“Percy Gannaway! We haven’t seen you for a coon’s age!” Delia Watson’s voice boomed above the music.
If she hadn’t been holding his arm, Hannah wouldn’t have noticed the momentary tensing of his muscles as the Casserole Patrol wandered over.
“Evenin’, ladies.”
“And who is this handsome young man?” Maudie Bell asked, giving Ryan the once over.
“My nephew, Sergeant Ryan Malone.” He made introductions.
Ryan inclined his head, with a very proper “Ma’am” for each of them. A trio of identical blushes stained their cheeks.
“I drove by your house the other day. It looks amazing,” Maudie Bell gushed. “It’s good to see you getting back into the Christmas spirit.”
Percy jerked his shoulders. “Seemed like it was time.”
“Hannah’s work?” Delia asked.
“Yes, ma’am,” Hannah confirmed.
Maudie Bell swatted Betty on the arm. “You were absolutely right to send her over there.”
Percy shot a surprised glance in Betty’s direction. “This was your idea?”
Betty shrugged, a hotter blush staining her cheeks. “I thought you’d enjoy it.”
Definite crush.
“Well.” He stopped there until Hannah nudged him in the ribs. “Thank you.”
Chester Harkin, Maudie Bell’s live-in beau, walked up with drinks in hand. “Percy.”
“Chester.”
“House looks great. You’re giving my Maudie Bell ideas.”
Maudie Bell practically cackled. “I had ideas well before now. But I think I will have Hannah come by to spruce things up before the kids come.”
“I’d be happy to,” Hannah said.
Ryan slipped his hand in hers. “If you’ll excuse us, I think we’re going to go dance.”
Percy waved them off. “Go, go. Have fun.”
As Ryan towed her away, Percy asked the others, “Y’all doing okay?”
“Can’t complain, can’t complain. When are you gonna come down to the senior center for bingo night?” Delia demanded.
“Oh, leave the man alone,” Betty insisted. “You know he hates bingo.”
The rest of their conversation got swallowed up by the music.
The band shifted into a rendition of “Let It Snow”. As Ryan pulled her into his arms, Hannah’s gaze lingered on Percy.
“Relax, he’s fine,” Ryan murmured.
“But what if he needs a rescue?”
“We made him come out tonight so he’d socialize. You have to give him a chance to do that.”