"Thank you, I have missed wearing them. I would like to say good-bye to a few people before I go."

"I will go to get your bag, and we can leave as soon as you are ready." Her father walked away.

Hayley looked toward the bow and saw Austin standing with his back to her, watching the ocean. After a moment, she walked toward him, but stopped suddenly when she heard her name.

"Miss Lawrence."

She saw Mr. Hawthorn standing beside her. "Yes."

"I know your housekeeper."

Hayley was surprised by his confession.

"She is someone I love very much."

"I saw you at our cottage, and I heard you express your feelings to her." He did not speak. "How do you know Maddie?" He remained silent. "Were you married to her?" He would not answer. "Do you still love her?"

"I have said all I came to say."

"Maddie is a good friend of mine, and she would not mind if you answer my questions. She is like a mother to me."

Mr. Hawthorn looked past Hayley and bowed his head. "It was nice talking with you yesterday." He walked away.

"Is he the one you wanted to say good-bye to?" Mr.

Lawrence stood holding her bag.

"He spoke to me first."