A tear of my own slipped free as I shoveled dirt into the hole. Anna appeared with the watering can we’d brought, and Lyla helped her wet the ground over each letter. I tossed the shovel into the back of the ATV we’d taken out here. “Do you guys want to stay out here for a bit or go back?”

Lyla gave me a sheepish smile. “I’m hungry.”

“I could eat,” Justin said.

Anna ruffled his hair. “You can always eat.”

“How about breakfast for dinner? I always used to make that for my little sister. It was one of our favorites.”

“Waffles?” Lyla asked hopefully.

I gave her a high-five. “Sounds good to me.”

“Only if there’s whipped cream on top,” Anna said.

I wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. “Do I look stupid to you?”

She rolled her eyes and then looked at Justin. “Do you see what you started?”

He shrugged. “I can’t help it if my jokes are good.”

We piled into the ATV and took the small dirt road back to the house, Lyla squealing with glee when I went fast. I slowed as I rounded the bend to the front of the house. A sedan was parked in front that I didn’t recognize.

Anna leaned forward in her seat. “Who’s that?”

“I don’t know, but they shouldn’t have been able to get in.” I’d left my phone at the house, not wanting to be interrupted. I would’ve gotten a security alert, even if someone had the code. I brought the ATV to a stop as my sister climbed out of the car. I grinned, turning off the vehicle. “It’s Juliette.”

I climbed out and crossed to my sister, enveloping her in a tight hug. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? I would’ve picked you up at the airport.”

“I wanted it to be a surprise.” She straightened from my hold, sending a scowl towards the ATV. “And I wasn’t sure if my presence here would be appreciated. Your circumstances have changed.”

“Jules…don’t be like that. You know you’re always welcome here. But I also expect you to be kind to Anna and her niece and nephew.”

Her lips thinned. “I have nothing against those kids.”

I fought the urge to pinch my brow. “Please. Don’t make this hard on me.”

“Fine,” she huffed. “Introduce me.”

Lyla was already bounding over, Justin on her heels. “This is your sister?”

“Yup. Lyla and Justin, this is Juliette. Jules, this is Lyla and Justin.”

My sister smiled at them, and there was nothing false about it. “It’s great to meet you both. Did Mase drive you fast?”

Lyla nodded enthusiastically. “So fast.”

“That’s the best.”

“It’s pretty fun,” Justin agreed.