Page 23 of Harbor Lights

“Captain Denny.” He took her hand and dragged her across to the boat.

“Sorry,” Joey called. “You’ve made an impression.”

Shiv inspected the beautifully crafted boat as Denny pointed out the wheel and named all the parts of the boat. She was a little taken aback by his attention, but he was so cute she couldn’t help but engage with him.

“Denny, who have you taken captive now?”

She looked up at the melodious sound and did a double take at the gorgeous woman standing in front of her. Tall, her closely cropped red hair only added to the beauty of her elegant face. She looked too glamorous to be standing on a beach in the middle of nowhere. Even dressed in a paint-splattered sweatshirt and ripped jeans.

“Uh, hi, I’m Shiv. Siobhán.” Somehow this woman deserved her full name. She rubbed her hand on her pants and held it out.

The woman shook her hand with a firm grip. “Ah, the electrician. Thanks for coming over. I’m Marianne, your new best friend’s mum.”

Denny ran to her, and she picked him up and covered him in kisses.

Strong hands landed on Shiv’s shoulders. “Shiv is much more than just an electrician. She’s Tierney’s cousin.” Joey’s tone was gentler when they spoke to Marianne.

“Andmycousin.” Christy wandered over. “How’s the cottage going?”

Joey stepped aside. “Come and see while I show Shiv the jobs that need doing.” They led the way to the smaller of the two cottages and ducked as they entered.

Shiv didn’t have to duck, and she entered a room lit by spotlights hanging from every shelf.

“It’s not the brightest house, so we really need good lighting in here. It was my dad’s place, but he’s in residential care now, so I’m trying to do it up, so my brothers can stay when they visit.”

It was a traditional cottage, similar to the cabin on the cliffs, but the fireplace had been replaced with a big wood-burning stove and the walls looked freshly painted in whites and grays.

“We’ve got a load more work to do, but the lighting is a priority. The kitchen needs wiring up, too.”

They led Shiv into a side room where an electric stove was half unpacked from a box.

“Are these jobs you could do?”

“Yeah, sure. Are you in a rush to get it done?”

Marianne joined them in the kitchen. “Soon would be good. Joey’s been working on the house in their spare moments for over a year, and we really want to get it finished.”

“My brother and his wife are visiting over Christmas, so it would be good to get it done before winter sets in.”

Shiv nodded. “If you get the materials ordered, I’ll do it in the next few weeks.”

“Excellent, thank you.” Marianne gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

She staggered out of the close confines of the kitchen, and Marianne’s presence, to find Christy. He was checking his cellphone. “Oh, I gotta go. There’s a problem with the crane on the ferry. Aoife wants me to take a look.”

Shiv followed him. “I’m done here, can I get a lift back with you?” She could talk to Tierney about the beach Con had mentioned.

“We’ll give you a call when the lights and stuff arrive.” Joey followed them to the truck. “Denny, come and say goodbye.”

Denny raced over on his little legs. “Bye Cwisty, bye Shiv.”

“See you soon, Denny.”

“Shiv come on Queen Maedbh an’ catch yobsters?” He looked up at Joey.

“Sure, if she wants to. You’re welcome along any time.” Joey raised an eyebrow.

“Thanks. I’d love to.”

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