Page 32 of The Lighthouse on Plum Island
“And ahugefan of you and the Finnster,” Connor admitted.
“Then you’re in luck, kid.” Liam grinned. “Because the Finnster happens to be living in Plum Island again. But don’t tell him I told you when webumpinto him.”
“You’d introduce me?” Connor’s eyes widened a little more with excitement.
“Of course.” Liam nodded and looked at Brad. “How long are you all in town for?”
“Four weeks initially,” Brad told him. “Why do you ask?”
“Because I’m sure Connor would love to meet some of the local kids his age,” Liam said, his grin widening at Connor’s enthusiastic nod. “Most of them surf.”
“Why not bring him to Tucker’s sixteenth party tonight?” Sam suggested.
“I was just about to invite him,” Liam told Sam and looked at Brad for approval. “If your father doesn’t mind you going?”
“If you’re sure it’s okay to crash the party?” Brad said.
“It’s fine.” Liam waved off Brad’s concerns. “All the teens in Plum Island are invited.”
“All of them?” A thought struck Brad.I wonder if that’s the party Caroline’s going to. Her daughter must be invited to it!
“Yeah!” Liam nodded and looked at Connor. “You can go with my daughter and her best friend.”
“Cool!” Connor said, turning to Brad. “Is that okay, Dad?”
“I guess!” Brad nodded. “What time is the party and where is it?”
“It’s right next to the Summer Inn at the Beach Hut on Cobble Beach,” Sam answered for Liam.
“Oh!” Brad’s eyebrows raised up. “That’s convenient.”
“Yeah, the kids love the Beach Hut,” Liam told them. “It’s a shop, restaurant, and hang-out for anyone who goes to the beach.”
“Thank you!” Connor smiled in appreciation.
“No problem.” Liam turned toward the house. “I was told you wanted a tour of the lighthouse.”
“We would love that!” Harriet answered before Brad could. “When I was here this morning to meet Carrie Lines, I must admit how intrigued I was by the lighthouse.”
“You’ve met Caroline?” Liam turned his attention to Harriet, and she nodded.
“Yes, and she seems lovely,” Harriet said.
“Yeah, Caro’s the best.” Liam nodded in agreement. “She and my sister grew up together.”
That information stopped Brad in his tracks as the puzzle pieces fell into place.Gains isn’t Caroline’s last name. It was her friend Jennifer’s.“You’re Jennifer Gains’s brother?”
“Yes,” Liam confirmed, stepping aside for the three of them to enter before him. “Caroline’s older brother and I are best friends. He was supposed to meet you, but it’s his son’s sixteenth birthday, so he’s a bit rushed to get everything done for this evening.”
Liam followed Brad, Harriet, and Connor into the large kitchen.
Brad looked around the room. It was a haven of simplicity, adorned with blue-and-white checkered curtains and mismatched ceramic dishes. An old farmhouse table, polished by countless meals and conversations, stood beneath a vintage pendant lamp that Brad could picture casting a gentle light over gatherings of family and friends.
“This way,” Liam was about to lead them through the house when Sam appeared at the door.
“Sorry, but I have to go. My niece called for help,” Sam apologized. “She needs me to get some food and supplies to the Beach Hut for Tucker’s sixteenth. She’s catering the party.”
“I can give you a lift back to the Summer Inn.” Liam looked at Brad for permission.
