Ethan pressed his fingers to his eyes and ignored the swarm of bugs and the sweat. ‘‘It’s different when you care, when the other person isn’t just a face or a body that’s convenient and willing. I’ve had that. Most people do along the way. It’s different when it’s just that one person who matters, who makes it right. When it isn’t all hunger pushing at you. When you want, more than anything, to give back more than you take. I never had with anyone what I have with Grace.’’

Seth shrugged and looked away, but not before Ethan saw the misery on his face. ‘‘I know you’ve got feelings for her, and that they’re real and strong and important. Maybe part of you wanted her to be perfect, not to have the needs other women do. I think a bigger part of you wanted to protect her, to make sure nobody hurt her. So I’m telling you what I just finished finally telling her. I love her. I’ve never loved anybody else.’’

Seth stared off into the marsh. He hurt all over, but the worst of it was shame. ‘‘Does she love you back?’’

‘‘Yeah, she does. Damned if I can figure out why.’’

Seth thought he knew why. Ethan was strong, and he didn’t put on a big show. He did what had to be done. What was right. ‘‘I was going to take care of her when I got older. I guess you think that’s pretty lame.’’

‘‘No.’’ He suddenly, urgently, wanted to pull the boy against him, but he knew the timing was wrong. ‘‘No, I think that’s pretty great. It makes me proud of you.’’

Seth’s gaze flicked up, then quickly away again. ‘‘I kind of, you know, love her. Sort of. Not like I want to see her naked or anything,’’ he added quickly. ‘‘Just—’’

‘‘I get it.’’ Ethan clamped down on the tip of his tongue to stifle the chuckle. The quick surge of amused relief tasted finer than an icy beer on a hot day. ‘‘Kind of like she was a sister, like you wanted the best for her.’’

‘‘Yeah.’’ And Seth sighed. ‘‘Yeah, I guess that’s it.’’

Thoughtfully, Ethan sucked air between his teeth. ‘‘It’s got to be tough for a guy to walk in and see that his sister’s been with some guy.’’

‘‘I hurt her. I wanted to.’’

‘‘Yeah, you did. You’ll have to apologize if you want to put things right with her.’’

‘‘She’ll think I’m stupid. She won’t want to talk to me.’’

‘‘She wanted to come after you herself. By this time, I’d say she’s pacing around the backyard, worried sick.’’