Once she was in the comfort of his arms, she broke down and let the tears fall.
“Calm down, Mia. I’m fine. Didn’t Matt tell you he’s looking after me?”
She brushed away the sudden rush of tears. “Yes, but I had to see for myself. You look, well, amazing. Years younger, in fact.”
He shrugged. “I feel it to tell you the truth. Like I’ve been given a second chance and boy, I’m going to make the most of it.”
Mia smiled. “I’m glad.” She rubbed a hand up his arm. “It’s so good to see you.” She turned to Matt who stood at the door watching them. “You’re amazing too. I can’t thank you enough for looking after him. He’s the most important person in the world to me.”
“Why do you think I’ve been so tough on him? I knew that if I wasn’t, I’d have you to answer to.” He walked over and held open his arms. Mia had no hesitation in walking into them. “We held off dinner until you got here. Hungry?”
She looked up into his face. “Starving. But I’d love to wash up first. Care to show me what room you’ve allocated to me?”
* * *
Matt sat across from Mia and watched her eat. When she had said she was starving, she hadn’t been joking. She was eating as if she hadn’t had a decent meal in days.
He shared a glance with Ryan. “Can I get anyone more or do you want to wait for dessert?”
Ryan shook his head. “Not for me, thanks. That was perfect.”
“Mia?”
She chewed what was in her mouth and swallowed. “I don’t think I could, but you do a mean brisket, Matt. Good enough to rival any barbeque joint.”
He smiled at the compliment. “Thanks. But there’s plenty more if you want it. For dessert we have homemade ice cream and coffee.”
She sat back and rubbed her belly. “I shouldn’t but I’m finding it hard to refuse.”
Ryan smiled as he watched her. “It’s nice to see you eat a proper meal, Mia. You worry too much about work and don’t look after yourself.”
She wiped her lips on her napkin and stared at him. “I do look after myself.”
Ryan raised an eyebrow. “Have you made that doctor’s appointment yet?”
When she didn’t reply, he sighed. “See? You let the business rule your life. After what happened to your father and to me, don’t you think it’s time to take things seriously?”
Her hackles went up and Matt thought it was time he left them alone. He gathered the plates and made a quick exit but could still hear them arguing from the kitchen.
When things quieted down, he gathered the ice cream, bowls and spoons on a tray and went back in.
Ryan apologized when he sat down. “Sorry, Matt. That was rude of us.”
“I’m sure you’ll work it out. Who wants coffee?”
He made coffee and left them alone again. After Matt loaded the dishwasher, he went back into the living room where Mia and Ryan were talking quietly beside the fireplace.
“Night, folks. I’ve locked up. If you could turn the lights off on your way to bed, I’d appreciate it.”
“Are you running in the morning, Matt?” Mia glanced at him expectantly.
A small smile twitched his lips. “Of course. Care to join me?”
“I’d love to. See you then.” She blew him a kiss goodnight and Matt went to bed, hope flaring in his chest.
The following morning, Mia was waiting in the kitchen when he opened his bedroom door. “Hey.”
“Hey, yourself.” She leaned in and pecked him on the cheek.
Matt opened the kitchen door and followed her outside. The sun was barely over the horizon. “How did you sleep?”
Mia stretched her legs. “Like a baby. I don’t know what it is, but I sleep better here than anywhere else.”
“And you think that’s a problem?” He grinned as they started down toward the harbor.
“Yes and no. Great for a holiday, but it doesn’t help me with what I have going on in Seattle.”
They were on the home stretch when Bradley and his little dog crossed the road near the beach. Matt and Mia slowed. “Hi, Bradley. Nice morning.”
“It is, it is. And who is this young lady?” asked Bradley.
“My name is Mia. My uncle is staying with Matt to recuperate from his heart attack.” She pulled her hair out and gathered the strands that had come loose while jogging and pulled them into a new ponytail.
“Right. You were here before. I’m sorry we never got to meet earlier. I was laid up with a cold and didn’t want to share my germs. Got to look after myself a bit better at my age. Last thing I want is pneumonia to get a foot in the door.” He gave a dramatic shudder.
“Pretty sure Drew would kick your butt if you spread germs around the island. You know how he feels about that, Bradley. Doesn’t take long for things to escalate to an epidemic in such a small community.”
“I do, Matt, and I heartily agree with him. I loathe it when someone is careless about passing on germs I don’t want or need.” He looked down at his little dog. “Poor pup doesn’t understand of course. Didn’t like being shut in at home for the week without his walk so now we’re making up for lost time.”
“You should’ve said something, Bradley. Someone would’ve walked him for you.”
“He’s cute.” Mia bent down and scratched the dog behind the ears. “If I’d known, I would’ve while I was here.”
“Thank you. Are you just here for the weekend, Mia? It’s a lovely place to visit. So relaxing and the best place to avoid stress.”
She shared a glance with Matt who shrugged. He hadn’t said anything to Bradley but the retired psychologist had a knack for picking up on what happened on the island.
“Yes.”
“It was lovely to meet you.” Bradley tipped the brim of his hat. “Oh well, must be off. I need my coffee
