As he worked in the kitchen, the conversation he’d had earlier with Sydney kept running through his mind. He could feel her edging toward a decision to stay on the island, to stay with him. She said she had things to take care of before she could make a plan for the next phase of her life. Of course he was dying to know what she needed to do, but he didn’t want to ask. She had her secrets, and he had his.

He couldn’t say, exactly, why he hadn’t told her that he now owned part of the marina. It wasn’t that he didn’t want her to know. Deep inside he suspected his reluctance had something to do with the differences in their social status. Syd and her family had always been well-off, while he and his mother had struggled. Those differences had driven them apart once before, and Luke was afraid it could happen again.

He could level the playing field a bit by telling her about the partnership, but he didn’t want to wonder later if that played any part in getting her to stay. Except for during his mother’s illness, Luke had never given a shit about money. As long as he had what he needed, what else mattered? He wanted Sydney to stay because she loved him and couldn’t imagine life without him, not because she was impressed that he owned a successful business. He wanted them to have a real chance at something meaningful.

A knock on the door had Luke hobbling into the living room. Opening the door, he was surprised to find Grant McCarthy there. “Come in,” he said, swiveling on the crutches.

“Hope I’m not disturbing you.”

“Not at all. How’s your dad?”

“Much better and full of beans. Kicked me and my mom and Janey out. Adam and Evan will be in on the eight o’clock boat, so they’re taking the next shift with him.”

“Glad to hear he’s feisty. That’s a good sign.”

“How’s the ankle?”

“Pretty good for now. I’m told that keeping up with the pain meds will be important the first few days.”

Grant winced. “I know you’ve heard this a hundred times already, but we’re all so grateful for what you did. When I think about what could’ve happened. . .”

“Probably better not to think about it. How about a beer?”

Grant shook his head. “No, thanks.”

Luke headed toward the kitchen. “I’ve got stuff on the stove.”

Grant followed him. “I figured your lady would be tending to your every need tonight.”

“No such luck. She had to go check on her dog, who had surgery earlier this week.”

“Ouch. Second to a dog.”

“I know, huh? Such is my luck.”

“Must be nice to be back with her again.”