They knew each other so well. It was a priceless gift. One they’d almost lost. Quinn felt a rush of emotion and reached over and took Maggie’s hand. “Thank you for coming, Maggie. We’ll get through this, and then, I promise, I’ll be there for you too.”

Maggie squeezed her fingers and held on, a silent pact that this time, they wouldn’t let anything come between being there for each other.

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Eighteen

Quinn was up before dawn. It had taken Maggie a long time to fall asleep. Before getting into bed, she’d insisted on checking every inch of the cottage, then went back to the door and windows at least three times to make sure the locks were engaged. Though she claimed she felt comfortable there, she acted like someone was waiting just outside to get them. Quinn was really patient with her, considering all Maggie had been through. It made sense that she was paranoid—or maybe it was just proactive—but getting to sleep so late made her feel hungover.

Ethan had sent more texts. He said he’d booked a flight over.

Quinn broke her commitment not to respond and sent him back a message telling him not to come, that she wouldn’t see him. Then she turned her phone off.

She pulled some leggings on, not even caring that they didn’t match her long sleep shirt, and made herself a cup of coffee. She slipped quietly out the door so she wouldn’t wake Maggie. She settled herself on the lanai, grateful she’d left her yoga mat outside so she could do some stretches and meditation when she finished her coffee.

Before she could get to it, Liam showed up. She forgot he was supposed to be there bright and early to start sanding the floors. If Quinn had seen him coming, she would’ve snuck back in, but for a big man he was as light-footed as a deer.

“Good morning,” she said as he crossed the courtyard to her lanai. She wanted to cover her naked face and smooth her hair, but he was watching.

He raised his eyebrows. “For some.”

“Grouchy today?” Quinn asked, noticing an uncharacteristic frown. She’d also never seen him look so disheveled.

“Tired. I take it you haven’t talked to Maria.” He leaned on the porch rail and sighed.

“No, what’s wrong?”

“Good news and bad news. Which one do you want first?”

“Please tell me something good. I need it,” Quinn said.

“After hearing nothing back from her job interview, Maria took a chance. She made up some of her famous shortbread cookies and took them to the bakery. The owner went nuts over them and wants to stock them. She’s going to let Maria work from home so she can still be here for the kids and Kupuna.”

“That’s fantastic! What a genius move!” Quinn was so happy for Maria.