“I forgive you. And I really am sorry for the things I said. I also realized you were right about my dad. I was resentful about his leaving me to take over, and I transferred some of that to you. I think that’s why I held on to it so long. But that wasn’t fair to you. I’m sorry.”

“I get it. You lost two people you loved on the same day, and it altered the course of your life forever.”

“Thank you for understanding. But, Aiden . . .” She touched his face, pinning him with a look. “No more leaving. Talk to me instead. There’s nothing we can’t work out if we’re open with each other.”

“I promise.” He dropped a lingering kiss on her lips.

When he drew away he gave her a smile she couldn’t help returning. She still couldn’t quite believe he was here saying all this. That they were together again. But it would be different this time because they’d both grown. They both understood the issues they faced and would work together to overcome them.

“Tell me about your family,” he said. “They came over just to help you get settled?”

“We’ve come a long way in a week. I have so much to tell you. But the short version is, you were right about my siblings. I had a heart-to-heart with them, and we agreed I’d go back to being just their sister.”

“I’m glad to hear it. That’ll be better for all of you.”

“I’m sure we’ll have our bumps along the way, but they showed up today out of the blue to help me—even my dad and Granny May. That says something.”

“It’s a good start.”

“It is.” As thrilled as she was that Aiden was here, that he wanted to give their relationship a real chance, there was still a major obstacle.

His gaze sharpened on her. “What’s wrong? I don’t like those little furrows between your brows.”

She put some space between them, her lips easing into a wan smile. “We haven’t talked about the logistics yet. You still live five hours away, Aiden, and we both own businesses. That’s a pretty big hurdle.”

His eyes lit with hope. “I haven’t had a chance to tell you my news. The largest manufacturer of parachutes in the US wants to buy my patent for the SpringChute.”

She squeezed his hand. “Aiden! That’s wonderful. Is that what you want to do? To sell the rights? You’d mentioned you might want to manufacture them yourself.”