Paul debated for a second before he said, “Not exactly. I was over at Hope’s.”

“Again I say in your underwear?”

“We… She and I…”

“Oh my God, Paul. Seriously? Since when?”

“I don’t know yet if it’s serious. It’s new.”

“You have to know I’d never begrudge you the chance to be happy, but if she quits, we’ll be screwed.”

“Why would she quit?”

“If it goes bad between you guys? Hello?”

“I’ve already told her that whatever happens between us will never affect her job.”

“Paul… Dad would flip out.”

“Dad’s not here! You said that yourself just the other day. Or is the gospel according to Dad selectively applied?”

“I shouldn’t have said that. I’m sorry. I’m just surprised by this news. I hadn’t noticed…”

“You’ve been a little preoccupied lately.”

“I don’t want you to think I don’t approve, because that’s not the case. I like Hope and Ethan. They’re great, and she’s incredible with Mom. I’m only concerned about somehow messing that up when we need her so badly.”

“I’m not going to mess it up. I won’t let that happen.” As he said the words, he hoped they were true.

“Good enough, then.”

“That’s it? That’s all you’re going to say?”

“If you were thinking I was going to be a dick about it, you’ll be disappointed. You know what you’re doing, and you know what’s at stake for everyone. What else do you want me to say?”

“Nothing, I guess.”

“I hope it works out. You deserve to be happy, Paul. I’d never stand in the way of that.”

“You’re right about one thing. Dad would flip out.”

“Like you said, Dad’s not here, and I can’t believe he’d feel any differently than I do, especially after all you’ve sacrificed for this family over the last few years.”

Alex’s kind words left a lump in Paul’s throat. “Thanks,” he said gruffly. “I’m going to take a couple of hours in the morning to go to Lisa’s funeral with Hope. Daisy is off tomorrow and coming to stay with Mom while Hope is gone.”

“And you guys are still heading for the mainland on Tuesday?”

“That’s the plan, but don’t worry, I’ll be back in plenty of time for the festivities on Saturday.”

“Great,” Alex said with a laugh. “Just remember—what goes around comes around, little brother. Someday it’ll be your turn, and revenge is a bitch.”

“I’ll take my chances. I’m covering my eyes to give you a chance to get out of here without leaving me with images that can’t be unseen.”

“I’m gone. See you in the morning.”