Unsure how Lizzy felt around dogs, Emily reached her in two strides and scooped her up. “Her name is Cocoa and she won’t hurt you.” The child was rigid in her arms, and she wondered if lifting her had been a mistake. Should she have lifted Cocoa instead? She was about to lower her when she felt those skinny arms slide around her neck and tighten. Silken curls brushed against her cheek, and she felt warm breath brush against her neck as Lizzy burrowed into her shoulder in an achingly familiar gesture. Something woke and stirred deep inside her, and Emily closed her eyes.

Not now.

This wasn’t the time to start remembering.

“Is she all right?” Ryan made a grab for the dog. “You are a bundle of trouble. My grandmother thought a dog would keep her youthful, but this animal has put ten years on me.”

Dragging her mind back to the present, Emily lowered Lizzy gently, and dog and child stared at one another.

The dog whined and lay down on her belly at the little girl’s feet.

Ryan’s eyebrows lifted. “I guess we know who wields the power. Nice work, Lizzy. She likes you. From now on, you’re in charge. Put your hand out and let her sniff you.”

The dog stood up, tail wagging, and thrust her damp nose into the child’s palm.

Lizzy smiled. The first smile Emily had seen since she’d picked her up at the airport along with a suitcase. One suitcase, but more baggage than one small person should have to carry alone.

Emily licked dry lips. Right now it was her own baggage that was troubling her.

Grateful for the distraction provided by the dog, she retrieved the bags Ryan had abandoned on the step and carried them through to the kitchen.

He followed her. “You didn’t sleep.”

“How do you know that?”

“Pale face. Dark circles. It’s a dead giveaway. Don’t worry, I have the perfect gift for you.” He dipped his hand into one of the bags and pulled out two tall cups stamped with the swirling logo of the Ocean Club. “Iced cappuccino with an extra shot made by Kirsti’s fair hand.”

Emily reached for the cup gratefully. “I might love you.”

He grinned. “Don’t threaten me so early in the morning.” He sprawled in the nearest chair, coffee in his hand, the bags abandoned on the table. “So, you were awake all night wondering how many people saw that newspaper.”

“Not just that. I’m used to city noises. I can’t sleep here.” She hadn’t slept a full night since the phone call that had given her a child she wasn’t qualified to raise.

“Most people find the sound of the sea soothing.”

She wasn’t most people. “What else is in the bags? Please, tell me it’s a month’s supply of iced cappuccino.”