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A hint of a smile lifted Simon’s face. “I can’t wait to see the observatory.”
“You can be in charge of it and show it to your friends.”
The smile grew larger, and for the first time, Savannahthought they might get him through this storm of grief. “Let’s go to Ella’s grave. There’s something I want to show you.” Savannah knew how the dog might react to her surprise. “Simon, maybe you should pick up Cody and keep your dog under control.”
“My dog? I thought he was Uncle Hez’s dog. Is he really mine?”
“He’s yours,” Hez said. “He has made his wishes clear in case you haven’t noticed. When I tried to take him home the day you and your aunt moved to her cottage, he refused to leave you. I tried not to feel hurt, but he’s abandoned me.”
Simon picked up the dog and fell into step beside Savannah. “I’m sure he still loves you, Uncle Hez—he just knows I need him.”
Hez curled Marley’s leash around his palm and walked beside Savannah too. “You’re a love magnet, kiddo, and the dogs are not immune to your pull.”
“Love magnet,” Simon sputtered. “Don’t ever say that to anyone else, okay?”
Hez made a zipping motion against his mouth. “Not a peep.”
Even though Simon had protested, Savannah caught the delight in his eyes. If they kept surrounding their nephew with constant love, he’d get through this. She stopped and set her hand on Hez’s arm. “Close your eyes. This is your engagement gift from me. You too, Simon.”
“I’m only ten. I’m not getting engaged for a long time.”
“No, but you’re getting an official uncle, so it fits. Close your eyes.” When both males complied, she took each of their arms and positioned them closer to a new statue she’d placed here this morning. “Okay, open your eyes!”
Simon’s eyes popped open first, and he gaped. “That looks just like us.”
Hez opened his eyes and studied the statue for a long moment. Savannah tried to see it fresh through their eyes. She’d commissioned it from a talented sculptor at the school, and the artist had perfectly captured all four of them. Ella sat on Hez’s lap while Simon knelt beside her and smiled adoringly at her. Savannah sat on the sculpted grass on the other side with her face turned toward the children. The peace on the stone face was something Savannah hoped to feel soon.
Hez still hadn’t said anything, and she saw him swallow hard. “Do you like it, Hez?”
“I—I have no words.” His voice wobbled. “It’s wonderful.” He glanced her way. “You’re wonderful.”
Cody let out a low growl and launched out of Simon’s arms. He ran on his short legs to the statue and gave two ferocious barks.
“You and your statues.” Hez took a step toward the dog, but before he could snatch him up, Simon stroked Cody’s head and the dog immediately calmed. “Well, I’m gobsmacked. I usually have to cart him away. See, Simon, I told you he was your dog.”
Simon squatted beside the dog and continued patting Cody’s head. “Good boy.”
Hez put his arm around Savannah. “Don’t tell our nephew I’m going to kiss his aunt. This is the best present I could ever have except for you.” And he proceeded to kiss her breathless.
Chapter 42
Savannah linked arms with Hez as they exited their car with Simon in tow and approached the white tent set up in the park by the pier in Pelican Harbor. This wasn’t the engagement party Jess had planned, but Savannah couldn’t face trying to mimic the party her sister was going to throw her at Jesse’s Restaurant. They had left Marley and Cody napping back at Hez’s condo. Jamaican reggae music floated from the DJ station on the beach side of the tent, and the scent of seafood wafted their way. Different was good, especially tonight.
Most of their guests had already arrived, and expectant, smiling faces turned their way. Nora stepped out first to greet them. “The caterer is here, and everything is ready.”
Savannah hugged her. “Thank you so much for putting all this together. Is Graham with you?” The police had cleared Nora’s boyfriend as soon as they confirmed that Jess was the artifact courier in New York, and he’d insisted there were no hard feelings. He even volunteered that he would have done exactly the same thing in Savannah’s shoes.
Nora gestured toward the tent where Graham stood by the DJ. “He’s making some song requests.” She smiled at Simon.“You look very handsome, Simon. Are you going to be in the wedding party?”
He shrugged. “I’ll do most anything for Aunt Savannah and Uncle Hez.”
Nora grinned and gave Savannah a surreptitious wink. Hez hadn’t asked Simon to be his best man while the poor kid was reeling with grief for his mother, but hopefully that storm would start to subside soon. “I like to hear that.” She pointed out an arbor laced with daisies, baby’s breath, and miniature lights. “I told everyone once you got here, they could form a receiving line there, so let’s get you in place. I’ll have the DJ make the announcement.”
“I don’t have to go, do I?” Simon asked.
Savannah shook her head. “Nope. Will is at the table closest to the music, and he saved you a seat.”
“Awesome.” Simon took off toward the tent.