So her… lawyer, or potential lawyer, was trying to woo her? Marry her? Everything that came out of this woman’s mouth only served to confuse his understanding of the situation further.

If you come back to town any time soon…

Malachi clicked his tongue, lips parted. That was a dismissal if he’d ever heard one.

At a moment’s delay, he nodded and moved to stand. Swept sand from the legs of his trousers that the light breeze had blown his way.

“Of course,” he offered a smile, small and polite. “It has been a pleasure meeting you, Sonia. I hope that things will all work out for you.”

He extended a hand in silent offering, in case she wished for any help in standing up.