Aiden scrolled through his newsfeed, not seeing a thing. He’d finished his speech a long time ago. Sophie had been on the phone for a good twenty minutes. They were talking about the hurricane now, but she neglected to mention she had company. He was so glad he’d charged up her phone for this.

Aiden scowled at Sophie, but she was focused on Pippa, now curled up on her lap.

He’d heard enough of the conversation to know a man was on the other end, and her slightly flirtatious tone told him it wasn’t a mere friend. She might not have a boyfriend, but she was clearly working on it.

He should give her some privacy. But hey, why not sit here and listen to her seal the deal?

His chest tightened at the thought. He had no right to feel this way. Tonight he’d go home to Tiffany and a potential long-term relationship. Sophie deserved to have someone, too, didn’t she? She of all people deserved a fulfilling life after putting her family first for so long.

“I don’t mind meeting you halfway,” Sophie said. “All right, if you insist. Looking forward to it. I’ll see you then. You too.”

Aiden continued scrolling, making a conscious effort to unclench his jaw and reminding himself his jealousy was unwarranted. She was free to set up a date if she chose. Heck, she was free to run off and elope, though he couldn’t imagine her ever doing something so impulsive.

The silence had grown prolonged. He glanced up and found her watching him.

“That was the grandson of one of Granny’s friends.”

“Matchmaking, is she?”

“You know Granny—always butting in where she’s not wanted.”

That he did. He also remembered the way Granny May had rebuffed him at the rehearsal and wedding. Not that he blamed her.

“She’s no fan of mine anymore. Must think I’m a real dog to have left on your dad’s heels.”

“I’ll tell her you didn’t know Dad had just left. I should’ve already told her. Don’t know why I didn’t.”

“Doesn’t matter now. I’ll probably never even see her again.”

His eyes locked on Sophie’s across the room as realization sank in. In a matter of hours he’d leave for the airport. For home and work and Tiffany. Sophie would stay here and start her business, find some nice man—possibly the guy she’d just been chatting with—to settle down with.

The moment drew out, his stomach growing heavier until Aiden could hardly draw breath. The love they’d shared seven years ago was still present, he realized suddenly. Maybe it was just a seedling now, but it was there. With a little nurturing it could grow once again into something sturdy and thriving.

Sophie looked toward the kitchen, her gaze sharpening. “Listen . . . Do you hear that?”