Robin excused herself to go to the bathroom, and rotten Beth, who definitely was showing more and more of a mischievous streak, wriggled off the couch and went and planted herself on Ron's lap, to everyone's surprise.

"Mr. Thomas, you're the greatest. Thanks so much for helping us with this." She wrapped her arms around his neck and planted her lips on his. I think Ron was more surprised than any of us.

When she pulled away he looked nervous, then grinned like the Cheshire Cat. "Hell, if I knew it would get that kind of response, I'd have built a chain of places long ago."

Beth wriggled in his...