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turned to leave.
    The door opened. “Good morning, Zoe. Thanks for breakfast.”
    “You’re welcome.”
    Rachel rested her arm across her flat stomach. “I haven’t felt well lately and the toast helps settle my stomach.”
    Zoe stopped in time from blurting out that Nick was a doctor. That was his business to share, not hers, but she would mention her concern for their guest to him later. Instead she said, “If there is anything I can get for you, let me know.”
    “I will. Thanks.”
    Zoe studied Rachel’s face and noticed her radiant skin. To look at her you’d never suspect she didn’t feel well. “Nick said they will begin work on the roof later this morning.”
    “Right. I plan to take my laptop to a park today. How late do you think they’ll work?”
    “He didn’t say. Would you like me to ask?”
    “No.” She bent over and grasped the tray. “Thanks.”
    “Enjoy.” Zoe trotted down the stairs and found Nick pilfering the cupboards.
    “Morning.”
    He glanced over his shoulder. “I smell something delicious, but I can’t find it.”
    She grabbed a hot pad, pulled open the oven and removed a plate. “You need to know where to look. How does a ham and cheese omelet with toast sound? The juice is in the fridge, and the coffee is fresh.”
    He grinned wide. “Thanks, Zoe. You’re a lifesaver.”
    “That’s why you pay me the big bucks. Incidentally, what are my duties while your family is here? Do you want me to make lunch and dinner for them?”
    Nick reached for the plate.
    “Stop! It’s hot.” She lifted it with the pot holder. “Where are you sitting?”
    He pointed to the bar and sat on the stool. “Thanks. How’s your hand doing?”
    She shrugged. “Better. I’m still using the ointment.”
    “Are you in pain?”
    “No.”
    He held out his palm. “May I?”
    She laid her wrist in his hand and watched as he carefully peeled back the bandage.
    The corners of his mouth lifted. “This looks great. I think you’re safe to remove the bandage and stop applying the ointment.”
    “Really? It hasn’t even been a full week since I burned it.” She pulled her hand from his gentle grasp and peeled the bandage completely off. She’d been afraid to stop treating the burn thinking it would hurt if she did. “Are you sure?”
    “Yes. It wasn’t that bad of a burn and you’ve healed nicely. It doesn’t hurt, right?”
    “Well, no.”
    “Good.” He took a bite and nodded. “This tastes great. Now, regarding my family, we can fend for ourselves at lunch, but I won’t turn down the offer for dinner. Remember, Aiden is five, so nothing fancy. He loves mac and cheese, hotdogs, burgers—”
    She raised a hand. “Enough. I think it’s time to broaden your nephew’s palate.”
    “Probably not a good idea.” He forked another bite into his mouth.
    She touched a finger to her chin. “What about fish, a dinner salad and a side of homemade mac and cheese made with whole wheat noodles?”
    “Maybe. Give it a try. But don’t go overboard.” He chuckled. “We don’t want them moving in here permanently.”
    She laughed and got busy planning meals in her mind. “Hey, Nick?”
    “Hmm.” He stood and poured a cup of coffee.
    “Isn’t your brother’s wife coming?”
    “He’s divorced. Long story short, she had an affair, left, divorced Mitch and married the other guy. They share joint custody of Aiden.”
    Her thoughts darted to Kyle and Tara. It seemed she wasn’t the only one who had to deal with betrayal. She frowned. “Who will watch your nephew while you men are on the roof?”
    Nick stilled. “Oh boy. I hadn’t thought of that. I don’t suppose you could…”
    “No way. Kids and I aren’t good together.”
    “I’ll give you a bonus.”
    “Nick, I don’t know the first thing about taking care of children. I’m an only child who had lousy parents and a horrible childhood.” She’d said too much. She clamped her lips together and poured herself a cup of coffee.