Hailey's pov
Dinner that evening felt like the first real breath I’d taken in weeks. Ryan had taken over the kitchen, grilling steaks to perfection while Roy helped with the sides, the two of them bickering playfully over who had the better seasoning technique. I sat at the island, wine glass in hand, watching them move around each other with the easy familiarity of brothers who knew every quirk.
Roy caught me staring and grinned. “What? Admiring the view?”
I rolled my eyes, but my smile gave me away. “Someone has to supervise. You two would burn the place down otherwise.”
Ryan flipped a steak with dramatic flair. “Burn? This is art, baby.”
Roy leaned over the counter, stealing a quick kiss. “She’s right. Last time you cooked, the smoke alarm sang backup.”
Ryan clutched his chest. “
