Jingle. Jingle.

“Sorry to interrupt,” his father said. “I tried your phone but you didn’t pick up.”

“Oh. Sorry,” Ethan said. “I was just finishing up a couple of things. What did you need?”

“I know you’re leaving today, and I wondered if you’d mind giving me a ride as your mother is going to stay with your aunt. I need to get back to work too. Anyway, I wanted to leave your mother the car at the parking lot on the mainland so she can get Aunt Birdie back and forth to her physical rehab appointments.”

“Ahh…sure. Not a problem. I was planning to leave in an hour or so.”

“I’m already packed,” his father said. “Shall we meet up at Aunt Birdie’s?”

Ethan nodded. “I’ll see you there.”

His father looked around. “You did a beautiful job. I can’t wait to visit it the next time I’m on the island.”

“Thank you.” His voice didn’t sound right, not even to his own ears.

Ethan was holding back a wave of sadness that was threatening to engulf him. Because hearing his father speak made him realize he wouldn’t be back on Bluestar Island any time soon.

Even though he’d been through a rough patch, being a firefighter was as much a part of him as breathing—just as baking was an integral part of Hannah. He wished she understood how important it was to him.

After his father had gone, Ethan had to accept that Hannah hadn’t changed her mind. She had made her choice. There was nothing left for him at The Elegant Bakery.

With the bakery completed, thanks to his friends at the fire department, there was nothing keeping him there. It was time to go home.

He grabbed a piece of paper and jotted Hannah a note. And then he laid his key to the bakery atop of it.

Spring Fling was over for another year.

Hannah knew she would never forget this event—nor the man who’d help make it possible. Ethan’s image came to her mind. It was followed by the memory of him preparing to walk into the burning barn. Her body shuddered at the memory. She banished it to the back of her mind.

She’d noticed how he’d stayed away from the egg hunt. She told herself it would be easier if they avoided each other until he left town, but that was unrealistic as they both lived above the bakery. And she wanted to see him.

She wanted to tell him how well the egg hunt had gone, that she’d spoken to her sister and Birdie was home. There was so much to share. Maybe it would help smooth over this rough patch they’d found themselves in.

Excitement bubbled up in Hannah at the thought of seeing the progress at the bakery. But right on its heels came sadness at the thought of Ethan leaving tomorrow. Even though they’d officially ended things, she wasn’t ready to say goodbye. She shoved the thought to the back of her mind.