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charming.
    She ought to know, as she stood almost shoulder to shoulder with him, separated only by the squat presence of her matchmaking daughter. The little punk had grabbed his hand and then her mother’s, making sure they all sat together.
    Which wouldn’t be a problem, except the man kept finding ways to get to her without even trying.
    She and Faith had been invited to church followed by Sunday dinner at the Sullivans’. As a future godparent to one of the Sullivan brood, Dani felt it prudent to accept. Expecting it to be the women and children attending, the presence of Cole and two of his brothers surprised her. In her experience men weren’t big on attending services, but then faith had never really been a big part of her life.
    Obviously it was for the Sullivans, from the toddlers who were well behaved and respectful to the adults who followed the readings in the missal but knew the prayers and songs by heart. Sunday services and family togetherness meant something to them.
    It made Dani feel a part of something special. And this service, more than the christening classes, made her realize the role she’d taken on as godparent really was an honor and a responsibility.
    For the first time in a long time, she bowed her head and prayed. She gave thanks for her beautiful, meddling, loving daughter and then asked for guidance, strength and the wisdom to make good decisions.
    A soft snore on the other side of Dani had her turning toward Samantha. Her head listed slightly to the side and her even breathing betrayed her snoozing.
    Dani nudged her friend with a gentle elbow.
    Samantha started, blinked and grimaced at Dani. “Thanks,” she whispered.
    Dani nodded. She’d noticed the shadows under her friend’s eyes earlier and determined to find out what was causing Samantha’s fatigue when they got a chance to talk.
    When the congregation turned to wish each other peace, simple handshakes and well wishes were exchanged, but like everything else the Sullivans amped it up, adding hugs and kisses to the mix. For Dani, unused to demonstrative shows of affection, it was a bit awkward but not unpleasant.
    Until she turned and met Cole’s amused blue gaze. Immediately she saw he’d clued into her reticence. Showing him she could be a good sport, she lifted her head for his kiss on the cheek. At the last moment he turned his head and lightly brushed his mouth over hers.
    â€œPeace be with you,” he said softly, as if he hadn’t just sent her entire system into emotional turmoil.
    The punk opportunist had sneaked a smooch in the middle of church. He ought to be ashamed. She narrowed her eyes at him before bending to give her daughter a kiss. Yeah, much more her speed.
    An hour later she sat with Samantha at a backyard patio table watching the Sullivan men man the barbecue.
    She pointed to them. “How did Gram get the guys to cook without giving away the whole make-them-listen plan?”
    Samantha smothered a yawn then grinned. “She simply told them it was time to give the women abreak and they’d be cooking and doing the cleanup today. They didn’t question her at all, just started talking about what they’d grill.” She swept a glance over the playing kids before settling her attention back on Dani, a determined glint in her eyes. “So I saw Cole plant one on you in church. What’s with the two of you?”
    â€œNothing.” Dani immediately denied any connection between her and Cole. “So don’t get your hopes up. He likes to mess with my mind is all. He doesn’t mean anything with his flirting.”
    â€œHe kissed you in church, in front of his family,” Samantha emphasized. “Cole doesn’t mix family and flirting.”
    â€œCome on.” Dani sent her friend an arch glance. “We both know he’s a master opportunist. He saw an opening and he took it.”
    â€œWell, yeah, but it doesn’t mean