CHAPTER 9

An aura of contented joy cloaked Gull Cottage the rest of the evening. The tree was wrestled into submission and attached firmly to the stand. Grandpa Brad supervised the stringing of the colorful twinkling lights while Daniel and Carolyn hauled up the remainder of the holiday decorations from the cellar. As each ornament emerged from its year-long storage, either Carolyn or Emily told the story of its origin as the children found "the perfect spot" on the tree for each bauble.

"Oh, remember this one, Brad? You sent it over from Germany during the war."

"See this baby doll, Candy? That's supposed to be you. Your great-grandmother Laura made that ornament as a keepsake."

"Careful now, Jon-Boy. That's fragile. It must be 60 years old. Hang that one up high where Scruffy won't be tempted to get at it."

Daniel and Carolyn were content to lounge on the sofa, Carolyn resting against Daniel with his arm draped about her shoulders. They watched with love and amusement the gradual transformation of the once bare tree into a showcase of all things Christmas. Candy and Jonathan constantly being reminded by their grandmother to, "keep things balanced, you don't want any bare spots, kids." Finally, it was time for the crowning moment. The only question was what would it be this year? The bright electric red star or the angel with feathery wings? After some discussion it was just decided to let Martha choose. She came into the family room to behold the spectacular tree.

"Well let me think now…as I recall we had the angel last year. It's time for the Star of Bethlehem I do believe. Looks lovely, kids. Did any of the candy canes make it onto the tree? I can't seem to see any," she teased.

Candy and Jonathan were quick to protest, pointing out various locations of the peppermint treats—although guilty consciences had them admitting they had each snitched one from the box of 12. Since Captain Gregg was the tallest he was drafted to attach the star to the highest branch at the center of the tree. Daniel leaned over the tree from his perch on a stepstool and struggled to affix the star so it would stay upright. He thought to himself how it was so much easier in previous years when he could just use his mind's energy and a wave of his hand to make objects obey his commands. After a brief battle of man against tree, the star shined brightly.

It was soon time for the day's excitement to be over. Carolyn saw the first yawns from Jonathan and announced it was time for bath, pajamas and bed. Candy's turn came next and when both kids were settled for the night their parents came in to bid them goodnight. Daniel and Carolyn shared the tucking in duties and kissed each child. When Daniel bent down to place his lips against their foreheads both children wrapped their arms about his neck and pulled his face close to theirs in an affectionate hug. Candy giggled, "Your beard tickles!" but Jonathan grew uncharacteristically serious. "I'm glad you're going to be our Dad, Captain."

"So am I, Skipper. So am I." Daniel smiled down at him and tapped his index finger lightly on the little boy's nose.

"You won't go away again, will you…like last time?" There was no mistaking the fear in Jonathan's voice.

Carolyn understood her little one's fright. She moved to Daniel's side and slipped her arm about his waist. She wanted reassurance just as much as her children did. "No son, I'm home to stay." The Captain whispered softly. "I'm not going anywhere without you, your sister and your mother."

Candy was listening from her bed. "What about Martha and Scruffy?"

Daniel exchanged a patient look with Carolyn and then returned to Candy's bedside. "Or Martha or Scruffy!" Candy giggled again as Daniel tickled her tummy beneath the covers. "Now go to sleep, the both of you!" He added in mock sternness.

Daniel wrapped his arm around Carolyn as she switched off the overhead light and said, "Good night kids, we love you." and then gently pulled the bedroom door closed.

Many hours later Daniel was just about to doze off when Carolyn turned on her side and placed a soft hand on his chest. "Are you asleep?"

He inhaled deeply, exhaled and then muttered, "Aye." She grasped some of his chest hair and gave it a tug. "Wench!" He emitted a throaty growl. "What is it?"

She kept her voice low. "I have a confession."

"About?"

"I overheard some of your conversation this morning with Dad."

"Oh? Which part?" He did a quick replay in his head.

Carolyn said, "the part where I don't have to worry about bills any longer."

"Tis true, love."

She shifted positions. She bent her arm to rest her head on her left hand. "Daniel, you haven't told me, exactly, where all this money you've been spending is coming from." He was quiet for a moment and she thought he might have fallen back to sleep. "Daniel?"

"Have you ever heard of the Irish Sweepstakes?"

In the darkness her eyes grew wide and she sat up in alarm. "Daniel! You didn't…you couldn't have…," finally she said it. "You didn't cheat somehow and steal that money?

He let an amused chortle escape his lips. "No."

"Then where-?" She shifted positions again to lean over him in the bed, one arm across his body as a brace as she stared down directly at his face. He spoke before she could finish her question.

"Are you aware of what a bearer bond is?"

"If memory serves whoever has possession of the certificate is allowed to cash it in when it reaches maturity."

"Precisely. And I did." This time she extended her arm to reach the lamp on the nightstand beside the bed, her upper body resting against his for a moment. She pulled the chain to turn the light on. Daniel winced when the sudden light hurt his eyes.

"What are you talking about?" She wanted details.

"I'm talking about how in my…previous lifetime, as it were, I bought stock in several unknown companies, on a whim, really. My personal Irish Sweepstakes, as it stands."

"Which companies?"

He yawned and then lifted a finger to smooth blonde hair out of her eyes. Consolidated Edison, Lloyds of London and Tuttle Farm amongst a few others. I had completely forgotten I placed the certificates in a perpetual vault in a bank in Dublin, never managed to get back there before…well…you know what happened."

She was intrigued. "So, you just walked back into the bank in Ireland, handed over the key to a safety deposit box and they handed you the contents of said box?"

"Mm-hmm, more or less."

"I don't believe it; it couldn't have been that simple."

"Darling, it was a bit more complicated-and risky. I felt I had no choice. I wasn't certain at all I'd be allowed to come back to you as a living being. That's why I couldn't promise you I'd return. But, the short version of the story is I found the key to the vault upstairs in the wheelhouse when I was looking through one of my trunks. I remembered then where the key belongs and why I had paid for a perpetual fault in the first place. I had proof of an investment and I wanted to keep them safe. The one thing of wealth of mine that sea slug Claymore couldn't throw his net around." Daniel struggled to sit up against the head board and gently pushed Carolyn off his chest at the same time. "I needed to somehow contribute financially to this family. Though the bonds can be cashed by anyone, the perpetual vault key could only be inherited by family, according to the bank's policy. I did have every intention of retrieving my funds from Allied Irish Bank on a return voyage, I had plans to have another ship built if I could line up some partners but…fate wasn't having it."

"So how did you manage to get the bonds now?"

"Why…I had to…re-invent myself as my own descendant and have the corroborating documents before the bank would relinquish the contents of the vault. That was the complicated part, don't want to get into that tonight." He yawned again and grasped her hand. He brought it to his mouth for a gentlemanly kiss. "Let's sleep, love. It's very late." He reached over and turned off the lamp.

Carolyn slowly processed his explanation. It was missing one key fact. "How much?" Daniel mumbled something against his pillow. She tugged at his chest hair again, "How much was the stock worth, Daniel?"

He sighed in defeat. He knew at that moment when he told her the amount, she would never fall asleep that night. "$6 million."

Carolyn Muir launched herself across Daniel again to tug on the lamp chain. The Captain blinked once more against the glaring light. "Six million…dollars?!"

"Ssshh, my love. You'll wake all aboard the ship. Yes, give or take a few thousand. More actually if you convert it back to pounds sterling."

"Daniel! Are you serious?" She couldn't believe what he was telling her.

He reached out to switch off the lamp and then rolled over and pulled her down beside him in one motion. "Mrs. Muir…soon to be Gregg…," he corrected himself. He sensed her smile in the room's darkness. "I am very much aware you are a strong, capable and fiercely proud woman. The Lord above knows you've done well as a widowed mother of two babes, however," the Captain pulled her closer to him as she snuggled her head under his chin. "I am a man of honor. And a man's duty is to provide for his family. I was determined to do so despite the risk of our separation until your time on Earth was done. The funds have been deposited in the First Bank of New England and you'll discover your personal checking account balance has grown considerably. So the check you send for the car insurance will not bounce one tiny inch."

Her heart was beating wildly as she tried to comprehend this life-changing news combined with her endless love for this extraordinary man. She couldn't stop the happy tears and wiped her eyes with the edge of the blanket. His mouth rested against her forehead for a moment until she tilted her head to search for his kiss. The caress lingered as their mutual passion began to build. Carolyn's breath was ragged when she finally slid her lips away. "Daniel, I don't know what to say…you moved heaven and earth to be with us, to take care of us."

The irony wasn't lost on him. "I did at that, but if I may risk a cliché…you are my heaven on earth, m'darlin'." He began to nibble gently on her earlobe and leave a trail of soft kisses along her jaw. She laughed in delight and brought a hand up to stroke his beard. She relished having the luxury of touch after the years of maddening torment of closeness without physical comfort. No, they wouldn't be getting much restful sleep this night but the alternative was wonderful.

The next few days were filled with intensifying merriment and excitement. Christmas Day would be a memorable holiday at Gull Cottage with the kids anticipating Santa's visit and the adults planning a joyous wedding ceremony followed by a dinner reception. Martha was determined to create a beautiful cake for the newlyweds to top off her traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings. Daniel and Carolyn spent the next two days burning off nervous energy as they enjoyed quality time with Candy and Jonathan. Schooner Bay's Summerfield Park had an excellent sledding hill with a tow rope feature to the delight of the community's youngsters and the relief of the adults. Sliding down and getting pulled up the hill made it fun for all age groups. Carolyn completely surprised the Captain and her children when she donned ice skates at the outdoor rink also located in the park. Her family gave

her looks of surprised doubt. "Hey! I skated all the time when I was a kid! Once you learn you never forget, just like riding a bicycle!" She gracefully glided around on the ice, managing a ballerina-style twirl or two to her children's delight and to onlooker's friendly applause. She came to an almost graceful stop into Daniel's arms, rocking him back on his heels but he held them both steady. Soon they were all sipping hot cocoa and snacking on home-made doughnuts at the Ladies Auxiliary warming tent.

"Gee, Mom! You were great!" Candy gushed.

Jonathan agreed wholeheartedly. "Yeah, did you see Benny Albertson's mom? She knocked down two kindergarten kids. She plowed right into 'em. Wham!"

"No, I didn't see that. Were the kids hurt?" Carolyn asked, a little startled.

Her daughter shook her head, took a big bite of her cinnamon doughnut, chewed and then swallowed. "No. They're okay. Timmy Freehan started to cry a little bit but his big sister was there and she told him to stop or she'd take him home. He got up and kept going."

Daniel was impressed. "Good for you, Timmy," He lifted his Styrofoam cup in a mock toast. "Stout lad."

It was later that afternoon when Daniel and Carolyn found the opportunity to discuss more of their plans. They took Scruffy for a walk on the beach, it had long been the one activity they had always manage to enjoy together. The waves crashed onto the shore as the seagulls danced and swooped on the wind above their heads. Carolyn adjusted her ear muffs with her gloved hand and then threaded her arm through the Captain's as they strolled, careful to stay just a step away from the lapping rush of water. As far as their financial windfall they agreed not to reveal the actual sum to their children, both wanting Candy and Jonathan to appreciate the benefits of earning a dollar on their own. But a hefty sum would immediately be put away in a trust fund to pay their college expenses when the time came, although that would be years away. Carolyn knew she wanted to continue her career as a writer, she would enjoy the freedom of choosing the projects which interested her and perhaps she would begin a novel in the near future. Time would tell. As far as expenses went, Carolyn would be responsible for the routine household bills and Daniel would handle the major expenses as they came along. First on their list was gifting Martha with a healthy Christmas bonus for her years of loyalty and love, and a first-class round-trip airline ticket to Florida so she could spend some vacation time with her family. Although she hated to deal with the thought of leaving Gull Cottage and moving away, the gnawing pain was lessened greatly now that she had Daniel back and there was money for a new home—wherever that might be.

"We could live anywhere, love." The Captain stated as he reached down to snag up a stick of driftwood and send it flying into the wind for Scruffy to retrieve.

"I know but…the kids are doing so well in school. I hate thinking about leaving Schooner Bay…and…this is our home."

"There are other houses in the area," he knelt down to receive the stick back from the dog and then threw it away again. "We could buy some land, build a home to our liking. I did it once, I can do it again."

"That takes time, Daniel. We have a month before we have to move. First we would need a place to rent until our new home was built if we do decide to stay here and build."

"Oh no! No more rental contracts! I'll not having you dealing with that penny-pinching seaweed again!" Daniel was serious.

Carolyn bent and lifted Scruffy into her arms, brushing sand off his fur. She hugged the little dog to her chest. "We may have no other choice. Claymore has a virtual monopoly on all the vacation rental cottages around town."

"Then by Jehovah, we'll live in a caravan on the public beach like Irish Travelers before I see Claymore make a dime off of you."

Scruffy began to squirm in her arms when he spotted a group of seagulls strutting further up the beach. She placed him gently onto the sand and off he sprinted, the sea birds squawking in protest as he charged up on them. Carolyn brushed her gloved hands together to knock off the sand. She placed her arm around his waist as they turned to head back to the house. She was loathed to bring up the subject of Claymore Gregg again. "Uh, Sweetheart—that reminds me…"

He returned her embrace, his arm about her shoulders. "What's that, love?"

"Claymore was re-elected Justice of the Peace. He'll have to officiate at our ceremony. There's no time to arrange for clergy. You can blame me for that situation." She looked at him and prepared herself for his angered reaction.

He growled and kicked at a seashell in his path. "I shall try not to commit murder on our wedding day. I shall wait until the next day to run him through with my saber."

Her green eyes danced with laughter. "Oh well, thank you, dear sir. Remember it will be Christmas Day also…peace on Earth, goodwill towards men."

Daniel tugged at his ear with his free hand and then swiped a finger across his mustache. "He's not a man, closer to a spineless jellyfish. I suppose you have already invited him for the festivities and dinner?"

"Mmm-hmm. I had Martha call to invite Ed Peavey and Claymore. She said Claymore was hesitant at first. Thought it was a setup, a trap, but he overcame his trepidation of you with the thought of a free turkey dinner and a $25 fee for performing the service and filing the paperwork. You know Claymore."

He stopped then and turned to face her. She tilted her head to look up at him. "It's a good thing you are worth all this trouble, m'dear." He leaned down and they shared a brief sweet kiss. He pulled back then and gave her a funny look. "Have you always been this short?"

Carolyn laughed at his teasing and gave him a smack on his stomach before she wrapped both hands around his proffered arm. She called for Scruffy and the pup came scampering back as they made their way up the trail and back to Gull Cottage.