“I do have one concern that’s keeping me from leaping at the opportunity, and that’s the idea of living on an island year-round. Not just for me, but for Ethan, too.”

“Would you mind if I took that one?” Jenny asked.

Alex and Paul gestured for her to go ahead.

“I worried about that when I came here, too. I took the lighthouse keeper’s job just over a year ago. Even though it looked like a fun adventure, I had the same fear of what it would truly be like to live here all the time.”

“And how has it been?”

“It’s been incredible. After a while, you forget you’re on an island.” Jenny glanced at Alex. “Because everything you need is right here.”

Hope tipped her head to look at Ethan, who was entertaining himself on the swing. “How about socially? Are there a lot of people here in the winter?”

“About seven hundred live here year-round, a lot of them our age with young families,” Paul said.

“I’ve found an amazing circle of friends,” Jenny said. “I’d be happy to introduce you to my group if you decide to come.”

“That’s very kind of you. Thank you so much.”

“We don’t want to twist your arm,” Alex said. “We know it’s a huge decision, and there’s a lot to consider.”

“Actually,” Hope said, taking a long gaze around the yard and the greenhouses, “it’s not that big of a decision. Ethan and I are in bad need of a change of pace, and I think this’ll work out great for us. It’s such a beautiful place, and the guesthouse is ideal for what we need. If the offer is still good, I’d be honored to help with your mother.”

Jenny experienced a sudden rush of relief at knowing Alex and Paul would be getting some qualified help—soon. She glanced at Alex and smiled as he blew out a deep breath and seemed to visibly sag with relief.

“The offer is definitely still good,” Paul said. “How soon could you get here?”

“The first week in August?”

That was in a few short weeks.

“That’d be great,” Paul said.

“That’ll give Ethan some time to acclimate before school starts.”

“If you want to come inside,” Paul said, “we can go over all the details, and you can review the medical information with David.”

“Don’t go too far, Ethan,” Hope said to her son, who waved from his perch on the swing. She went inside with David and Paul, leaving Jenny and Alex alone on the porch.

He bent at the waist, propping his head on his hands.

Jenny put her hand on his back, wanting to offer comfort. “I’m so happy it worked out for you guys. For what it’s worth, I think she’s terrific.”

“It’s worth a lot. Thank you.”

“Are you okay?”