Daniel leaned against the doorframe, watching as Zander and Victoria laughed over their coffee, their shared jokes filling the air with a warmth Daniel had always envied. He waited, his presence subtle, until he knew he had their attention.

“I’ve got to say, it’s good to see you two getting along,” Daniel said, his tone light, almost casual, but there was a sharp edge to it that made Victoria glance up. She was still getting used to the way he could change his mood so quickly.

Zander smiled at him, but there was a hesitation. “Of course. Why wouldn’t we?”

Daniel’s lips curled in a knowing smile. “Well, relationships can...