.

  Another pause.

  “It would be fine, Drew. Seriously.”

  “Okay, then. Thanks. I’m thinking of arriving midmorning on Friday.”

  “I’m having a guest author come to speak at the bookstore about ten. Why don’t you come and hear him? I think you’d be interested. He’s Henry’s age and has lived in the Cove his whole life. Has lots to talk about.”

  “Great. All right, I’ll see you then.”

  She thought he was about to hang up when he suddenly asked, “Anything else new there?”

  “Um, not really. Same old.” Her slight laugh sounded very nervous.

  “Okay, see you soon. I...um... I’ve been thinking about you,” he said just before he hung up.

  The call had felt stilted. Grace knew the information she’d been trying to keep from him, but what was his excuse? Whatever it was, she phoned Aunt Jane immediately after.

  When the small talk had finished, Grace broached the subject. “The other reason I’m calling is that I’ve been thinking of establishing a memorial for Brandon.”

  “Oh?”

  Grace cleared her throat. This was something she couldn’t hedge around. “At the old lighthouse.”