“He’s really grown this summer,” said Suzanne. “He acts more grown-up, too.”

Logan nodded. “I guess having to shuttle back and forth between parents is making him grow up fast.”

“Charlie’s an awesome kid,” said Adam. “If I ever have kids, I’m coming to you for advice.”

“Thanks. I’m trying to get used to the part-time parenting thing, but it sucks. Love that little guy, and I miss him so damn much when he’s not around.”

“Dive into work,” Suzanne suggested. “That’s what I do.”

“What, to escape your humdrum existence?” Adam asked. “I’ll be sure to tell Jeff that.”

“Hey.” She swatted him with a coat hanger.

“Diving into my work isn’t exactly an escape,” said Logan.

“You’re a good businessman,” Adam pointed out. “That must feel good, right? Everybody I know uses you.”

“‘For all your insurance needs,’” Logan finished, quoting his own slogan. “I’m so freaking bored with my business, I can’t even tell you. I got into it because I wanted to be near Charlie. It’s a stable, predictable racket with regular hours. But since he moved away with his mom, it’s just a job.”

“Then find a job you like,” Adam said simply. “That’s what I did.” He’d been an executive for a big multinational corporation, but seemed a lot more content these days as a firefighter and an arson investigator.

“I’m thinking about taking over Saddle Mountain,” said Logan. Every time he thought about it, the idea fixed itself more firmly in his mind.

“The ski resort?” asked Suzanne. “You’re joking.”

“Maybe not.”

“You’re crazy,” she said.

“I bet people told you that when you said you were opening your shop,” Adam pointed out.

“You’d lose,” she retorted, though she seemed to like his teasing.

“I’d better catch up with Charlie,” said Logan.

“I’ll join you,” Adam said. “Hungry again. And I want to hear more about your new plan.”

They found Charlie waiting at the bakery, seated at a painted enamel table and eyeing the fragrant, glistening contents in the display case. The café seating area was busy with its morning crowd of locals and tourists. The walls featured a series of stunning photographs by Daisy Bellamy—Logan’s ex. Even though she’d moved away, reminders of her lingered everywhere. She was a Bellamy, after all; in Avalon, they were ubiquitous.

As he studied the beautifully photographed nature scenes, Logan felt a curious detachment. He didn’t miss her. He didn’t still love her. But he missed the life of the family they’d made, the day-to-day routines, the companionship, the fun they’d had with Charlie.

Adam went to the counter and ordered coffee and kolaches, and Charlie’s usual—an iced maple bar and a mug of hot chocolate. “So, when are you going to set this new plan in motion?” he asked Logan.