Lindsey put his hand on hers. “This isn’t quite like that, is it?”
“No.” Mother laughed tentatively. “It’s the mother bird flying away. Will you give us your blessing, Bart? Please? I know you must have feelings for your father, but.…”
“I never knew my father.”
“I was so young when we were married. I was really just a girl. Just a little girl. And we were only married a few months when he died. I’m entitled to—don’t you think I’m entitled to—”
She left the sentence hanging.
Lindsey put his arms around her. “You are, Mother. You’re entitled to some happiness. To some companionship. Love.”
Sloane stood behind Mother. He held his hand toward Lindsey. Lindsey shook his hand.
Sloane said, “Your mother tells me that you and Marvia are planning to marry.”
“That’s the idea.”
“What would y
