Deep-seated contentment. She was literally glowing. “Shelley’s asleep,” she said softly, stepping aside to let him in. “You got my message?” “Uh-huh. Great that Max was there to help with all that water. You’ll miss him when you’re gone.” “We’ll keep in touch.” She tacked her smile back up. “Absolutely.” Heading for the lounge room, so warm after the freshly fallen snow outside, he rubbed his bare hands close to the fire’s reviving flames. “The center called this morning. They’ve hired my replacement.” She frowned. “I thought they might’ve asked you to stay.” “They did.” He kept rubbing. “This is a great town. Wonderful people.” He’d tell her straight. “But I don’t feel a part of it.” She dropped her gaze. “I didn’t help.”