Page 16 of Harbor Lights

“Joey’s right.” Tierney moved to the stairs. “Let’s just eat upstairs.”

Shiv found herself moving along with the stream of adults and children up the back stairs, presumably to Tierney and Kasia’s living quarters.

Joey followed close behind, having scooped up Denny. “When we’ve eaten, I’ll run you and your packages back up to the cabin, okay?”

Shiv nodded. “Thanks.” It felt easier to surrender to this tide of companionship, kindness, and belonging than to try and break free. At this moment, it felt as though she was part of the family, not an outsider who’d been kept a secret her whole life. She’d enjoy it while it lasted, but she knew better than to expect too much from family.

The room she entered was large and light-filled from the floor to ceiling windows on one side. Tierney waved her to the long table in the center, but Shiv walked over to the window and stared out over the harbor. She hadn’t paid much attention when she arrived, but the natural oval expanse of still water was mesmerizing.

“It’s a beautiful island, isn’t it?”

Tierney turned from strapping Pegeen into her highchair. “It sure is. Especially when the rain isn’t drumming against that window.”

Little Denny joined her at the window. “Boats in the harbor.” He pointed. “Joey gotta boat.”

Shiv smiled, pleased he’d gotten over his shyness. “I know. I’ve been on it. Do you like riding on Joey’s boat?”

“Denny drives sometimes.” He turned his head to Joey. “Don’t I?”

“You do,” Joey said, squatting down to talk to him. “SometimesIdrive.” They indicated themself. “And sometimesyoudrive.” They tapped Denny on the tummy and turned it into a tickle. Denny shrieked and squirmed until Joey lifted him in the air and swung him around to sit at the table.

“We’re encouraging him to use I instead of his name. His speech was a little delayed, so every small milestone is a big win.”

Shiv smiled. “He seems like a smart kid. And before I forget, I didn’t thank you properly for rescuing me last week.”

“No bother at all.” Joey tipped their head toward Shiv’s arm, which was currently covered by a well-worn army shirt. “Has it healed well?”

“Yeah, good as new.” She pushed her sleeve back to show the scabbed-over cuts. “I need to go over to Doc tomorrow to get the stitches out.”

“If you want a lift, I’ll be headed over at one pm.”

“Thanks, that would be perfect.” Another ferry fare saved. Money really was tight when that was her first thought.

Once they’d eaten and Shiv was beginning to feel like it had been a long time since she’d had some peace and quiet, Joey stood.

“How about I leave Denny here for a while and help Shiv with getting those packages to the cottage?”

Kasia carried plates to the sink. “Of course, if Tierney doesn’t mind.” She turned. “When does Marianne get back?”

Joey was wiping Denny’s face and hands. “Wednesday night.” A broad smile broke across their face.

“Mama comin’ home.” Denny’s smile was equally wide.

“She certainly is, shrimp.”

“Marianne’s a superstar chef,” Tierney explained to Shiv. “You may have heard of her.”

Joey reddened. “Shut up, Tierney. She does some TV shows. Mainly in Ireland. You wouldn’t have heard of her in the US.”

Shiv hated when these conversations came up; people could be so weird about her alternative upbringing. “I don’t watch TV.” She scratched at a scab on her arm. “We didn’t have a TV when I was growing up, and I just never got into the habit.”

Tierney glanced her way. “Fair enough. It can be a terrible waste of time. You’ll have to meet Marianne in the flesh then, when she’s back.”

“Yeah, I’m sure I will.” There was nowhere to hide from new acquaintances on this tiny island.

Joey gave Denny a kiss. “See you in a short while, Denny. Come on, Shiv, let’s go.”

“Thanks for everything,” Shiv said to Tierney and Kasia before she followed Joey toward the stairs.

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