Once he was settled in, he faced her before turning on the ignition. “What was that about in there? The charity project. You never mentioned it before but that look on your face? You were glowing.”

She smiled. “I was remembering a project I did with my best friend, Avery. We put on a prom for kids who were undergoing chemo and treatment and couldn’t go to their own proms. It was amazing. That we could take them away from their pain and problems for one night? It was so sweet.”

He reached out and grasped her hand. “I like that part of you, giving back because you know what it’s like to be in their position.”

She swallowed hard, sobering, as she said, “You have no idea how lonely it can be. I had my mom. Avery had her mom when she donated. But so many children, their parents work. They can’t be there for them day and night while they’re in the hospital and some are there for months.” She sniffed, her eyes watering. “You’re in pain and alone. It’s awful. So if I could bring them even a minute’s happiness? It’s worth it.”

He tipped his head to the side. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Why did you major in business? Why not in something where you could eventually put your focus into the charity work you love?” He studied her, his gaze warm, as he obviously understood what was in her heart.

“Because my father was a businessman. My grades were stellar. I did what everyone expected me to do.” She shrugged. “You know college, you have to pick a major, and sometimes it’s easier to do what makes sense. You’re not always old enough to know what it is you really want.” She shook her head. “I didn’t even realize how I was feeling until I was away from it all and came here. And the charity thing didn’t hit me until I saw Harper and Emily working together.”

He nodded. “I get it. I can’t deny what you suggested for Ian’s stadium is brilliant, but there’s a lot to be said for being happy in life, too.”

She managed a smile. “I’ll definitely see the stadium project through. What happens after that? We’ll see.”

Just like she’d see what happened after Ethan’s part in the project was over and he went back to New York. Her heart twisted at the thought.

“Ready to get back to the inn?” he asked.

They were going home first thing in the morning, and she planned to enjoy the time they had left because it was starting to feel like the clock for Sienna and Ethan was ticking down.

Chapter Ten

Sienna arrived home, knowing she had to deal with her family issues. She called her brothers, Alex and Jason, and read them the riot act about hiding things from her, keeping her in the dark, and treating her like a baby. And while she was at it, she informed them both she expected them to be nice to Ethan. As the father of her baby, they had to accept him. No choice.