There was something bothering him—something he wasn’t ready to talk about. But she knew something about this island that he didn’t. It was good at helping people heal. The walks on the beach were good for clearing your mind and straightening out matters of the heart.

However, she knew her nephew and suspected he’d soon grow bored. Organizing Spring Fling would draw him into the community. It would keep him busy, and hopefully it’d help him through whatever troubles were plaguing him. And then she recalled how he’d lit up when he spoke of Hannah.

Birdie reached for the phone and dialed a familiar number. “Hello, Betty.”

“Birdie, how are you? We’ve been so worried.”

Birdie smiled. It felt good to know people cared.

Betty Simon had become her first friend when she moved to the island. They’d shared late night talks and weekends at the beach. And when she lost Gil, Betty had been by her side, making sure she ate and dressed as well as helping her through the difficult transition from loving wife to widow.

“I’m good,” Birdie said, “but it’s my nephew I’m worried about.”

“You mean Ethan? He seemed fine when I passed him in town earlier.”

“Physically he’s fine, but I’m worried he’s growing bored with island life. I don’t think he’s putting himself out there and getting to know the islanders.”

“I have the feeling you already have a plan on how to fix this problem.”

Birdie smiled to herself. “You know me so well. I’ve put Ethan in charge of Spring Fling.”

“You did what?” The horrified tone of Betty’s voice said she didn’t approve of this idea at all.

“Hear me out. With me being stuck here on the mainland, I need someone on the island to step up. And I know you would have done it, but I also know you have a lot going on in your life, whereas Ethan doesn’t at the moment. Walking Peaches just isn’t enough for him. He needs this.”

“You don’t think it’ll be too much for him? He’s never done it before.”

“Ethan’s resourceful. I’m sure he’ll ask for help.”

“Sounds like you’re hoping he does. But who do you have in mind to help him?”

Immediately Hannah came to mind. “How are things with the bakery?”

“Oh, you heard about the flood already?”

“Ethan filled me in.”

“He did, huh?”

Birdie’s smile broadened. “He’s concerned about our dear Hannah.”

“Birdie, if you’re thinking about playing matchmaker, you shouldn’t do it.”

“I’m not.” Not exactly. But she had a feeling Ethan and Hannah’s paths were destined to cross once more. Maybe they just needed a little push in the right direction.

Chapter Six

The sunshine flickered through the leaves.

Monday morning Hannah yawned as she pedaled her perky pink bike along the road. Sleep had evaded her for much of the night as she’d come to terms with this setback with the bakery. The images of destruction had flashed repeatedly through her mind, but she refused to give up on her dream.