She paused, a slice of pizza in her hand. “Are you thinking about Agnes?”

“I’m not thinking about it—she is. She’s struggling to cope in Harbor House. The truth is the house is too big for her, and it’s hard for her to see her friends. She’s been thinking about next steps. She’s asked me to take her to see it on Monday.”

“Doesn’t Hilda already live there?”

“Yes. That’s part of the reason Gran wants to move. To be closer to her friends.”

“And you don’t want her to go? It upsets you that she is thinking of leaving the house. You feel you should be able to do something to keep her there.”

“She’s lived there most of her life.”

“But people’s lives change, their needs change. What was right for a person five years ago or even a year ago, might not be right now.” She realized that she could have been talking about herself.

“She loves that house. Even on days when her arthritis is bad, she loves sitting and watching the boats and the people coming and going on the ferry. I’m worried she’s thinking of leaving because she doesn’t want to be a burden to me.”

“Have you tried asking her what she really wants?”

“She wouldn’t give me a straight answer.”

“She might if you were honest with her. I think you should take her to see it. I think you should keep your mouth zipped, let her look around and do what she needs to do to make a decision. Then you should talk. This isn’t about you, Ryan. It’s not about what you’re doing or not doing. It’s about what she needs and wants.”

They returned to the painting, and finally, as the sun was dipping down over the horizon, they finished. Lisa stood back and admired the freshly painted frontage with the new sign and the beautiful mural visible through the large window.

“I love it. I might cry.”

“Don’t cry,” Ryan drawled. “I hate bawling women.”

Emily noticed his eyes narrow slightly as Jared looped his arm around Rachel’s shoulders and kissed her on the head. “She’s an adult now,” she said quietly, and he pulled a face.

“I know. I still want to kick his ass for kissing my sister.”

“She looks happy.”

“She’s too trusting. And if he breaks her heart I will kick his ass.” He frowned. “Oops. Lizzy is crying. Someone is tired. Do you want me to—?”

“No. I’ll go to her.” Concerned, Emily scooped up Lizzy and knew immediately something wasn’t right. She put her hand on the child’s forehead and frowned. “You’re burning up. Are you not feeling well? Lisa, I’m sorry, I’m going to have to take her home.”