Page 96 of The Oscar Escape
A wicked smirk bloomed on Del’s lips. “This was before the internet. After mending and knitting lobster trap nets, there wasn’t much else to do after the sun went down. A couple had to keep busy—and warm—one way or another.”
“Del!” Etta quipped.
“It’s what happens on this island. You know that.” The lobsterman answered, then kissed Etta’s cheek.
Mrs. Alden blushed like a schoolgirl. “Back to the history lesson. It’s important for Aria and Oscar to understand that Homer and Evangeline’s daughters were gifted and highly intelligent, like their parents.”
“It’s even said that they were sirens,” the judge pointed out.
Aria cocked her head to the side. “Sirens, like the ones that lured sailors to their death?”
The judge shook his head. “They lured them, but not to their death. Isn’t that right, Del?”
“Sure is. A Havenmatch gal brought out the best in her beau.” Del confirmed. “You see, a peculiar thing began happening in the waters off the island after Homer and Evangeline took residence here. Lobster boats were having gangbuster hauls. Homer had always known how to set traps here to take advantage of the area’s bounty. It was one of the reasons he’d chosen this piece of land. One by one, other young lobstermen learned of the secret of the sea, but only after kissing a Havenmatch daughter.”
“A kiss on this island is said to bind two hearts together,” Etta added.
Del squeezed Etta’s hand. “All nineteen Havenmatch daughters married lobstermen. They settled here on the island and raised families that honored the arts and working the sea. After the youngest Havenmatch daughter married, they celebrated by inviting mainlanders to join them for the first Love and Lobsters Festival. And that’s when the tradition started. Evangeline always wanted to make this place an arts and music community. Homer built the schoolhouse to make her dream come true.”
“Over the years,” Georgia said, taking over, “the Havenmatch family grew larger, but not everyone stayed on the island. The world opened up. Women had more of a say in their destinies. And it wasn’t just Havenmatch women who excelled in the arts. Many Havenmatch male descendants were born who chose to study the arts and music. And many daughters chose to work the waters. But as time passed, the population of Havenmatch dwindled. People moved away and started their lives in other cities, other states, other countries. The island’s residents grew older. Years ago, the younger generation took on planning the festival. But that wasn’t happening anymore. Kids grew up, left the island, and didn’t return. The rich and magical history of this place faded.”
“Why do you stay?” Oscar asked.
“I’ve always called this place home. My branch of the family built and maintained the inn,” Etta explained.
“I was a young lobsterman who saw this young lady on the dock working on her art. Like Homer and Evangeline, it was love at first sight,” Del said warmly.
“I left when I was a girl to study music abroad,” Georgia offered up. “My mother stayed here on the island. When she fell ill, I returned with my husband.”
“Why did you stop composing?” Aria pressed. “You were at the height of your career, and then you vanished.”
“I didn’t stop. I merely paused.”
“The reason for that pause would be me,” the judge said, losing the wry edge to his voice. “I had a stroke a few years after Georgia’s mother passed.”
“After I nursed Gibby back to health, I found a new purpose and dedicated myself to the island,” Georgia added.
“But you were famous, and you’d worked so hard for it. There were barely any women conductors, and you were one of them,” Aria pressed.
“That might have been where I was in my career, but it wasn’t who I was—who I am. It took me a long time to not judge myself by others’ expectations.”
Oscar stole a look at Aria. He caught her bottom lip trembling, but she quickly regained control.
“I want to be on the island working with the others to restore this place to what it’s meant to be. A place for artists to sharpen and celebrate their craft. A place that welcomes—”
“Drifters and dreamers,” Aria supplied.
“Yes,” Georgia confirmed softly. “Too much is at stake. We can’t allow some developer to buy this island and erect monstrous condos or slap together a pricy resort. We’re holding on to love and our legacy. And lucky for us, you and Oscar showed up.”
“The island knows, and she always chooses,” Del remarked.
“And that is what makes your arrival so fortunate. It’s been many years since we’ve had Havenmatch newlyweds working on the Love and Lobsters Festival.”
Oscar shared a look with Aria. “But Aria and I aren’t descendants of Homer and Evangeline.”
“No, you certainly aren’t, but we’ve got ways around that,” Etta offered.
“And with that being said, this seems like the right time to head down to Lighthouse Beach,” Georgia said, coming to her feet as Del, Etta, and the judge joined her.
