The front door swung open with an easy creak, and Charlotte’s cheerful voice rang through the hallway before she even stepped in.

“Guess who brought the best cupcakes in town!” she announced, holding up a small white box as Riele and Jay stepped into the living room behind her, laughter already bubbling in their throats.

Utter appeared from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a towel. “You brought cupcakes and didn’t bring drinks to go with them? What kind of hospitality is ...