Gabriel should’ve known those other questions were just lead-ins for what she really wanted to know. Before he could answer, Mark joined them. Saved!

Mark slid an arm around Chandra’s waist and kissed her temple. “Babe, are you over here scaring Gabriel?” He turned to Gabriel. “You’ll have to forgive my wife. She takes her big sister role seriously, and she’s a psychologist who’ll lure you in without you even knowing.”

Chandra swatted at Mark. “Hey.”

“You know it’s true. Leave the man alone. He just got here, and you couldn’t even wait until he fixed his plate before you started in on him. Besides, whatever is going on with Gabriel and Serenity is their business.”

“I just need to make sure he’s not—”

Mark cut her off with a kiss. “Hush, baby. Not your business. Remember what you said when my sister tried to do the same thing with you?”

“Why are you always bringing up old stuff?” She rolled her eyes.

“Hey. What’s going on?” Serenity asked as she approached, dividing a wary glance between Gabriel and her sister.

Mark let out a short bark of laughter. “Nothing other than your sister being her nosy self.”

“No harm done,” Gabriel said, sensing Serenity’s unease. “Everything looks really good, and I know it’s going to taste the same. You wouldn’t happen to have a few of those brownies for dessert?”

A smile blossomed on her face, and she visibly relaxed. “You never know.” She pointed to the two plates.

“I couldn’t fit everything on one.”

She placed a hand on her hip. “You can come back for more, you know.”

“That’s exactly what I plan to do.” They slipped back into their usual playful banter, and he momentarily forgot about her sister and brother-in-law standing there.

Serenity shook her head. “Come sit down. What do you want to drink?”

“I can get it. You’re the one who should be sitting. With all this food, I know you’ve been on your feet all day.” As he followed her to the table, he looked over his shoulder and met Chandra’s amused expression. She gave him an imperceptible nod, as if she’d given him a temporary pass. He couldn’t decide whether that was a good thing or not.

*  *  *

Although she laughed and contributed to the various conversations flowing around the table, Serenity kept one eye on her sister. She hoped Chandra hadn’t said anything crazy to Gabriel and was grateful to Mark for the rescue.

“Okay, Serenity, this is so good.” Natasha held up one of the lamb rib chops. “I didn’t think I liked lamb, but it must have been the way it was prepared the other times I had it. Because I love these, just like I did the last time you made them. We need to add these to the supper club rotation more often.”