GG was in the kitchen setting out a little platter of cheese and crackers along with a bowl full of fresh grapes.
"You look much more comfortable, love."
"I feel much more comfortable," Savannah replied, accepting the glass of wine her grandmother handed her.
"Tell me about your adventures. Did you stay long in Switzerland?"
"Just a few weeks. The skiing was wonderful, and the hot tub time was even better." Savannah arched one perfectly shaped eyebrow.
GG chuckled. "It sounds great. I think I'd go directly to the hot tub at this point in my life."
"They also had an excellent spa. You should go with me sometime—facials, massages, the full treatment."
"Oh, Savannah, I can just picture you there. You must have had a wonderful time."
Savannah said brightly, "I did! And when it starts to get boring, I move on."
GG sighed. "Somehow I can't imagine how it gets boring."
"Well, it does. It's amazing how much time people can spend talking about themselves. I reach a point when I have to bite my tongue a little too often and I know it's time to leave."
"That's another thing I can't imagine. You biting your tongue and not speaking your mind."
"Oh, the tongue biting comes after I've pushed the speaking my mind as far as I can." Savannah gave a merry laugh.
"I called your brother and sister while you were freshening up and asked them to stop over after work. I didn't tell them you were here. I can't wait to see their faces."
Savannah felt a sudden, deep pang. Huskily, she said, "I can't, either. Suddenly, it seems that it's been way too long."
GG patted her hand. "Well, you're here now."
"Of course, I'm not going to tell them that. I have an image to uphold. It's my job to drive them crazy. I've already been working on Shelby."
GG laughed. "Yes, I know; she's been sharing your emails with me. She was completely speechless when you sent her the picture of the dress you said you were choosing."
Shelby had sent her sister a swatch of fabric and asked her to choose a dress that she liked in the color of the fabric swatch. Savannah was her maid of honor, naturally, and Shelby wanted her to wear a dress that suited her.
Savannah was laughing. "When I saw that dress in the perfect shade of blue, I couldn't resist it. I figured Shelby would be too nice to say she hated it, but she surprised me. She told me that she was not going to allow me to be in her wedding wearing a street hooker's dress. I nearly fell off my chair laughing."
"She was so fired up when she brought me the picture, she was almost yelling. I can't believe she didn't realize you were messing with her."
"Now, Gran, you know I can pull it off. And women get a little irrational about their weddings too."
"That's true. I managed to calm her down a little before she responded to you, or she probably would have had a lot more to say."
Savannah smiled smugly. "It was great. Shelby's developed a backbone since she came back here. It must have been good for her to stand up to Tanner and send him off to prison."
"It certainly was. I was so proud of her."
"Now I have to figure out how to get Carter going."
"That shouldn't be a problem for you; he's not difficult to get stirred up," GG said.
Savannah grinned. "And it's so much fun."
The two women heard the front door open, and Savannah slipped out of sight when she heard Shelby call out.
"I'm in the kitchen," GG called.
"Hi, Gran." Shelby bustled in and gave her grandmother a hug. "What's up?"
"She just thought you might like a surprise." Savannah stepped into sight.
Shelby's face was stunned. "Savannah! Oh, my God, you're here!"
The two of them rushed together in a fierce hug. Shelby was tearful, and her sister wiped a tear away too. They both started to talk at the same time. Laughing and chattering, the sisters hugged again.
"Savannah, it's so good to have you here. I feel like I haven't seen you in forever." Shelby was beaming.
"I didn't realize until I saw your face, how long it's really been," Savannah said. "I'm so glad to see you, face to face."
"Wait till Carter sees you! And Sam; you have to meet Sam. And Maggie!"
"I met Maggie today when I first got here; just for a minute, but you kind of like her right away, don't you?"
"Yes, you really do. And she and Carter are so happy together."
"I hope she's not too sweet to him; he needs to be harassed a little bit."
GG spoke up. "I'm pretty sure she keeps him hopping."
"Oh, good. I'd hate to see him get too spoiled." Savannah laughed.
Just then, Carter and Maggie walked into the kitchen, Sam trailing behind them. Carter's mouth fell open when he saw his sister.
"Holy shit!" Carter crossed the kitchen in three steps and swept Savannah off her feet, swinging her around in a huge bear hug.
Sam's mouth was hanging open in amazement. Shelby threw her arms around him and then drew him closer to her sister.
"Sam, this is my sister, Savannah." Shelby took Savannah by the hand and drew her closer.
Sam looked stunned as Savannah ignored his hand and gave him a warm hug. Shelby laughed at him.
"I just… I'm happy to meet you. You're just… you're really identical!"
Both sisters laughed at him.
"You have always known this, honey," Shelby said.
"I know, but seeing you both in person is a shock. I never dreamed you'd really look this much alike. Did you play tricks on people when you were kids?"
Savannah gave him a wicked smile. "That's between us, now, isn't it, Shelby?"
Shelby snickered, and Sam looked alarmed.
Carter said, "Buddy, you're in for an education if these two get going."
"I think I need a beer," Sam said weakly.
Carter got a couple of beers from the refrigerator. "Anybody else?"
Shelby said, "I'll have one."
"Well, then, I will too," Savannah said with a grin.
"Might as well give me one too," Maggie said.
"Beers all around," Carter said, playing bartender. "Gran?"
"No, I've got wine," GG answered. She thoroughly enjoyed seeing her grandchildren all together.
Sam still looked a little shell-shocked whenever he looked at the two sisters. Savannah looked at him speculatively; she touched the tip of her tongue to her lush upper lip, tilting her head provocatively as she gazed at him with her full attention. Shelby looked at the two of them, noting the stunned expression on her fiancé's face and spoke sharply to her sister.
"Savannah! Come with me. I'll show you my wedding dress." She took her sister's elbow and tugged her firmly along beside her.
Savannah laughed and said, "Aw, Shelby, I was just playing with him."
Shelby answered drily, "Yes, I know. Knock it off right now; Sam is off limits."
Savannah pouted prettily. "What am I supposed to do for fun around here? It looks like this place hasn't changed a bit since I was a fifth grader!"