“Dr. Dani!” Joshua’s shout from the bottom of the stairs ripped her from her memories. “Breakfast!”

Yes. Breakfast. And then she’d have the discussion with Diesel that he wouldn’t like, but needed to hear. Find someone else. And she’d mean it this time.

She found everyone gathered around her table when she got downstairs. Adam and Meredith, Joshua—who was sneaking bites of bacon to a very grateful Hawkeye—and Michael. And Diesel, of course.

Diesel was dressed in jeans and a tight black Henley that showed off every one of his muscles. Unfortunately the long sleeves also covered most of his ink.

Which was good, she told herself. The ink was too much of a distraction. Too much of a turn-on.

She deliberately looked away from Diesel to her cousin, whose eyes were . . . worried. That was not a good sign.

“Good morning,” she said brightly, hoping the boys hadn’t seen Adam’s concern. “I see we have our own chocolate chip delivery service.”

Meredith laughed. “Only because Diesel promised to make pancakes,” she said, while Adam signed her words for Michael. She turned to speak directly to Michael, even though Adam was still interpreting, and Michael clearly noticed. Most people spoke to the interpreter, not the deaf individual. But Meredith had learned proper etiquette through her conversations with Greg. “I got hurt a little while back and Coach Diesel came to take care of me. He would always make me chocolate chip pancakes. His are the best.”

“How did you get hurt?” Michael signed and Adam voiced.

“I got stabbed by a very bad man,” Meredith told him.

Beside her, Adam winced. It had been a terrifying experience for both of them. It had also been when Diesel and Meredith had bonded, each becoming the sibling the other had never had. Dani had been a little envious of the time Diesel had spent at Meredith’s side, which had been foolish and selfish. He and Meredith were platonic friends, nothing more. Besides, she’d told Diesel to find someone else.

It didn’t seem like he’d listened to her. And you’re grateful. Say it.

Fine. I’m grateful. Even though she’d be repeating the directive as soon as they were alone.

“Well, yeah,” Joshua said, stuffing his mouth full with a last bite of pancake. “If he stabbed you, he was very bad.”

Michael frowned. “Close your mouth when you chew, Joshua.” He looked at Meredith with concern. “But you’re better?”

Meredith smiled at him. “I am. Michael, there’s a box by the front door. Can you take it to the basement? I brought some fun stuff for Joshua, a model airplane kit for you, and a few books, since I hear you like to read.”

Michael looked first to Diesel, then Dani for confirmation when Diesel just pointed to her.