“Nikola, no.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not going to give him twenty-five grand. I’m just saying, he’s going to be okay. My uncle has already recommended a lawyer who does pro bono work here and there. We’ll work together and figure something out.”

“But—”

“You need to listen to her, Syd.”

When had Micah walked over? His dark eyes burned with intensity despite the circles underneath them.

“I made a horrible mistake. I know that. When Harmon sent his goon after me, I . . . I should’ve gone to Nikola’s uncle but I didn’t because I thought . . . I don’t know what I thought. I just know it was stupid. But it would be an even worse mistake to watch you give up everything you want for me. You’ve already done that once before.”

“Micah—”

“No, don’t argue.” He raked his fingers through his hair. “If you want to do something for me now, then . . . then let me go. It’s time. We both know it.”

Her tears were back. “You’ll always be my little brother.”

He did her the favor of rolling his eyes when she hugged him, lightening the moment, easing the weight that had settled in her stomach since the moment he turned up in Maine. And making room for something else.

Something warm and hopeful and nerve-wracking and maybe a little terrifying. Something that might be God’s voice or perhaps her own heart . . . or probably both. Because maybe Nikola was right. Maybe there were times when her deepest desires were the echoes of divine whispers.

And maybe it was time she finally listened.

It shouldn’t be so hard to find one man.

Sydney burst into the kitchen through the back door, out of breath from jogging to the barn and then to the treehouse and back again. And that was after having stopped at the hospital first.

“Not . . . cut out . . . for this.”

“Uh, Syd? You okay?” Lilian walked in, coat and gloves on. Was she leaving or just arriving? Had she come in the front door just as Sydney had barreled in the back?

And those other voices . . . maybe . . . “I’m fine. Um, is everyone with you?”

“Indi’s here. And Wilder, of course. Because he’s apparently never not with us. We just grabbed lunch in town and then stopped here to change. We’re heading back in to the hospital. Have you been to see Maggie yet? I mean, since she’s been awake.”

She shook her head, still trying to catch her breath. Oh, she had to look ridiculous. Her old coat was unbuttoned, her shirt underneath wrinkled from being in her suitcase all night, and somewhere on her run, she’d lost a glove. And she didn’t have one single doubt the sea salt air had wreaked havoc on her hair.

“But . . . but Neil’s not with you?”