Hope's Watch — Donna K. Weaver

Sometimes letting go means letting someone in.

Elle Reinhardt is filled with emotional wounds from a ship excursion gone wrong that ended in death and disaster at the hands of modern-day pirates. As grieving loved ones wait for news of those lost at sea, she tries desperately to buoy them up.

Malcolm Armstrong, friend of one of the missing men, arrives to act as family spokesman. Elle knows it's unreasonable, but she resents his presence. When Mal offers the strength she so desperately needs, will she be able to let go of her animosity and accept his support? 

A novelette best read between A Change of Plans (Safe Harbors #1) and Torn Canvas (Safe Harbors #2).