“I just saw you at the kid’s party.” Daniel hugged his sister.

“That was before Thanksgiving! But two times in three weeks is a goddamn record for you, Danny.” She pulled Annika in for a hug. “Great to see you again, too.”

“Em, can we kill the ‘Danny’ shit?”

She simply shrugged and waved him off. Apparently not.

“Something smells amazing.” Annika inhaled deeply.

“Come on into the kitchen. Michael’s pouring wine.” Emma hesitated a beat as she took coats and flicked her gaze Daniel’s way.

“It’s fine, Em. I can have a glass of wine.” Wine didn’t affect him like bourbon did.

She looked doubtful but said nothing more about it.

Daniel took Annika’s hand as they walked into the kitchen. From the slightly amused look that passed between Emma and Michael as he handed them wine, Daniel knew they had been talking about him and Annika before they arrived.

“You did a wonderful job with those cabinets for Phil’s Place, Michael. They’re beautiful.” Annika sipped her wine as she and Michael discussed carpentry while Emma fussed over the food.

Daniel inhaled deeply, taking in the savory aromas of roasted garlic and tomatoes. It took him back in time. “Remember when we tried to teach the kids how to cook?” He blurted out the words without thought.

Emma froze mid-stir, her eyes wide and confused. Michael had also turned to him, frozen midsentence. Annika also stopped, her wineglass halfway to her mouth.

“What did you say?” Emma found her voice first.

“I said—”

“No, I heard you. You’ve just never—I mean...you said...kids.” She let out a breath on the last word, almost as if she were afraid to say it herself. Tears swam in her eyes, a small smile breaking through.

Daniel let out a breath, as well. He had referred to kids. He wasn’t even thinking about it—the words had just come from a very happy memory. “I guess I did.” He let out a breath and smiled at his sister. The memory was of teaching three-year-olds Charlie and Sara how to stir sauce. Nothing major, just him and his sister and their children enjoying a quiet evening at home. The memory warmed him.

“You haven’t... I mean...it’s a memory...from...” Emma dropped what she was doing and came over to Daniel, tears in her eyes, and hugged him.

Daniel chuckled and hugged her back. “From before.” That’s how life was divided for him. Before Sara and after Sara. “I know. It’s weird...”

Emma pulled back and looked up at him, tears shamelessly running down her face. “Well, I certainly remember it. They made a huge mess!” She laughed and glanced at Annika over Daniel’s shoulder before gazing back at her brother and wiping her eyes. “Seems like things might be looking up for you.”