She smiled. “You have so much confidence in me.”

When he didn’t say anything, and just hung his head, she could only imagine what had flashed through his mind. There had been a time he’d lost his confidence in her and it had cost them everything. It was a love that could never be recaptured.

But she knew now that there was one aspect of their past that could be restored. “Kaegan?”

“Yes?” he asked, while sliding into his jacket.

“I appreciate what you’ve done the last three days. If I pass that exam I will have you to thank.”

He shrugged and said, “That’s what friends are for.”

He held her gaze, seemingly waiting for her to say something to deny their friendship. This time he would have a long wait because she wouldn’t. But acknowledging their friendship wouldn’t give either of them the right to think it went beyond that. There could never be anything more than friendship between them.

It was important they both understood they’d had their chance and there was too much hurt, anger and pain to try to recapture a love that was not only lost, but also dead and buried. He’d buried it years ago and so had she. It was too late for anything between them to ever be resurrected, but they could be friends.

She got out of the chair. “You’re right. That’s what friends are for and the past three days have shown me that we can be friends again, Kaegan.”

She paused a moment and added, “I think we both understand and accept that friendship is all there can ever be between us. Agreed?”

“Agreed,” he said, zipping up his jacket.

She was glad they were in agreement, but did he have to be so quick and eager to concur? She should be glad he had, but still... “I’ll walk you to the door.”

“Good luck on your test Monday. I hope you will take my advice about clearing your mind for a few hours tomorrow before doing any heavy-duty studying.”

“Hmm. Instead of taking a tour on Ray’s boat or riding a trolley around town, I’ve got a better idea.”

“What?”

“Earlier you mentioned that tomorrow a group of volunteers would be helping you out.”

“Yes. I have a huge order of oysters to net for an all-you-can-eat oyster chow-down in Oklahoma beginning next week. All hands are on deck for even my office staff. Ray plans on pulling an all-day, but you know Ray. He looks for any excuse to be on the water,” Kaegan said, grinning. “Sawyer and Vashti have volunteered, as well,” he added.

She nodded. “I wonder who will be keeping Cutter.”

“Sawyer said Gloria volunteered to do so.”

“That was nice of her.”

“Yes, it was. I believe that she and Reid think of themselves as Cutter’s grandparents, as well. For a man who a couple of years ago was living a very lonely life, he certainly has it all now. A future wife and grandkids he adores.”