“That’s rough.”

“I know. That’s why I’ve been making plans to bring some of her friends with me.”

“You’re an awesome nephew.”

He glanced to the side, catching Hannah smiling at him. His heart once more picked up its pace. He wasn’t used to people praising him. He tried his best to stay in the background when they were on the job. After all, it wasn’t one man that fought a fire; it was the whole crew.

But this was different. Hannah was different. Still, he felt uncomfortable with the compliment. “I haven’t done anything that anyone else wouldn’t do.”

“I don’t know about that. Not everyone would drop their lives to come to a small island in order to look after their aunt’s dog while she was recovering. And you’re doing an amazing job.” She glanced down at the dog. “Huh, Peaches?”

As though the dog knew what she’d said, Peaches barked in agreement.

Not sure what to say, he remained quiet. He changed directions and led them around to the side of the facility where there were shade trees, picnic tables, and benches near a small pond.

“Aren’t we going inside?” Hannah asked.

“We can’t take Peaches inside. It’s why I had to wait for a warm day to bring her.” Ethan held out the leash to her. “Can you hang onto Peaches until I get my aunt?”

Hannah took the leash. “Sure. No problem. We’re becoming fast friends.” She knelt down next to the dog and ruffled her fur. “We’ll be fine.”

He took long, swift strides toward the double glass doors that led to the indoor lounge area. His gaze scanned the area for his aunt. He knew she didn’t like being cooped up in her room all the time. She was a social creature who was used to taking daily strolls along the streets of Bluestar.

He greeted the now-familiar nurses by name as he made his way to her room. And there was Aunt Birdie resting in a chair with her legs up, an open book on her chest, her reading glasses on and her eyes closed. He paused. He didn’t want to wake her.

He turned to leave when he heard, “Where exactly do you think you’re going?”

For just a moment, he felt like a kid again. He smiled as he turned. “I didn’t want to wake you.”

Aunt Birdie made a “humpff” sound. “I wasn’t sleeping. I was resting my eyes.”

He didn’t want to argue the point, but that was some serious deep breathing she was doing for being awake. Instead he decided to share his surprise. “Peaches is here to see you.”

Her gaze looked past him, as though searching for her beloved companion. “Where is she?”

“She’s waiting outside with Hannah.”

A big smile lit up Aunt Birdie’s face. “Well, let’s not keep them waiting.”

Aunt Birdie insisted she could walk. He didn’t agree. It was a long way for her and once outside, the path would be a bit uneven. In the end, the nurse insisted his aunt use a wheelchair if she was going to go outside. Ethan resisted the urge to say I told you so.