“Just be careful,” Luke said with a teasing grin that belied his exhaustion. “You might find yourself with a shackle around your ankle in the new year.”

“Bite your tongue,” Slim said, smiling.

Luke extended his hand. “Thank you again for everything today—the ride and the support. Much appreciated.”

Slim shook his hand and gave him a bro hug. “Any time. Give me a ring when you’re ready to head home. I’ll pick you up.”

“You’re the best, but don’t worry about us. We’ll take the boat back when Syd’s ready.” Luke sent Slim on his way and returned to Sydney’s room in the ER. They’d be moving her upstairs to the OB ward in the next hour or so. He sat by her bed, took hold of her hand and rolled his head, seeking to relieve some of the tension in his neck and shoulders.

She squeezed his hand.

He raised his head to find her watching him with concern.

“Are you okay?”

“If you are, I am.”

“Sorry to put you through such an ordeal.”

“Don’t be sorry. I have a feeling this won’t be the only time our little princess puts us through the wringer.”

She smiled. “What a way to learn what we’re having.”

“At least we’ll never forget the first time we saw her.”

“No, we won’t. Do you want to go to a hotel for the night? No need for both of us to be stuck here.”

“I’m not going anywhere without you and the princess.”

“Are you sure?”

He raised her hand to his lips. “I’m very sure.”

On the flight back to Gansett, Slim thought about the conversation he’d had with Luke. He’d spoken the truth about being fearful of giving anyone that much power over him. But even as he’d said the words, he knew he’d already given Erin the power to hurt him, which was a sobering thought. When, exactly, had that happened?

At the very beginning, if he was being honest with himself. He thought about the night he’d come upon her sitting outside the lighthouse, tending to a fire and crying about her dead brother’s fiancée marrying someone else. Her grief had broken his heart that night, and her fortitude had impressed him ever since.

Not only had she gotten through Jenny’s wedding, she’d positively sparkled as one of her bridesmaids, tending to the woman who should’ve been her beloved brother’s wife. That took some kind of guts, and he admired her tremendously for the way she’d put aside her own pain to rally for her friend.