“Looks to me like he knows what he’s doing.”

Defending Parr to his brother might not be the best idea under the circumstances. Mary Beth came out from under the overhanging branches and moved toward the house.

“He knows how to get on Mother’s good side.”

“Don’t be like that. She ordered the kit online. My guess is that she didn’t ask his advice.”

Bobby Joe stretched out his arm and captured her, resuming his possessive hold. He pulled her back against the front of his body, pressing his chin against her cheek as he breathed his reply. “He’s not in charge of the world, even though he acts like it. But never mind. Even he’s happy that you’re going to be part of the family.”

She swallowed hard, hoping that wasn’t true.

“And by the way, I have another surprise for you. Something really big. Our future is looking bright. Very bright.”

Mary Beth fell silent. He swayed a little, trying to get her into his rhythm.

“Aren’t you curious?” he whispered.

She still didn’t answer. Bobby Joe didn’t have the smarts or sensitivity to figure out that she was wondering about Parr.

Parr yanked open cabinet doors and slammed them shut again, quickly finding what he wanted—a mixing bowl, a jar of mayo, sweet pickle relish, and a can of tuna—and making the maximum amount of noise in the process.

“What’s all that racket?” Alma called from the hallway. She peered in through the doorway.

Parr slammed a hand down on the lever of the electric can opener. The whine of metal cutting through metal made his mother jump. “I’m making a sandwich.”

“Sounded like you just decided to remodel the kitchen. With a sledgehammer.”

Parr dumped the tuna salad ingredients into the mixing bowl and mashed them up aggressively, taking out two slices of bread from the wrapped loaf on the counter.

“Is that a hint?” He gave the walls and flooring a professional glance. “Could use it. Maybe this summer.”

“You’re too good to me.”

Parr cut the sandwich on the diagonal with one swift stroke and put it on a plate. “Want some?” he asked.

“No thanks. Strictly speaking, I’m still on the phone. My friend had to go get something she wanted to read to me.”

She left him to his meal. He ate alone, chewing slowly, not interested in what he was eating. Bobby Joe had to be still out there pawing Mary Beth. He wasn’t going to look out the window and get accused of checking up on his younger brother.