“Have no fear. Everyone who comes Tuesday will have the privilege.”

“I’m going to have to buy two books, because I’m putting the one he signs behind glass.”

“I hope everyone else feels the same way. I just finished pricing his new releases. I hope I didn’t over order.”

Haley waved her fears away. “It’ll be a huge event. All my friends are going. It’ll be a regular race to see which of us finishes the book first.” She gave Sophie a coy look. “I don’t suppose you might let me . . .”

Sophie laughed. “Sorry. I’m not allowed to give out the copies early.”

“Well, it was worth a shot.” She handed Sophie the drinks. “Here you go.”

“Thanks. Come down and see the shop when you get a chance.”

“I’ll bring you a sample of my new apple tart when it’s done. I’m still tweaking the recipe, and I need feedback.”

“Yum, I’ll be happy to provide it.”

“Don’t blow away out there,” Haley called as she made her way back to the kitchen.

“See you later.” As Sophie neared the door her phone buzzed with an incoming call. She set down the drinks at a table and checked the screen in case it was Aiden, wanting to add dessert to his order. But it was Jenna calling.

Sophie answered. “Hey, Sis. Everything all right?”

“Aiden is still there?” she said by way of greeting.

“Hello to you too. I see word has gotten around.” Sophie was actually surprised it had taken this long.

“This is kind of big, Soph. He’s been there a week, and I’m just now finding out? I thought you hated him.”

Sophie rolled her eyes, sinking into a chair by the window facing the boardwalk. “I don’t hate him. And why would I bother you with the minutia of my life while you’re on your honeymoon?”

“Minutia?” Jenna chuckled. “If there’s one thing Aiden Maddox is not, it’s minutia. You were heartbroken when he left, and we weren’t allowed to even mention his name.”

Sophie gaped. “I never said that.”

“Granny warned us not to. She said as far as she was concerned his name was a curse word, and we’d get our mouths washed out with soap if she found out we’d uttered it.”

“Oh brother.”

“And now he’s staying at the beach house with you, helping you fix up your store, and you didn’t even bother telling me?”

“Nothing’s going on, Jenna. There’s no mystery here. Go back to your umbrella drinks and suntan lotion.”

“Oh, come on. He’s missing work to help you? That doesn’t add up.”

“He got stuck here because of the hurricane. His flight was canceled. Then I sprained my ankle, and he felt bad so he stayed to help. That’s all there is to it.”