Sam arrived about fifteen minutes later, amazed at Jody’s warm welcome. He liked her immediately but wished he could have had time alone with Marjorie. It seemed like a hundred years since he’d last talked to her, and a thousand since he’d held her sweet warmth against him and relished the special feel of her in his arms.

The evening proved to be a fun one. He treated the two women to a delicious seafood dinner in a four-star restaurant that overlooked Commencement Bay. Following the meal, the three of them walked along the dock outside the Lobster Shop and gazed at the bright lights that sparkled like shiny stars from the opposite shore.

“I can’t remember the last time I ate this well,” Jody said, holding her stomach and exhaling a deep, contented sigh. “I’m stuffed.”

Marjorie’s worried gaze instantly flew to her younger sister. “I knew it! You’re not eating right.”

“I’m in perfect health.”

Sam’s arm tightened around Marjorie’s waist, and she managed to hold back any further argument.

Jody looked at the two of them, and with a smile lifting the corners of her full mouth, she feigned a loud yawn. “I can’t believe how tired I am all of a sudden. That drive from Portland can really wear a person out.”

Sam and Marjorie shared a secret look and struggled to hide their amusement. Jody couldn’t have been any less subtle had she tried.

“I think she’s offering us some time alone,” Sam whispered close to Marjorie’s ear. He was hard-pressed not to flick his tongue over her lobe, knowing her instant response. “Are we going to accept?”

Marjorie’s nod was eager.

“Just drop me off at the apartment, and you two can escape,” Jody announced, looking pleased with herself. “Far be it from me to block the path of true love.”

“Far be it from me to let you,” Sam joked, as they headed toward the restaurant parking lot.

Sam drove directly back to Marjorie’s apartment, and Jody hurriedly scooted out of the car, winked, and reached for Marjorie’s keys. “Don’t hurry back on my account.”

“We won’t,” Sam assured her. He appreciated what Jody was doing, but he wouldn’t keep Marjorie out long. It was obvious the two sisters were close. He’d seen for himself the various roles Marjorie played in Jody’s life, slipping from one to the other with hardly a breath in between.

Marjorie remained in Sam’s car while Jody let herself into the apartment. Then he reached for her hand, squeezing gently. “I like your sister.”