Laughing, Jenny put her hands on Erin’s shoulders, compelling Erin to look at her. “When Alex and I were first together, I was a disaster. All I did was try to deny what was happening because it was too much too soon. I’d learned the hard way not to take chances, you know?”

“I know all too well.”

“But there was something about him. Something different. And he refused to let me cop out of what was happening between us.”

“Sounds like Slim.”

“Letting it happen with Alex is the best thing I’ve done since I lost Toby. I want you to find your happily ever after, too, Er. And I think he could be it.”

“I don’t know if I’m ready for all the things he could be.”

“You’re never ready for something like this, but I’d hate to see you have regrets if you wimp out and let him get away.”

“Wimp out?”

“Isn’t that what you’d be doing if you don’t at least try to make it work with him?”

“You don’t pull any punches.”

“When have I ever pulled punches? I want you to be happy, and in order for that to happen, you have to take a chance. You have to. Isn’t that what you’re always telling the women who write to you?”

“Don’t throw my own words back in my face,” Erin said, smiling.

“You know I’m right.”

They were interrupted by another knock.

“Your guy or mine?” Jenny asked. “What do you think?”

“Probably yours.”

“I say yours, but let’s find out.” Jenny opened the door to Slim and sent Erin a smug look.

“Everything all right in there, ladies?” he asked, his eyes laser focused on Erin.

“Yes, we’re good,” she said.

“Take a minute.” Jenny kissed her cheek before she left the room, patting Slim’s arm on the way by.

“Sorry,” Erin said. “I just needed a minute. I’m okay now.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yeah.”

With his hands propped on the doorframe, he said, “When Jenny said that to Hope about being sisters… I’ve only seen that expression on your face once before, the day Jenny married Alex at the lighthouse.”

Unnerved by his assessment, she crossed her arms. “You’re awfully insightful.”

He flashed the irrepressible grin that she found so sexy. “Pilots and bartenders, sweetheart. I’ve been telling you that for months now.”

Erin went to him, put her hands on his chest and kissed him. “Thank you for coming to check on me. Let’s go finish dinner.”

“You want to skip the McCarthys’ later?”