Clara sighed, shook her head, and then leaned in my direction. "Please pardon my sons and spouse for their actions. The drawback of being surrounded by men is just that." She grinned pleasantly, and I started to relax right away. "I also married Jefferson when I was young, which is what Geoffrey was so rudely referring to," she informed.

Geoffrey said "cradle snatcher" while making a false cough.

As Jefferson's cheeks started to slightly flush, Clara shot her son a stern look. Nicholas whispered in my ear as he leaned in close. "Dad was 35, Mom was 18, and I was the tiny delight that hurried their wedding along."

I...