The clatter of plates and the smell of roast chicken filled the Carter kitchen. Annie Carter moved around the stove with the ease of habit, David poured himself a glass of water at the counter, and Alex sat at the table, one long leg stretched out, scrolling idly through his phone.

Emily burst in, dropping her bag on the floor. “By the way,” she said, snagging a bread roll before her mother could swat her hand away, “Sienna’s coming for dinner.”

“Again?” Annie asked, half-laughing. “She was just here two nights ago.”

“Exactly,” Emily said. “She’s basically family.”

David shook his head, amused. “We should just give her her own chair at this point.”

Alex glanced up from his phone. “Does she even go home anymore?” His tone was dry, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes, an awareness that didn’t match the nonchalant smirk tugging at his mouth.

“Don’t start,” Emily warned, flopping into the chair across from him. “She actually likes being here. Unlike some people who sulk through family dinner.”

Alex shot her a look but didn’t reply, returning his gaze to his phone. Annie set the last dish on the table, shaking her head with a fond smile.

Then the doorbell rang. The doorbell echoed through the house, and before anyone could move, Annie called out, “That’ll be Sienna!”