Ashley drew in a breath. “I have no idea what I’m doing. No idea what I’m going to do. I’ve never been this scared in my life.”

“It’s okay to be scared. I’m scared, too. Do you have any idea how long it has been since I’ve walked around in public without looking over my shoulder? We’ll do this together.”

“They’ll stake out the beach house.”

Joanna’s stomach rolled. “Probably, yes. And you’re right, it does make me uncomfortable, but some of that is habit. Almost a reflex reaction. I’ve been doing this for so long I no longer even question it. But I’m questioning it now.”

“Because of me.”

“Yes, because of you. You’ve made me take another look at the way I’m living my life. You’ve made me ask myself some tough questions. And that’s good.”

“It is?”

“Yes. I’m tired of living like this.” Saying the words aloud made her realize it was true. “I’m tired of having to restrict my life because of Cliff. I’m tired of still being associated with him even though we were divorced before he died. I’m tired of caring what people think of me. You talked a lot of sense yesterday. You said they shouldn’t decide how we live. I agree with you. From now on we’re going to do what we want to do, when we want to do it.”

She glanced up as Nate walked back into the room.

“I’ve got you the best table in the house,” he said. “And your order is on its way.”

“Thank you.” Who had he moved to get her that table? Whoever it was, no doubt he’d used that Nate smile, and that Nate charm, and they’d melted toward whatever alternative he’d offered without a word of protest.

“You’re welcome.” He paused. “It’s good to see you, Jo.”

His use of her name took her straight back to the past. He was the only one other than her father who had ever called her that and it was a name she associated with intimacy. I love you, Jo.

Was it good to see him? She didn’t know. But she did know it felt good to have this first, awkward meeting over. The thought of bumping into him had been looming over her in a cloud of dread, as big a barrier to her strolling around town or along the beach as the worry of being spotted by the press. But now, thanks to Ashley, it was done. That first awkward moment was behind her and she’d survived.

And she realized she’d been wrong about two things. Firstly, that although two decades had passed, there was still a connection between them. And secondly, that he didn’t feel like a stranger.