Maggie brought her a cup of hot tea. Louisa didn’t like tea, but she took it anyway for fear that her wacky sort-of aunt would add the word ungrateful to her mumbling.

“Thanks,” she said without looking up.

Maggie plopped down in the chair Louisa had found at the Ryersons’ yard sale two summers ago. It was white wicker and most likely meant for outdoor use, but the Ryersons had expensive taste, and this beauty was the perfect complement to Louisa’s shabby-chic living space.

Louisa took a sip of tea (mostly to appease Maggie), then set the mug on the coffee table.

The cottage had been a labor of love for Louisa. Purchasing it three years ago had been a bit impulsive. Maggie said it was nostalgia, but Louisa genuinely wanted to take the house and transform it into something beautiful. It had been neglected for so many years.

She hadn’t counted on Cody returning to the island, however. At some point he was going to find out she’d bought this cottage, right? Just like at some point Maggie was going to learn it was Cody who’d pulled her from the water.

Her mind took her straight back to the moment she’d been plunged into the depths by a wave so strong and merciless Louisa was certain its sole purpose was to end her life.

Her chest closed as her imagination made her relive the whole ordeal in vivid detail as if she needed the reminder. As if she could ever forget.

“I suppose I should ask if you’re okay,” Maggie said.

Louisa’s eyes fluttered open, and she forced a smile. “Of course I am, Mags. It wasn’t really that big of a deal.”

Maggie’s expression made it clear she didn’t believe Louisa. And rightfully so. The old woman had always had a knack for seeing straight through her.

“I’m fine,” Louisa protested. “And I have a lot of work to do.”

“I called Alyssa,” Maggie said. “She’s handling everything.”

Alyssa Martin was perfectly competent. Her best friend and business partner could handle most of what needed to be done for the upcoming anniversary party, but it would be missing Louisa’s special touch.

That couldn’t be bottled or duplicated. It was the magic she strived to create for every single client. It was what people always told her after an event: “You have such a way of making everything so magical.”

It was probably a point of pride, but it mattered to Louisa. “I need to be there,” she groaned.

“You can take a day.”

“I own the business,” Louisa said. “It’s my responsibility.”

“You have a very good partner who is eager to help, given the fact that you nearly drowned this morning.” Maggie did nothing to hide her irritation.