She hadn’t dated anyone since she’d broken off her engagement with Brad seven months ago. She had no interest in investing herself in a relationship. Now was the time for her to focus on her career.

Brad had never understood that. In fact, when she’d told him about her dream to buy the bakery, he’d told her that it was a waste of her money. He’d said she would be better off investing the money her father left her in a beach house for them. A beach house was never anything she’d longed for, but it was something Brad had desperately wanted.

For a time, she’d told herself it would be nice to live by the beach—to be able to walk out her door each morning and step onto the sand. It took her a bit of time to come to her senses and realize that she’d miss living in the middle of town. She loved being a regular part of the Bluestar community. Brad never understood that—he’d never understood her.

“You’re right.” Lily’s voice drew her from her thoughts. “First, the bakery and then we’ll find you someone.”

Hannah shook her head. “Why am I the one who needs a guy when both you and Josie are still single?”

“One of us has to take the plunge first.”

“If you’re talking about what I think you’re talking about, it’s not going to be me.” Marriage flashed through Hannah’s mind, right before the tick-tock of her biological clock echoed in her ears. “I’ve got too much to do. And why are we talking about guys when my business is in ruins?”

“Because it distracted you for just a bit.”

And then there was a gentle tug on her hand. She glanced to her side, noticing her niece. How long had Nikki been standing there?

Nikki’s worried gaze met hers. “Auntie Hannah, are you sad?”

Her niece’s concern tugged at Hannah’s heartstrings. She knelt down so she was on eye level with her niece, who acted so much older than her tender age.

“Everything is going to be all right.” Even as she said the words, she didn’t believe them.

Nikki leaned forward and wrapped her arms around her neck. “I love you.”

Hannah blinked back tears. “I love you too, sweetie.”

Just then Sam approached them. He adjusted his green ball cap. “The electricity is off and most of the water has been pumped out. What can I do for you?”

Hannah straightened. “Thanks. I’ve got it.”

She loved her big brother but knew as a single parent he didn’t have any spare time. Even with their mother helping out with Nikki, there was still too much work for one person between running the farm and taking care of the laundry and cleaning the house.

He arched a brow. “Are you sure?”

She nodded.

His eyes said he didn’t believe her. “In that case, I need to get back to the farm. One of the goats is about to go into labor.”