The Danforths: Reid, Kimberly and Jake. Maureen Child

      ‘‘Daughter number one, Sophia,’’ Reid said. He’d met her yesterday at the bakery. ‘‘Why don’t you go introduce yourself?’’

      Keeping his eyes on the blonde, Ian straightened his tie, then handed Reid his coffee. ‘‘I think I’ll do that.’’

      Reid watched his brother move in on Sophia like a panther, but he had the feeling that the woman could handle herself. He took a moment to appreciate her beauty—he was human, after all—but it simply wasn’t the eldest Alexander daughter he was preoccupied with at the moment.

      And even though he didn’t want to admit it, not even to himself, he knew that Ian had been right about Tina. She was different from the other women he’d dated or been interested in before. It was strange how she annoyed and fascinated him at the same time. Something about her had caught his attention and refused to let go. Despite his better judgment, he intended to explore what that something was.

      ‘‘May I have everyone’s attention, please,’’ Nicola said over the noise in the room, then waited until the crowd slowly quieted. ‘‘I’d like to thank you all for coming this evening. I speak for Abraham and myself when I say how grateful we are to each and every one of you for so generously donating your time and money to this campaign. With your support, there is no doubt in our minds and hearts who the next senator of our beautiful state of Georgia will be—Abraham Danforth!’’

      Cheers and applause exploded from the crowd, and a few zealous volunteers held up Honest Abe II bumper stickers that Nicola had distributed a few minutes ago.

      ‘‘And a special thank you,’’ Nicola said when the crowd quieted down, ‘‘to Ivan and Mariska Alexander from Castle Bakery for so generously providing refreshments for us this evening.’’

      Mariska beamed and waved at everyone, while Ivan, clearly not liking the attention, nodded stiffly.

      ‘‘At this time I’d like to invite everyone to mark the date for a cocktail party at Crofthaven in two weeks.’’ Nicola waited for the excited murmur to settle down, then smiled and went on, ‘‘For now, while we’re waiting for Abraham to arrive, please help yourself to drinks and desserts and introduce yourself to your fellow volunteers.’’

      Reid sipped on the coffee his brother had left him while the crowd moved in on the sweets. And speaking of sweet…Reid glanced back to where he’d seen Tina standing a few minutes ago, but she was gone. Slowly he scanned the crowd, but didn’t see her amongst the mass of people crowded in the room.

      He didn’t see Jason, either.

      They hadn’t gone out the front door, Reid was certain of that. Which meant they’d either gone into the back offices, rest room or out the back door.

      What the hell does it matter? he thought, though he already knew the answer. It did matter, dammit. And he was suddenly in a bad mood because he didn’t want it to.

      If she and Jason really were an item, then fine. But if that were true, Reid asked himself, then why, just a few hours ago, had she been kissing me? And why, when he’d asked her point-blank what the deal was, had she turned so indignant?

      Something didn’t jibe. Reid wasn’t certain what it was, but once and for all, he wanted an answer.

      It took several minutes to make his way through the crowd, but when he finally stepped into the back hallway, Reid could see the offices and the rest room were empty.

      Questioning his sanity, not to mention his lack of common sense, he stepped outside.

      The air was crisp, the cloudless night sky filled with stars. An iridescent ring shimmered around a nearly full moon. In the far distance, a ship’s horn sounded from the river. A perfect night for a tryst, Reid thought, closing the door behind him.

      When he saw the couple standing in the shadows of the garden, their arms entwined, Reid’s hands balled into fists and he nearly turned back around. But then he heard Ian’s voice in his head, accusing him of being soft. Like hell I am.

      Relaxing his hands, he shoved them into his pockets and strolled casually over. ‘‘Nice evening.’’

      The couple jumped apart. Jason stepped in front of the woman in his arms, shielding her from view. ‘‘We were just…getting a little fresh air.’’

      Why the hell was Tina hiding behind this guy? Reid wondered. The woman he’d met wasn’t the type to cower in a corner when confronted. Unless she was worried about Jason finding out she’d been kissing another man.

      ‘‘Sorry if I interrupted.’’ In an attempt to see around Jason, Reid moved a couple feet to the left. Jason moved, too.

      ‘‘No problem,’’ Jason said, though his voice gave away his nervousness.

      ‘‘Look.’’ Reid sighed. ‘‘Why don’t we just—’’

      ‘‘What in the world are you doing out here? Are you crazy?’’

      Startled at the sound of Tina’s hushed shout from behind him, Reid turned. She hurried across the patio toward them. Confused, Reid looked back at Jason, then watched a woman step hesitantly from the shadows.

      Rachel.

      ‘‘Mom is looking for you both,’’ Tina said to her sister. ‘‘You’ve got to get back inside before—’’

      ‘‘What is going on out here?’’

      At the sound of her mother’s voice, Tina froze, then slowly turned. Hands on her hips, eyes narrowed suspiciously, Mariska looked at the group assembled on the patio.

      ‘‘I was just—’’ Tina faltered. ‘‘We were just—’’

      ‘‘Rachel said she had a headache,’’ Reid said easily as he moved closer to Rachel. ‘‘I brought her out here for some fresh air.’’

      Stunned, Tina looked at Reid, wasn’t quite sure why he was lying for them, but was thankful nonetheless.

      ‘‘That’s right,’’ Tina added quickly. ‘‘Jason and I just came out to see how she’s doing.’’

      ‘‘Oh.’’ Mariska glanced from Rachel to Reid, then her eyes widened with delight. ‘‘Ohh. I see. Yes, well, fresh air is good for a headache, is it not?’’

      Nodding, Rachel glanced hesitantly at Reid, then smiled stiffly. ‘‘I…I’m feeling much better now.’’

      Her mother was obviously hearing wedding bells, Tina knew. What her mother didn’t know, was that she was looking at the wrong groom.

      ‘‘Well, then,’’ Mariska said, already turning. ‘‘I will just go back inside and tell your father that you are all right.’’

      ‘‘We’ll be right there,’’ Reid called after her.

      When Mariska disappeared back inside, Jason glared at Reid, then took Rachel’s hand in a blatant display of possessiveness. ‘‘Rachel, we’ve got to settle this now. I’ll talk to your parents and—’’

      ‘‘No.’’ Rachel pulled her hand from Jason’s, then looked at Reid. ‘‘We didn’t mean to involve you. I’m sorry.’’

      Tears shining in her eyes, Rachel quickly followed after her mother. Jason started after her.

      ‘‘Jason.’’ Tina touched his shoulder and shook her head. ‘‘Please. Not now.’’

      Jason stopped; a muscle jumped in his jaw. Shaking off Tina’s hand, he turned on his heel and stomped out the side garden gate, slamming it behind him.

      Tina slowly released the breath she’d been holding. That had been close. Too close. Forcing a smile, she turned to Reid. ‘‘Thank you. You have no idea what kind of disaster you just diverted.’’

      ‘‘Why don’t you tell me?’’