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“I just learned about it. How’d she hear about it so quickly?”

Eliza shrugged. “Gossip on island spreads faster than the flu.”

“From what I understand, Ariel Sullivan and her great-aunt Dahlia are coming back to headline.”

Eliza’s face brightened. She picked up a pen and tapped it against the top of her desk. “Seriously? I haven’t seen them in forever. We tried to connect when Aunt Sally had a book signing in Nashville last year, but it didn’t work out. Maybe I’ll plan to come home too.”

“Did your mom say why they were returning?”

“No. But I think something’s wrong.” The tapping stopped as Eliza rested her elbow on the desk and cradled her chin in her cupped palm.

“Like what?”

“I don’t know. But Mom didn’t sound like herself. Too happy. The same way she was after Jared’s funeral.”

Hearing his cousin’s name sliced through Asher’s chest.

Jared should’ve been on island instead of Asher. If he was still alive, then maybe Uncle Terry and Aunt Angela would have stayed.

“Don’t jump to conclusions.”

“I’m trying not to, but even Aunt Sally noticed something was off when they talked.”

Asher laughed. “Aunt Sally has a flair for drama.”

“Whatever.” Eliza leaned back in her chair and folded her arms over her chest. “Listen, Ash, if Dad calls, don’t mention I said anything about Mom, okay?”

“Yes, ma’am.” He touched his fingertips to his forehead and gave her a quick salute.

“Oh, by the way, I talked to Abi the other day.”

Asher smacked the heel of his work boot against the chopping block and dislodged a chunk of mud. “How is my little sister doing?”

“How about calling her yourself and finding out? She mentioned she hadn’t talked to you in a while.” Eliza shoved her glasses to the top of her head and raised an eyebrow.

“I’ve been busy. Plus, the phone works both ways.”

Truth was, he did miss his sister, who was three years younger. And his mom. He needed to be better about calling home. Problem was, his mom would want him to visit, and that wasn’t happening. The more distance he put between him and his dad, the better for everyone. Holing up on island and caring for Gus and Ginger kept the peace.

They ended the call, and a million thoughts swirled through Asher’s head.

Eliza’s news about her parents created a pit in his gut. He hoped she was overreacting. The last thing their family needed was to lose someone else they loved.

But Asher wasn’t going to jump to conclusions. He had a lot of work to do if he wanted to make up for past mistakes, to prove he could be more than the family screwup.

So, for now, he’d focus on what needed to be done and keep those necessary secrets buried.

Chapter Three

Asher hated surprises.

From his experience, nothing good came out of them. So he appreciated the heads-up from his cousin, which gave him time to put his strategy in place.

If he could revive the family’s carriage tour business, then his aunt and uncle would have a reason to stay on island.

And maybe, just maybe, they wouldn’t mind keeping him around too.

Eliza was right—he did have places on three different continents, but they didn’t bring him the same peace and satisfaction the ranch and Jonathon Island had over the last year.