Chapter Seventeen
“It’s pretty out here, isn’t it?” Eden sounded a little surprised as she glanced up at him.
“It is,” Aaron agreed. It was Sunday, late morning, and they were walking in Gatineau Park, a wilderness park covering more than 350 square kilometers. “I can’t believe you never came here and it’s less than half an hour’s drive from downtown.”
“I’ve never hung out with outdoorsy people. I’m glad Kelsey knew about this place.”
Eden had told him she’d asked her sister to recommend activities Aaron might enjoy. That was after spending all of Saturday downtown, with Eden giving him a city tour. He’d been interested to see Parliament Hill and the Supreme Court of Canada and had admired the old-world architecture of the Château Laurier and the artwork at the National Gallery. He’d been intrigued to learn that the Rideau Canal froze over in winter and people skated on it, including some who commuted to work that way. But it was all so city, and he’d had his fill of cities by the time he was sixteen.
Today, it was nice to smell country air as he and Eden walked along a well-used trail through a grove of maple trees. The park reminded him of Destiny’s in summer, being overrun by people. It was nice that so many folks were outside enjoying themselves this way rather than hunkered inside staring at video games, but he preferred more solitude. He thought with nostalgia of the secret spot he’d shared with Eden, and how they’d made love in the sunshine. Somehow, he doubted they’d find a secluded spot today. But maybe if he lived in Ottawa and explored the more remote areas of Gatineau Park—or, even better, rented a small plane and flew over it—he’d come across one.
He was doing his best to remain open-minded about Ottawa.
He and Eden passed a family group who were meandering slowly to accommodate a white-haired woman with a cane and a dad pushing a baby in a stroller. Okay, that was a nice sight, seeing three generations spending the day together.
His cell, tucked in his jeans pocket, buzzed. He extracted it, hoping there wasn’t an emergency at Blue Moon Air. No, it was his sister’s name on the screen. “Sorry,” he told Eden, “I need to take this.” He stepped off the trail and she came with him, standing a few feet away with her back to him, giving him at least the illusion of privacy.
“Miranda? Is everything okay?”
“I’m being evicted.” She sounded discouraged.
“What? But I sent you money for the rent.”
“I know. But I didn’t ask you until it was already overdue, and it isn’t the first time I’ve been late. The bottom line is, the landlord’s girlfriend wants the apartment, so he used the late rent as an excuse to evict me. Without a month’s notice. Ariana and I have a day to pack up and get out.”
“That can’t be legal.” He kept his voice low as the three-generation group wandered past.
She huffed. “And what, I’m going to go hire a lawyer?”
“I could help you with that.”
“No, Aaron. For God’s sake!”
“So you’re calling to ask if I can front you the rent for a new apartment?”
When she didn’t respond, he said, “Miranda? Are you still there?”
“Yes. So, uh, I’m not looking for more money.”
“What, then?” Pride was, in general, a good attribute—but Miranda’s stubborn pride was hurting her and her daughter. As if to reinforce that thought, a young couple walked down the path with a little blond girl between them. The kid was dressed in shades of purple and her hair was neatly braided. Aaron wanted his niece to have the same opportunities in life as this child. The girl noticed him watching and gave a shy smile and a finger wiggle. He forced a smile and waved back as he waited for his sister to answer.
Finally, in a subdued voice, Miranda said, “Is the offer still open? To stay with you on Destiny?”
Really? She was actually considering it?
“If it’s not, no problem,” she said quickly, making him realize that, in his shock, he’d gone silent.
“No, of course you’re welcome. There’s a big bedroom for you and Ariana, with lots of light. I remember how you hate small, dark rooms.” They both did. There’d been too many of those when they were growing up. Cramped, dark, noisy, smelly. With cockroaches and sometimes rats.
“I do,” she said in a small voice, sounding quite different from her normal breezy self.
He moved a couple of steps farther, facing away from the trail and from Eden. Leaning against the trunk of a tall maple, he breathed in pure country air and watched the shifting patterns of light and shadow as the sun beamed through a canopy of leaves. On Destiny, his sister and niece could have all the light and fresh air they could imagine. But from the day he and Miranda had arrived on the island and faced their grandparents’ unconcealed resentment, she had hated the place. “Why now? Every time I’ve offered, you’ve said no. What’s different this time?”
He heard a sniffle, and when she answered her voice quavered. “I’ve reached the end of my rope. I need to give Ariana a better life and I can’t do it on my own.”
Feeling a huge sense of relief, he said, “You don’t have to.”
She gave a louder sniff. “You know I hate this, right? Hate being dependent.”
“I’m your brother. It’s not about whether you’re dependent or independent. It’s about us being family and looking out for each other.”
“Yeah, like I can ever look out for you.”
“Remember back in school, when I was dumb enough to ask Chrissie Patterson out and all I could afford was to buy her fries at Mickey D’s? And she told everyone I was cheap?” He’d been fourteen.
She gave a choky snort. “I put a dead rat in her backpack. Real subtle.”
“You were twelve. You were getting back at her for being mean to me. Look, Miranda, it’s not about keeping score of who did what for the other person. Damn it, you ought to know that by now.”
“I know. But you’ve done so well, all by yourself, and I’m so . . . pathetic.” At least she wasn’t crying anymore. The last word came out with a sneer rather than a sniffle.
“You’re not pathetic.” Just misguided, sometimes. “You’re a single mom who’s trying her best, and that counts for a lot. And no, I sure didn’t do it all by myself. Without Lionel, God knows what would’ve become of me.”
“Huh. I guess that’s actually true. You’d probably be as messed up as me.”
“Thanks for that.”
She gave a soft laugh. “So I guess I’ll do it, then. We don’t have much stuff. We’ve always rented furnished places, so it’s mostly just clothes, Ariana’s toys, and the crib you bought for her. But she’s outgrowing it anyhow.”
“Leave it. We’ll get something new for her. Do you have money for a taxi down to the Harbour Flight Centre?”
“I do. Do you have room for us on your morning flight tomorrow?”
“Uh . . .”
“If you don’t”—that I-can-handle-it edge was back in her voice—“we can find somewhere to stay for another night or two.”
“It’s not that. Even if that flight’s full, we can arrange something else. The thing is, I’m not actually on Destiny right now.”
“Oh, yeah? Having a raunchy weekend somewhere?”
“Not exactly.” Her question was a reminder that Eden could likely overhear his part of the conversation. “I’m in Ottawa this week.”
“Ottawa? Like, Ottawa in Ontario? You’re kidding. What on earth are you doing there?”
“Long story. I’ll tell you when I get back.” Once he had a better idea how the Aaron-and-Eden story was going to go. “But there are two pilots handling Blue Moon Air. I’ll check with them and call you back to let you know which flight you and Ariana will be on. Let’s see, you’ll need wheels. My Jeep’s parked in the village lot and Kam has spare keys at the office. The house is locked, but Lionel’s got a key. I’ll set everything up and let you know.”
“Thanks.” She sounded subdued again.
“There’s only a single bed in the bedroom. The kids’ store in the village, Blowing Bubbles, has furniture for toddlers, so pick out whatever works for Ariana.” There’d been no point buying anything because he’d never actually believed his sister would come. “And anything else you need. I’ll call the store to give them my credit card info.”
“We can make do with what you’ve got.”
“Damn it, Miranda. She’s my niece. I want her to have nice stuff while she’s staying at my house. Oh, there are plug covers on the outlets, but you may need to move a few things to make it more child-safe.”
“Okay.” She was so quiet he could barely hear her.
“It’ll be fine. Everything’s going to work out.”
“I guess. I just can’t believe you won’t be there.” She made an odd sound, like she was catching her breath or forcing back a sniffle. “Aaron, you’re my touchstone. I know I’m an unappreciative bitch, but sometimes the only thing that keeps me going is knowing you’re there. I picture you up in the sky, in one of those planes you love. Or sitting on your deck watching the ocean.” She made the sound again, definitely a sniffle. “It st-steadies me. But now, I feel kind of like I’ve lost you. I’m going to your house, but you won’t be there, and I don’t know how to picture you in Ottawa.”
He wasn’t sure either, but he gave it a shot. “Picture me out in a forest of maple trees, leaning against one of the trees and gazing up through light green leaves at the sky.”
“Really? In Ottawa? I thought it was just, you know, a bunch of gloomy old buildings.”
“It kind of is, but outside the city there’s some pretty countryside.”
“Good. Because, while I’m a city girl, you’re definitely a country boy. You’re coming back, right? I mean, this is just some . . . well, I have no idea why you’d go to Ottawa. You really don’t want to tell me now?”
“It’s not a good time. We’ll talk when I’m home. And yeah, I’m definitely coming back. I’m booked on a red-eye Thursday night, and I’ll be on the morning flight back to Destiny. Then we’ll catch up on what’s going on in both our lives.”
“I can’t wait to see you. Love you, big brother. And thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Love you, too, little sister.”
As he put his phone back in his pocket, he heaved a long sigh. When he stepped back onto the trail, Eden joined him, taking his hand. “Your sister?” she said as they continued their stroll. “I couldn’t help but overhear some of that.”
He told her what was going on with Miranda.
“You’re giving her a fresh start. It sounds like that’s what she needs.”
“I’m trying to get her to take some courses, get some kind of training so she can get a better job than waitressing or retail. She could study online and live rent-free for as long as she wants.”
“Will her pride let her do that?”
He scowled. “Probably not. I guess she could get a part-time job and study part-time, that way she could contribute to the expenses. Help me pay down that mortgage.”
“Mortgage? I thought you rented from Lionel?”
“No. He sold me a piece of his land. At a very reasonable price, especially for waterfront. But he said it was so cheap back when he bought it, he’d feel guilty charging me market value.” He grinned. “There’s no arguing with Lionel when he gets his mind set.”
“I get the feeling you’re the son he never had.”
That thought warmed Aaron’s heart. “Maybe I am, and he’s the dad I never had. Though we’re both too manly and macho to ever say stuff like that.”
She laughed. “Right.”
They walked in silence for a few minutes. The place had a nice vibe, even though he’d have wished for fewer people, but nature wasn’t having its normal calming effect on him. His mind was spinning, thinking about how complicated life had suddenly become. Eden was here in Ottawa and they were starting some kind of relationship, one that he figured might be pretty serious. But now his sister had finally admitted she needed his help and she’d be on Destiny. How could a guy who avoided relationships end up with such a conundrum?
“What did she do to Chrissie?” Eden asked.
“What? Oh.” He chuckled. “Snuck a dead rat into the backpack she took to school.”
“Ew! Where on earth did she find a dead rat?”
“Probably in the building where we lived. Or the alley behind.”
Eden shuddered. “I can’t imagine.”
“Good. Don’t even try.” He squeezed her hand. “Come on, let’s speed up the pace. This picnic lunch I’m toting around is getting heavier and heavier.”
As they both lengthened their strides, she said, “And we don’t want to eat too late and spoil our appetites for dinner.”
Great. She had to go and remind him that they were dining at her family home. Of course he wanted to meet her parents and sister, but they’d be assessing him. Was there any possible way they’d think a seaplane pilot from the West Coast might be a good match for Eden? Much less if they knew he was the product of a deadbeat indigenous dad and a part-time whore who’d OD’ed. Hopefully, they never needed to know his life story. “I’m kind of nervous about that dinner,” he admitted, hoping Eden would find a way of reassuring him.
Instead, she clutched his hand tighter and said, “Me too.”
* * *
Eden glanced around the dining room table on Sunday night, thinking how odd this was. Mom was in her usual place at one end, wearing a pretty blue dress, the Destiny Island earrings Eden had given her, and her stylish walnut-brown wig. Dad, at the opposite end, wore his typical Sunday golf shirt and khakis. Kelsey was on one side, looking cute in white denim capris and a pink-and-white tee, with her spiky, blond-streaked hair. Eden, wearing the casual long skirt and gold top she’d bought on Destiny, sat on the other side. Beside her, in the spot Ray had occupied for four years, was Aaron, dressed as she’d suggested, in nice jeans and the striped shirt he’d worn to her place on Friday night, freshly laundered at her apartment.
The first time Ray had come for dinner, Eden’s parents had subjected him to the standard grilling. They’d taken to him, approved of the relationship as it developed over the years. When Eden had announced that she and Ray were moving in together, her dad had questioned why they weren’t getting married. Her mom, though, had said it made sense to try things out before making a lifetime commitment.
Eden wasn’t optimistic that they’d be as positive about Aaron, not because he was less in any way than Ray, but because he made his home so far away.
Dinner started with neutral chitchat as they passed around platters of baked ham, scalloped potatoes, and baby peas. Eden had driven over early to help with dinner while Aaron, back at her place, had made arrangements for his sister’s trip to Destiny. He’d then walked the four kilometers to her family home, buying flowers and a bottle of pinot gris along the way.
As they dug into the meal, the conversation focused on Blue Moon Air. Eden’s dad didn’t come right out and ask how much Aaron made, but he elicited the information that business was decent but somewhat seasonal, and that to date Aaron had fed a fairly high percentage of his net profit back into the business.
“You’re young and you’re building the business,” Dad said. “It’s a sensible approach.”
Score one for Aaron. Her parents weren’t into wealth; they were suspicious of anyone who accumulated too much of it. To their minds—and to Eden’s—there were better uses for money than lining one’s own pockets. But they did value responsibility and a solid work ethic.
“Aaron’s also paying the mortgage on a lovely piece of waterfront property,” she said. “It’s not in a fancy development, it’s out in the forest. Beside his mentor and best friend’s place.”
“Yes,” Aaron said, “it’s undeveloped land except for Lionel’s and my houses.”
“He built his own home,” Eden said. “It’s all wood and fits beautifully into the surroundings.”
“Building it myself really means I had a lot of help from Lionel and a bunch of other neighbors and friends,” he clarified.
“That’s nice, having people help out,” her mom said. “You can’t place too high a value on friends and family.” She smiled at her husband and daughters and then fixed Aaron with a steady gaze. “Do you have a large family?”
“No, there’s just me, my younger sister Miranda, and her two-year-old, Ariana.” He paused. “We do have maternal grandparents, but they live in Florida and aren’t in touch.”
“Losing touch with family is sad,” Mom said. “And that reminds me: I haven’t thanked you for helping me find Di. That’s such a blessing and I’m eternally grateful.”
For the first time tonight, Aaron seemed almost relaxed, and the smile he gave her was full wattage. “I’m glad I could help. A sister’s a special person.” He gave Kelsey a wink.
Eden’s sister grinned. “Yeah, they can be a pain in the ass, but they’re special.”
He grinned back. “That’s it exactly.”
“So Aaron,” Dad said, putting down his fork, “what do you think of Ottawa so far?”
“It’s interesting, Mr. Blaine.”
“No need for formality. Call me Jim.”
“Thanks. Well, Jim, Ottawa’s pretty much the opposite of Blue Moon Harbor village on Destiny Island. A big city, formal architecture, you feel the weight of things. History, the federal government, the Supreme Court of Canada. The exhibit of the indigenous artists at the National Gallery.” He gave a quick laugh. “Not that Destiny doesn’t have a century and a half of history itself, not to mention indigenous people before that. But our history is kind of, uh, quirky.”
“Hey, it sounds like my kind of place,” Kelsey said.
“I bet you’d like it,” he responded. “Eden seemed to enjoy her time there.”
Eden almost choked on the wine she was sipping and wanted to jab him in the ribs for that suggestive comment.
Fortunately, her mother either didn’t get it or chose to ignore it. She said, “Ottawa is a wonderful city. Don’t you think so, Aaron?”
“It certainly seems so. And Gatineau Park, where Eden and I went hiking this morning, is beautiful. I noticed there’s cross-country skiing there in winter. And Eden told me about how people skate on the Rideau Canal when it freezes, which sounds cool.”
He was saying good things, as he had when she’d toured him around her city. Eden suspected, though, that he figured Ottawa was an interesting place to visit but he wouldn’t want to live there. But he’d only just arrived. It could take a while to warm to a place. She’d spent a week on Destiny Island and certainly admired the natural beauty and many other features of the island, but she wouldn’t say she’d felt at home there. It was too much to expect that Aaron would fall in love at first sight with Ottawa.
“Eden says you like outdoorsy stuff, right?” Kelsey asked. “You should go kayaking or canoeing.”
“Where?” His eyes brightened as he turned to her.
“There are a number of lakes not far away. Some have big resorts, but others are less developed. Loads of people have cottages there where they go on weekends and for summer holidays. But there’s public access, too. I’ve gone out there a few times and it’s cool. Except for the mosquitoes. But I guess you get them too, on your island?”
“Not really,” he said. “In a couple of swampy areas, but otherwise the ocean breeze keeps them away.”
“I’m sure Destiny Island is lovely,” Mom said. “If you don’t mind being away from the amenities of a city. Arts, culture, fine restaurants . . .”
Eden glanced at Kelsey and they both rolled their eyes. Even when their mom had been healthy, their parents rarely ate in restaurants, and they went to the theater or to an art gallery at most twice a year. “Actually,” Eden said, “Destiny has some great restaurants, and it’s known for its artistic community. Tourists come there to see the galleries, craft shops, and studios. Like Tamsyn’s, where I bought those earrings you’re wearing.”
Her mother touched an earring and looked rather shamefaced.
Eden went on. “The bookstore is wonderful—that’s where I bought the novel you loved, by the author who lives on Destiny. And there’s music as well as arts and crafts. We went to hear a local band that was great, and a friend of Aaron’s plays the cello in a chamber quintet.”
Aaron chipped in. “A lot of islanders hop over to Victoria or Vancouver to go to the theater, symphony, or sports events. They can take their cars on the ferry, walk on and use public transit at the other end, or fly with Blue Moon Air. Most of us figure it’s the best of both worlds: a peaceful life out in nature with lots of interesting and talented neighbors, plus easy access to a couple of great cities.”
“I suppose that could be appealing,” Mom said, sounding unhappy.
Eden noticed her mother had eaten only a small portion of her dinner. Leaning over, she whispered, “Mom, you need to eat more than that.”
“How can I eat when I’m so worried?” She started out whispering, but the last words came out louder.
Eden pressed her lips together, not sure what to say.
Dad said, “Eden, you know we’re always happy to meet your friends. Aaron, you seem like a fine man and I hope you don’t think we’re unwelcoming. But here’s the truth of it: Our daughter was away for a week and when she came back, she mentioned you only casually. Then suddenly you arrive in Ottawa. As I gather, you came for the sole purpose of seeing Eden.” His eyebrows quirked inquisitorially above the lenses of his rimless glasses.
“Yes, sir,” Aaron said.
“That suggests a degree of seriousness,” Dad continued.
Eden’s cheeks heated as Aaron again said, “Yes, sir. I care about your daughter.”
Across the table from Eden, her sister did a fist pump and mouthed, Yes!
Dad’s face set in his I’m-about-to-lecture expression. “You met two weeks ago and have spent a portion of what, seven or so days together? Eden was until recently in a serious relationship with another man, so for her this is a rebound thing. You can understand that we have some concerns about the speed of all this.”
“I understand,” Aaron said. “But consider this: If we lived in the same place, we’d date a few times a week and see how things went. We can’t do that, so I came here to see if Eden felt the same way I did. If she didn’t, then we’d say good-bye.”
“But I do.” Eden reached for his hand, which rested on the table beside his plate. “So we’re going to spend time together this week to see how things go.”
“But then what?” Mom leaned forward, her face flushed. “I see this kind of thing all the time with my high-school students. They think they’re madly in love and yet one of them plans to join the Armed Forces and the other has a scholarship to study ballet. They need to be practical and realize that it’s highly unlikely their lives will be compatible.”
“We’re not teenagers,” Eden said sharply. She took a breath and softened her voice, not wanting to upset her mother any more than she already had. “Mom, what do you tell those kids? To be practical but not to give up on dreams that may be achievable. Aaron and I are aware of the issues we’d have to deal with. We know it wouldn’t be easy. This is just the beginning of our relationship and we’re pursuing it, uh, consciously. We’re paying attention, not rushing blindly ahead.”
She’d meant her words to be reassuring, yet tears formed in her mother’s eyes. Mom cried so easily these days, her emotions thrown out of whack by her disease and its ramifications.
With quiet dignity despite a tear that slipped free and tracked down her cheek, her mother turned to Aaron. “We’re afraid you’ll take her away from us. I don’t know how we’d survive without Eden.”
Kelsey made a sound and Eden glimpsed hurt in her eyes before her sister said, “Mom, kids grow up and leave the nest. You can’t tie Eden to you forever.”
Aaron spoke up. “Mrs. Blaine, Eden loves you. She’s made it clear that her family is her top priority. Please don’t worry.”
Her mom lifted her napkin to blot the tear. “Easier said than done, I’m afraid.”
“Aaron’s right,” Eden said. “The last thing we want is to add to your worries. I could have kept our relationship a secret, but that didn’t feel right. Aaron’s important to me and I want all of you to get to know one another. I don’t want you to condemn him and our relationship just because he’s not from Ottawa.” She thought of mentioning that he would consider moving here but didn’t want to pressure him. “Can’t we relax and have a good time?”
“Helen,” Dad said quietly, “that sounds like good advice.”
Her mother took a long, audible breath. “You’re right. All of you are right.” She sent a wobbly smile in Aaron’s direction. “I apologize for the melodrama. I never used to be like this. Please forgive me for my lack of hospitality.”
“There’s nothing to forgive, Mrs. Blaine.” He sounded sincere. “You should never have to apologize for being honest about your feelings.”
Mom’s smile strengthened. “Thank you for that. And please call me Helen.”
Eden let out her own breath in a sigh of relief. For now at least, it seemed things would go smoothly. But in the back of her mind lurked the knowledge that her mom would never willingly see her daughter move across the country. Kelsey was right about adults flying the nest, but their mother’s illness had made her uncharacteristically insecure. Hopefully, as her health improved, so would her confidence. She’d realize that it wouldn’t be such an awful thing if Eden lived somewhere other than Ottawa—though Eden felt a major pang at the idea of substituting Skype calls and quarterly visits for seeing her parents at least a couple of times a week.
Of course Aaron might develop a love for this city and decide he wanted to move here.
Or their initial attraction might fizzle and they’d go their separate ways.
Life was so much simpler when there wasn’t a man in it.