Not calling her out on her sudden about-face, Danny took the plate and went back to the table. Though he ate in silence, she could all but hear the gears turning in his brain, could predict what he was thinking. Because Danny had grown up in a wholly different kind of family. Far more traditional than her own if you wanted to put labels on it.

Catie had picked up enough bits and pieces over the years to know that, prior to marrying Joseph, Alison had worked her fingers to the bone to support herself and her two boys by her first husband.

Danny, however, had been born into a family where the father was the breadwinner while the mother took charge of the household and the children. More, he’d been raised by a man who believed the care of his family was his responsibility, making sure they were provided for an integral aspect of his masculinity.

It was as old-fashioned as anything… but it was nice too. Catie could still remember how she’d almost cried the first time Joseph Esera had hugged her, then given her five dollars to go buy herself an ice cream from the ice cream van that had stopped by their beachside campsite.

She hadn’t needed the money. It hadn’t been about that. It had been about seeing how a dad could be—giving, responsible, stable.

“Enough about my hang-ups,” she said as she stacked the dishwasher while Danny finished up his food. “How’s your mum doing in her studies?” Alison had gone back to university the previous year, was in the midst of a history degree.

“Loving it.” Danny’s scowl melted away. “I always knew she was into ancient cultures, but man, she glows when she talks about that stuff. She’s started writing a historical novel—fiction based on actual history with a bit of a romantic thread in it.”

“What? I didn’t know that!” Having finished with the dishes and wiped down the counter, Catie grabbed a seat at the table. “Tell me everything!”

“I don’t know any specifics yet. I think she’s a bit shy about it.”

“What’s your dad think of her being so busy?” After all, Joseph was used to a stay-at-home wife.

“He bought her a brand-new laptop for her birthday, loaded with special writing software he asked Ísa about.” Danny’s grin was wild with affection. “My dad’s not a reader, but he’s been asking to read her draft chapters as she finishes them—only Mum says he’s a terrible critic because he tells her he loves every word.”

Again, Catie felt that heart squeeze. “Jeez, you realize your parents are disgustingly adorable?”