Dani looked up to see Marcus opening the front door wide for Jeremy O’Bannion and his husband. For a moment she was startled that they’d dropped by so late, but then she remembered.

Oh, right. Laurel. LJM Industries, the company that had bought the Brewers’ house. Jeremy was supposed to have asked his colleagues about her today.

Both Jeremy and Keith kissed her cheek and Keith held out a casserole dish. “We made a lasagna for you guys. I figured you’re not used to cooking for so many.”

Dani took the dish, touched. “Thank you, Keith.” She’d gotten to know the two men through Deacon and Faith, as Jeremy was Faith’s uncle. The couple hosted their circle of friends often, and Keith was a fabulous cook. “I’m sure Michael and Joshua will love it. Especially Michael. He’s missed a few meals.” Because that mother of his hadn’t bought enough food for both boys. If her hands hadn’t been full of lasagna, they would have clenched into fists again.

“It’s Diesel’s favorite,” Keith explained.

Of course it is. Diesel was part of Jeremy and Keith’s family through Marcus. The family Diesel had made. It made sense that they’d know all his favorite foods.

She realized that he hadn’t talked about his family. And she hadn’t asked, even after he’d asked about hers. I’m selfish. God, he deserves better.

Faith leaned over and sniffed at the dish. “Keith’s lasagna is the best.” She hugged Jeremy. “Hey, Uncle Jeremy. You missed the movie. The Avengers.”

He kissed her cheek as well, but didn’t return her smile. “Don’t close the door, Marcus. Troy’s right behind us.”

“Okay,” Marcus said, sounding surprised. A few seconds later, Special Agent Luther Troy entered, a big Tupperware bowl under one arm like a football. Kate’s partner at the FBI, Troy was closer to Jeremy’s age, and laughingly referred to himself as “Uncle Luther” to the rest of them.

“Dani,” he said, giving her a one-armed hug. “The lasagna was part of my cooking lesson today. I hope it’s good.” He tapped the lid of the bowl. “I made cookies for the boys. I know you don’t keep a lot of sugar in the house.”

Dani had gotten to know Troy, since they were both frequent visitors to the O’Bannion house. Troy had an ulcer and had eaten a lot of bland foods until Keith started teaching him to cook flavorful meals that met his dietary requirements. Dani’s antiretroviral meds sometimes irritated her stomach, so she was thankful for the cooking tips as well.

“I’m sure Michael will love it,” she assured him. And given Michael’s rectal bleeding, Keith’s recipes might be easier for him to digest as well.