Chapter 14 #2
Mason’s face was shown on a computer screen. “We’ve done everything we can think of to prepare for what promises to be one of the worst storms the island has ever seen.”
“Island residents were encouraged to evacuate over the last few days,” the anchor said. “Do you have a sense of how many people heeded that warning?”
“Most of our year-round residents chose to stay and ride out the storm so they can do whatever they can to protect their homes and businesses.”
“Do you have a count of how many people are currently on the island?” the reporter asked.
“Not a complete count, but we average about seven hundred off-season residents. We’ve encouraged a buddy system of sorts among the island residents that would have people checking on each other before and after the storm.
We know of island residents who’ve abandoned summer cottages and moved to hotels in town or are staying with family and friends. ”
“Without ferries or planes, the island is cut off from the mainland. What special steps have you taken to provide emergency support to those who need it?”
“We’ve got our medical team hunkered down at the clinic,” Mason said, “and most of my department is at the public safety offices for the duration of the storm. In addition, we have on-call support from the police department, state police and the Coast Guard. We’ve encouraged island residents to call only for legitimate medical emergencies during the storm. ”
“When do you reach the point where it’s too risky for your team to answer a call?”
“We’re already there. We’d try our best to get out to a resident in need, but we told people if they stayed, they might be on their own during the storm.”
Nikki swallowed hard.
“Bad time to have a heart attack on Gansett,” Kevin said.
“Good thing we have you, a sorta doctor,” Finn said, drawing a snort of laughter from his brother. They loved to tease their psychiatrist father about not being a “real” doctor.
“I could save you in a pinch, but after that jab, I might not bother,” Kevin said.
“Right,” Riley said. “As if.”
Anyone who knew Kevin McCarthy even a little bit had no doubt he’d jump in front of a speeding train if one of his children was in danger.
“That’s an empty threat if I’ve ever heard one, Kev,” Chelsea said.
“What’ve I told you about ganging up on me with them?”
She smiled at her husband. “That it’s fun?”
“That is not at all what I told you.”
Everyone else laughed.
Nikki tuned back into what Mason was saying as they wrapped up the interview.
“My department stands ready to assist the Gansett Island community,” he said, “as we recover from the storm and get back to business as usual.”
Nikki’s stomach hurt at the thought of wide-scale damage, loss of life and property.
Riley came up behind her and slid his arms around her. “You’re not stressing out, are you?”
“Maybe a little. I’m afraid we made the wrong call by staying when they recommended evacuation.”
“It’s not the wrong call to stay with our home so we’re here if anything happens.”
“I’m scared.”
He turned her so she was facing him. “Don’t be, honey. We’ll be fine. Soon enough, the storm will be gone, and we can get back to normal around here.”
Nikki looked up at him. “I finally have everything I’ve ever wanted. You, this house that we’ve made our own, a job I love at the Wayfarer, our family and friends nearby. The thought of something threatening any of that is just so overwhelming.”
“Most of the people we love best are here. Gigi and Coop are safe in LA. Jordan and Mason are safe at the public safety building. Try not to worry. It’s going to be fine.”
She exhaled and tried to get her nerves to chill the hell out. If anyone could help her with that, Riley could.
“What do you say we turn in early and try to get some sleep while we can?”
Since nothing made her feel better than snuggling with Riley, she nodded in agreement.
“We’re going to bed,” Riley said. “Are you guys all set with everything you need?”
Every bedroom in the big house would be full that night, as they’d decided to hunker down together.
“We’re good,” Kevin said for all of them. “Thanks for having us.”
“We’re so glad you’re here,” Nikki said. A full house sure did beat worrying about their loved ones during the storm.
“Make sure that fire is out,” Riley said to Finn.
“I’ve got it,” he said. “Night.”
Nikki followed Riley upstairs to the bedroom they’d decorated together in soothing neutral tones.
It was her favorite room in the house because it was theirs, a place they could rest, relax and love each other after long days at work.
In two short months, they’d be getting married.
She couldn’t wait for forever with him, but she was also worried about how The Chesterfield, their wedding venue, would handle the storm.
After they took turns in the bathroom, they met in bed, snuggling up to each other like they did every night. The second his arms were around her, she felt calmer, even if the wind made the old house shake and the windows rattle ominously.
“Hurricanes are loud.”
“Very,” Riley said with a chuckle.
“I’ll never take a quiet night for granted again.”
“I put the roof on this place myself. It’s solid, and it’ll hold. I promise.”
“Since that roof is the reason we met, it’s good to know it’ll hold.”
“It’ll hold, and so will we. We’ll ride out every storm that comes our way together.”
Nikki closed her eyes and gave thanks for him and everything he’d brought to her life. Before she met him, she’d had no idea what was possible when you were in love with the right man. She lifted herself onto her elbow and gazed down at him in the glow of a nightlight.
“What’s up?” he asked, twirling a length of her hair around his finger.