Who goes by Vi, right? Robert smiled, looking as if he might say more, perhaps about how Neely didnt like her full name, either, but stopped, catching sight of Beth behind Savannah. Apparently he had the good sense not to joke about names when the people whod picked them out were standing in the room. Mrs. Mason. Its a pleasure to finally meet you.
As he held out the bottle of wine hed brought along as a hostess gift, Savannah grinned inwardly. She liked the finally as a discreet reminder that, if it had been up to him, hed have met them sooner. Robert Walsh might just hold his own with Beth, and once she approved of him, he was family.
After the pleasantries were exchanged, Beth planted her hands on her ample hips. Well, not to discount the value of small talk, but I worked too hard on that food to let it go cold. Why dont we move into the dining room?
They all headed that way, and Savannah noticed the hand Robert placed on the small of her sisters back. An odd ripple of yearning went through her at the unconscious intimacy conveyed in the touch. She cast a glance toward her husband, abashedly aware of the longing that probably showed in her face.
But he was deep in discussion with Douglas about a new property tax and didnt notice.