Amber pushed the cash register drawer shut. “I don’t know about y’all, but my doggies are barking.”

“It’s been a long, busy day,” Sophie said. “Thanks for helping me get the place back in order. That’ll make tomorrow morning easier.”

Ellie shut off the front room light as they made their way to the back. “Where’d your sister run off to?”

“She went to my place to let Pippa out. She’s spending the night and leaving in the morning.”

“It’ll be nice when you’re living right upstairs, won’t it?” Amber said. “Talk about convenient.”

“I can’t wait.” Sophie didn’t even want to think about more construction, especially given her financial situation. But she didn’t have much choice.

They said good-bye and Sophie locked up. She was limping a little as she walked to her car. What a day. She pulled out her phone to check the texts that had come in during the party and knew a moment of despair when none of them had come from Aiden.

*  *  *

Aiden weeded through the emails that had come in while he was gone. There were many congratulations from both clients and industry professionals. Ross had informed the Post and Currier of Aiden’s award, so word had spread far and wide.

Beyond Aiden’s door the office was dark, and only the quiet hum of the air conditioner broke the silence. Ross had left around six, but Aiden had a lot to catch up on and a full day scheduled tomorrow.

He glanced at the clock on his office wall for the dozenth time in the last hour. Sophie’s shop was closed now. How had her grand opening gone? Did she have a good turnout for the release party? Sell a lot of books?

He looked at his phone, which he’d gotten repaired today. His fingers twitched with the need to call her. To hear her voice and revel in what he was sure had been a successful opening. He wanted to know every detail. Wanted to congratulate her and tell her how proud he was of her.

But he wasn’t sure how his call would be received. How had she responded to the note he’d left? To his actual departure? He’d thought she might call. After their argument she couldn’t have been surprised that he left. When he’d written the note he planned to call her at some point today. But the longer he was away from Piper’s Cove, the more certain he was it would be a mistake.

“She deserves better than you, and eventually she’ll figure that out.”

Granny May’s words on the phone played back, heaviness weighing his stomach. Granny was right. Sophie was smart and beautiful and good. Even in high school he’d known he was lucky to have her love. Of course he’d fallen for her—who wouldn’t?