‘‘No qualifications.’’ Anna cut him off. ‘‘The answer is yes. Is Grace in love with you?’’

‘‘Hard to say just now.’’ He shifted his hand to nurse the point on his chest where she’d all but bored a hole in him.

‘‘The answer is yes,’’ Anna said coolly. ‘‘Are you both single, otherwise unattached adults?’’

He could feel himself sinking into a sulk, and detested it. ‘‘Yeah—so?’’

‘‘Just laying the groundwork, gathering the facts. Grace has a child, correct?’’

‘‘You know damn well—’’

‘‘Correct.’’ Anna lifted her cup, took a sip of coffee. ‘‘Do you have feelings of affection for Aubrey?’’

‘‘Of course I do. I love her. Who wouldn’t?’’

‘‘And does she have feelings of affection for you?’’

‘‘Sure. What—’’

‘‘Wonderful. We’ve established the emotions of the parties involved. Now let’s move on to stability. You have a profession, and a new business. You appear to be a man with skill, who’s willing to work and has the capability of earning a good living. Have you incurred any large, outstanding debts you believe you’ll have difficulty meeting?’’

‘‘For God’s sake!’’

‘‘No offense intended,’’ she said brightly. ‘‘I’m simply approaching this matter the way I assume you would, calmly, patiently, step by tedious step.’’

He narrowed his eyes at her. ‘‘Seems to me people are having major problems with how I do things lately.’’

‘‘I love the way you do things.’’ She reached across the table and gave his tense hand an affectionate squeeze. ‘‘I love you, Ethan. It’s wonderful for me to have a big brother at this stage of my life.’’

He shifted in his chair. He was touched by the obvious sincerity in her eyes, but he had a feeling she wastenderizing him in preparation for the roasting to come. ‘‘I don’t know what’s going on around here.’’

‘‘I think you’ll figure it out. So, we’ll say you’re financially sound. Grace, as we know, is well capable of earning a living. You own your own home, and a one-third share in this one. Shelter certainly isn’t an issue. So, we’ll move on. Do you believe in the institution of marriage?’’

He knew a trick question when he heard one. ‘‘It works for some people. Doesn’t work for others.’’

‘‘No, no, do you believe in the institution itself? Yes or no.’’

‘‘Yes, but—’’

‘‘Then why the hell aren’t you down on one knee with a ring in your big, clumsy hand, begging the woman you love to give your fat head another chance?’’

‘‘I’m a patient man,’’ Ethan said slowly, ‘‘but I’m getting tired of insults.’’

‘‘Don’t you dare get out of that chair,’’ she warned when he started to scrape it back. ‘‘I swear I’ll belt you. God knows I want to.’’