She didn’t turn, but she handed him the knife. “Thanks. Do you want something to drink? Wine, beer?”

“Wine would be great.” He started to make quick work of the roast. Evan sat back in his chair and watched his wife pour the wine, noticing the slight tremble as she handed the glass to Ben, their hands touching briefly.

“So how’s your latest idea coming, Ev?” Ben transferred meat from roast pan to platter.

“Great, actually.” He tipped his wine glass toward Stef. She filled his glass.

Half the bottle was gone already. “Been pounding out a good four to five thousand words a day.”

“It’s really good.” Stef’s eyes moved lovingly over her husband’s face. “You should read it.”

“You’re the only one who gets that privilege.” Evan winked.

“I see.” Stef was staring into her wine glass. “That you’ll keep between us?”

“Whoa.” Ben set the carved roast platter on the table between the potatoes and peas. “Listen, we don’t have to do this.”

He sat on Stef’s other side, his eyes searching her face, but she wouldn’t look at him. Her face was even more flushed now. Ben looked over at Evan, who shrugged.

“We might as well talk about the elephant in the middle of the room.” Ben poked at Stef’s forearm. “Not that you’re an elephant. Hippo, or rhino, maybe…”

“Shut up!” She made a face at him then, and couldn’t help smiling a little.

She reached for the potatoes and plopped some onto her plate, passing the bowl to Ben. “I just… I guess I’m a little scared.”

“Fair enough.” Ben handed the potatoes to Evan, who had rolled his chair up to the table. “Me, too.”

“Yeah?” She cocked her head at him, tucking a long stray strand of blonde hair behind her ear. “Of what?”

“I guess the same things you are.” Ben took the peas from her. “What if this jeopardizes our friendship?”