She swatted her brother’s arm. “I told her I’d go, but she said she was a big girl and didn’t need me to hold her hand.”
“Well, she’d better get back soon. I think Gratton and Suellen are about to make their entrance.”
Just then Jan rushed up. Her satin dress was wrinkled and her lipstick was smudged. “Sorry,” she whispered, taking a small mirror from her purse. “The ladies’ room was a zoo.” She smoothed a fingertip over her lips, then put the mirror away and fluffed her hair. “I don’t understand why you don’t like your brother, Rush. He’s a cutie. Did I miss anything?”
Tom sighed, but before he could say anything—unsure if he shouldsay anything, the master of ceremonies crossed the floor to where the band had been warming up and tapped the microphone.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together to welcome Dr. and Mrs. Gratton Dalton III!”
Everyone rose to their feet, and there was a polite round of applause.