At a little after one, she heard the key slip into the lock on the front door. Andrew had been keeping all of the doors locked since the rock-throwing night. Kate got up from the chair, legs a little unsteady, heart racing – but for once it was because she was excited and happy.

The door swung open and Ryker burst into the cottage, followed by a smiling Nikki, with Andrew bringing up the rear, bags in tow (like Jimmy Stewart in Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation, she thought, giggling).

“Katy!”

Buttons went for Ryker, hopping excitedly around his legs.

Ryker swept her off her feet, his strong arms wrapped around her waist.

“I can’t believe you’re here,” she said.

“Once Andrew called and invited us, there was no way we were going anywhere else.” He put her down but she was immediately bowled over by Nikki.

“My sister from another mister,” Nikki cooed. “You look great, Katy.”

“I wish. I love your earrings.”

Nikki flicked the dangling jewels. “These are a make-up gift from your brother for forgetting our anniversary.”

Ryker, who had gone out the sliding door and was admiring the lake from the porch, said, “I didn’t forget. I was at that seminar in Denver, and by the time I got back to my room, it was too late to call.”

Arching a perfectly sculpted eyebrow, Nikki said, “Like I said, he forgot. If he hadn’t, I would have gotten my usual roses and gold bracelet. The price tag is in direct proportion to the guilt.”

Kate said, “I wish Andrew would forget our anniversary every now and then.”

He came over and kissed her cheek. “Oh, I’ll get you earrings then, but I don’t think they’ll exactly measure up.” Grabbing the dripping bottle of champagne, he said, “Shall we start things off right?”

After popping the cork, he poured champagne into four water glasses. The cottage hadn’t come equipped with champagne flutes. Ryker and Nicola might have money and be world travelers, but they didn’t give a fig about stuffy propriety. They clinked glasses.

“To an awesome Independence Day with my favorite sister,” Ryker said.

“I’m your only sister.”

He added, “Who never needed to work hard to be my favorite.”

They all laughed and drank. Even Kate had a small sip of champagne. Their laughter sounded so strange in the cottage. Strange and welcome and invigorating. Pained joints, tired bones and overtaxed organs couldn’t keep Kate from smiling.

* * *

“Come here, big sis,” Ryker said, pulling her into the bedroom. His and Nikki’s suitcases had been stacked beside the dresser. The room smelled of Nikki’s perfume – something French and floral.

They sat on the bed, her brother tenderly holding her hands in his. Nikki and Andrew were in the dining room, having a drink and talking about some British TV show that he’d found recently and loved.