“Sophia looked down her long nose at the girl. “Who are you?”“I’m Abigail, ma’am,” she said, curtsying. “This is my brother, Jamie. I apologize for him.”Sophia arched an eyebrow. “I’ll wager you do that quite a lot.”Abigail sighed, sounding world-weary. “Yes, I do.”“Good girl.” Sophia almost smiled. “Younger brothers can be a chore sometimes, but one must persevere.”“Yes, ma’am,” Abigail said solemnly.“Come on, Jamie,” Alistair said. “Let’s go into dinner before they form a Society for Bossy Older Sisters.”

“I think,” Sophia said as Max mock-scowled, “I’m going to like having a younger brother.” Reaching out, she slipped her arm into the crook of River’s elbow. “So, tell me all of Max’s secrets.”

“Max cuffed his brother good-naturedly on the ear as River slid in past him and bent to kiss Sophia on the cheek. “Hello, are you sure you’re with the right brother?”Sophia had never had a younger sibling. But this man with his laughing eyes and bright smile... “Are you making me an offer?”

“Abigail laughed. "Poor Adam. Probably thought he'd found a woman who would follow his lead, do everything he said. Got a banshee instead. I need one of them big windows for you two to work it out against. Zoe, do we have a big window somewhere? Adam's particularly good with windows. Maybe he could convince her that way."Talia's face heated, but she ignored Abigail, stubbornly crossing her arms and blocking the door.Adam looked back at Abigail. "Can you quit mocking me for a minute and help me convince her to stay?"Abigail shrugged. "Why would I waste my time doing that when I know very well that she goes with you?"Talia controlled a smug smile."She - ? What - ?" Adam stammered. Then he turned to Talia. "Oh, hell. Come on.”

“Psst!”(Sasha turned around in a circle, looking for the source of the sound. Jess arched a brow at Abigail.) “I didn’t do it.” – Abigail(They looked at Sasha.) “What? Some freak noise gets made, and you blame the dog? That ain’t right. Next thing you know, I’ll get blamed for gas attacks, too.” – Sasha”

“Do you want a drink?” “You mean synthetic blood,” she said after a slight hesitation. “Yes, that would be nice. A sociable gesture.” “I’m all about the gestures. Bubba, you, too?” “Yes, ma’am, I reckon so,” he said.”