I was standing at the counter waiting for the coffeemaker. “Are you up?” he said. “Yes,” I teased. “I had to get up. The phone was ringing.” “Did I wake you?” he said. “I’m sorry.” I laughed. “I’m kidding. I was up. I’m just waiting for the coffee. Owen decided we should all be up at six thirty.” The cat lifted his head when he heard his name, flicked his tail in my direction and then went back to his food. “Since you made coffee, how about I come and make us breakfast?” “I’d like that,” I said, smiling into the phone even though he couldn’t see me. “See you shortly,” he said. I was wearing an old T-shirt and leggings and my hair was half up, half falling out of a messy bun. I had time to change before Marcus arrived. Then I heard a knock on the back door.
