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"I've seen that newspaper," Andy told us. "There's a copy of it in a display case at school with the trophy next to it."
I ruffled Andy's hair. "Blue Harbor does have a way of making history."
Ronan pulled out a chunk of weathered wood with a few flecks of bluish paint still clinging to the surface. A note wrapped around it, written in Ian's distinctive style, explained its significance. He insisted that it was a piece of the schooner Siren's Call, the legendary shipwreck we planned to look for at the cove directly beneath Ian's house. He passed it around so each of us could feel the sensation of holding something that still carried secrets like what exactly happened when the boat went down.
"This is incredible," I whispered, as I felt the smooth texture of the wood beneath my fingertips.
Ronan read aloud from a formal letter Ian left among the items. One particular line resonated with me. "The heart and soul of a town is far more valuable than any material treasure it might hold." It was Ian's way of telling us what really mattered.
Beneath everything else was the last item that Ronan pulled out. It was a small, velvet box. When he opened it, everyone gasped. Glimmering under the room's fluorescent lights was Great-Uncle Ian's ruby ring. Based on what Ronan knew, it was the only material treasure Ian ever brought back from one of his adventures.
As we wrapped up our time at the bank, the players chatted excitedly about the discoveries we'd made. Maggie hugged both Ronan and me. With a mixture of satisfaction and melancholy, we bid farewell to the group, knowing that our adventure was drawing to a close.
As I drove Ronan back to his hotel, I reflected on the contrast between our extraordinary day and the ordinary life unfolding around us. Blue Harbor was its usual charming self, with children playing and couples strolling hand-in-hand along the sidewalk. When I began to think about the future, a bittersweet ache exploded in my chest.
Ronan sat in the passenger seat cradling the time capsule in his lap. "I think I might donate this, minus the ring, to the local historical society. It belongs here instead of in California."
Hearing that word, "California," was like experiencing a tiny knife cut. I clenched my teeth. "Today was something else, wasn't it?"
Ronan turned to face me. "Kind of amazing. I've never been part of anything like that. Pulling out those different historical objects and seeing the looks on your players' faces. I'll remember that for a long time."
"I'm glad we all got to experience it with you."
I heard Ronan take a deep breath. "Tyler, I have to go back to California. My team… needs me. There's a lot going on, and I have to be there."
I wanted to push the words away, but I failed. In response, I choked out, "So, you're leaving?"
Ronan nodded. His voice was flat, completely devoid of any emotion. "Yeah, I have to, probably tomorrow, but before I go, can we have breakfast tomorrow morning at The Crafted Crumb? I'd like to see Theo and Rafe one last time."
I swallowed hard, blinking back tears. The thought of saying goodbye so soon was like a severe punch to the gut. Still, I couldn't be petulant and turn him down. "Of course, they'll appreciate that."
The car was silent again as I pulled up in front of the hotel. I put the car in park and turned to face Ronan. "I wish you didn't have to go, but I get it. You've got some big responsibilities out there. That company is your baby."
He reached out and placed a hand on my arm. "I wish I could stay longer, too. These past several days have been some of the most amazing in my entire life, and meeting you… I never thought I could connect with an amazing man like you. It's been a huge revelation."
A massive lump formed in my throat. "I'll miss you, you know."
"I'll miss you, too." He tried to convince me it wasn't so bad. "But it doesn't have to be goodbye forever. Let's see what life has in store for us. Who knows what the future holds?"
I nodded. "Yeah, who knows?"
He let go of my arm and opened the car door, turning back to look at me one last time. "Breakfast tomorrow… let's make it a good one."
I felt fragile as I did my best to smile. "Yes, pick you up at 8?"
"Perfect. I'll see you then."
Chapter seventeen
Ronan
"So, what I hear you saying is it's okay for me to stay here in Blue Harbor." I'd phoned my big sister, Siobhan, out in New York City, when I gave up on sleep. I paced back and forth in my hotel room while we talked. She never had the same academic success as me, but she was much more wise about life itself.
She chuckled lightly. "You sound a little like my therapist with that language, but yes, of course it's okay. It's more than that. I'm a little blown away by what you're telling me. You haven't sounded this excited about something since you won that seventh grade science fair with a robot you made out of Mom's kitchen appliances."
I grinned. "That was a good one, wasn't it? Who can forget the mixing beater arms?"
"You're unforgettable most of the time, and I'm thrilled for you right now. Finding someone who can make you feel so alive is a rare thing that you should treasure."
