“Take some time. Give it some thought. Nothing needs to be decided right away. I’d like to have someone in the position by the end of January, if possible, so we’ve got time. Things are really humming here. The website goes live tomorrow. We’re about to start work on our first catalog. We’re building a distribution center and doubling our output at the sugaring facility. I’m also really excited about our new line of intimate accessories that’ll be launched in the spring. It’s an exciting time, and I’d love for you to be part of it.” He named a salary that exceeded her current salary by ten thousand dollars and mentioned full medical coverage for herself and her daughter that had her wavering. She paid four hundred dollars a month for the same coverage she’d get for free in Vermont.

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Say you’ll think about it and get back to me next week.”

“I will.” The salary and benefits had gotten her attention, not to mention the more affordable cost of living in Vermont. Anywhere would be more affordable than New York City. “I’ll definitely think about it.”

“You have a happy New Year, Emma. We hope to see you back here again soon.”

“Same to you, and thank you so much for thinking of me for this. I’m really overwhelmed by the offer.”

“My pleasure. I’ll talk to you soon.”

Emma ended the call and sat in stunned amazement until one of the hygienists came to find her.

“We need you,” she said bluntly.

Emma got up to go back to work, still reeling from the call with Linc. For ten years, she’d existed inside her tidy little bubble, taking care of her daughter, running the dentists’ office, spending time with family and friends. Every day was more or less the same, and nothing all that exciting ever happened, which had been fine with her.

The downside was that she had no idea, no idea whatsoever, how to deal with life outside the bubble that had kept her and Simone safe and secure. Linc’s offer, while shocking and unexpected, had left her feeling momentarily euphoric about the possibility of a new professional challenge, the opportunity to live near Lucy again and a solution to the looming problem of what would become of her relationship with Grayson.

But thinking of her dad, all alone in the city while his daughters and granddaughter lived six hours away, brought her right back to reality. Her dad was a New Yorker through and through. He would never want to leave his beloved city, and leaving him wasn’t an option. She should’ve told Linc as much while he was still on the phone.