Brothers, Hope & Hearts E-Book

Bartow Sophie

• Herausgeber: Sophie Bartow
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

Enjoy this steamy small-town romantic suspense series with a sense of family that will have you falling in love.

Forever begins with a little hope…

When Elsa Winters realizes the man she loves won’t allow himself to love her back, she flees New York City to start a new life in Swan Harbor. The comfort of being there with Emma, her best friend, and dealing with her new pediatric practice, help distract her. Except, Elsa can’t forget the man whose eyes spoke to her.

Paramedic Liam Reade knew Elsa was dangerous to everything he’d come to believe. But words from his past have him thinking he doesn’t deserve a happy ending and he lets her walk out of his life. However, fate had other plans.

An enemy from his brother’s past threatens, and Liam rushes to Swan Harbor to warn Killian. The town’s hope soothes his battered heart, pushing him to rethink his idea of the future. As the danger surrounding them grows, can Elsa, Liam, Killian, Emma, and their friends work together to save Swan Harbor before everything blows up around them?

When hope is all you have, is it enough?

Welcome to Swan Harbor

Brothers, Hope & Hearts is Book 3 in the CHope & Hearts from Swan Harbor Series. Brothers is a friends to lovers, second chance, medical mystery romance. It is also book 2 in Swan Harbor’s Hope story. While each story can stand alone, there are secondary threads that run through the series. Reading them in order adds to the richness of the characters and town. Download a copy and enjoy your stay in Swan Harbor.  

Leseprobe

BROTHERS, HOPE & HEARTS

A SMALL TOWN FRIENDS-TO-LOVERS MYSTERY ROMANCE

HOPE & HEARTS FROM SWAN HARBOR

BOOK 3

SOPHIE BARTOW

CONTENTS

Hope & Hearts Series in Order

Some residents of Swan Harbor

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

This book is dedicated to …

My street team;

The Wall-Giennie Wicks-Delaney,

Connector Inspector- Linda Hagerty

Reactor Inspector- Jami Fenton

Plot Catcher- Barbara Berry

Sign Crew- Kate Semenyuk

The Clean-up crew: Cindy, Laura, Kim, Maggie, and Sylvia, whose feedback was valuable.

And my family, who are still waiting for me to clean the house.

Inspiration began,

when a lost girl fell for a lost boy

Two Hearts Press

An Imprint of LLIPSS, INC

Copyright 2020 by Sophie Bartow

Regular Print Hardback: 978-1-965510-23-0

Regular Paperback ISBN: 978-1-965510-08-7

Large Print Paperback ISBN: 978-1-965510-01-8

Large Print Hardback ISBN: 978-1-965510-04-9

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and places are the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business or locales is coincidental.

Cover by Kate Semenyuk

FROM DARKNESS INTO LOVE

KITTENS, PUPPIES & LOVE

BROTHERS, HOPE & HEARTS

KISSES, FAMILY & HOPE

A TREE, MISTLETOE & A SUNSET

HOPE, HEARTS & FOREVER

THE MEMORY OF LOVE

THE INNOCENCE OF LOVE

THE FORGIVENESS OF LOVE

THE POWER OF LOVE

THE CHRISTMAS LOVE SONG

THE KISS OF LOVE

THE LESSONS OF LOVE

THE HEART OF LOVE

THE JOURNEY TO LOVE

Hope & Hearts Historical Novellas

GUIDED BY LIGHT - 1952

GUIDED BY HEART - 1964

GUIDED BY LOVE - 1969

WELCOME TO SWAN HARBOR- 1979

FINDING HER LOST HEART- 1983/1990

GUIDED BY A KISS - 1995

SOME RESIDENTS OF SWAN HARBOR

Liam Reade: Firefighter/Paramedic in New York City. Works at Queen’s Court Medical Center, owned by King Industries.

Elsa Winters: She owns a pediatric practice in Swan Harbor and is best friends with Emma Foster.

Killian Reade: Detective for the Swan Harbor Sheriff’s Department. Brother to Liam Reade and son of Finley Reade, who live in New York. Engaged to Emma Foster. Their story is told in Kittens, Puppies & Love.

Emma Foster: The owner and veterinarian of Swan Harbor Veterinary Hospital. Daughter of Ava King and Peter Foster and engaged to Killian Reade.

Rusty Langley: He is a detective for the Swan Harbor Sheriff’s Department and partner of Killian Reade. He is married to Rene Langley, and the father to Roland. His story is told inThe Power of Love.

Rene Langley: She is the mayor of Swan Harbor, married to Rusty, and the mother of Roland.

Roland Langley: The young son of Rusty and Rene.

Dylan Prince: The Sheriff of Swan Harbor and married to Molly BarnesPrince. He is the brother of Jessie and the late James and son of the late Ruth and Robert. Their story is told in The Innocence of Love.

Molly Barnes Prince: She teaches first grade at Swan Harbor Elementary School and is married to Dylan Prince.

Grayson Hunter: Engineer at Hunter Construction and married to SadieMartin Hunter. Their story is told in The Memory of Love.

Sadie Martin Hunter: The office manager of Swan Harbor Veterinary Hospital and an accountant. She is married to Grayson Hunter.

Finley Reade: Owns a real estate business in New York City. Father of Liam and Killian. His story is told in Kisses, Family & Hope.

Ava King: Philanthropist and businesswoman for King Industries. Mother of Emma Foster.

Tyler James: He is a professional singer and owner of Siren’s Song, a music club located on Swan Harbor’s pier. He is the father of six-year-old Bethany. His story is told inThe Christmas Love Song.

Sally Miller Patterson: Owner of Sally’s Diner, the place to see and be seen in Swan Harbor. Sally is married to Daniel Patterson and mother to Christian and Tracey. She is also grandmother to Julianna.

Danny Patterson: Married to Sally and the head of neurology at Swan Harbor General Hospital. He is the father to Christian and Tracey, and the grandfatherto Julianna. Their story is told in Welcome to Swan Harbor.

Captain Jack: Retired Naval officer and local legend of Swan Harbor, who gives out sage advice to the town’s residents. He is the owner of Captain Jack’s Fine Dining, located at the newly renovated pier in an old Spanish galleon. His story is told in The Journey to Love.

ONE

QUICK NOTE: If you enjoy Brothers, Hope & Hearts, be sure to check out my offer for more Elsa and Liam at the end.

With that, enjoy!

* * *

New York City

Liam’s Apartment

August 1

1:30 p.m.

Liam Reade was home. She could hear a sporting event on the TV. He was most likely watching a soccer match he'd already seen.

She'd been waiting in front of his apartment for ten minutes, and the door still hadn't opened.

You haven't knocked.

Elsa lifted her hand, and, before she could second guess her decision, knocked. Habit had her tapping out two rapid knocks, resting a heartbeat, and then repeating with two more rapid ones.

Once she did, she could picture exactly what was happening inside.

He would turn the television down and toss the remote onto the coffee table.

Then he'd glance around the room to see if he needed to put anything away.

Finally, he would take the necessary steps to reach the door—for him, probably only four or five. Those were the benefits of having long legs.

After that ….

Elsa thought she was ready for the door to be yanked open—she wasn’t. It was impossible not to be affected when you were faced with six feet of deliciousness.

“Elsa.” Liam's sexy baritone slithered along her skin. “Did we have plans?”

Don't stare at his bare chest.

“I’m sorry to just drop in like this.” She mentally patted herself on the back for sounding somewhat normal. “I, I need to tell you something.”

Don't admire his flat abs that were exposed by the cut-off sweats hanging low on his hips.

“Come in.”

He stepped aside, and as she entered, Elsa held her breath. She didn't want to smell his musky cologne or feel the heat from his body. If she did, it would be so much harder not to step close and bury her nose against his furry chest. That would make it too difficult to do what needed to be done.

“I'll not be long.”

Unless ….

“It's fine, love. It's just Liverpool.”

Her hands were sweating, and her heart was racing.

Liam waved toward the sofa. “Have a seat.”

“Thanks.”

Just spit it out.

“I …” Elsa took a deep breath. “I came to say goodbye.”

“Goodbye? Are you going on a vacation?”

Told you he wouldn't remember.

“In a way.”

“Elsa, love.” Liam stroked the top of her hand with his long fingers. “What’s going on?”

“I'm moving. Remember? I told you a month ago.”

Liam's blue eyes darkened, and his dark brows drew together in confusion. She knew him well enough to know that he was trying to place the conversation.

“Moving? When? Where?”

She wanted to say something, but somehow, she knew words wouldn't matter. If he'd cared, he would have listened.

“I finished my residency.” She stayed with the simple explanation. “But I got a better offer than Queen’s Court.”

“A better one?” Liam brushed his hands through his hair, a sure sign of agitation. “What could be better than working for Queen’s here in New York City?”

Say it.

“There are many reasons,” Elsa murmured. “It’s a place where I’ll have more control. I want a life, Liam. This allows me to see both office and hospital patients without working twelve to sixteen hours a day. Tate promised it was possible.”

“Tate?”

“Doctor Tate Doolittle,” Elsa explained. “Head of Swan Harbor General's pediatrics.”

“Wait, you're moving to Swan Harbor?”

Ask me to stay.

“I am.” Elsa forced herself to stand. “Anyway, I just wanted you to know before I … you know, leave.”

“But.” Liam glanced around the room, and there was almost a wild look in his eyes. “But …”

Ask me.

“Liam.” A buxom redhead stepped from the bedroom. “I hope you don't mind that I borrowed a shirt. Mine …”

Elsa's mouth dropped open, and all she could think was he didn't wait long to find someone new. “I'm sorry. I should go.”

“Wait,” Liam began.

Except Elsa wasn't in the mood to hear any of his excuses. Neither was she ready to meet his replacement girlfriend. “I need to finish packing.”

She pushed past him and walked straight to the door.

“Elsa, wait,” Liam called again, but this time, he lightly touched her elbow. “When are you leaving?”

“In a couple of days,” Elsa shrugged. “It will depend on how long it takes to get everything done. I'll …” Then she made the mistake of looking at him.

Liam held his hands tightly by his side and curled into fists. His body was rigid, but it was his eyes that said what he couldn’t say out loud.

I'm going to miss you.

Please stay.

I'm sorry.

“Take care of yourself.”

At the last minute, she kissed him goodbye and rushed toward the door. She worried that if he said anything, she wouldn’t be able to hold back the tears clogging her throat. Before she could escape, Liam caught her wrist.

“Elsa.”

Don't look.

“Look at me. Please.”

Her heart twisted, but she knew herself. If she looked into his navy blue eyes that spoke volumes, she would be lost.

“I can’t.” Elsa tugged her hand free and hurried to the elevator.

The first tear fell just as the door closed.

Crap.

She couldn't cry over him.

It hurts.

He'd already moved on.

“You've done it now, Elsa,” she muttered as she crossed the street into Central Park. “There's no going back.”

* * *

Liam shut the door and, on his way to the sofa, slipped a shirt over his head.

“What the hell was that?” Barbi came from the bedroom wearing one of his dress shirts and her jeans.

“What?” he asked, the nonchalance in his voice a perfect accompaniment to the 'neutral' question. So perfect he didn't think anyone could see beneath it.

But Elsa …

He disagreed, but it no longer mattered. She was moving, and he couldn’t stop her.

You could have asked her to stay.

Barbi dropped into a chair and tucked her legs beneath her. “Come on, Liam. You care for that woman. Why did you just allow her to leave?”

“Of course, I care for her. We've been friends for a while and work for the same hospital.”

“Cut the bull,” Barbi snapped.

“I'm not⁠—”

“It's just like Debi Monroe.”

That name still had the power to create an ache in the center of his chest. Except, there was no comparison between his feelings as a twenty-one-year-old to now ….

“This is nothing like that,” Liam retorted. “Nothing.”

Only because you refuse to ….

“Sometimes we have to let go of the past in order to move toward the future, Liam. You know that.”

Just like Killian had done.

“Are you trying to knock some sense into Liam, Hon?” Justin, her husband of a year, entered the room. “You know he's too stubborn to listen.”

“I'm beginning to remember that,” Barbi grumbled. “But Liam, you really should set her straight. She thinks you and I …”

“Look, it's no big deal. Do you want to grab a bite to eat?” Liam glanced from one to the other. “I'm hungry all of a sudden.”

“You're always hungry.” Justin laughed. “Right now, we’re on the way to check on the clean-up crew at our apartment.”

“Think they've started?”

Barbi sighed. “I hope so. We don't want to overstay our welcome.”

“You're fine,” Liam assured her. “I'm happy to help.”

“We'll let you know if we need a place tonight. But Liam,” Barbi's gaze met his. “Go talk to her. Tell her I didn't spend the night.”

“But that would be a lie.” Liam's blue eyes twinkled. “Wouldn't it?”

“Oh, you!” She flipped her hair over her shoulder and flounced out of the room.

“Does she always pout when she doesn't get her way?”

Justin laughed. “Don't ask me. You've known her longer than I have.”

“You're married to her.”

“True,” Justin grinned. “In this situation, though, I agree with Barb. Talk to your lady friend. She deserves to know the truth.”

Liam turned on the television sound, hoping Justin and Barbi would ignore him on their way out. He hadn't offered them a place to stay so they could dig into his psyche. It was all about helping a couple of friends because their place smelled like smoke. Nothing more, nothing less.

Are you sure about that?

What else could it be?

A way for you to bury your head and not have to deal.

Liam scoffed at his thoughts.

“We'll see you later, Liam.” Barbi waved. “Remember what I said.”

Once he was alone, Liam tried to focus on the match. Except his attention was scattered. Besides, Liverpool was ahead by three goals.

It has nothing to do with the score.

That's not true.

It wasn’t long before he could no longer stand the quiet apartment and went looking for something to eat.

He meandered past Queen’s Court Medical and the bar, O’Toole's. But he wasn't scheduled to work, and it was too late for lunch and too early for dinner. Besides, he wasn't in the mood for people.

Face it, you want to see her.

Who?

That he could imagine his inner voice raising a brow in disbelief was unsettling. It was also terrifying he could imagine its facial expressions. However, since those were heavy thoughts, he pushed them away for later.

That's what you always do.

Do not.

Then, just to prove he was in control, he ducked into Nathan's. But even after eating a hot dog and fries, the same sense of needing to be somewhere remained. It felt like an invisible thread was pulling him, and where it was leading was beyond his control.

Liam hurried through Central Park to the Upper West Side. He took a right, then a left, and walked two streets over until he stood in front of Elsa’s apartment building.

He'd been to her apartment many times since January. It was modern to his ancient, homey to his sterile, and he'd been completely enamored. And even with the knowledge she was dangerous to everything he'd come to believe, he'd jumped in with both feet. Could he let her walk out of his life?

You have no choice.

But was that the truth?

It's the only truth you're ready to hear.

Meaning?

Meaning sometimes we have to be willing to look inside to find the answers.

Like Killian did?

Yes.

I'm not suffering from the same issues as Killian.

Aren't you?

No! And even if I was, there's no Violet out there waiting.

True. But an Elsa is waiting. Isn't she enough?

* * *

Guilt at the way she’d left things with Liam chased her all the way home. It was only the knowledge that she’d done the only thing possible. With her residency completed, she had to take care of herself. If that meant she had to tell a lie, then so what? He'd never know.

Are you sure?

She'd asked herself that question several times over the past few weeks. When she did, the answer remained the same. Yes.

Liam Reade had plenty of friends to keep him entertained and wouldn’t come looking for her. It also appeared he had replaced her with a new friend.

Crap!

“I'm so not going there,” she muttered, stacking the box on the cart.

Elsa took one last look around, left her keys on the table, and locked the door behind her. She'd told Liam she was leaving when everything was done. That she was leaving earlier than she’d anticipated, well ….

Since she was only taking a few suitcases and some boxes, it didn’t take long to store them in the car. She’d just loaded the last box when the hairs on the back of her neck stood up.

“Going somewhere?”

Crap!

Elsa slammed the lid and turned to face Liam. “What brings you to this side of the park?”

* * *

Liam took two steps toward her. Close, just not close enough to make her feel like he was trying to intimidate her. “You didn't answer my question. I asked if you were going somewhere?”

“What makes you think that?”

“I saw you push your cart full of boxes out the back hall.”

“So?”

“Why'd you lie?”

“Wha … What are you talking about?”

“Come on, love,” Liam's voice dropped into a lower range. “Why?”

Several emotions flitted across her face, and she seemed to wilt before his eyes.

“Why do you care?” she asked instead of answering his question. “Did your new girl not give you what you were after?”

“My new girl?” Then he remembered Barbi's plea. “About that. Barbi isn't my new girl. I've known her forever.”

“Forever?”

“Her brother was my best friend in high school. And,” he took another step closer, “she's married to Justin. Remember? I told you about him.”

A little pucker developed between Elsa’s brows, and he could practically see the wheels turning inside her head. “Justin? Your old partner?”

“Yes. Barbi's first husband was a prat, and after he left, she was pretty messed up.”

“So you introduced her to your old partner?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

Her question surprised him. “Why what?”

“Why did you introduce them to each other?”

“I don't know.” Liam shrugged. “I thought they'd be good together.”

“Oh. Well, if that’s all, I need to return this cart.” Elsa grabbed the handle so tightly that her knuckles turned white.

Oh? He couldn’t decide what she meant by using the word. It meant one thing to him, but something told him its meaning was more important to her.

“I’m still waiting for an answer.”

“Which was?”

He was tempted to grin because there was no way she didn't remember what he’d asked.

“Are you going somewhere?”

“I told you,” Elsa replied. “I’m moving to Swan Harbor.”

Liam propped his hands on his hips. “But you said, and I quote, ‘I’m leaving in the next day … or two.’ I know sometimes I confuse things, but it's only been a few hours since you said that. Not,” he popped his T, “a day or two.”

“I told you when I got things done.” She pushed the cart past him. “Well, I got things done.”

“And so you're leaving—just like that?”

“I said goodbye,” Elsa sighed. “I don't know what else you want, Liam.”

For things to be like they were.

“But why, love? Why are you moving so far away?”

“I,” she began. Then, almost as if she changed her mind, she pulled her shoulders back and stood a little taller. “You're a smart guy, Liam. I bet you can figure it out. Now, I do have to go. Look me up if you come to Swan Harbor to visit.” Then she walked away.

Liam stared at her retreating figure, all the while rubbing circles in the center of his chest.

Heartburn. He blamed it on the chili dog he'd eaten. Couldn't be anything else.

* * *

Swan Harbor

Veterinary Clinic

August 1

6:00 p.m.

Emma Foster was trying to focus on work, and checking Daisy and her puppies for worms seemed mindless enough. Yet, no matter how many times she reminded herself of what she was supposed to be doing, her thoughts kept returning to Elsa. Something was going on with her friend of over ten years, and for the first time in their friendship, their roles were reversed.

She'd first noticed the change in April when Killian said something about his brother. Since Liam had been seeing her best friend for months, the conversation was in what wasn't said. But when Elsa came to Swan Harbor in June, Emma could tell things were different. They hadn’t talked, though. It left her with the question of how to help, when her friend wouldn't share her burdens?

Sound familiar?

Yes, but …

No buts. What has Elsa always done when you weren't ready to talk?

Be there.

Exactly. When she needs you, she’ll reach out. In the meantime …

I have a fiancé who …

The thought had barely formed when the air shifted, and the man who rocked her world invaded her space.

“Hello, Doc.” Killian buzzed a kiss next to her ear. “Eww, what's that smell?”

“You're an investigator,” she teased. “What does it smell like?”

“It smells like shi–”

“Puppy poop,” Emma interrupted. “Be nice. I'm sure you've smelled worse.”

“Aye, that’s true.” He sighed, and she knew he was thinking about cases he'd seen on the job. “But I don't relish getting a whiff of it every time I nuzzle your neck tonight.”

“Oh?” She grinned, still feeling the need to pinch herself at how far she'd come in less than a year. “Were you planning on doing that tonight?”

Killian’s blue eyes darkened. “As often as possible. Got a problem with that?”

“No.” She kissed him. “I definitely don't have a problem with your nuzzles.”

“Good.” Killian placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her toward the door. “Now, go shower.”

“But,” she gestured at the mess scattered across her worktable. “There's stuff to be done.”

“I’ll clean.” Killian kissed her ear. “You can reward me later. And …”

Emma slid her arms around his neck. “What else are you promising me, Killian?”

“I’ll even start dinner.”

“Oooh, a girl could get used to that.”

His expression turned serious, and he brushed her hair over her shoulder. “I hope so. I just want to make you happy.”

“You do, Killian,” she replied breathlessly. “I love you, you know?”

Killian tugged her closer, aligning their hips. “Ditto, Doc.”

“Ditto. What kind of declaration is that?”

“It's a …” His phone buzzed. “It's Liam. Go. I'll see you upstairs.”

Emma rushed through her shower, anxious to hear what Liam had to say. She didn't think he was calling to ‘just talk.’ Something told her it had to do with what she'd been worried about for weeks.

When she walked into the kitchen, Killian was standing in front of the stove. He'd tucked a towel into the waistband of his pants and was rhythmically stirring the ingredients in a pot.

“You’re making spaghetti with your world-famous sauce, aren't you?”

“Aye.”

Emma leaned against the cabinet and waited for him to look at her. “What did Liam have to say?”

Killian didn't respond right away, which meant he was wrestling with something. The longer he remained quiet, the more concerned she grew.

“What has Elsa said the last few times you've spoken to her?” he finally asked.

“Wait a minute, Killian.” Emma frowned. “Things between them are okay, right?”

He tossed a few more things in the sauce, then offered her a taste.

Her eyes flared. “Oh, that’s good. You changed the recipe, didn't you?”

“Of course,” he teased. “A good chef never spills the secrets to his recipe. Now, I laid out the vegetables for the salad for you. I'm going to make a bruschetta.”

Since she assumed he was working his way around to how much to say, she focused on the salad. It wasn’t until he’d slid the bread into the oven, he was ready to talk.

“Did you know Elsa was moving?”

“Moving?” Emma's gaze collided with Killian’s. “As in leaving New York City?”

“Aye.”

Her thoughts traveled back to when Elsa mentioned her job offers. “You were standing there when she told Liam she'd been offered several jobs. But as for taking one of them, she’s been pretty quiet. Why?”

“She showed up at Liam's today and told him goodbye.”

“Goodbye?” Emma dropped the knife she'd been using to cut the tomato and frowned up at him. “She hasn't said anything. Where's she moving?”

“Here, Doc.” Killian hesitated while he pulled the bruschetta from the oven. “It seems your friend Elsa has left my brother and is moving to Swan Harbor.”

Emma dropped into the chair, fighting her initial reaction. She really wanted to protect her friend and blame Liam, but where would that get them?

“Why's she moving to Swan Harbor?” Emma murmured. “Unless …”

“Unless what?”

Killian flicked off the burners, drained the pasta, and prepared her a plate before she'd wrapped her head around her thoughts.

“Tyler.”

“Tyler?” Killian repeated. “Tyler James?”

Emma smirked at the territorial tone in his voice. She knew at one time he'd worried there was something between her and Tyler.

“Yeah.” Her gaze met Killian’s. “At one time, Elsa loved him and thought he was the one.”

A tic began pulsing on Killian’s jaw as if he were clenching his teeth and working to hang on to his temper. “You don’t think she's moving here to be with Tyler, do you?”

The low, menacing quality of his voice worried her. “I don't know.”

“Bloody hell, Doc!” Killian stood so fast his chair fell over. “She’s your friend. How can you not know?”

“Wait, a minute! Why are you mad at me? Did you ever consider the possibility it’s Liam's fault?”

“Aye.” He brushed his hand through his hair, causing it to stand in several directions. “And if it is, you’ll blame me.”

“Oh, Killian.” Emma flew across the kitchen into his arms. “What are we going to do?”

“Same thing they did for us, love. Just be there for them. Now come here.”

When her mouth met his, something told her being on the ‘supporting’ side was going to be just as challenging as the relationship side had been.

TWO

Swan Harbor

August 1

9:00p.m.

Elsa drove into Swan Harbor, Maine at 9:00 p.m. on a Friday night. The small picturesque town just north of Portland was alive with tourists, a factor she hadn't considered when she'd left New York. Then, as she drove past The Beachside Inn and The Lighthouse Inn and saw their no vacancy signs, her bravado began to fade.

Crap!

When she turned onto Main Street, the lights of Sally’s Diner were tempting, but she kept going. That she should call Emma circled around inside her head, but in the end … what did it matter? She'd taken a chance and failed.

Her GPS led her around town, and straight to Emma’s property. Elsa followed the long driveway around the Veterinary Clinic and parked next to Elli, the classic yellow Volkswagen her friend had loved forever.

But as soon as she turned off her car, the enormity of what she'd done washed over her.

Crap!

This isn't you. Chin up old girl, she could hear her late father say.

“I can do this,” she murmured stepping from the car.

One foot in front of the other.

Which is how she made it to Emma’s door. The ‘but, what if’ didn't even enter her mind as she knocked, using the same rhythm they’d created in college.

Three quick taps …

Rap Rap Rap.

… and then a pause, and three light taps.

Tap Tap Tap.

The door wasn’t pulled open immediately, as always before. She contemplated knocking again, but the sound of dogs barking penetrated the fog of despair wrapped around her.

Was she at the right place? Emma didn’t have dogs.

She’s a vet. It’s probably a patient.

Elsa knocked again.

Rap Rap Rap

But when she lowered her hand to rest for a heartbeat, the door was yanked open.

“Elsa?”

“I’msorryEmma,” Elsa blubbered. “Ididn'tknowwheretogo.”

“Emma, who the bloody hell’s at the door?”

The voice, so similar to Liam’s, sent her over, and without anyone holding her, Elsa slid down on the top step and buried her face in her crossed arms.

She wasn't sure how long she sat there before she realized Emma was next to her. “I’m sorry. I should have called.”

“No,” Emma helped her stand, “it's okay. Come on. Let's go upstairs.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Come on.”

Her energy was quickly waning, but somehow Elsa made it up the stairs and dropped down onto the sofa. She could hear Emma moving around and talking to someone, but when a cat jumped next to her, she allowed her thoughts to scatter.

The lethargy pulled her under and the last thing she heard was, “Elsa’s here and it’s bad. Bring reinforcements, and ice cream.” and everything faded.

* * *

The Beach Shack

Swan Harbor

August 1

10:00p.m.

Killian sauntered into The Beach Shack and slid onto the bench seat across from his partner, Rusty Langley. “Did I miss anything?”

Rusty frowned, “No, but why are you here? I thought you had plans with Emma.”

“I thought I did too,” Killian sighed, “until she kicked me out.”

“What did you do to make her mad?”

“Wasn't me,” Killian grumbled. “The evening started with a call from my brother, Liam, and went downhill from there.”

“Wait,” Rusty frowned. “So, Liam is being a cockwomble, and by extension you’re suffering?”

“I don't know.” Killian thought back on what had transpired, “We had dinner, and then Emma's friend showed up, and I was told to leave. Didn't even get to ask any questions.”

“Ahh,” Rusty nodded. “Female solidarity. You'll get used to it.”

“Female solidarity?” Killian groused. “What the bloody hell is that?”

“It’s when something happens to one female, and all her friends have to rally around her. You’ll be in the doghouse for a few days, but,” Rusty shrugged, “it will pass. And in the meantime, you can be my backup.”

“I guess.” Killian moved around on the hard seat, trying to get comfortable and yet appear relaxed. “What are we waiting for again?”

“A buy,” Rusty replied, taking a sip of coffee. “It’s supposed to happen here sometime between ten and twelve.”

“A buy?” Killian glanced at the few tables that were occupied. Yes, the crowd was different than during the day, it still seemed like a long shot. “What kind of buy?”

“A big one.” Rusty lowered his voice, “Coke.”

“Coke?” Killian laughed. “In Swan Harbor?”

“Shout it loud enough for the whole town to hear, will you?” Rusty retorted. “Yes, in Swan Harbor.”

“Seriously?”

Killian had been used to the prevalence of drugs in New York City, but for some reason he’d not thought about them being in Swan Harbor. If he had, a little marijuana would have been what he’d expected. The cases he and Rusty had dealt with ran to the bizarre. Panty thief, dog killer, cat thief, bra thief, but drugs seemed almost too normal.

“Just relax,” Rusty suggested, opening his newspaper and leaning back in the booth.

Killian huffed but with nothing to hurry home for leaned back against the wall and allowed his mind to wander over the events of the evening.

What had gone wrong between Liam and Elsa? And was it anything he had to worry about between him and Emma? They’d gone through a lot to be together, but since getting engaged she refused to set a wedding date. Was he missing something that needed to be attended to?

“Head's up,” Rusty murmured. “That could be our guy.”

Killian refocused his attention and studied the individual Rusty had pointed out. He appeared to be in his early twenties, clean cut, dressed in jeans and flip flops, but wearing an over-sized trench coat style jacket. And while a jacket normally wouldn't raise eyebrows in Swan Harbor, the temperatures lately were too warm for so many layers.

“Stop staring at him,” Rusty snapped, crinkling his newspaper as he turned the page. “We don't want him knowing we're on to him.”

“Bloody hell, Rusty,” Killian shot back. “I'm not a rookie.”

“I'm well aware of that,” Rusty replied, “but …”

“Psst,” Rusty's reprimand was interrupted when the individual they were arguing over stopped next to their table.

Bloody hell, Killian thought watching the young man unbutton his coat, does he have a gun?

From the corner of his eye, Killian saw Rusty sit up straighter in his seat, as if he too were having similar thoughts.

“What do you need?” Killian made sure the butt of his gun was within easy reach.

“My, My,” the kid looked around furtively, “My coke is crisp and cold.” He sniffed loudly. “Would you like some?”

His coke is crisp and cold? Killian thought. Why would announcing your cocaine was cold be a strong selling point?

“Cold coke?” Rusty frowned.

“Sure,” their seller unbuttoned his last button, hinging open the right side of his coat. “See.”

Killian’s eyes flew to Rusty, who was gawking at the inside of the man’s coat, “That's the coke you're selling?”

“Shh,” the man tried to quieten him. “I don't want everyone to know.”

“Bu …” Rusty gasped.

“What my friend is trying to say,” Killian relaxed his posture and sent the man a toothy grin, “is why are you selling coke inside The Beach Shack.”

“Because, man,” the seller slid onto the bench next to Rusty. “the owner of this dump doesn't like coke. Only keeps that other stuff, so … do you want some, or not? I have Vanilla Coke, Cherry Coke, Orange Vanilla Coke, Lime Coke.”

“No,” Killian laughed, waving the man off. “I'm good. Rusty?” He tapped his partner’s hand, “Coke?”

“Go,” Rusty shook his head with disgust and flashed his badge. “Don't let us see you here again.”

The smart comment Killian had on the tip of his tongue died when he saw who entered the building just as their ‘coke seller’ was leaving, “Who's that with Hayden?” He tipped his head to where the younger man was standing, a brunette on one side, a blonde Killian knew as Diane on the other.

Rusty glanced across the room, “I think her name is Peyton. She works part-time at Sally’s. Why?”

“I don't know,” Killian shrugged. “There's something going on with him. Just a gut feeling.”

“You think it has something to do with the company he’s keeping?” Rusty folded his paper and shoved it aside.

“I'd bet on it.” Once Hayden had left, Killian pushed out of the booth. “Now, it might be just me, but I think your tip was a bust.”

“Stuff it,” Rusty fumed. “Let's go.”

Killian followed Rusty out of The Beach Shack and waved him off. He needed to call Liam and let him know Elsa had arrived. But based on the condition she’d arrived in, and Liam’s last comments, there seemed to be a disconnect somewhere. The question was where?

* * *

New York City

O’Toole’s

August 1

11:00 p.m.

Liam stretched his long legs under the table and took a drink of his Guinness. This was more like it. Marissa, Candace, and Sherry on his right and Penny and Kelly on his left. Women he’d been friends with forever, who didn't expect any more from him then a little of his time. Just the way it should be.

If that’s the truth, then why do you keep watching the door?

Just seeing who else is here.

Right.

The scoffing noises from his inner voice had been getting louder since he’d waved goodbye to Elsa.

That's not quite what happened.

Shut up.

“Kim!” The women around him cried as a newcomer settled into a seat across from him.

“What have I missed?” Kim smiled at everyone, “Anything?”

“Liam ran Elsa off,” Kelly offered.

“Off?” Kim frowned at Liam, then glanced back at Kelly. “As in away from our group or …?”

“Off … as in she moved out of New York,” Penny added.

“But he won't say where,” Marissa retorted, giving him a dirty look.

“Or why,” Candace offered her two cents.

“What did you do?” Kim tilted her head and pinned him with a blue-eyed stare that frightened most people.

“Why are you asking me?” Liam snapped. “I'm not the one who left.”

“But you ran her off.” Kim shook her head, “I was afraid of this when I saw her in here with you the last time. You are such an ass.”

When all the other women agreed with her, a feeling of consternation washed over Liam, but he wasn't sure why.

“How am I the ass?”

“It's just like Debi Monroe,” Sherry whispered sadly.

“What the bloody hell do you know about Debi?” Liam barked.

“Barbi told us,” Kim explained. “But I agree with Sherry. It's exactly like Debi.”

“No,” Liam made a point of meeting each of the six women's eyes. “This is nothing like Debi.”

“How can you say that, Liam?” Marissa wanted to know. “You pushed Debi away when she asked for more than you could give. Isn't that why Elsa left? Did she ask for more?”

“No!”

“No?” Candace echoed.

But Elsa’s comment about him figuring out why she was leaving still lingered in the back of his mind. Why had she left?

“No,” Liam repeated. “She didn't ask for more.”

When the women exchanged looks, Liam had a creepy feeling they’d just had an entire conversation. “What?”

“Another man,” Kim nodded. “Has to be, right girls?”

“Another man?” He shrugged, as if it was no big deal. “We’re just friends.” But as soon as he uttered those words, the burning in the center of his chest started again. “Listen, while this conversation has been enlightening, I’m going to go. Catch you all later.”

Liam threw a few bills on the table and waved at several acquaintances on his way out. He could have stayed.

But you felt like you were missing something.

Like what? He’d been surrounded by friends.

Not the one you wanted.

Could there be some merit in what they’d said? Was it another man?

His phone buzzed, and for a split second, when he saw it wasn’t Elsa, he was disappointed.

“Took you long enough.” he answered, shoving the feelings aside.

“What are you talking about?” Killian exclaimed on the other end. “I’m not the one who cocked up.”

Liam immediately went on the defensive, “How’d I cock up?”

Killian sighed, “You called me, remember?”

“So, I did,” Liam admitted. “Is she there?”

“Aye,” Killian grunted. “Showed up a bit after 9:00 p.m. and my evening plans went pear-shaped.”

So, she drove straight through, Liam decided, surprised as he knew how much she enjoyed meandering when she had the time.

“But you like Elsa,” Liam frowned. “How did she ruin your plans.”

“Let’s just say my plans didn’t include getting kicked out of my fiancée’s home because you couldn’t keep your girlfriend happy.”

“She’s not my girlfriend,” Liam automatically corrected. “But why do you say she was unhappy?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” Killian’s dry tone came across loud and clear. “Perhaps it was the tears. But if she isn't your girlfriend maybe she was crying over Tyler.”

“Tyler?”

“Aye, Tyler,” Killian repeated. “The bloke I thought Emma had a thing for last fall. Turns out it’s Elsa who has a thing for him.”

“Who the hell is Tyler?” Liam snapped, wondering why this was the first time he’d ever heard of the man.

“Tyler James,” Killian supplied. “Owns Siren’s Song here in Swan Harbor. Nice enough looking, I guess. Maybe he’s why Elsa was blubbering.”

Elsa was crying? Why?

You know why.

“Maybe,” Liam conceded. “Thanks for letting me know she arrived. I was worried about her driving that far alone.”

Face it, man. You were worried about more than that.

Killian didn't say anything for several minutes, making Liam wonder what was going through his mind.

“I'll talk to you later. I'm getting another call.”

“Don't be a cockwomble, Liam,” Killian muttered, before saying goodbye and hanging up.

He wasn’t being a cockwomble, was he? He was behaving the only way he knew how.

Are you sure about that?

* * *

Swan Harbor

Veterinary Clinic

August 1

11:30 p.m.

Elsa could hear whispering around her, but wasn't cognizant enough to open her eyes and see who was in the room with Emma.

“Did she say anything?” someone whispered.

“No,” Emma replied.

“Just came in, dropped on the sofa and zonked out?” someone else asked.

“Yes,” Emma responded.

It was quiet for several minutes except for a moan here and there.

“She needs to open her eyes,” the first voice murmured.

“Let her sleep,” Emma came to her defense.

“But if she doesn't wake up soon,” the second voice answered, “her ice cream is going to melt.”

“True,” Emma agreed.

There’s ice cream.

A part of Elsa would have rather kept her eyes closed and ignored her screw ups for a while longer. But …

She opened her eyes to see four sets of green ones staring back at her. Elsa closed her eyes again and waited for a second or two before opening them. And just as before four pair of eyes, three human and one feline looked back at her.

“Does everyone who lives in Swan Harbor have green eyes?”

“What?” Emma frowned at her but held out a tub of ice cream.

“Green eyes,” Elsa sat up and reached for the carton. “Brownie Fudge. Yum!”

It was quiet for several seconds while she ate some of her ice cream and her brain added names to the voices. Sadie and Molly were voices one and two, and the feline was Millicent, Emma’s cat.

“I'm sorry,” Elsa shoved her hair behind her ear. “When I woke up, you were all staring at me with identical expressions. And your eyes are all green.”

“Well, to answer your question,” Sadie smirked. “Only the women’s eyes are green. The men all have blue eyes.”

“Really?” Elsa frowned at Emma. “Killian's are blue?”

“Yes,” Emma arched a brow, “just like Liam’s.”

“Ouch,” Elsa winced. “Way to bring the conversation to a screeching halt.”

Emma shrugged. “Sorry. You've been asleep for several hours and–”

“We’re dying to know what happened,” Emma's friend Molly added.

“It can't wait until the morning?”

“No,” Emma shook her head. “Remember what happened after the New Year's Ball?”

“I didn't make you talk,” Elsa tried to give herself a way out.

“Come on, El,” Emma scolded lightly. “You used that subtle guilt thing you do so well, until I spilled, and you know what?”

“What?”

“I felt better and,” Emma waved her ring finger around, “everything worked out as it was meant to.”

“But,” Elsa’s mind spun in circles as she crammed more of the ice cream into her mouth. “The guy wanted you … and you wanted him.”

“And you don’t think Liam wants you?” Emma frowned. “Or did you move here for Tyler?”

“Tyler?” Sadie glanced at Molly, who shrugged. “Tyler James?”

“Yes,” Emma nodded. “Tyler and Elsa met at summer camp when they were sixteen.”

“Oh,” Sadie’s eyes moved back to Elsa. “And then what happened?”

“He was the first guy to touch her boob,” Emma offered tongue-in-cheek.

“Emma!” Elsa cried. “Stop.”

“You know, I can go on,” Emma teased. “But El, you’ve acted weird since I saw you at my engagement party. Don’t you think it’s time you explained why?”

Could she?

“I’ve really made a mess of things,” Elsa admitted. “Everything seemed to snowball and … here I am. In Swan Harbor with no place to live, no job, and no boyfriend.”

“This is going to be good,” Molly grinned. “Anyone want chips and dip?”

“Reminds me of all those hen parties in college,” snickered Emma.

“Me too.” Elsa glanced toward the kitchen where Molly and Sadie could be heard giggling, “Looks like you've made some good friends here in Swan Harbor.”

“Yeah,” laughed Emma, “busy bodies, just like you.”

‘You'd better believe it, Sister.” Sadie plopped down on the floor and crossed her legs. “Okay, Elsa, spill.”

“It really started when Killian called and invited me to be a part of your proposal, and … something inside broke.”

“Broke?” Emma frowned. “I thought you were happy for me.”

“No no,” Elsa apologized. “I am incredibly happy for you. But something in me broke. It seems I wanted what you were getting. A man to love me, who wanted to spend his life with me.”

“You didn't feel you had that with Liam?”

Elsa looked back on her relationship with Liam, “Putting a label on Liam and I was impossible. We were more than friends, but while his eyes and his actions said and did things sometimes, no promises were made. After your engagement, I wanted those promises, and there were moments when I thought maybe, but …”

“Is this where Tyler comes in?” Sadie asked softly.

Elsa felt a corner of her mouth quirk, “I’m not going to deny I looked the night of the engagement party.”

“He is pretty fine,” Sadie grinned. “But he didn't make your heart flip?”

“No.”

“You've lost me, El,” Emma reined the story back in. “We were talking at Sally's and Liam walked up⁠—”

“And, I lied about having multiple job offers,” Elsa admitted.

“You lied?” Emma grinned, and almost as if she couldn’t believe what she’d heard, repeated, “You lied?”

“I know,” Elsa acknowledged. “I don't lie.”

“Nor lose your cool.”

“And I did both.”

“Then she stormed off,” Emma told Sadie and Molly. “And Killian had to hold on to Liam to keep him from going after her.”

“Really?” Elsa smiled. “He never told me that.”

“It’s the truth. But what happened while you were gone?”

“I ran into this quirky older gentleman and his dog.”

“Captain Jack and Bandit?” guessed Sadie.

“Right.” Elsa thought back on that night. “He told me I was lost, and he knew what I wanted.”

“Captain Jack did?” Sadie frowned. “That's interesting. And then what?”

“He led me back to the diner, on a very circuitous route through Swan Harbor.” Elsa remembered thinking that night, it could be her town, and her friends. “And he told me that the heart wants what the heart wants, and I just had to listen to it. And then he took me to Sally’s and introduced me to Tate Doolittle.”

“Doctor Tate?” Sadie frowned. “I thought he retired.”

“He did,” Molly inserted. “But I heard the son was moving back home to take over. Right?” She looked to Elsa for confirmation.

“I'm guessing I met the son.” Elsa hesitated a bit, “He looked to be in his forties or fifties, and was talking to your mom, Emma.”

“My mom?” A curious look crossed Emma’s face, “maybe he's her Flynn Ryder.”

“Her Flynn Ryder?”

“Never mind.” Emma waved away the question. “Go on with your story.”

“Tate painted a picture of the perfect job, but I brushed it off. And then, Liam and I went back to the hotel … and,” her voice faded, unsure about continuing.

“And?” Emma prompted.

“My heart wanted, and I thought, this is it. But once back in New York City everything changed.”

“Wait,” Sadie held up her hand, “are you saying before that night, you and Liam had never …?”

“No,” Elsa shook her head.

“Never?” Sadie prodded.

“No,” Elsa grinned. “Maybe a little petting here and there. But our schedules were erratic and I,” she glanced sideways at Emma, “I'm cautious.”

“Elsa prefers the once burned, twice shy attitude when it comes to men,” Emma offered.

“But when the heart wants,” grinned Sadie.

“I guess.” Elsa hesitated to reorganize her thoughts, “Hindsight though, I wish I hadn't listened, and then maybe I wouldn't be in this situation.”

“I'm sorry, El,” Emma murmured. “But what happened when you returned to New York?”

“I tried to play a con game and lost.”

“A con game? With Liam?”

“Yes. I told Liam I wanted to move to Swan Harbor.”

“And what did Liam say?”

“He laughed.” Elsa sniffed, remembering the conversation as if it were yesterday. “Told me I'd hate small town life and be on the first plane out.”

“But how does he know that?”

“I don't know.” Elsa looked down at the melting ice cream in her hands and shook her head. “I even thought if I told him I was leaving, he'd ask me to stay.”

“He didn't?”

“No.”

“So now what?” Emma asked the question Elsa, herself had been trying to figure out. “Do you want to go back to New York?”

The more Elsa thought about it, there was no denying the truth. “No,” she smiled when with the realization a sense of relief poured over her.

“How did you leave things with Liam?”

“I challenged him to figure out why I was moving. But,” Elsa grinned. “I need a plan.”

“Lists are good,” laughed Emma, “or so I've been told.”

“Maybe I'll give it a try,” Elsa decided. “Flying by the seat of my pants certainly didn't give me the answers.”

“Things will work out, Elsa.” Sadie stood and started gathering the remnants of their hen party. “You're in Swan Harbor now, and the heart always wins.”

THREE

New York City

September 1

Early Morning

Liam left his apartment building and slung his bag over his shoulder. He turned onto Third and followed it to 116th Street. The day was warm but there was something in the air that said fall was just around the corner. And with it being the first day of a new month, he’d survived the first one without her.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

Which wasn’t quite the truth, because it did. He didn’t know of any other way for it to be.

Since she’d been gone, his days were the same. Two days of twelve hours and a third of sixteen before getting four days off. Those were the worst, as he found himself tempted to take a drive. But then what? He’d not changed, and if she’d found someone else, what was he supposed to do about it?

You tell her how you feel.

And that would be?

You lo ….

But when Liam looked up to see a dark sedan heading directly for him, his thoughts dissipated. As it roared past, he jumped back, flattening himself against a building.

Bloody hell, he thought, it was so close I could have reached out and touched it.

When it flew around the corner, Liam knew it was going to be bad before he even heard the screams. He took off running toward the middle of the street in time to see the car whip around another and disappear.

“Paramedic! Let me through!” he shouted, his eyes surveying the scene. He could see three individuals down, two had been on bicycles, one a pedestrian.

The agonized cry of a parent screaming, “Help my little girl! Please help my little girl!” had Liam changing directions and running toward the mother who was kneeling next to her fallen child.

“I’m Liam.” He dropped down next to the little girl and her mother and did a cursory examination. While he would have preferred a fully loaded medical bag, he’d have to make do with the medical supplies he carried in his duffle.

“Let’s see what we’ve got.” Liam smiled at the mother and handed her his kit, thinking if he could keep her busy, she might remain calm. “Now,” he slipped on a pair of gloves, “how old is your little girl?”

“Seven,” the mother sobbed. “Her birthday was in June.”

He kept up a steady stream of innocuous questions, and the more the mother talked, the more he relaxed.

The ability to attend to several things at once alerted him of sirens in the distance. The police had also arrived to clear the traffic for the emergency vehicles. With that taken care of, he was able to focus only on his patient.

She was laying on her side, her bike about four feet away. A pink helmet covered her head, but the impact with the street had pushed it up off her forehead, revealing pale blonde curls.

Just like Elsa’s.

Her pulse was quick, and breathing sounds were strong.

When Liam reached for his pen light, she moaned.

“What’s her name?” he asked, while checking the child’s pupils. Equal and reactive, another good sign.

“Daria. Her name is Daria.”

The child whimpered and rolled over on her back, revealing blood and debris covering the left side of her face.

“It’s alright, Daria.”Then needing something to remove the blood from the child’s face, he pointed to the gauze pads. “Can you open those, love?”

The mother’s hands were shaking so hard, it took her several minutes to get the package opened. “Sorry.”

“You’re fine.” He dabbed gently at the little girl’s cheek. “See that,” he kept wiping at the blood, “it’s just a little scrape.”

The whimpers grew louder, and as he tossed one pad away and picked up another, Daria opened her eyes. The sight of her huge blue orbs filled with tears were like a stab in the center of his chest.

Elsa’s eyes.

“Can you tell me where it hurts?”

“My arm,” Daria tried to lift her left one and grimaced.

The unnatural way it moved told a story he was sure would be confirmed with X-rays. Her humerus was broken, and she’d be wearing a large cast for quite some time.

“I need you to keep it still, alright?” Liam laid it across her stomach. “Can you do that for me?”

“Hurts,” Daria cried.

“I know, Sweetheart. We’ll get you to the hospital and they’ll take care of you. Here they come now.”

Liam glanced up to see Wade, Seth, and Rocco, men he trusted rushing toward him with the stretcher.

“What do we have, Reade?”

He rattled off his findings regarding Daria’s condition, but every time he tried to step back, the little girl clung to his arm.

“Go with me, please!”

“Alright,” Liam took her right hand and laid it on top of her left, “help me hold your arm still.”

“Okay.”

She was a tough little thing; he couldn’t help but think. Her lower lip trembled, and a few tears trickled from the corners of her eyes, but that was it.

“Ready?” Liam smiled at her as Seth and Wade transferred her to the stretcher and wheeled it to the ambulance. “Won’t be long now.”

He, Wade and Daria’s mom climbed into the back, while Seth and Rocco hopped in front.

As they rode the few blocks to Queen’s Court, Liam couldn’t get out of his head how much he wished Elsa were waiting to treat Daria. The little girl deserved the best … and damn if the best hadn’t moved to Swan Harbor.

* * *

Swan Harbor

Elsa’s Pediatric Practice

September 1

4:00 p.m.

Elsa glanced at the clock to see she’d been on hold for roughly twenty minutes, and she had a patient due anytime.

“Last patient is in room one,” Audrey, her nurse of two weeks stuck her head in the door. “Want to trade?”

“Sure.” Elsa pointed to the boxes on her desk, “All we need is to exchange those adult tongue depressors for the pediatric ones. Shouldn’t be that hard, right?”

“You wouldn’t think so,” Audrey agreed. “Need anything else after I take care of this?”

“I don’t think so,” Elsa replied. “You’ve been a huge help. Thanks.”

“No problem.”

She’d first met her nurse one afternoon while eating lunch at Sally’s Diner. Emma had introduced her to Audrey and one thing had led to another. So far, their alliance had been a good fit.

With Audrey taking care of the medical supply problem, Elsa turned to her patient. She pulled the folder from the pocket next to the door and flipped it open.

Crap.

Bethany James.

Crap

In the month she’d been in Swan Harbor, she’d been lucky enough not to run into Tyler.

That’s not quite true.

Okay, it wasn’t the whole truth. She’d been on the lookout for him and had made a point of going the other way several times. Although, exactly why, she wasn’t sure.

With a little lift of her chin, Elsa breezed into treatment room one, “Hello,” she smiled at the little girl, “I’m Doctor Elsa.”

“You’re pretty,” the little girl giggled.

“And so are you.”

The little girl’s long dark hair and big brown eyes made her the miniature of her father, leaving no doubt they were related.

“Tyler.” She moved to the sink to wash her hands. “What brings you by the clinic?”

“Elsa, it’s nice to see you again.”

His eyes were just as dark and expressive as she remembered. And the slight drawl in his voice was still as smooth as butter.

“Tyler,” Elsa tried again when he appeared to be lost in thought. “Bethany?”

“Sorry.” He blinked several times as if to clear the cobwebs. “Runny nose, fever, a cough, and she’s been tugging at her right ear,” he rattled off typical symptoms.

“Okay, Ms. Bethany.” Elsa picked up her stethoscope. “Can I listen to your heart?”

The little girl studied her with serious eyes for several minutes. “You can listen to Lila’s first.” She held up her stuffed kitten.

“Okay.” Elsa placed the stethoscope on the stuffed animal’s chest. “Listen closely. Thump-thump. Thump-thump.”

Bethany giggled as Elsa had hoped and pulled the kitten away. “Now, my turn.”

Elsa quickly checked the little girl’s heart, throat, and ears, but the little girl appeared normal and healthy in every way.

“Does Bethany have a history of ear infections?”

“N-No.”

“That’s good, and all looks clear now.”

“Lila’s too?” Bethany held up the kitten for its ears to be checked.

“Of course.”

But when she’d found nothing out of the ordinary, she had to wonder. Had Tyler really needed to bring the little girl for a visit? Or was that an excuse?

“Just keep doing what you’re doing,” Elsa replied, as she walked Tyler and Bethany to the front of the clinic. “And give the office a call if she gets worse.”

“Okay.” Tyler knelt in front of Bethany. “Punkin, can you play with Lila a second and let me talk to Doctor Elsa?”

Bethany tilted her head, and the look on her face was much more mature than one would expect from a four-year-old. “Sure, Daddy.”

“Elsa,” Tyler inclined his head to the other side of the waiting room, “I have a confession.”

“Bethany isn’t really sick.” The surprise on Tyler’s face had her chuckling. “I have been doing this a while.”

“She liked you.” Tyler smiled indulgently. “I’m glad.”

“Was that why you brought her in? To see if she liked me?”

His dark eyes surrounded by thick black lashes once had the power to turn her inside out. But as he stared back, her conversations with the girls were there, hanging out on the edges of her consciousness. Did he still have control over her heart, or had that all been ceded to Liam?

A ruddy hue dotted his cheekbones. “I think it’s past time we talked, don’t you?”

There had been a period in her life when she’d wanted nothing more than to hear those words. But the longer she was in Swan Harbor, the more she was realizing her future wasn’t on a map waiting for her to step into it. And, as much as she might have wished for it to, it didn’t look like anyone else’s.