“Certainly not,” said Amanda.
“Did I displease you somehow?” asked Hannah in a subdued voice.
Amanda smiled. She stepped toward Hannah as Peter quickly strode to the Land Rover in the driveway.
“Absolutely not,” she said. She hugged Hannah in a long embrace. “Allie is precious.”
“I know,” responded Hannah.
“You're precious, too, Hannah,” Amanda cooed.
Amanda hugged Hannah tightly. She heard Peter fire the engine to start the purring Land Rover.
The long embrace ended. Hannah retreated, sensing something uncomfortable in the hasty departure.
Amanda sensed Hannah's unease. “We're simply going back to Chicago for the election party.”
“The election,” Hannah whispered. “I hope the best man wins.”
“Me, too, darling.” Amanda turned away. She skipped down the stairs toward the
