Joyce wasted no time in settling the matter. After dinner one evening, she pulled Tara aside and said, "You and Keith are really hitting it off, aren't you?"

"Y-yes," Tara stammered.

Looking at her intently, Joyce said softly, "Would you like to have him--tonight?"

"Tonight?"

"Yes, tonight. I'm sure he'd be happy to . . . cuddle."

Tara began breathing fast, her chest rising and falling rapidly. "Okay," she whispered.

"Good. I'll give the good news to the lucky man."

The matter was settled in minutes, and around 10 p.m. the others--and especially Hilary and Bridget--watched in awe and solemnity as the couple walked upstairs hand in hand to the...