She laughed. “It continues to shock me each time they get a passing grade. Fortunately, they’re aiming for the NHL. I’m hoping they get scooped up sooner rather than later because I’m not sure they’ll make it to senior year. They’re great kids. They have massive hearts, and I’m proud, but working in a corporate setting wouldn’t be right for them. They need to be constantly challenged and on the move.”

The warm way she spoke about them stoked a fire deep within me. I’d forgotten how big her capacity for love was and how wonderful it was to be the recipient of that love. She clearly adored her siblings. I’d thought I might feel bitter toward them, since she’d effectively chosen them over me—even if I knew that way of thinking wasn’t entirely rational—but I was surprised to discover I didn’t. I was glad things had turned out well for them. The family had been through a lot and deserved good fortune.

“And Blair?” I asked. “What’s he do?”

“He’s a musician.” Her expression was fond, her tone soft. Blair had held a special place in her heart, and it seemed he still did. “He’s incredibly talented. His band could already have a contract with a recording studio if he’d take advantage of Malcolm’s or my connections, but he’s determined to do it on his own.”

“I understand that.” I had a lot of respect for people who didn’t want a handout or shortcut. Not that I thought poorly of Kennedy for the success she’d had because of her own contacts. “He’s grown up a lot.”

“Yeah.” She sounded wistful. “But he’s still overprotective of me.”

“That’s not a bad thing. From what I can see, you need a little protection.”

Her smile faltered. “Yeah. Maybe. But hopefully all I’m dealing with is an overzealous fan who somehow got Grace’s address.” Based on the worry etched into her forehead, she didn’t believe that, and neither did I. “What about your siblings?” she asked, deftly switching the focus of the conversation. “Nate is the local sergeant. Max is a doctor. I assume Summer is working at the veterinarian clinic because she was wearing one of their shirts yesterday. What about the others?”

“Summer is the primary small animal vet at the clinic,” I told her. “They have another vet who works with livestock and wildlife. Connor is a park ranger. Toby works as a ski instructor at the resort and picks up a few odd jobs to cover the rest of the year.”

“Nice.” She nodded to herself. “Summer is young to be a primary vet. Your parents must be proud.”

“They are.” Of course, with a doctor, a cop, and a veterinarian in the family, they had a lot to be proud of.