“Yes. And thank you for a perfect day.”

  Miles smiled and kissed her. On the mouth. It was not a simple peck. It was a warm, confident promise. She was surprised and pleased that he would kiss her like that in the parking lot where other people could see. In the passenger seat, Sugar wagged her tail like a helicopter taking off.

  When she sat in her car and drove home, she couldn’t stop smiling.

  * * *

  —

  The next day, Evelyn invited Heather for a special tour of the island, to places tourists seldom saw. She told Heather she’d pick her up in her Mercedes SUV, and she’d bring lunch. Heather filled a bottle with water and ice and put it in her tote. She double-checked to be sure she had her phone, in case Evelyn had a bad turn. Bob knew that his wife was going out. Still, it was a responsibility.

  “We’re going to the moors,” Evelyn said, once Heather had buckled in. “The Nantucket Conservation Foundation has bought over three thousand acres of open land, much of it in the middle of the island, where the landscape is slightly rolling, and covered in low bushes, brush, and grasses. At a glance, this area seems boring, compared to the drama of the shores. But if you stop to look closely you’ll see an amazing variety of vegetation. Blueberries, beach plum. Dozens of small flowers. Heather. Wood lilies.”

  As she talked, Evelyn turned off the winding Polpis road onto a dirt road that led into the heart of the island. Hawks, swallows, and gulls flew overhead. Ungraded paths fanned away into the rolling hills of green.

  “We’ll get out here and walk,” Evelyn said, pulling into a sandy area. She lifted a small basket and carried it with her as they strolled along the winding paths. “I’m taking you to lunch at my favorite spot. Well, one of my favorite spots.”

  Heather was glad she’d worn a straw hat to keep the burning sun away from her face. As they walked, Evelyn pointed out bushes and flowers and trails made by deer.

  “You sound as if you know every rock and wildflower,” Heather said.

  “Oh, I do. Remember, I grew up on the island. I came here as a girl with my parents. In high school, I came out with friends to drink beer, and sometimes smoke pot. We thought we were wild. We wanted to be bad. But really, we ended up going home and sleeping in our comfortable beds.”

  They walked down a steep hill, turned left and walked some more, then turned left again.

  “Here!” Evelyn said triumphantly.

  A grassy path between leafy trees led to a perfect circle of blue water. In the middle of the pond was a small green island.

  “An island on an island,” Heather said.

  Evelyn smiled. “True. They call this a poot pond, formed from retreating glaciers, although the Wampanoag believed this is where whales came up for air when they were swimming under the island. Most islanders refer to it as the Doughnut Pond. I thought we’d have lunch here. The trees shade the area, and once we’re settled, we’ll see dragonflies and maybe an egret.”

  Heather helped Evelyn spread out the blanket. Evelyn set out sandwiches and apples for their lunch, but for a long while they sat, legs crossed, watching the pond.

  “This is beautiful,” Heather said. “It’s so quiet.”

  “I know. I love to think of this quiet, hidden spot in the midst of our crowded, congested island.”

  “Kailee must love it here.”

  “I’m not so sure. Maybe when she’s older she’ll appreciate the silent beauty of the moors, but now she’s young. She likes the expensive restaurants, the glamour.”

  “What about Bob?”

  “He’s all about the ocean. Deepwater fishing. When he can, he goes off with his buddies to fish for sea bass.” Evelyn’s voice slowed, as if she were talking in a dream. “I like the wild land. That’s why I started ENF. Every day that I live, saving this island’s natural beauty means more to me.”

  “I think I understand,” Heather said.

  Evelyn cocked her head, looking at Heather. “Do you?”

  Heather took a moment to phrase her answer. “I can’t feel as strongly about it as you do, but I’ve come to feel very…connected…to my funny little cottage. And to the trees, bushes, grasses, around it. I feel safe in my cottage, and in the evenings, I like to sit on the small back patio and listen to the birds call and watch the sky change colors. It calms me. It lets me be me, not Wall’s ex-wife or Ross’s mother, although Ross is my heart.”

  Evelyn was quiet. After a while, she said, “When I come here, I believe that it’s okay to die. That I’ll be buried here, and I want my ashes put in one of those biodegradable tree pots.” Very calmly, she continued, “This is where we all go, you know. Back into nature.”

  Heather hesitated, slightly alarmed. “You’re awfully young to be thinking about where you’ll be buried.”

  Evelyn smiled. “I’ve been thinking about this ever since I was a child and learned that people—and pets—could die.”

  Heather thought quickly: What’s the opposite of death? “Evelyn, you only have one child, just like I do. That’s unusual these days, isn’t it?”

  Evelyn reached out and plucked a long blade of grass. She ran her fingers up and down the slightly indented middle as she talked. “Bob and I wanted more kids. But it didn’t happen. I was heartbroken for a while, especially as all my friends had absolute tribes of kids. It worked out all right, though. Kailee is such a perfect girl, and Bob and I have always been madly in love with each other. Anyone else is unnecessary.”

  “You’re fortunate,” Heather said. “Wall and I were more like friends, associates, in our marriage. It mattered a lot to Wall that he have a son, and we had Ross, and after that…for us, marriage was more about accomplishing than enjoying. We did accomplish a lot, building up Wall’s business. Ross was an easy baby, and we had friends who hadn’t slept for a year because of their babies’ colic.”

  A fat bee buzzed near them, before speeding away toward a small cluster of purple flowers.

  “I’m glad Kailee is marrying Ross,” Evelyn said, staring out into the blue waters of the pond.

  “I am, too,” Heather replied, although in her heart she wasn’t so certain.

  “Kailee can be dramatic. And she’s spoiled, I know that. But she’s intelligent and hardworking, and she has a kind heart.”

  Heather was quiet. She sensed that Evelyn had more to say.

  “I don’t think I’ve been a very…cozy…mother to her. I suppose mothering isn’t high on my list of talents. But I’m aware that friction exists between you and Kailee.”

  “Oh, not really—” Heather began.

  Evelyn cut her off. “Kailee’s been different since she met Ross. She’s happier. I think she has a large heart. She’s accustomed to being the center of attention, but she’s changing. She’s learning. I can tell. If I can’t be around, someone else will have to help her. I hope you will help her.”

  Heather started to reassure Evelyn that she wasn’t going to die any time soon, but she knew that wasn’t what Evelyn needed to hear. “Of course, Evelyn. I’ll be there to help Kailee.”

  Evelyn turned her head and met Heather’s eyes. Evelyn smiled, and in that moment, with the sun shining on her face, she was very beautiful, and, it seemed to Heather, very much at peace.

  “Thank you,” Evelyn said. She put her hand over Heather’s.

  “Thank you,” Heather answered. She was afraid she was going to cry, and she knew Evelyn would hate that. She glanced at the pond. “Look.”

  A slender white bird flew down to the little island and stalked on its long legs, peering down at the vegetation.

  “Great white heron,” Evelyn whispered. “This is his world.”

  Heather was silent, and for a while they sat together quietly, letting the sights, sounds, and sweet fresh air of this small realm envelope them. Iridescent blue dragonflies flew past, one landing on Heather’s knee. It was like an angel from another universe. Heather didn’t even breathe until it flew away. On the other side of the island, frogs splashed. Above them, the generous green leaves of the trees shaded them from the sun.

  Heather whispered, “It’s perfect here.”

  Evelyn nodded her head. “It’s my favorite place.”

  Finally, they packed up the lunch box and walked back to Evelyn’s SUV. Now the afternoon sun was seriously hot. Evelyn tuned the radio to a classical music station, as if to prevent conversation. Heather leaned back in her seat and rested. She could sense Evelyn returning to her more aloof, private self.

  Before long, they were at Heather’s cottage. She thanked Evelyn and did not invite her in. She could tell Evelyn was tired, and Heather wanted to get out of the sun. But Sugar threw herself into such fits of joy at her return that Heather obligingly stayed outdoors, throwing a rather soggy tennis ball for the dog to chase and bring back. Finally, Sugar tired. Heather ushered her dog into the house and they both lay down on her bed for an afternoon nap.

  twenty-two

  Kailee was lying on the sofa in Ross’s apartment, sleeping, when Ross came home from work.

  “Hey,” Ross said, bending over to kiss her forehead. “I brought dinner. Fish and chips from Sayle’s.”

  Kailee sat up slowly, coming out of her dream. “I love fish and chips. Thank you. Do you want to shower before we eat?”

  “Let’s eat now, while it’s all still warm.” Ross set the paper bag on the table.

  Kailee put out plates, a beer for Ross, a glass of water for her. “I don’t know how you managed to work in this heat and humidity.”

  Ross held his arms out like a weightlifter and made muscles in his upper arms. “I’m a man, lady.”

  She kissed his mouth quickly. “I’m your lady, man.”

  They sat and ate. Ross devoured his food. Kailee ate more slowly. “Want my tartar sauce?”

  “I’ll trade my coleslaw for your tartar sauce.” Ross handed over his small paper cup and took Kailee’s in exchange. “How was your day?”

  “Excellent,” Kailee said. “I merged two files on the HR folders, and George thought I’d made a miracle. He’s beginning to appreciate me, I think. What did you do?”

  “Carried shingles. Pounded nails. Drank as much water as I could find.” He paused. “Hey, you’re eating.”

  “I wasn’t nauseous today, Ross. I mean, a little, but not the yellow and purple swirl I was drowning in. I have a little more energy.”

  “And?”

  “And it’s made me feel more…hopeful. Like, things are possible.”

  Ross folded his arms over his chest. “What things would that be?”

  “What would you like them to be?” Kailee smiled coyly. “All right, I’ll just say it. Now I’m thinking I could have this baby and still work. My mom and your mom could babysit a lot. You could have a couple of days or whatever to take care of him. Or her. We could stay here for a year or so while we figure out the house situation. I mean, the baby wouldn’t walk for a year, so we wouldn’t have to worry about the stairs, and there’s room in the bedroom for a crib and changing table. We could—” Kailee stopped talking, trying to figure out Ross’s reaction. “What do you think?”

  Ross cleared his throat. When he spoke, he blushed. “I…I have heard…that if you have a baby when you’re young, it doesn’t hurt as much.”

  “Oh, Ross.” Kailee rose from her chair. She went to her future husband, and sat on his lap. “I think that’s the sweetest thing anyone has said to me.”

  She leaned against his chest. He held her tight and kissed the top of her head.

  “We’re playing in the major leagues now, baby,” Ross said.

  * * *

  —

  Later that week, Kailee sat in Dr. Farrow’s office, trying not to cry. She hadn’t asked Ross to join her when she went to the lab to have her blood drawn for tests, but she’d asked him to come for the first doctor’s visit, and where was he? Probably working. Probably he’d forgotten all about it, or maybe, because she had told him that he wouldn’t be needed for the first visit, he’d decided not to come. It had been eight weeks since her last period, so she could be in her first trimester, even though her belly was flat. The nausea and vomiting had eased off, but she still felt like a total nutcase, manic, then exhausted, ecstatic, then depressed. One good thing: The sex she had with Ross now was amazing.

  And there he was.

  Ross walked into the waiting area with a big smile on his face. He was wearing cargo pants and a collarless and dirt-spotted tee. His hair still had small bits of sawdust in it, and the tanned skin on his face was marked with white where the sunglasses covered his eyes. He was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen.

  “Ross, hi!” She wanted to jump up and kiss him, but other people were in the room, so she simply stretched out her hand and pulled him toward her.

  He sat in the chair next to her. “So what’s going on?”

  “I’m waiting to see the doctor. I think I’m next in line.”

  “Miss Essex?” The nurse smiled from a door, ushering her in. It was Bellemy Davis, who had been two years ahead of Kailee in high school. Bellemy had been a troublemaker and a clown, and it was just weird that she was now a nurse, capable of saving someone’s life.

  “Could Ross come in with me?”

  “Of course,” Bellemy said.

  “Thank you, Miss Davis,” Kailee said, and took Ross’s hand.

  They followed Bellemy into an inner room with a computer and an examination bed. Bellemy gestured for her to sit on the end of the bed. She fastened a blood pressure cuff around Kailee’s left arm.

  “How’s it going?” Bellemy asked, as she pumped up the cuff.

  “I guess I’ll know in thirty minutes,” Kailee answered. “How’s it going with you?”

  “The truth? Christian wants to get married and I am so not ready. I’ve got years more dancing at the Box to do. And you know how Christian and I were in high school and college. Off-again, on-again, off-again, on-again. He’s driving me crazy.” She let the air out of the cuff, checked the numbers. “You’re fine. And who’s this gentleman with you?”

  “Ross Willette. I met him at UMass.”

  “He’s working for your dad, right?”

  “I am,” Ross said.

  Kailee had to laugh. She hadn’t talked with Bellemy for five or six years, yet Bellemy knew who Ross was and where he worked.

  The door opened and Dr. Farrow came into the room. Unofficially, Dr. Farrow was Maya Reis Farrow, born on the island to parents who’d been born on the island. Short, stocky, with her long black hair scooped up into a knot on the back of her head, she exuded an air of authority, and a bit of an air of Don’t mess with me or I’ll slap you silly, which she’d inherited from her mother.

  “Kailee! Good to see you again.” Dr. Farrow pulled the computer around and checked Kailee’s chart. “So we ran a qualitative HCG blood test and yes, you are officially pregnant. I’m sure you knew that anyway. Your blood pressure is good. Cholesterol good. You are a very healthy woman, Kailee. Come back in a month and we’ll do an ultrasound so you can see the baby. I’ve prescribed prenatal vitamins for you. Anything else?”

  “So I’m two months pregnant?” Kailee asked.

  “You are. See you in a month.” Dr. Farrow left the room.

  Bellemy smiled and patted Kailee on the shoulder. “She’s a busy woman.” She winked at Ross. “Good luck.”

  Bellemy opened the door to the waiting room. Ross took Kailee’s hand.

  They waited until they were in the parking lot to kiss.

  “Let’s go tell my mom,” Kailee said.

  * * *

  —

  They found her mother in the living room, wearing a caftan, with her laptop propped on a pillow. Ross’s mother was sitting in a chair, facing Evelyn, a laptop on her lap.

  Evelyn smiled up at them. “Hi, guys. What’s up?”

  Kailee looked at Ross. “You do it.”

  Ross said, “No. You should do it.”

  Kailee announced, “We’re officially pregnant! We’ve been to Dr. Farrow’s office and all is good. The baby is due in early April.”

  Her mother’s face flushed with emotion. Tears filled her eyes. “Oh, I’m so glad,” Evelyn said. “I can’t tell you how happy I am to hear this.”

  “Congratulations,” Heather said. She was beaming.

  “I’m going to eat like a horse,” Kailee told them. “I’m going to lose my waist anyway. I might as well enjoy it. Plus, I’ve lost weight the past two months.”

  “How are you going to celebrate?” Evelyn asked.

  “Well, it can’t be champagne, so it will have to be ice cream.” Kailee turned to Ross. “Want a hot fudge sundae for lunch?”

  Ross said, “I really should get back to work.”

  “Let him go,” Evelyn said. “You stay here and we’ll have ice cream. We have a wedding to plan.”

  Kailee put her hands to her mouth to hold back a squeal. “Go work, Ross! I’ve got some serious girl talk to do.”

  “Have fun,” Ross said, waving as he left.

  Kailee dug her phone from her purse and opened it to the calendar. She was so excited she could scarcely remember what month they were in right now.

  * * *

  —

  That evening, the exact moment Ross walked into his apartment, his cell rang.

  Kailee was napping on his sofa, still dressed in her work clothes. When she saw him, she gave him a sleepy smile and sat up.

  “Hey, Mom,” Ross said. He sat down next to Kailee and kissed her cheek. “Right now? Well, sure. Yeah, Kailee’s right here. Okay, we’ll be there.”

  “What’s going on?” Kailee asked.

  “Mom wants us to come to her house for a drink now.”

  “Damn,” Kailee said.