As good as the steaks were, Kate’s appetite wasn’t up to eating much. She nibbled on the potatoes, just enjoying the company. Andrew looked happier than he’d been in a long time. He’d always been a social person, and she realized he needed this as much as she did.

After dinner, Ryker, of all people, cleaned the dishes.

“I see you’ve domesticated him,” she said to Nikki.

“I’ll be able to confirm that if I ever see it happen at home.” When she broke into a fit of giggles that left her gasping, Kate knew the wine had hit home.

They sat around the living room, Andrew finally lighting that fire at Nikki’s insistence. He looked like a pyromaniac who’d been handed matches for the first time in a decade. Kate swallowed her fear and had to admit it made the cottage cozy and smell this side of heavenly.

When night fell, Andrew said, “I have a surprise.”

“Should I be nervous?” Kate said, feeling so drowsy but, for once, very content.

He thought for a moment, the glow of an entire day and night of drinking having put some pink in his cheeks. Swaying slightly on his feet, he said, “Possibly.” He went out to the car, and for a brief moment, Kate almost told him not to go outside, not in the dark. Ryker and Nikki’s laughter stopped her admonition. Andrew came back inside holding two huge plastic bags.

“Anyone want to light some rockets?”

Ryker jumped up and grabbed a bag. “I haven’t done fireworks in forever. Let’s go!” At that moment, he looked and sounded like he had when he was ten. Kate remembered them lighting penny rockets at their uncle’s beach house, Ryker insisting he hold the stick and letting them go at the last possible moment.

Nikki opened the sliding door. “Ooh, a proper Independence Day. I may just pledge my allegiance to the flag.”

Kate was happy to see everyone so excited, but her energy was seriously on the wane.

“You guys go. I’ll watch them from in here.”

Ryker handed the bag to Andrew. “Not a chance. Come on, I’ve got you.”

Her protests fell on deaf ears as her brother knelt before her and got her on his back.

“See, all you have to do is sit. I’ll take care of the rest. Remember when Dad used to give us pony rides?”

“Every day as soon as he walked in the door from work,” she said, smiling at the memory.

He carried her all the way to the dock, while Nikki brought a chair for her to sit on.

It was so calm out here. Even the loons were silent, tucked away for the night. Kate was more appreciative for her brother than she could express.