"I spent nine months seeing what Alex Stern is like undercaffeinated," he says, grinning. "Not an experience I want to revisit." His hand rubs a gentle circle between her shoulderblades, just for a moment, before he takes it away again. "Bacon and toast, too. Coming right up."

He starts towards the kitchen again, out of the sunroom, but looks back at them after a minute. "I'll bring it in once it's ready."