‘He completely ripped me off.’ Only now, after almost a year, could she say it without starting to shake with emotion. ‘I was really stupid and naïve, but in my own defence I was in a bit of a state at the time. I was more wrapped up in the emotional than the practical. I shouldn’t really have been negotiating a divorce settlement so soon after he’d walked out. There were some mornings when I couldn’t bear to drag myself from under the duvet. If it hadn’t been for Lexi I wouldn’t have bothered. I left it to him to get the valuations. And he took advantage.’ She lifted her chin. ‘He used his friends—fiddled with the numbers and offered me a sum that was just about plausible. And I took it. So I’m to blame for being a push-over.’

‘You weren’t a push-over. You were in shock, and I’m guessing you just wanted it to end.’

‘I didn’t want it dragging on and hurting Lexi. The whole thing was very hard on her.’ Jenna rubbed her hands up and down her arms. ‘And she was so angry with me.’

He took a slow breath. ‘You did a brave thing, coming here. Was it the right thing to do?’

She considered the question. ‘Yes. Yes, it was. We’re healing.’ The discovery warmed her. ‘The best thing I did was to get Rebel. Lexi adores him. So do I. And we love living in the cottage. Having the beach on our doorstep is like heaven. And I’m relieved Lexi is happy, although I’m worrying that has something to do with her new friend.’

‘I don’t think you have to worry about Fraser. He’s pretty responsible.’

‘Well, if he’s the reason Lexi is happy, then I suppose he has my approval.’

Ryan strolled towards the door. His arm brushed against hers and Jenna felt the response shoot right through her body. Seeing the frown touch his forehead, she wondered if he did, too.

‘Our receptionist Janet was saying how smoothly everything is running since you arrived. The islanders love you.’

‘Everyone has been very kind.’ She wondered why she felt compelled to look at him all the time. If he was in the room, she wanted to stare. Every bit of him fascinated her, from his darkened jaw to his thick, lustrous hair. But what really interested her was him. The man.

She wanted to ask why he’d chosen to come to Glenmore, but there was something about him that didn’t invite personal questions.

Respecting his privacy, she smiled. ‘We’ll see you at the barbecue on Saturday.’

‘Good.’ He watched her for a long moment and she felt that look all the way down to her bones.

‘Thanks for seeing Lily.’

He stirred. ‘You’re welcome.’

* * *