Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Reese was utterly confused and was just about to ask her dad what was going on when there was a commotion at the door.

Everyone turned to look. Kay and Fay walked in, one after the other.

Kay was Reese's aunt by name, while Fay was her best friend and also her maid of honor-so of course, both were expected at tonight's family dinner.

They came forward to say hello, and the Garcia family greeted them with polite nods.

Fay glanced around, clearly wanting to ask something but too shy to do it in front of so many people. She shot a look at Kay instead.

Kay caught her gaze and nodded, stepping forward. "Reese, where's your brother? Haven't seen him yet."

Reese shrugged, grinning. "That's exactly what I was about to ask Dad."

Scott raised an eyebrow at the two of them. "Well, it looks like Lester's keeping all

of us in the dark-he's waiting for his girlfriend."

"Girlfriend?" Reese was surprised.

She barely had time to ask who it was when Lester's voice came from the doorway.

"Yep. Girlfriend. Mine."

stood tall and sharp in a suit, reaching out his hand to someone just outside

pale hand slipped into his. He

they saw who it was-especially the Garcia

could've imagined Sylvia, the very woman they'd once driven out, would show up at

right

this is my girlfriend,

Sanford. It's an honor to finally meet

down, a flicker of surprise

years, plenty of relatives had tried to set Lester up with women-some as stunning as Sylvia, maybe

paid any of them the slightest

woman home as soon as they started

glance, Sylvia was the kind of woman you'd think

looked closer, her

"Ms. Lloyd, I should be the one saying it's

paused, a little

times. Seeing you in person—well,

Lester's shoulder an

just a little and glanced at

murmured, "Told you. My dad's not

managed a genuine