“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 tokids. 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.”
Daniel turned to look at Annika, who also had tears shining in her eyes, and she’d never looked more beautiful. This woman was incredible. Just being near her made him feel more whole than he had in five years.
Emma squeezed his arm and let go, a smile still on her face, though Daniel thought he may have caught a glimpse of concern in her eyes.
“Come, let’s sit by the fire. Dinner will be a bit.” Emma grabbed her glass of wine and took Michael’s hand. Daniel took Annika’s hand and led the way.
He sat next to Annika on the sofa and sipped his wine, letting the alcohol warm him, before placing the glass down and resting his arm around Annika’s shoulder. She continued her conversation with Michael but leaned back slightly into Daniel, pressing her body into his chest. It was tantalizing and reassuring and loving all at once, and it confirmed for Daniel in that moment that he was home. She was the reason he could remember Sara without breaking down. She was his home.
Daniel relaxed for what felt like the first time in years. Annika was beside him, smiling and laughing, her hand occasionally grazing his thigh or arm, and the jolt he felt from that went beyond simple desire into pure happiness. It was clear that his sister and brother-in-law were both quite taken with Annika. And with good reason.
While Annika and Michael discussed the latest movie they’d each seen, Emma rose and asked Daniel to help her in the kitchen. Daniel nearly refused as he suspected what was on her mind, but Emma’s face made it clear he was coming to the kitchen.
Once in the kitchen, Emma shut the door and checked on the homemade lasagna. Stalling.
“I know what you’re going to say, Emma.”
“Hmm. Do you? Then why do I have to say it?”
Daniel shrugged. “You don’t.”
“Don’t be a wiseass. You know you have to tell her.”
“I told her about...Sara.” He had to pause before saying her name, and the sound of it weighed on his heart.
“Did you tell her all of it? The fallout?”
“No.” He looked away from her piercing gaze.
“Don’t you look away from me, Daniel Bliant. You’re lying to that poor girl, leading her on. She clearly cares about you. I haven’t seen you look at a woman like that—ever. Not even Sheila.”
“It’s fine, Em.”
