Jameson looked from Old Bess to Sassy and back again. And shook his head. No matter how he looked at it, they were an absolute mismatch, but he couldn’t deny there was something there, some intangible connection. Maybe we really are all fools in love.

He leaned in to Old Bess and whispered, “Are you sure you know what you’re getting into with this one?“

Old Bess delivered him a disarming smile. “I like gals with a little spunk, hon,” she said, loud enough for Sassy to overhear. “It keeps life interesting.”

“I have no doubt things will be interesting,” Jameson and Prandi said simultaneously.

Sassy broke into the conversation, demanding attention like a petulant child. “You better not be spreading lies about me,” Sassy said. “If you thought I was a force to be reckoned with before, you’re stepping into a world of pain if you cross me now that I’ve found my old Bessie-Wessie.”

“Calm down, my sweet Sarsaparilla,” Old Bess said. “And let’s leave these lovebirds to whisper their sweet nothings.”