“I didn’t say that expecting you guys to do something about it,” Hope said, slightly horrified that Lizzie had taken her so literally when she’d been venting.

“I’m not sure we can do anything, but it’s worth a conversation. Besides,” Lizzie added with a saucy grin, “you all know my favorite thing to do is spend Jared’s money on worthwhile causes.”

“She’s very good at that,” Daisy said. “The way you guys mobilized help for Lisa Chandler made her final days so much better than they would’ve been otherwise.”

“Jared and I both believe there’s a responsibility that goes with having the kind of resources he has,” Lizzie said. “It made us happy to help Lisa and her boys. If you don’t use your money to do good for others, you’re just another rich billionaire asshat, and I won’t let him become an asshat.”

“You’re too funny,” Erin said.

“Well, it’s true,” Lizzie said. “I’m all about keeping it real, and I will look into the possibility of starting a place on the island for people like Marion.”

“Wow,” Hope said. “You don’t fool around.”

“No, she doesn’t,” Jenny said. “And I’ll always be thankful to her and Jared for buying the Chesterfield for me.”

“Me, too.” Alex came into the kitchen and put an arm around Jenny from behind. “We’re going to have the most beautiful wedding that Gansett Island has ever seen.”

Jenny smiled back at him, and the powerful connection they shared was so obvious that Hope experienced a twinge of envy. As much as she’d once loved her ex-husband, they hadn’t had what Jenny and Alex did. Or what David and Daisy had or Jared and Lizzie. After spending time with them, Hope was determined to never again settle for less than what they had.

Paul grilled steaks and potatoes for their guests, who’d brought salads and dessert to add to the party. It was nice to take a break from their many responsibilities and to spend some time with good friends.

Over dinner, the conversation went from Alex and Jenny’s wedding and their plans to move into their new house, to the vacation David and Daisy had recently taken in Bermuda, to Erin’s adventures at the lighthouse.

“Hope mentioned something earlier that I want to look into further,” Lizzie said to her husband during dessert.

“Is this going to cost me money?” Jared asked with a good-natured grin.

The look Lizzie gave him had them all laughing. “Of course it is.”

Jared groaned. “What now?”

“We need a senior care facility on this island so elderly patients can get the help they need and remain close to their families, too.”

Paul glanced at his brother, who was listening intently to Lizzie.

“Hmm,” Jared said to Hope. “Speak to me.”