Ah. So that’s where her sister’s line of questioning was going.

Play this cool, Eve, or Grace will pounce like a cat toying with a trapped mouse.

She tried for a casual inflection. “I suppose—but his appearance hasn’t been my main concern these past few days.”

A speculative gleam sprang to life in Grace’s hazel irises. “Is he married?”

Warmth rose on Eve’s cheeks.

Shoot.

The bane of redheads strikes again.

She moved to the cabinet and retrieved two glasses, angling away from her sister’s discerning eyes. “We didn’t discuss that.”

“But you did a ring check.”

Yeah, she had—and denying it would only send Grace further down the path she was already traveling.

“Isn’t that standard procedure?”

“And . . . ?”

“He wasn’t wearing a ring—but that doesn’t mean he’s single.”

Except he was.

Eve knew that as surely as she knew the sparks arcing between her and the handsome detective hadn’t been one-sided.

“The situation has possibilities, though.” The corners of Grace’s lips rose a hair, and she went back to unpacking the food. “I brought chicken broccoli, sweet and sour pork, and spring rolls. I hope you’re hungry.”

“I am—and that menu is a vast improvement over the omelet I was going to make.” Thank goodness her sister had moved on to a safer topic.

“You don’t eat right.”

“Yes I do. I’m very health conscious.”

“Only in terms of spinning and biking. But you are very adept at sidestepping topics you don’t want to discuss—especially in the personal realm. By the way, I thought the rebuttal you posted on your blog was perfect.”

“You’ve read it?”

“Of course I’ve read it.” Grace pulled two plates from the cabinet and turned to her. No trace of levity remained in her demeanor—or her tone. “This whole thing stinks, Eve. I’m so sorry for what you’re going through. And I’m worried about you. To answer your earlier question, that’s why I’m here.”

Pressure built in Eve’s throat, and her vision misted. She and her sisters might lead very different, busy lives, but when push came to shove, they were the Three Musketeers.

Without a word, she crossed to Grace and gave her a hug.

Her younger sibling held on tight.

“Thank you for tackling the long drive here—on the tail end of rush-hour traffic, no less—after your early start today.”

“What are sisters for if they can’t give each other moral support?” Grace pulled back, swiping a finger under her lashes. “You know, if we don’t eat this food soon, we’re going to have to nuke it.”

“Then let’s dive in.”