Emily strolled down the boardwalk, gazing at the expanse of water. Maybe he was doing the same thing, even if it was a different ocean on the opposite side of the country. How was he managing as a full-time parent? Was Savannah settling into her new life?

Shame touched her. She'd avoided contacting Aiden and Savannah. She wasn't oblivious to the damage she'd done but...

"Aunt Emily." Her niece skipped toward her, balancing a precarious scoop of ice cream, a rivulet of sticky caramel trickling down her wrist in the hot California sun. "Look what Mommy got me."

Natalia arrived seconds later, fishing a napkin from her pocket and dabbing at the girl's arm. "Eat it before it melts." She sent Emily a rueful look. "I couldn't say no."

Emily smiled gently. Her sister was compensating for Isabella's absent father. Again. Yet how could she judge after witnessing Savannah's devastation when she lost Ross? Sometimes a steady stream of love and indulgence was what it took to dull the pain.

"Emelia?" Nat nudged her with an elbow. "You're thinking about him again, aren't you?"

Isabella bounced across the sand, a seagull hopping away from the energetic girl.

"You are so good with her, Nat. How do you manage?"

"What else can I do?" Her sister glanced at the dark-haired angel as she dropped to her knees, examining something buried in the sand while taking the occasional swipe at her ice cream with her tongue. "It would be easier with a partner."

She avoided the knowing look coming her way. "He'll be fine," she said under her breath. The recent text from Jenna conveyed irritation about the secret Emily had kept from her, oddly followed by a phone call an hour later. The warm thank you for being there for Aiden had been a pleasant surprise.

"Will you?" Nat arched her brow.

"Ha, no. Jenna is adamant about the wedding, which means the grand combination of pissed off man and his bitchy ex-wife."

"She's still the maid of honor?" A horrified look appeared.

"Apparently. Jenna is sweet and gentle and she hates hurting anyone's feelings. She's keeping the peace in hopes Tiffany will come to her senses."

Nat smirked. "You and Jenna are soul sisters."

Emily sighed. Natalia was right. She'd paste on a smile and attend each and every wedding-related event without a single complaint, even if being near her ex-boyfriend was awkward and painful. Over the months of dating Aiden she'd grown close to his friends, especially Jenna, and the woman made it clear that the break-up was no excuse to abandon her bridesmaid duties.

"Let me suggest an easy solution to the pissed off man part of the equation, Emelia."

She squinted at Nat, shaking her head.

"What have you got to lose? You have the vacation time booked, and you know he has room. If he doesn't, Jenna would let you stay with her and Tom."

"I have to leave some space. Let him adjust to being a single parent."

Nat scoffed. "I love you, Emelia, but you're completely insane to let an eligible guy like Aiden go."

"There's more to a relationship than—"

"Uh-huh. Don't pretend this thing between you and Aiden doesn't encompass everything a woman could possibly need." Nat pointed her index finger. "One. He's that perfect combination of adorably sweet and impossibly sexy."

"Right, which means fighting off more flight attendants and supermodels."

"Yet the fictional Dani and legendary Jazlyn are in his rearview mirror." Nat wrinkled her nose. "Two." A second finger came up. "He's got a great career."

"So he works long hours." She cringed at Nat's glare.

"Three." She held up her hand, waggling her extended fingers. "He's an involved and caring dad with the bonus that he makes beautiful babies."

"And he has a bonus crazy-ass ex-wife who hates me."

"Really, Emelia?" Nat glowered. "Four. He's financially stable."

"I don't need a rich guy to take care of me."

"Five." Her sister splayed her fingers, fanning them in Emily's face. "You're in love with him."

Emily clamped her teeth onto her lower lip.

"Ahh." She grinned. "Six." Nat lifted her other hand. "He's in love with you."

"Not anymore. Besides, the minute crazy-ex comes to her senses, she'll want her husband back."

Her sister tapped her pursed lips. "How many years ago was that divorce?" Natalia raised another finger. "Seven. You lov—"

"Stop." Emily clapped her hands over her ears, but her sister tugged them away.

"Unless you want to hear the rest of my many reasons, then... get on a plane. Take a chance. He's worth it."

Emily shook her head. Tomorrow she'd board her flight to Chicago and get on with her life. No matter how many reasons her sister thought of or how much her heart ached, the relationship was too complicated. Too messy. Definitely over.

✯ ✯ ✯

"Bye." Isabella wrapped her arms around Emily and kissed her cheek. "Do you have to go?"

"Sorry, cariño." Emily hugged the girl tight, pressing her face into her soft fragrant hair. A familiar ache built as it always did when she left. "I'll miss you, but I'll visit again soon." She released the girl and turned to her sister. "Love you, Nat."

Her sister embraced her and whispered, "Thank you, Emelia. I found the envelope. One day I'll repay you."

She gave her sister a squeeze. "No need."

"You help Mama and Jules too, and you have medical loans. How can you afford it?"

Emily blinked hard. "I do pretty well as a doctor and you're family."

"You're an angel."

After a last hug, Emily slid into the back of the taxi and waved, sinking into the seat and closing her eyes as the car merged into traffic. Soon she'd be unable to help her sister and niece. The only reason she could now was because Aiden had waved off every attempt to contribute to the monthly bills. Not that she could admit that tidbit and provide her sister more ammunition.

As they drew closer to the airport, Emily dug into her bag for taxi fare and pulled out the boarding pass for her flight to Chicago. "Thanks." She smiled and accepted her bag from the driver. She weaved her way through the crowded concourse, spying the check-in.

Emily joined the queue, staring at the pass in her hand. To jump or not? When she finally reached the agent she asked, "How do you get from LAX to Martha's Vineyard?"

"Generally through Boston." The agent held out her hand.

"Can I exchange my ticket for a flight to Boston?" She clenched the paper between her fingers.

The woman sighed.

"It's important. There's this guy..." Emily bowed her head and set her paperwork on the counter as the woman curled her lip.

"Honey, there always is." The keys clacked as the woman slammed her fingers against them. "One seat left on the next flight." Her lips twitched as she glanced at the economy booking in front of her. "First class. The last minute fare is... much more, Dr. Anderson. The Chicago ticket is non-refundable."

Emily peered at the number on the screen and shook her head. How could she swing it after giving Nat half of her last pay check?

The agent's smile widened. "The next flight isn't for seven hours. I have economy on that one. Care to wait?"

Emily shook her head again. Aiden wouldn't be that happy to see her and maybe fate was telling her to forget the entire ridiculous idea.

"So we'll just check you in for your Chicago flight, then?"

The ache built. She had no choice if she wanted to see Aiden. "Let me find my credit card." Emily tugged her wallet free from her bag, pausing. Maybe this was a bad idea. "Never mind, I'll just—"

"Upgrade her ticket and get her on that Boston flight, please." A large hand came into view. One holding a platinum card. "Book the connecting flight for the Vineyard too."

Emily lifted her chin, peering up at the owner of the deep voice, taking in the broad shoulders and solid muscular chest straining under a button-down shirt.

"My treat." He winked. "I believe in paying it forward."

"Thank you, sir." The woman behind the counter directed a smile at the man, batting her big blue eyes before she checked Emily's bag and issued a boarding pass and an itinerary with details on her connecting flight. "Have a nice flight, sir."

Emily slung her bag over her shoulder and snatched the papers from the agent's hand, turning away with a scoff. "How is it the men always get the good service?"

"Don't take it personally. I'm a frequent flyer." The man fell into step beside Emily as they headed into the security line.

"Yeah, that's it, I bet." She laughed as she took in the guy's tall muscular frame, strong jaw, and sparkling blue eyes. "It has nothing to do with the fact you're tall, blond, and handsome. She practically launched over the counter and tackled you to the floor."

"Aww, darlin', I'm flattered." He grinned and motioned for her to precede him into the queue.

"I don't know how to thank you. If you give me your address, I'll repay you."

"No need." He handed her a gray bin for her belongings and opened his bag, separating his electronics into his own bin and adding his shoes and carry-on bag to a second tray. "You're a doctor?"

"Mmhmm. Emergency medicine." Emily eyed the man before handing her boarding pass to the uniformed security officer and stepping through the metal detector.

Once the man joined her, she extended her hand. "My flight will be called soon... I don't even know your name."

"Our flight. I'm also headed to Boston." He gathered his belongings. "We should go."

Emily glanced his way, unsure of what to say. Had this man bought her ticket because he expected a hook up? She raised her chin and straightened. "I'm involved with someone. I'm sorry if you thought..." She arched a brow at his low chuckle.

He held up his hands. "I'm not hitting on you, I swear." His grin widened as they continued toward the departure gate. "I heard the part about the guy and I'm a sucker for a grand gesture of love."

Her cheeks reddened, heat burning her ears. "Why waste your time on someone who's taken?"

"Since when is making a new friend a waste of time?" He guided her into the priority boarding line. They presented their passes and he followed her onto the plane. "Look at that. We're neighbors." He winked as he settled into the plush seat beside hers.

"How did you manage that?"

"You really are a suspicious woman, Dr. Anderson. Relax. I'm an investment advisor, not a weirdo stalker."

Emily laughed. "Sorry. It's just that guys usually..."

"Want to get laid?" He shook his head. "I'd never interfere between you and your man. Some things are sacred."

The flight attendant appeared. "Would you like a warm towel? Something to drink while we board the rest of the passengers?"

Emily sighed in contentment as she accepted the delightfully warm square of smooth cotton, the gentle heat relaxing her as she brushed her fingers across it. She only experienced the little luxuries of first class when she traveled with Aiden. The difference from economy still amazed her.

The man ordered a scotch and his meal before motioning to Emily. "What would you like, darlin'?"

"Vodka and cranberry." After she'd selected her meal, she stared out the window, idly tracking the movements of the ground crew as they loaded the baggage. What to say to Aiden when she appeared with no warning? She feared a cooler welcome than on her last surprise Vineyard visit.

"How about you and this guy?" The blond man asked once the flight attendant had served their drinks.

"It's stupid, really." She gulped a large mouthful of tart cranberry. "We broke up, so I doubt he'll want to see me." Emily drummed her fingers on the arm rest. "You wasted your money on a first class ticket."

"Yet you're on this plane. That means hope." The man leaned back and crossed an ankle over his knee, taking a leisurely sip of the amber liquid in his glass. "How long since you broke up?"

"Five weeks. Plenty of time for him to hook up."

"Do you always have so little faith in men?"

She drained the cold liquid, swallowing hard. "I've dated a series of cheaters and liars." Even her own father had joined the love 'em and leave 'em club when she was young. Her broken-hearted mother struggled as a single parent, leaving Emily with zero tolerance for infidelity.

"Which one is this guy?"

"Neither." Emily closed her eyes. "He's just... complicated."

The flight attendant worked her way up the aisle. "We're ready for departure..."

The routine words drifted over Emily as she adjusted her seat into the upright position and forced herself to breathe while they bumped across the tarmac. The engines roared and her stomach did the familiar flip as the aircraft sped down the runway and lifted from the ground. She clenched her hands in her lap until they leveled off and the seatbelt light went out.

"Anything I can get you?" The flight attendant asked.

"Another vodka-cranberry, please." Emily drummed her fingers on the arm rest. This flight would pass quicker and easier once she took the edge off.

The man across from her ordered another scotch, studying her silently until they had fresh drinks in hand. "Explain complicated."

A nervous laugh escaped. How to even begin? "I've known him for years. We worked together and he's an amazing doctor." She glanced at the man. "Yeah, bad idea to get involved with a colleague, right?" She sucked back half of her drink. "Especially a guy like him. He can have anyone, but he chose me."

The man smiled and nodded. "And?"

"One day he asked me to dinner. We'd gone out for drinks after a crap shift many times, mostly with a group, but this invitation had a different vibe." Emily shifted in her chair, taking another sip. "Somehow he managed tickets to a sold out play I'd been dying to see. Brought flowers. Picked me up in a limo. Took me to an expensive restaurant." She sneaked a look at him, noting the wide grin. "Yes, the date ended with mind-blowing sex." A flush crept up her neck. "Did I really did just say that to a total stranger?"

"Ahh, darlin'. I'm not judging."

She ran a finger around the rim of the glass, blinking rapidly. If this man only knew how she judged after that passionate night. How secure it felt being in Aiden's arms, the sweet way he'd treated her, but then allowing insecurity to creep in. How could a man like Aiden value a simple woman like her, raised on the wrong side of town? "He's so perfect."

"What's the problem then?"

She focused on her drink. "He has a teenage daughter and he's moving to Boston."

"Hmm. Is it the teenager or Boston that's the issue?"

"His daughter is lovely and he's an amazing dad. I grew attached to her really quickly."

"So it's Boston?"

"It's so... fast. What if he regrets it? I'll have left my job and followed him and then he's stuck with me. He's sweet and generous and... It's confusing." Emily sighed. "And then there's the ex-wife. What if he can never love me like he loved her?"

"You're worried about Shar—" The man shifted and cleared his throat. "I wouldn't worry, Emelia. She's the ex-wife for a reason."

"Maybe." Confusion rushed in and she shot him a look. "How do you know my name?"

"Uhh, I saw it on your ticket?" He scrubbed a hand through his short, artfully messy hair. "Maybe you need to tell... this guy... to slow it down. Chicago isn't so far from Boston. If you love him, then it's worth the complications. So the question is, do you?"

Emily contemplated him. "How do you know I live in Chicago?"

He shrugged. "You aren't tanned enough to be a resident of L.A. and you were heading to Chicago, so I assumed. Do you live there?"

She narrowed her eyes, but nodded. "Where are you from?"

"Chicago originally, but I went to Stanford and ended up with a job in L.A. Once my contract is up, I plan to move so I can spend more time with my niece and nephew. I miss my friends."

"And your family?"

"Sure, though my parents are divorced and I'm not close to my older sister. I consider my friends as family."

This man reminded her of Aiden. "Funny, he says the same thing. He's not close to his parents, which should be a huge red flag but oddly isn't. He's an only child but his friends are amazing people."

He rewarded her with a warm smile. "Maybe you're overthinking this. Why not take the chance?"

"He seems too good to be true."

"What if he's the real deal?" The man turned serious blue eyes her way. "How does he make you feel," he tapped his chest with his index finger, "in here? Can you picture a future?"

She pressed a hand to her chest, wishing she could stop the ache inside. Aiden made her feel so incredibly special all the time and like Nat, she could easily identify what she loved about him. His generosity. His smile. The wonderful way he had with kids, especially his love and patience with Savannah. How sweet he'd been with her family. The list was endless. "I do, you know."

The man turned her way. "What?"

"I love him and want babies and the ring and... just everything with him. Even when I hate him, I love him. When he's infuriating and stubborn and so damn impossible I love him even more." She cupped her hands over her face. "I'm terrified of what he'll say if I show up on his doorstep. What if he's with someone else? What if he doesn't feel the same?"

"He's not and I'm sure he does." The man rose. "I'll be back in a minute."

"How do you know?" Emily whispered. This man either had remarkable powers of deduction or he knew something she didn't. Once he'd entered the tiny bathroom at the front of their section, she snagged his briefcase from the floor and searched the front pockets, smothering a sob as she came up with a pack of business cards. "Ryan Hartmann." The familiar name brought tears to her eyes. She tucked the cards away and set his bag in its place, a shiver running through her.

"You cold?"

The voice startled her and she turned her burning tear-filled gaze his way.

"Hey." Ryan crouched beside her seat. "Don't cry, darlin'. It'll all work out with your guy."

"How would you know?" Emily scoffed and dashed the back of her hand over her eyes. "Is it because you and Aiden talk about me? Do you, Ryan?" She sniffled. "You've known all along who I am. Nobody calls me Emelia besides Aiden."

"Sorry," he placed a hand over hers, "but it's not what you think."

"You're not spying on me so you can report back to him?" She pulled away. "Sucker for love, my ass. What a dickhead move. You did this for Aiden."

"Yeah, but I also did it for you." Ryan sank into his seat. "You clearly have regrets and you're in love with him."

Emily turned away, brushing at the tears flowing down her cheeks. "Which you know because you tricked me into telling you everything. Now you can all laugh over what an idiot I am for trusting you."

"Nobody would ever laugh at you for loving Aiden. He's one of my best friends, Emelia. I want him to be happy." Ryan sighed. "When we get there, I'll take Vanna to Tom's so you two can sort things out."

Emily turned away and closed her eyes. Any intention of visiting the Vineyard faded. Every wish and thought had been exposed, including her stupid comment about having Aiden's babies. All revealed to a supposed stranger she thought she'd never see again. What if Aiden never wanted any of those things?

"I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt or embarrass you," Ryan said softly. "Aiden will fucking annihilate me for that."

"Good," she muttered. "You deserve it. Now leave me the hell alone." She didn't know who to be angrier with; Ryan for luring her into divulging the information or herself for trusting some random guy. Hot tears scalded her cheeks as she curled up facing away from him. That would teach her to trust men.

✯ ✯ ✯

Hours later they landed in Boston. Emily averted her gritty, red-rimmed eyes from Ryan and exited the moment the crew opened the door. She longed to be home, except she had no true home. The penthouse belonged to Aiden. Going there meant facing the memories. Not going there meant the guest room at her mother's tiny apartment and endless explanations.

"Emily." Ryan caught up with her on the concourse. "Where are you going? The gate is that way, and," he glanced at his expensive gold watch, "our flight leaves in twenty minutes."

"It's not our flight, Ryan. My flight goes to Chicago." She glared at him. "What you did was low."

Ryan scrubbed a hand over his face. "Why are you so angry?"

"I told you things thinking I'd never see you again. Aiden doesn't even know half of it, yet you do? I feel so," she wrapped her arms around herself, "stupid." Vulnerable. Trusting a man with her heart was hard enough, and his friend holding power over intimate information scared her. This man could destroy everything.

"I swear I'll never breathe a word of our conversation to anyone. You tell him what you want when you want."

"Assuming I can trust you. Which I clearly can't."

"When I saw you, and heard what you said, I knew." He tugged her out of the flow of passengers. "Aiden is like a brother to me. I needed to help you get to the Vineyard because he does, Emily."

"Does what?"

"Love you, you beautiful, crazy, stubborn woman." Ryan tugged on her hand. "Please get on the plane. I promise you won't regret it."

"I already regret this."

"Aiden will be pissed if I ever tell him. That would involve confessing to screwing up his chances with the woman he loves. He'd never speak to me again."

"Ahh. It's about saving your own ass."

"You get a free trip to the Vineyard out of it." He widened his eyes. "Do I have to beg?" The man dropped to his knees, clinging to her hand. "Emelia Anderson, would you please take pity on a stupid man, forgive his grievous errors, and save his friendship?"

"Get up." Her cheeks burned as odd looks came their way.

"Not until you say yes." His grip on her hand tightened. "I'm not lying about how he feels, Emily. He'll want to see you."

She stared into his hopeful face. Even though this was the first time she'd met Ryan in person, the man had been mentioned many times. Aiden confided his innermost secrets to Ryan almost as often as he did to Tom. Emily nodded.

"Let's go." Ryan bounded to his feet and hauled her toward the gate, arriving just as the last of the passengers disappeared down the jetway.

"Cutting it close." The attendant checked their tickets and ushered them through the gate.

Ryan held her hand tightly until they reached the plane, allowing her to precede him onto the small aircraft. They barely got seated before the door clunked closed and the safety demonstration began.

"Thank you, Emily. This is the right choice."

"I sure hope so." She closed her eyes, preparing for the inevitable stomach flip. Now she had to figure out what to do when she arrived.