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“That guy put an engagement ring on her finger yet?”

Mom shook her head, then turned toward someone calling her name.

“Asher!”

With an arm around his mom’s shoulders, Asher turned and found Uncle Terry moving toward him, his beefy arms outstretched. Asher walked into his uncle’s bear hug.

The older man with thinning hair that held more gray than when Asher had seen him ten months ago clapped him on the back. “So good to see you. Glad you made it.”

“Thanks, man. It’s good to see you.” He took in his uncle’s tanned face, lined blue eyes radiating peace, and the grin that wouldn’t disappear anytime soon.

Uncle Terry shifted his hand off Asher’s shoulder to the back of his neck, giving him a light squeeze. “I have a bone to pick with you.”

“Take a number.” Asher longed to disappear into the woods rimming his parents’ backyard. “What did I do now?”

“I was under the impression we’d discuss theideaof reviving the tour company. Then I got a call from Sawyer Hastings, wanting my permission to release some horses to Eliza. I called my daughter, and she told me everything.”

Asher raked a hand over his face. “I wanted to prove I could do it—generate an income for the ranch so you’d want to stay on island.”

Terry dropped his hand and slid it into his pocket. “Why do you care so much?”

“It’s your home. Why would you want to leave it?” Gone less than a few hours and Asher missed it already.

His uncle chuckled. “This coming from a guy who traveled the world.”

“Right. Which is why I see the value in putting down roots.”

“I’ve had roots most of my life. Now it’s time to see what’s out there. Angela and I had a blast touring the country in our RV until recently.” Some of the enthusiasm left Terry’s voice as his face took on a subdued expression.

“What’s going on?”

Terry breathed out a sigh. “Looks like she’s having some problem with her thyroid. May need surgery. She wants the comfort of the ranch and being a ferry ride away from her doctor in Port Joseph until things get figured out.”

“I’m sorry.” Asher stuffed his hands in his pockets. “That’s tough.”

“So is she.” Uncle Terry scratched the back of his head. “So, this tour business…I’d be open to reviving it, if you’d be willing to stay on and lend a hand. Maybe we can expand down the road and bring on more drivers.”

Asher kicked at the grass with the toe of his leather flip-flop. “Listen, Unc, I want to help. I do. And I’ll do whatever I can from the mainland, but I won’t be returning to the island.”

“Not returning? Why not?” Terry shot him a puzzled look.

Asher glanced over his uncle’s shoulder at his mom and aunt in conversation with another woman. “The trial tour didn’t go as planned.” He explained what happened, the humiliation rubbing him raw. “I’m better off staying away.”

“Because of one tour?”

“People know who I am now. Reporters are already swarming the island. There won’t be any privacy for you and Aunt Angela.”

“Come on, kid. Whose privacy are you really trying to protect? No one’s going to bother us.”

“They will if I’m there. People will hound you to get the dirt on me. They’ll be relentless, doing anything for a story. Just like they did after…” Asher ran a hand over his face. “Just like they did after the accident. Remember that? You don’t need them stirring up the past.”

“Is there more that you’re not telling me?”

Sadie’s devastated look swam into focus. Asher shook his head. “My time on island is over.”

“Well, then. If you’re done hiding out on Jonathon Island, then maybe it’s time you joined the family business.” Dad joined them, hands in his pockets, as he shot Asher a calm but cool look.

Perfect.