“Do you really not want children?” The question came out before she could stop it.

“Holy shit.” Mike stepped back, his eyes wide. “I’m not allowed to even flirt with you here, but you’re okay dropping that bombshell of a question on me right now?”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean...” Today was a bad idea. She sighed. “Maybe I should fake a headache or something and just leave.”

“Hey...” Mike’s fingers entwined with hers for just a moment. “Don’t do that. But let’s put a pin in the do-I-want-children discussion until we’re alone, okay?” The corner of his mouth tipped upward. “You’re burning my burgers.”

She jumped, then started flipping them. “They’re not burned. They’re cooked. I know that’s a novel concept for you.”

And just like that, they were back on steady ground again. This was an argument they’d had all their adult lives. She wanted her hot dogs and bacon crispy and blackened. He wanted his steaks and burgers barely warmed. She always told him he was going to die of salmonella, and he always said she was destroying perfectly good food by incinerating it.

She forced him to leave the burgers alone and he insisted on pulling the hot dogs before they were completely charred. They were laughing together while they cooked. As they plated the food, she pointed out the one burger she’d pulled off early—and pink—for him. And he’d left two hot dogs—her favorites—on the grill until they were black and crispy.

When they both turned around with their platters of food, they found Mary standing right behind them, eyes narrowed.

“Is something going on with you two?”

“Besides our usual cooking debate?” Mike asked. “No, why?”

Her expression hadn’t changed. “I don’t know. I can’t put my finger on it.”

Mike answered again, steady as always.

“Good. Because I don’t want your finger on me or my food. If you’ll get out of the way, I’d like to take this inside so people can eat.” He brushed by her, but Mary stopped Zoey, stepping directly in her path.

“Are you and Mike...?”

Zoey channeled some of Mike’s snark.

“Best friends? Yes, we are. Excuse me...” She maneuvered around Mary, but as she walked away, she heard her muttering behind her.

“Best friends, my ass.”

MIKE WAS IN a better mood after everyone ate. He was sure it had something to do with the laughter he’d shared with Zoey as they cooked. Having fun with her just made the world seem right. He wasn’t sure what had piqued his sister’s attention, but he wasn’t as bothered by it as Zoey was.