He nodded. “It was completely trashed in a junkyard, but I could see its potential. I could see what it once was and what it could be again.”

“You said I was the one with the bright outlook,” she noted. “But you do too. Whenever you see something that most people would write off, like a broken-down boat or a cottage that’s been neglected for years, you use your imagination and your hands and your skill, and you bring it back to life.”

He wasn’t someone who ate up praise. It was more like he never seemed to think he deserved it. Which he proved yet again when he said only, “I enjoy doing it.”

“Have you ever thought of doing it more?” The question fell from her lips before she could stop it. “Of transitioning from the work that you currently do to working with your hands?”

“If I gave up my career to rebuild old boats and cottages, everyone would think I was crazy. I don’t like to boast, but what I do is quite lucrative.”

“Just because you’re good at one thing doesn’t mean you have to do it forever, does it? I mean, look at me. I think I was a pretty good freelance editor. I still am, with a couple of clients who I still work with from time to time. But just because I’m good at that didn’t mean it was wrong for me to transition into setting up reading retreats. I think people can be good at a lot of things. And I also think that we’re not just here necessarily to live one specific life. I mean, we are only here for a limited time, but while we are, we should experience as much as we can. I’m not sure money is the only reason to do something. Is it?”

Belatedly, she realized she was almost lecturing him. “I’m not trying to tell you what to do. It’s just that all the books I’ve read over the years filled me with a longing to experience more and see more of the world. It’s partly why the reading retreats made sense. Because it meant I could go and see things and do things and experience some of the things that I read about. Some of the places. Smell the smells in the marketplaces in Morocco. Haggle over a gold leather jacket at a flea market in Paris. See the northern lights in Norway. When you read about places and experiences, that’s one way to experience them, but there’s nothing like going there in person.”

She’d never been to England before, but every book from The Secret Garden and those by Jane Austen to modern romances set in Cornwall had had her longing to come here. And now that she had arrived, this country felt like a second home—that’s how familiar it was.

He didn’t reply for a few long moments. She started to worry that she’d offended him.

But then he finally said, “You’re right. We shouldn’t be locked into anything in life. After all, I’ve been saying the same thing about Fiona. That she should try another life on for size. Leave her unhappy marriage and see what else is out there waiting for her. Owen did that, when he left the law and went to work for my grandmother. Alice wants to do that. Tom too.”

They motored slowly up the river, but he didn’t seem to be seeing it. He seemed to be chewing things over in his head. “I do really like working with my hands. I’m not going to deny, though, that there is a thrill in what I do now, taking a product I believe in and expanding its horizons.”

“And that’s great, if you love what you do. I’m not trying to convince you to do anything else.”

“But I’m not sure I love it anymore,” he admitted. “In fact…” He frowned. “I don’t. That high I used to get from closing a big deal, it’s barely a blip now. Barely even ends up on the radar screen. It’s just more of the same old thing. But today, working on the broken wall, fixing it so it looks good and is safe again, that felt good. Really good.”

When his frown didn’t lighten, she felt she should apologize for upsetting him. “I didn’t mean to make everything so serious.”

“I’m glad you did,” he said. “I’ve spent enough of my life making pointless small talk.” He held out his hand, and she intertwined her fingers with his. “That deal I’ve been chasing for years seems like the one I really have to complete, and then maybe I’ll take some time, think things through. Genevieve, my second-in-command, and I may need a quick trip to New Zealand to sort some things out.”

She sensed he was talking to himself, so she didn’t comment, but wow, did she feel a clutch of alarm when he mentioned New Zealand. Maybe they had only two weeks together, but she wanted every single one of those days. If he suddenly jetted off to the other side of the world, she’d be brokenhearted, and that scared her, because she had to admit she was developing feelings for Malcolm Sullivan. Feelings that wouldn’t just disappear when their two weeks were up.

“I’m glad you’re here,” he said softly. “Not just here in England, but with me. I like being with you, Josie.”

His words made her feel all fluttery inside. “I like being with you too.”

Holding hands, they glided up the river, past a number of locks, which she enjoyed helping him with, and then finally they reached Hampton Court Palace.

“I know I keep saying this,” she said, “but I feel like my breath has just been taken away.”

The brick castle that had once been the home of Henry VIII was absolutely stunning from the river at night. They could see through the back garden to the lights, and to the lit-up trees.

“I’ve always loved living in Coeur d’Alene,” she said. “And even though I’ve done a lot of traveling over the years, there’s nowhere else I ever thought I could move to that would feel like home. But here, all I can think is how hard it’s going to be to leave at the end of the two weeks. Everything is so beautiful. So awe-inspiring. I could explore forever in England. Maybe it’s because I’ve read so many English novels, but this feels like a second home.”

“And hopefully,” he said, “the company isn’t too bad either.”

She leaned forward to kiss him softly. “The company is great.”

He lowered the anchor so that they were able to float in place, then put his arms around her so that they could take in the beautiful night sky, the stars twinkling, and the moon shining above.

He kissed her again, and she realized that if she didn’t pull away, they’d never eat dinner. “I think it’s time to eat,” she said on a laugh.

He helped her set out a mini feast of cold roast chicken, French bread and cheese, and sausage and fruit. Again, the galley had magically produced all the makings of a delicious meal, though she knew it wasn’t magic but Malcolm’s delivery service that had brought the food.

Clearly, there were some benefits to being a billionaire. Not that she would ever want that kind of stress or pressure for herself. Because even though he said he had once really liked his job—and she was glad that he had—she could imagine how stressful it must’ve been. How stressful it still was.

She sent a silent wish out into the night that he would find true happiness and pursue it. That he wouldn’t let anything hold him back. It was what she wanted for all of her friends. Especially for Malcolm, who felt like so much more than a friend after only this short time they’d spent together.

When they were finished and had packed up the remaining food, she yawned. “I think I’m about to turn into a pumpkin.”