Mae sighed. “Sorry, hon. He’s a Star Wars junkie. That’s not going to change.”

“It could be worse, I suppose. At least it’s a classic.” Mandy scoured the remnants of sausage from the frying pan. “I wish he were more comfortable with strangers, though.”

“It’s not like we haven’t tried.”

“True.” If a lifetime of living in a bed-and-breakfast hadn’t accustomed her brother to strangers, Mandy doubted anything would.

“Those muffins looked good,” her mother said wistfully. “I’m getting tired of egg whites.”

“I know. I’m sorry.” Mandy rinsed her pot. “I have a new whole-grain muffin recipe for tomorrow, and I’ll work on a heart-healthy French toast, OK?”

“I’m the one who’s sorry.” Mae collected her dishes and brought them to the sink. “You’ve done everything for the past month. I have no right to be grumpy. I am so grateful for everything. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” Mae rinsed the dishes and put them in the dishwasher. “Every day I thank God I have you. It’s a comfort to me knowing that Bill has you to look after him. I’m not going to be around forever.”

“Don’t talk like that, Mom.” Mandy was not ready for that responsibility.

“I’m just being realistic, Mandy. I’m fifty-eight years old, and I’ve already had a heart attack.”

Mandy’s heart clenched. “If you stick to your diet and exercise plan, there’s no reason you won’t live a long time yet.” Her mother’s recovery was much slower than anyone expected, including the doctors.

“I sure hope so, but eventually, Bill’s going to depend on you permanently. I’m sorry, but there’s no getting around it.” Mae poured another cup of decaf and sank onto a stool. With a shaky hand, she stirred artificial sweetener into her coffee. Her face was pinched with pain, her eyes sad. “As much as I wish he could be independent, we both know that isn’t in the cards.”

“I know, Mom.” Mandy put a hand on her mother’s arm. “I’ve always known.” Though she’d hoped to experience a little of the outside world before the responsibility came crushing down on her.

“You’ll never finish school or work in a fancy restaurant.”

“I know that, too.” Mandy shook her head. There was no sense dreaming about things that could never be. She peered out the window. Sun gleamed on the dew-wet grass. The yard seemed so wholesome and fresh now, unlike last night, when she imagined all sorts of evil hiding in the shadows. She shuddered. Jed’s pickup pulled into the lot. “Jed’s here again?”

Mae wiped the counter. “He called earlier. He’s going to prune the maple tree out back.”