“On behalf of the President of the United States and the Chief of Naval Operations,” he said, “please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one’s service to this country and to a grateful navy.”
“Thank you,” Jane whispered, her eyes wet with tears. She wasn’t the only one. I was sniffling like crazy and I was willing to bet everyone else had shed a tear during that touching moment.
A minute later, Blake Bitterman announced that the indoor service was ended and quickly segued to the procedure to be followed for anyone accompanying Jesse’s casket to the burial plot.
Before the service, the girls and I had agreed that at least one of us would stay close by Jane’s side at all times. She was usually so capable and strong, but all of these rituals had to be agonizing for her.
Lizzie and I accompanied her to the burial ceremony while Emily and Marigold rushed over to the Inn on Main Street, a lovely old hotel where the reception would be held in the main banquet room.
A few of Emily’s employees at the tea shop were helping out the Inn’s permanent staff and would surely have everything under control so that once the two girls arrived, they would only have to check that each guest had plenty to drink and nibble on.
Jane and I showed up an hour later, after a brief, sad ceremony at the grave site. We were both surprised and pleased at the number of people who’d come to the Inn to pay their respects. A few of them, mostly old navy friends, had traveled up from San Diego in Southern California.
Jane did a quick survey of the kitchen, said hello to the staff, and then joined the gathering in the main room. The first thing she did was find Bob and Ned.
“Your words were so wonderful,” she said, hugging them both. “Thank you so much. Jesse would’ve loved hearing what you said.”
“I think he would’ve,” Ned said, “if only because that would mean the son of a gun was still here with us.”
Bob chuckled. “I think he is anyway. After all, they’re serving his favorite Irish whiskey at the bar.”
“You may be right about that.” Ned turned and grabbed his son’s arm. “Stephen, let me introduce you to Jesse’s niece. Jane Hennessey, this is my son, Stephen Darby.”
“We met briefly before the service,” Jane said, shaking his hand. “Hello, Stephen.”
I was standing next to Jane, so I had a good view of Stephen’s expression as he was introduced to her. He appeared instantly smitten, which was not surprising since Jane was a tall, beautiful blonde with a kind heart and a ready smile.
“Stephen’s a financial planner,” Ned said proudly, “so if you have any money problems, talk to him.”
Stephen rolled his eyes at his father and turned to Jane. “I’m no longer working in finance. My father tends to forget that I recently graduated from the Culinary Institute and have become a chef.”
“A chef?” I said, before Jane could react. “How fun.”
“I feel I was born to do it.”
“That’s exciting, but quite a departure from the world of finance,” Jane said. “Are you planning to work somewhere in Northern California?”
“He plans to work in Lighthouse Cove,” Ned explained before Stephen could answer for himself. “He got a job up here so he could be closer to me.”
“That’s so nice,” I said to Ned.
“He’s a good kid,” Ned said, elbowing his son good-naturedly. “He’s about to start working at some French place. What’s the name, son?”
“Tre Mondrian,” Stephen said, smiling indulgently at his dad for calling him a “kid.”
It was pretty obvious that his father wished he’d remained a financial planner, but Stephen apparently loved cooking more. And who didn’t like a guy who could cook?
“Tre Mondrian is a wonderful restaurant,” I said, thinking of the one meal I’d had there a few years ago. It was very expensive but worth it. Nowadays, reservations were required three months in advance and plenty of people drove all the way up from San Francisco just to have dinner there.
“I’m really stoked about it,” Stephen said. “I’ll start out as a sous-chef, but I’m hoping to move up the ladder eventually.”
“Have you found a place to live in the area yet?” Jane asked politely.
“I’m still looking. I’ll probably stay in a hotel or rent a room for a few months, then buy something.”
“I’d offer you a room at Hennessey House, my new bed-and-breakfast in town,” she said lightly, “but we haven’t even opened yet and we’re already booked for the first two months.”
“I wish I’d known,” Stephen said, staring intently at Jane. He couldn’t seem to look anywhere else.
“Jane,” Ned said, “you should talk to Stephen about Jesse’s estate. He can advise you on the best investment strategies in this fluctuating market.”
“Dad, I’m not doing that work anymore.” Stephen looked at Jane. “But I’d be happy to help you with anything you need.”
She smiled. “Thank you, but I have a financial consultant. And honestly, Jesse didn’t leave me much worth worrying about.”