Moments later, she stepped onto Birdie’s covered porch. She rapped her knuckles on the door. While she waited for Birdie to answer, she couldn’t help but wonder why Ethan hadn’t answered the phone. Was he working? Or was he avoiding her?

Perhaps he met someone since he’d been back in the city. It was extremely plausible, considering he was drop-dead gorgeous and so easy to talk to. Her heart sank at the thought.

“Hannah?” The sound of Birdie’s voice drew Hannah from her thoughts.

“Yes.”

Birdie’s brows knitted together. “Are you okay?”

Peaches barked her greeting as she sat next to Birdie. Hannah wondered if Peaches missed Ethan too.

“Um, yes. Why?”

“Because you’re awfully quiet lately.”

“Sorry.” And then Hannah remembered the box of blueberry crumble muffins. She remembered how much Ethan had enjoyed them and hoped Birdie would like them too. She held out the box. “I brought you these.”

“Thank you, dear.” Birdie backed up. These days she was moving about without the aid of a walker. “Come in.”

Hannah had made a point of checking in on Birdie every couple of days since Ethan’s mother had gone back to New York. She stepped inside the little seaside bungalow. “I can’t stay long. I have to get back to the bakery.”

Birdie made her way over to an easy chair and gestured for Hannah to have a seat on the couch. “How are things going with the grand opening?”

“Better than I ever imagined.” She just wished she could share it all with Ethan. “We were able to open in time to be listed in Bluestar’s Visitors Guide and with the early spring, business is in full swing. And I wouldn’t have been able to do any of it without your nephew’s help. I hope he knows how much I appreciate everything he did to help me.”

“You don’t talk to him?”

Hannah shook her head. “Not since he left the island.” Her gaze met the older woman’s puzzled look. “How did he sound when you talked to him?”

“I’ve only talked to him a couple of times. Each time he sounded rushed and tired. We never talk for long. I…I just thought you two were in communication.”

“I…I’m sure he’s busy getting back to work and everything.” Even as she said the words, she didn’t believe them. There was a reason Ethan hadn’t called. And the thought that they would never speak again pained her heart. Hannah choked down her emotions. “How are you doing?”

Birdie’s brow was still creased in frustration. “I’m doing good. A couple more weeks of physical therapy and I should be good as new.”

“Is there anything you need?”

Birdie smiled. “That’s sweet of you, but I’ve got everything I need.”

Hannah got to her feet. “I’m sorry I can’t stay, but if you think of anything, just call me.”

“I’ll do that.” She frowned. “Are you sure you can’t stay just a little longer?”

“I’m afraid I can’t. But I’ll stop back tomorrow.”