“That’s not true. But money is important to you. You come in my house and all you see is the threadbare furniture and that nothing has changed. You assume it’s because I can’t afford to get new stuff. But the truth is, I don’t care if it’s old. It still works, so why would I replace it? I didn’t tell you about the business because it hasn’t given me anything I didn’t already have. For years Mr. McCarthy has paid me a year-round salary to work six months a year because he said he couldn’t run the place without me.”

“Luke—”

“Who do you think was keeping the business going before Mac came home?” Luke gripped the steering wheel and stared out the window. “I own my house. I own my truck. I live simply. Even before the partnership, I made plenty of money, and I only spend a fraction of it, not because I’m worried about spending it, but because I have everything I need. Last year someone offered me a million dollars for my property—as is. Of course I declined, but he gave me his card in case I change my mind.” Looking over at her, he said, “I’m not without means, Syd.” He couldn’t remember a time when he’d made such an impassioned speech, but for some reason, he felt like he was suddenly fighting for his life.

“I don’t know where you got the idea I care about any of that.”

“You married the guy who could keep you in the lifestyle you’d become accustomed to. Don’t tell me you don’t care about money.”

“Maybe I used to, but that’s not what I care about now. Apparently, you don’t think too much of me if you think money matters more to me than you do.”

“The thing is, I have no idea what matters most to you. Is it me? Is it what we have together? Is it your life in Boston? I’d really like to know.”

Her hands were folded so tightly in her lap that her knuckles had turned white.

He covered them with his hand. “What matters most to me is you. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about McCarthy’s. I should have.”

“I’m sorry you felt I was such a money-grubbing bitch that it would matter so much to me.”

Shocked, he stared at her. “I never said that! You’re twisting my words all around.”

“Am I?”