“No,” Taylor replied. “Because I knew I hadn’t done anything wrong.” She lowered her eyes. “Please tell Kevin that I’ve gone. I wish it could have been different for us, but things don’t always work out the way we hope. He and I had fun, but I know he doesn’t want me in his life. But I do want him to be happy.” Then she checked her watch. “I’ve got to run; I’m on the two thirty to Boston. I’m flying out tonight. Good luck with the Inn. I admit I wasn’t sure at first, but it’s been nice having you around.” She started to shake Annie’s hand, but Annie stepped closer and gave Taylor a hug. She felt it was the least she could do.

* * *

An hour later, Kevin returned from a mission of tackling errands in Edgartown. He had a paper bag in one arm, a bunch of plump yellow tulips in the other.

“For you,” he said, handing Annie the flowers. “Because you are my sister, and I love you, and I don’t think I ever could have managed these past weeks without you.”

Annie fought back tears. She took the flowers and said, “I’m not sure vases are in the budget.”

“I ran into Claire on the boat. She said a canning jar will do the trick.”

Annie laughed. “What’s in the bag?”

He pressed his lips together. “Mom’s ashes. I picked them up at the funeral home.”

Annie’s laughter faded; she didn’t know what to say.

“If you’re not too busy,” Kevin continued, “maybe we could spread them this afternoon? Before this place opens and we get too crazy?”

Donna had wanted her ashes sprinkled in the water off South Beach. It had seemed odd because, as far as Annie knew, Donna only had been there one morning with Annie when they’d been exploring the island together, back when they’d first met. Perhaps it had meant more to Donna than Annie realized.

She drew in a long breath. “Do you want to go now?”

“I was hoping you’d say that.”

She followed her brother across the room, stopping to rearrange a group of wampum on a side table. She knew it wouldn’t be the last time that she fussed with them; she hoped their guests would enjoy doing the same.

Before heading outside, Annie stopped in the kitchen, pulled a pitcher from a cabinet, set it on the gorgeous new counter, and arranged the flowers. Then, as she turned to leave, she stopped and plucked two yellow tulips—so each of them could toss one into the waves along with their mother’s ashes.

* * *