Chapter 30
“Yeah!” Zoe cheered.
“Ferry?” Lucas repeated his mind filling with images of rough seas and boats struggling to stay afloat. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
“I’m sorry?” Sarah looked at him startled. “It’s an island so the only way to get there is by ferry.”
“Boats are dangerous. What about rough seas? They could sink.”
Sarah blinked not sure if he was being serious before saying, “I think we’ll be fine.”
“If you’re worried we can go too,” Alan şaid. “I’ve never been to the Statue of Liberty.”
“Really?” Zoe asked.
“That’s not necessary. I’m sure you have work to do.”
“It’s Sunday. I think I’m entitled to a day off,” Lucas said ignoring Alan’s smirk.
In truth he usually worked seven days a week. Sunday only had a skeleton crew of sorts so the office was quiet and made a good environment to catch up but right now nothing was further from his mind.
Sarah chewed her lip. Her eyes vacillated from uncertainty to surprise to worry. It seemed she was still unsure about his motivation and torn between wanting to keep her distance and honoring their agreement.
“Will we get to climb all the way to the top?” Zoe asked.
“Umm…no baby.” Sarah shook her head. “I’m afraid not.”
“Aww. Why not?”
“Well, you’re not big enough. You have to be at least forty-two inches tall. Remember the fair last year? You wanted to get on some of the rides but they wouldn’t let you?”
Zoe pouted, “I wish I was bigger.”,
“You’ll grow up soon,” Sarah smiled. “I don’t want you to grow up too soon. I like having my baby little.”
“Mommy I won’t be little forever.”
“True but you’ll always be my baby.”
“So when are your reservations?” Alan asked looking at his phone:
Sarah hesitated then answered, “Ten-thirty.”
Nodding Alan and went back to his phone. A few moments later he looked at Lucas and nodded. Lucas breathed easier. He would be able to go with them.
*
After breakfast they plled into Sarah’s SUV with Lucas once again riding shot gun and Alan in the backseat with Zoe. Much to her disappointment Daisy had to stay behind but Ulima promised to take good care of the pup. Sarah’s phone chimed with directions to the paid parking area where they disembarked.
Since they were early they took a little time to look around Battery Park stopping to take pictures at some of the monuments including the East Coast Memorial of a giant bronze eagle commemorating servicemen lost on the Atlantic during WWII as well as the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Immigrants’ Memorial. Zoe was still a little young to understand all the history but she dutifully listened and maintained a contemplative look throughout.
Reaching the Castle they picked up their tickets and headed to the security checkpoint. They were still early enough that they got through rather quickly and boarded their ferry’heading up to the third deck where they would have the best view of the Statue as they approached. Zoe bounced on her heels wanting to run along the deck even as it quickly filled. Fearful of losing sight of her in the growing crowd Lucas scooped her up. After yesterday he was rapidly beginning to understand his daughter was a disappearing expert.
Surprisingly she didn’t try to get away. Instead the higher perspective gave Zoe a better view of the ocean and
the island that was their goal. Sarah snapped pictures giving Zoe plenty to show when she told everyone about their trip.
Reaching Liberty Island they disembarked and they headed for the Visitor’s Center. After a brief discussion
they elected not to join a guided tour but checked out a phone so they could listen to the audio tour as they
wandered on their own. Though they couldn’t climb to the Crown Sarah had purchased tickets that granted
them access to the Pedestal allowing them several scenic views. Naturally Zoe wanted several souvenirs
from the gift shop before they returned to the ferry to take it to Ellis Island and the Immigration Museum. Though informative the museum was not quite as interesting to the three-year-old she happily held onto her parents’ hands giggling all the while.
On the ferry back Sarah’s phone buzzed. Taking it out she found it was a text from Ava. She smiled, “Zoe, look
Auntie Ava wants us to come over for dinner tonight.”
“Really?”
“Yep. The boys are looking forward to playing with you and Daisy and…” Sarah frowned looking at Lucas. “She
says you’re invited too.”
Lucas blinked in surprise. Even when he was on good terms with Julius and Silas they never invited him to their homes. He was rather nervous what Silas would say but as he was officially invited it should be fine…
right?
Oblivious to his internal debate Zoe happily bounced in his arms excited about dinner and playing with her
cousins she only knew from stories.
E.T. Watson
part of became that
