Her chest tightened. With regret and sadness. But mostly with panic: Oh my God, no. I can’t, Caleb. I just can’t.

This instinctive no made her sorry for him.

It made her sorry for herself.

If the sound of the waves outside the cabin could cut into her sleep, trip up her thoughts, and yank her back to what had happened, what would a hug do? Or a kiss? Or more? She couldn’t imagine handling an intimate relationship.

And finding pleasure? That seemed least likely of all.

A rap on the door made both of them jump. Caleb snatched the letter off the table and hid it under his sweater.

Sam entered with a happy “I’ve got news!” He stomped his boots, then toed and heeled them off, leaving white clumps of snow on the small rug.

“What is it?” Caleb asked. He sounded put out.

Sam grinned. “Huge news.”

“Tell us, and I’ll get you some coffee.” Maggie went to the shelf to collect Sam’s favorite mug. She was glad he’d shown up. Relieved. It struck her that Sam had become like a brother to her.

He shed his coat and dragged off his hat. Dark hair poked around his head in wild tufts. Cupping his fingers in front of his mouth, he blew on his skin. “Freezing out there.” He rubbed his hands together. “So!” He fell into a chair and slapped the table. “My news,” he said with relish. “My incredibly awesome news.” And then he wiggled his eyebrows and leaned forward.

Caleb smiled grudgingly. “Yes…?”

“The School of the Art Institute in Chicago.”

“Chicago?” Maggie repeated, bringing his coffee to the table.

Sam nodded, an exaggerated up-and-down motion of his head.

“What about it?” Caleb asked impatiently.

“Wren has a friend who teaches there, another sculptor. She asked her if I could send her my portfolio. It’s not complete. I still haven’t finished my last project, but I put together images of some other work, a few ceramic pieces, mostly paintings and drawings.”

Maggie smiled a little at the wonder blooming in his face. “She liked it?”

“She loved it. And she shopped it around her department, made some calls…” He turned to gaze dreamily out the window. “They’re offering me a full scholarship if I want it.”

“Holy shit,” Caleb breathed.

“That’s amazing,” Maggie said. But what about Kate? What about Linnie? What about your original plan to attend Alfred University? Belatedly, she added, “Congratulations.”

“Want to come over?” Sam asked hopefully. “And read her email and see how the sculpture’s coming along?”

“Hell, yeah,” Caleb said.

After Sam gulped down his coffee, they took Caleb’s car to Sam’s house and took turns sitting in front of his computer to read the email and check out the winning portfolio. Then they followed him into the workshop to admire the sculpture still under way.