“Meggie and I tried until she was around thirty-six or so.” He squinted his eyes. “And we only stopped when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It’s what would eventually take her, nearly six years after the initial diagnosis.”

He took a ragged breath. “We had access to the best care, the best doctors in the world. I credit them for keeping her alive so long. But in the end, it just wasn’t enough.”

Renee reached out and took his hand, holding it between her own. “I am so sorry.”

“I stuck around Seattle for a few years after she passed, but eventually needed a change of scenery. Everything reminded me of her, and it became too much. So, Moe and I packed up for the very opposite end of the country.” He rubbed the dog’s chin. “It’s been good. Maybe it sounds corny but Cranberry Cove has been healing. I love it here—I love the small-town vibe, the scenery, the people, especially one person…”

“W-we’re lucky to have you,” she stammered, her insides going off like a sparkler.

Though they were quiet for the remainder of the meteor shower, Dan moved his arm around Renee and held her close. She rested her head against his broad chest and listened to his steady heartbeat, trying to determine if his heart was racing as fast as her own.

Afterward, Renee tried to help him clean the dishes, but he refused.

“I’ll get to those tomorrow. I don’t want to waste a single second tonight.”

They returned to the ship’s deck where they talked about their favorite places and most memorable trips, both good and bad.

Renee mentioned the antiquing trips she and Myles took occasionally around New England.

“I once went to a conference in Amsterdam and tried ordering a latte at a ‘coffee’ shop,” Dan said with a grimace. Renee laughed, immediately understanding the joke. “My brother tagged along on that trip, and set me up.”

“One time Bree and I visited the Grand Canyon,” Renee said. “She surprised me with a helicopter ride, and I vomited the entire time. She was so embarrassed!”

“Hey, it was her idea in the first place!”

“Right? That was my defense!”

After a final glass of wine, Renee began to smooth her dress and gather her clutch. “Suppose I should get going. I’d hate to overstay my welcome.”

“Impossible,” he replied.

She rolled her eyes playfully. “So you say. But really, I’d better get going.”

It may have been a long time since Renee had been on such a fabulous date, but she remembered the importance of leaving on a high note.

“So, any updates on the pie shop?” he asked during the drive back to Renee’s cottage. Moe panted happily in the backseat. “Do I need to start looking for a new front-desk associate?”

“Still considering my options,” she replied.