“Let me go on record as being fine with your control-freak tendencies . . . even if you were a tiny bit bossy—and overprotective—after Mom died.” Eve gave her a thumbs-up.

“A tiny bit? Ha!” Grace snorted. “I’ll never forget how you intimidated my dates with your gestapo-like third degree—and you’re a mere four years older than I am!”

“Someone had to vet those guys, and Dad thinks the best of everyone. Didn’t I steer you away from that smooth-talking senior whose sole intention was to add a notch to his belt?”

“There was that.” Grace lifted her iced tea in acknowledgment. “You do have excellent instincts about men.”

A brief shadow passed over Cate’s face, gone so quickly Eve would have missed it if she hadn’t been watching her sister.

What was that all about?

As far as she knew, Cate was focused on her career and hadn’t had a serious dating relationship in years.

Her sister stood and changed the subject. “My time’s up.”

“How long is this assignment going to last?” Eve slid off her chair too.

“Until it’s done.”

“Gee. That’s helpful.”

“The job is open-ended. I knew that when I signed on.”

“Are you liking it?” Grace joined the conversation.

Cate shrugged. “I’m not certain it’s my thing—but I’m glad I’m giving it a shot. I’ve always wondered about the allure of undercover work. What does your cookie say?” She motioned to the crispy piece of twisted dough beside Eve’s plate.

She picked it up and broke it open. Once again, her cheeks warmed.

“Well?” Grace leaned forward.

“These are silly.” Eve wadded up the slip of paper.

Cate gave each of them a hug and continued to the back door. “Retighten your porch bulb after I leave. We had someone loosen it earlier so I could come and go in the dark. Now spill your fortune.” She paused by the door.

Double drat.

Her sisters would have a field day with this—but she was stuck.

“It said, ‘The one you love is closer than you think.’”

“That’s a big improvement over the ‘stay the course’ I got.” Grace waved her slip of paper in the air. “And timely too—don’t you think, Cate?”

“Yep. See you two soon, I hope.”

“Be careful.” Eve joined her at the door.

“My number one rule. Give me three minutes, then tighten the bulb. Love you guys.”

Without waiting for a response, she slipped into the darkness.

Eve stayed by the door while Grace cleared the table. At the three-minute mark, she twisted the bulb until it was tight and locked the door.

“Cate looks tired.” Grace carried their plates to the sink.

“I imagine undercover work brings a whole new level of stress to the job.” Eve gathered up the empty food containers. “I hope coming here didn’t put her in any danger.”