“Maybe oceanography or biology. Something to do with the water. I’ve always been obsessed by anything involving the ocean.”

Fascinated by this new insight, Mac studied her face as she stared out at the water, lost in thought. “There’re online courses you could take.”

“I was halfway through an online associate’s program when I got pregnant.” She took Thomas’s hand and smiled warmly at the baby, making Mac jealous. “Now I have other priorities.”

He wanted her to direct that dazzling smile at him. What he wouldn’t give for just one genuine smile, the one that engaged her eyes as well as her full, sexy mouth. “Maybe you can go back and finish someday.”

“Maybe.”

They docked just after nine in the fishing village of Galilee on Rhode Island’s south shore. With Thomas in his car seat and Maddie riding shotgun, Mac drove the truck off the ferry into the crowded port.

“How about some breakfast and then we can do whatever you want?” Mac suggested.

“Sure, that sounds good.”

Over eggs and toast at a greasy spoon, he asked where she wanted to go.

She hesitated, but only for a moment. “The mall,” she said with a delightfully girlish grin.

Thrilled to see her playful side reemerging after three days of distance, Mac McCarthy—a man who had never once willingly stepped foot in a shopping mall—took his lady to the biggest, brightest, busiest mall in the state of Rhode Island.

Maddie loved the excitement and elegance of The Providence Place Mall. A ruthless bargain shopper, she haunted the sale racks in all the children’s clothing stores and got some nice deals on summer clothes for Thomas. Worried, as always, about her finances, she bought nothing for herself.

Pushing Thomas in the stroller they’d brought from the island, Mac followed her around with unwavering patience. He never rushed her or showed an ounce of displeasure, but she knew he had to be hating every minute of this. Mindful that he had things he needed to get done that day, she glanced up at him. “I’m all set if you want to go.”

His brows narrowed over those steel blue eyes. “We just got here. You haven’t looked at anything for yourself.”

“I don’t need anything.”

“Thomas and I are going for a walk. We’ll meet you back here in an hour.”

“What will you do with all that time?”

“Pick up a few things Janey asked me to get.”

Maddie nibbled on her thumbnail as she studied him. “Are you sure?”

He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Go. Have fun. Spend some money. That’s what credit cards are for.”

Laughing, she didn’t even mind the kiss that zipped through her like a live wire. “You’re a bad influence.”

“Thank you. Now go.”