“We don’t have to go to the reception,” Hope said when they were in his truck. “I should relieve Daisy.”

“She said she had no plans for the day and to take all the time you needed.”

“You have to work.”

Though he had a million things he needed to do before he left the island for a few days, he’d never say so to her. “It’s fine. Let’s go for a little while anyway.”

They arrived to a crowd outside the Sand & Surf Hotel. The hotel’s owners, Owen and Laura Lawry, stood by the front doors, welcoming everyone who came in.

Paul shook hands with Owen. “Hell of a turnout.”

“Lisa was well loved around here.”

“Are we all set for Saturday night?” Paul asked.

“Yep. Evan and I are looking forward to it.”

Paul had tried to hire them to play at Alex’s party, but his friends had insisted on doing it for free. “It’ll be a good time. I’ll see you then.” With his hand on Hope’s lower back, he guided her through the lobby to Stephanie’s Bistro, which was located inside the charming old hotel that had been lovingly restored by Owen and Laura.

Mac and his wife, Maddie, were standing right inside the door when Paul and Hope entered the restaurant. Paul shook hands with Mac and kissed Maddie’s cheek. “You guys have met Hope Russell, right?”

“Yes, of course,” Maddie said, shaking hands with Hope. “Mallory tells us you and Katie were a great help to everyone who cared for Lisa.”

“We did what we could,” Hope said. “It’s such a sad thing.”

“How’re the boys holding up?” Paul asked Mac.

“They’re a bit shell-shocked, of course, but Seamus and Carolina are doing everything they can to get them through it.”

“If there’s anything I can do,” Paul said, “I hope you’ll let me know.”

“There is one thing,” Mac said. “We’re going to be doing an addition to Seamus and Caro’s house and could use all the help we can get to finish it as quickly as possible. I know you’ve got a lot on your plate, but we’ll take whatever you can give.”

“I’m in, and Alex will want to help, too.”

“Appreciate it,” Mac said.

Though the restaurant was packed to the gills with people, Stephanie’s staff circulated with trays of Bloody Marys and mimosas as well as delicious hot hors d’oeuvres.

Paul reached for a Bloody Mary and then took a second one for Hope.

“I shouldn’t drink when I’m working later,” she said.

“One won’t hurt anything. Boss’s orders.” As soon as he referred to himself as her boss, he regretted it. But she only smiled and accepted the drink from him. They circulated around the room, stopping to talk to a variety of people Paul had known most of his life.