“Would I lie to ya? Open ’em up! Let’s get ’em signed and back on the afternoon boat!” He took her hand and tugged her inside. “I’m hearin’ wedding bells a’ringin! Want me ta open it?”

Her hands were clutched in a nervous pose that tugged at his heart. The poor gal had been through the wringer with Bobby Chester, especially lately when he insisted on spending time with their girls before he’d initiate the divorce. Francine had hated asking that of her daughters, but they’d done it for her. “Please,” she said. “Go ahead.”

Ned tore open the envelope and scanned the letter from the lawyer. Divorce papers and something else, too. “Well, I’ll be goddamned.”

“What? What is it?”

“The bastard set up college funds for the grandkids. Twenty-five thousand bucks each.”

“You’re kidding me.”

Ned handed her the letter and the paperwork detailing the trust funds that had been established in the names of Thomas and Hailey McCarthy as well as Ashleigh Sturgil. The lawyer had noted that funds would also be established for any future grandchildren. Envelopes addressed to Maddie and Tiffany had been enclosed.

Francine shook her head as tears filled her eyes. “Finally,” she whispered. “He finally came through for them.”

“Aww, honey, don’t cry. You know I can’t stand it when ya cry.” He put his arms around her and patted her back awkwardly. He never had any idea what to do when she cried. Luckily, it didn’t happen very often. She was tough as nails, his gal, and it took a lot to break her.

“I’m sorry,” she said, sniffling and wiping her face, which made mud of the dirt on her face.

“Come ’ere, doll.” He took her over to the sink, wet a paper towel and wiped her face, showing her the results when he was done.

She laughed through her tears. “God, I’m a mess.”

“Yer my mess, and I love ya.”

“I can’t believe he did this.”

“About time, doncha think?”

“Yes, for sure.”

“Ya gotta tell the girls.”

She nodded.

“Invite ’em for dinner. I’ll stop at the pier and get some lobstas. We’ll make a night outta it.”

“You don’t have to do that, Ned.”

He tipped her chin up and kissed her. “I want ta. We still got some a them chicken nuggets that Thomas likes?” He pulled open the freezer door and rooted around, looking for the chicken the boy loved. “All gone. I’ll get some a that, too, and them apple juice box thingies for Ashleigh.” Turning to her, he stopped short when he found her watching him with a smile on her pretty face. “Whatcha looking at, doll?”

“You.”

“What’d I do now?”