“If it’s the right choice, then no one can make you waver. Take me as an example—” she stood back and looked around her “—you can tell me I’m making the wrong decision as many times as you like, but I’m not going to doubt myself even for a second.”

“Are we talking about my life or the house? Because if it’s the house, my opinion is that it’s a big step. You should take some time to think about it.”

“When you reach my age, you don’t waste precious time letting your brain talk you out of something your heart already knows is right.”

Ryan stared at her. “She made it sound as if I didn’t care. As if Lizzy doesn’t matter to me.”

“And does she?”

“Of course! I was as worried about Lizzy as she was. And I was worried about her.” And the thought of her, anxious and alone in the hospital with no one to support her, had driven him demented when he’d been trapped. “I thought I’d proved that by flying through a storm to get to the hospital—a place, I might add, that makes me want to swallow alcohol in large quantities.” He paced to the other side of the room which, given the distance, didn’t do anything to relieve his tension. “Can we talk about something else?”

“You can talk about anything you like. I believe you were expressing your opinion on my new home.” The words were infused with patience and love, and Ryan felt a rush of guilt.

“I’m sorry.” He pressed his fingers to the bridge of his nose and sent her an apologetic look. “It’s been a stressful few days. First, Lizzy being sick—”

“Yes, that was a worrying time for the whole island. I know people were very relieved when Kirsti put that message up at the Ocean Club.”

“She had people asking her every two minutes.” His insides felt ripped and raw. He wondered if it was the hospital visit that had affected his mood so profoundly. “I guess I thought Emily and I were friends.”

“I’m sure you are. But Emily has been thrown into the role of mother and she’s trying to protect Lizzy.”

He knew how important that was to her, but he hated to think she saw him as a threat to Lizzy’s happiness. “I don’t see why I’m such a threat. Emily is planning on staying on the island, and I’m not going anywhere.”

“I think she’s more concerned about your emotional presence than your geographical location.” His grandmother removed her glasses and tucked them into her purse. “Whereas you seem very concerned about my geographical location. Does it bother you where I live?”

“I guess I find it hard to imagine you living anywhere but Harbor House. You’ve lived there since—” He broke off, and she nodded slowly.