Except, as I shuffle my way to the kitchen, I realize it’s not only James in the kitchen. He’s got a guest. A very adorable, petite, blond guest. And he’s not just keeping her company, he’s standing between her legs and kissing her with enthusiasm as she sits on the counter. I freeze, mid-step, my mouth gaping.

Dani’s eyes widen over my uncle’s shoulder, and it snaps me from my stupor. “Oh, wow.” I hold up a hand, blocking my view and spinning back to the doorway. “I am so sorry! Nothing to see here. I’m going back to my room.”

“Meg!” James pulls back from Dani. But other than being a little rosy under his beard, he doesn’t seem to mind being caught, smitten kitten that he is. “You don’t have to go,” he says, reaching for a steaming mug behind Dani and taking a sip. “Dani stopped in to bring us some breakfast.” He gestures to a tray of bagels.

“Just some breakfast, eh?”

He smiles, leaning back against the counter, holding his mug. “Yeah. I’m supposed to be at worship practice in twenty minutes.”

“Noel is still at my mom’s,” Dani says, smoothing her hair. “And the house gets too quiet without her.”

I wave off her awkwardness. “I was following my nose,” I admit. “Are you baking?”

Dani straightens. “I am! Or I was. I made an apple crisp to bring to the church potluck tonight at Stomp’s Apple Orchard. My oven is on the fritz, so James offered yours up. Are you planning to come?”

I glance at James. “I hadn’t heard about it.”

He startles. “You haven’t? That’s my fault. I thought you knew. Tonight at 6:00 p.m. Bonfire and hayrides. Kind of cheesy—”

Dani slaps his chest, and he grunts weakly. “Not cheesy at all,” she says. “It’s my favorite day of the year, and it’s supposed to be perfect fall weather today. Want to come with us?”

I get a little giddy thinking of hayrides and bonfires. I wonder if I can talk Micah into coming. Maybe even Duke. “Is this like, a super church thing? Or can anyone come?”

“Anyone,” James insists. “It is a church thing, but there won’t be any preaching or anything tonight. Just fellowship and food.”

I nod. “That sounds … cool. Very cool. Can I let you know about the ride? I might see if I can talk Micah into coming.”

The corner of James’s mouth lifts in approval. “That would be outstanding. I’m sorry I didn’t think of it. I haven’t been very good at inviting Micah to things.”