She’d never seen him with so much nervous energy. He’d acted as if the award wasn’t important to him, but clearly it was. And she was so thankful to see him winning at life. Even though he’d left her and broken her heart, she was glad he’d found his way. That others were seeing him for the unique and special individual he was.

Her thoughts went back to his acceptance speech and his kind words about her. She’d had no idea she’d done that for him. She never said anything to him but the truth. He always had so much potential—he just hadn’t been able to see it.

He laughed at something Ross said. “I know. I know, it’s crazy. All right. Sounds like a plan. Thank for doing that, man. All right. See you.”

Aiden pocketed the phone, looking at her. He seemed to have grown a full three inches in stature in the past five minutes.

He chuckled. “I still can’t believe it. I know it’s just a silly award, but—”

“It’s not a silly award. It’s a huge accomplishment.” She started to pull herself up, and he rushed over to help.

“Let’s go celebrate,” she said once she was on her feet. “Where would you like to go?”

“Aw, we don’t have to do that.” Aiden surveyed the room. “We’ve still got a lot of work ahead of us. We should get back to it.”

“Absolutely not. We’re making good time. We can afford an hour to celebrate your accomplishment, and that’s what we’re going to do.”

A smile slowly curled his lips. “I guess I could call my dad on the way. He’ll be chomping at the bit to hear.”

Sophie returned his smile. “Let’s do it.”

chapter twenty-one

The Fish House squatted on a wharf that catered mostly to lobstermen and commercial fishermen. Sophie liked its casual, seaside setting. Inside the rustic restaurant country music poured from speakers, mingling with the chatter of patrons and the scrape of utensils. A busy bar took up the far side of the room, and booths lined the rough-hewn walls on the other side.

She and Aiden settled into a corner booth, the savory scent of crab cakes tantalizing her nose. “I’m not a huge seafood fan, but the aroma in here is heavenly.”

“This place is one of my favorite things about coming to Piper’s Cove. You can’t go wrong with the seafood platter, and if you like hush puppies, you’re in for a treat.”

“I could make a meal of them.”

“A woman after my own heart. I have to admit, though, I come here for the real seafood.”

“You’re not alone in that, I think. Your dad must’ve been so happy for you.” They’d talked on the phone most of the drive here.