“Great.” On a huff of breath, Sybill steeled herself to deal with the Quinns alone.

The kitchen was pandemonium. Aubrey was squealing, Seth was talking a mile a minute. Potatoes were frying, with Grace manning the stove since Cam had Anna trapped against the refrigerator with a gleam of pure lust in his eyes.

“You know how I get when I see you in an apron.”

“I know how you get when you see me breathe.” And she hoped it would never change. Nonetheless, she narrowed her eyes at him. “Hands off, Quinn. I’m busy.”

“You’ve been slaving over a hot stove. You really ought to take a shower. With me.”

“I’m not going to—” She spotted the movement out of the corner of her eye. “There you are, Sybill.” In a move that looked very practiced, and very effective to Sybill, Anna shifted and jammed her elbow into her husband’s stomach. “What can I get you to drink?”

“Ah . . . the coffee smells wonderful, thank you.”

“I’ll take a beer.” Cam snagged one out of the fridge. “And go clean up.” He aimed that look at Sybill again, then strode out.

“Seth, stay out of those bags,” Anna ordered as she pulled down a mug. “No gifts yet.” She’d made the decision to keep him from opening Sybill’s gifts until after dinner. She calculated that his aunt would make her excuses and run as quickly as she could manage it after the little ritual was complete.

“Man! Is it my birthday or what?”

“Yes, if you live through it. Why don’t you take Aubrey into the other room? Entertain her for a while. We’ll eat as soon as Ethan gets here.”

“Well, where is he, anyway?” Grumbling, Seth stalked out with Aubrey on his heels and didn’t catch the quick grin Grace and Anna exchanged.

“That goes for you dogs, too.” Anna gave Foolish a nudge with her foot and pointed her finger. With canine sighs, both dogs clipped out of the kitchen.

“Peace.” Anna closed her eyes to absorb it. “Momentary peace.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

With a shake of her head, Anna passed over the mug of coffee. “I think we’ve got it under control. Ethan should be here any minute. In the big surprise.” She walked to the window to look out through the gathering dark. “I hope you’ve brought an adolescent appetite,” she added. “Tonight’s menu consists of pepperoni-and-sausage pizza, peanut-oil fries, homemade hot fudge sundaes, and Grace’s killer chocolate cake.”

“We’ll all be in the hospital,” Sybill commented before she thought it through. Even as she winced, Anna was laughing.

“We who are about to die salute you. Uh-oh, there’s Ethan.” She’d lowered her voice to a stage whisper. At the stove, Grace dropped her slotted spoon with a clatter. “Did you burn yourself?”

“No, no.” Chuckling weakly, Grace stepped back. “No, I’m, ah . . . I’m just going to run out and . . . help Ethan.”