I make my way over, aiming for casual.
David's in the middle of telling some story when I step up. Declan glances over at the sound of my footsteps. His gaze catches mine—and this time, there’s the smallest lift at one corner of his mouth.
“Didn’t recognize you without the polo and tablet.”
I hold up the grocery bag. “I come bearing chips and napkins. Now the party can officially start.”
“Lifesaver,” David says, taking the bag from me. “You're just in time. Sophie and Maya are planning to hijack the backyard entertainment.”
At the sound of her name, the girl next to Declan turns toward me—dark-haired, blue-eyed, legs swinging off the bench like a metronome. She studies me, chin tipped, curious.
“Hey there,” I say with a small smile. “I’m Charlotte. Maya’s aunt.”
Her eyes widen a little, then she grins. “Oh! Cool.”
Declan clears his throat, adding, “She’s also helping me at work.”
Sophie turns to him. “How?”
“She’s my physical therapist,” he says simply. “Helping me get my leg back in shape.”
Sophie’s face lights up. “Wait, seriously? That’s so cool.”
Then she looks at me again, more curious now. “So... is he doing okay? Like, really?”
“He’s doing great,” I say honestly.
“Do you think he’ll be skating again soon?”
“That’s the plan. But he has to be patient.”
Sophie sighs. “Good luck with that.”
I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing.
Declan grunts, but there’s the ghost of a smile tugging at his mouth.
She leans back with a satisfied nod, then turns to Declan.
“You’re not eating?” she asks him.
“I will.”
She huffs, but it’s all affection.
“I’ll make you a plate,” she announces, hopping up before he can argue.
She brushes past me on her way to the buffet table. I step aside to let her through, then glance back at Declan. He’s watching her, relaxed posture, mouth tilted in that subtle almost-smile.
Declan shifts, reaching for his crutch to stretch his braced leg out more.
“Don’t worry,” I add lightly, raising my hands in mock surrender. “I’m off today.”
He lifts his beer slightly like a toast. “Good. I’d hate to get benched at a family cookout.”
Sophie returns a minute later, balancing a plate of food with both hands.
“Eat this before it gets cold,” she warns. “You’ll be grumpy otherwise.”
