Laurel glanced toward the door. “I don’t know how quick he’ll be. Later.” Stretching, she studied Parker’s exercise tank and capris. The chocolate brown pants and floral top managed to be serviceable and feminine. “I should probably get some new exercise outfits. I think most of mine are getting tatty.”

She walked over to take the second elliptical. “How long have you got in?”

“Just passing thirty.”

“I’d better catch up.”

“No chance, I’m coming up on mile three then switching to pilates.”

“I can do three, then I’ll see your pilates with some yoga. Maybe I’ll do four. I had soufflé last night.”

“Worth the extra mile?”

“And then some. They’ve got a solid dessert chef at the Willows.”

“Charles Barker.”

“Do you know every damn thing?”

“Yes,” Parker said with satisfaction. “And there’s my three.”

Parker wiped down the machine, switched off the news, switched on music.

“Morning, ladies.” In ancient sweat shorts and a faded T-shirt, Del grabbed a bottle of water out of the case, took out another for Laurel, then headed for Parker’s machine.

“Thanks,” she said when he tucked her water in the holder.

“Gotta stay hydrated. What did she do?”

“Parker? Three. I’m going for four.”

He stepped on, set a program. “I’m up for five, but I won’t hold four against you. Or think you’re a wimp.”

“Five?” She nodded. “I’m in.”

Competitive, Parker thought as she stretched out on her mat to start her ab work. Well, she couldn’t fault either of them for that. She was competitive herself—and was already wishing she’d done an extra couple of miles just because they were.

They looked so good together. Did they realize it? Not just the physical looks, she mused as she switched to leg scissors. But the way they moved, the way they connected.

She wanted them to be good together. More, she wanted them to be right together so much it was nearly painful.

She’d wanted that rightness for Mac and Emma, too, but this was more. This was her brother, and her sister in everything but blood. These were two of the most important people in her life, and she wanted, so much, for them to be happy. To be happy together would be like a gift for her nearly as much as it would be for them.

She believed, absolutely, that each person, each heart, had a counterpart—had a mate. A rightness. She’d always believed it, and understood that unshakable belief was a reason she was good at what she did.

“One down!” Laurel announced.

“You started before I did.”

“Not my problem.”

“Fine.” Parker watched Del dig in. “No more nice guy.”

Shaking her head, Parker started another set of crunches.

They’d passed mile three with Del taking the lead when Mac dragged herself in.