“You shouldn’t have to go alone.”

“Still… It’s above and beyond. And very nice of you.”

He glanced over at her and found her watching him intently. “What’s the matter? Did I cut myself shaving or something?”

“Nothing’s the matter. You just look really good. Handsome, I mean.” She laughed. “I’ve clearly forgotten how to give a compliment.”

“No, you haven’t. And thank you. You’re rather stunning yourself.”

She surprised him when she reached across the center console and took hold of the hand that had been resting on his leg. “I couldn’t sleep after you left last night. I just kept thinking about how great you were when I told you about Carl. It’s not easy for me to talk about that, and you made it easy. Thanks for that.”

“I’m sorry you went through what you did, but I’m glad it brought you to us.” And he was glad of that, no matter what might happen—or not happen—between them.

“I’m glad, too.” She held his hand all the way to the church. When he helped her out of the car, she again took hold of his hand as they joined the stream of people heading into the island’s Catholic church. It seemed as if the entire island had come out to honor the young mother who’d died far too soon.

Every pew in the church was filled to capacity when the pallbearers, including Mac and Shane McCarthy, led the casket into the church, followed by Seamus and Carolina, each of them holding the hand of one of Lisa’s sons. The sight of those solemn little boys, dressed in tiny suits and ties, brought tears to Paul’s eyes.

By the time the four of them were seated in the front row of the church, there wasn’t a dry eye to be found. Lisa’s longtime friends spoke of her big heart, her love for her sons, her affection for her friends and the island they called home. They talked about how hard she worked to support her family. Everything that was said about Lisa came down to her two boys, who’d been the center of her world.

Hope held his hand through the entire service, even when tears ran down her cheeks unchecked.

Lisa was buried in the island’s cemetery, which boasted a spectacular view of the ocean. Her little sons sprinkled dirt over her casket in yet another heartbreaking moment.

Paul slid an arm around Hope’s waist, and she leaned her head against his shoulder. He was grateful that she felt comfortable enough to lean on him, because he wanted to be there for her. But in the back of his mind, her words from earlier echoed loudly, reminding him to proceed with caution.

Everyone was invited to Stephanie’s Bistro, where Lisa had been a waitress, for refreshments after the service concluded.