“She’s as good as you can expect anyone in her situation to be. Better than most.”

Ryker said, “I’m always on the lookout for doctors that are making huge strides in treating autoimmune diseases. I sent Katy over a few to look at a couple months ago, but she never got back to me. I didn’t want to push and upset her.”

Andrew chuckled, breaking some of the tension. “That’s your sister. Stubborn to a fault. She never even told me about them, which means she has no desire to see more doctors.”

“Even if they can help?” Nicola said.

“In her mind, they all just look at her as a lab rat. They poke and prod and sometimes hurt her, and then declare there’s nothing they can do for her. Trust me, we’ve had this conversation before, and she’s just done with them.”

Ryker shook his head, a fist tapping his knee. “Maybe for now, but I’ll break her down.”

“Good luck. Hopefully your powers of persuasion are better than mine.”

“Hey, it’s what I’m paid for.”

They moved on to lighter subjects. Nikki marveled at the quaint small towns they passed along the way. Then she started telling dirty jokes, and Ryker filled the car with raucous laughter.

Andrew just smiled. They were exactly what Kate needed now. He hoped their positive energy would completely dispel the strange air around the cottage and lift Kate’s spirits so they could really get down to enjoying their summer together.

* * *

Kate might have felt like sleeping, but she’d forced herself to shower, put on a nice sundress (that she didn’t remember packing), and break out her makeup bag. She was excited to see Ryker and Nicola. Even Buttons seemed less lethargic.

Andrew had done an amazing job on the house. It was spotless, champagne chilling in a tall popcorn bowl he’d found under the sink. Once she had herself all made up, there was nothing to do but wait for them to arrive.

And don’t even think of taking a nap.

She knew if she did, she’d be dead to the world and looking like a hot mess when they got here. It was hard enough being in a room with Nikki on her best days, wondering if Andrew thought he’d drawn the short straw.

He loves you and would never think that. And Nikki is the sweetest sister-in-law I could have asked for. It’s not her fault she looks like a freaking Victoria’s Secret model.

No, it wasn’t, and it was unfair to even think that way. Kate laughed. She could always blame it on the meds.