She glanced at her watch as the elevator doors opened...five-thirty. Thirty minutes to get to her apartment; an hour to get ready - no, better make it thirty minutes, and then another half-hour to get to her parent's house. That was cutting it close.
Megan pulled into the large circular drive at exactly seven. Several cars were already parked beside the walkway, though the party didn't officially start until seven thirty. She parked her gray Thunderbird behind Denton's bright red sports car and climbed the steps to the porch.
Denton met her at the door, smiling as though she were the only person on his mind. He was going to make a good politician.
"Beautiful," he announced as he twirled her around. The mint colored sundress flared out from its slim waistband as she moved. His eyes reflected disappointment, but the smile plastered on his dark handsome face never faltered. Obviously he thought her manner of dress was too casual. Some of the guests might be important to his future in politics and he was dressed to impress. His dark suit was inappropriate for the casual atmosphere, but she had to admit that he looked dashing. Denton was fastidious about his appearance and he expected the woman at his side to mirror that image.
A familiar voice boomed from the kitchen doorway. "There's the birthday girl." A tall balding figure moved into the room.
Megan grasped the opportunity to move away from Denton.
"Uncle Guthrie. When did you get in? I thought you were in Europe."
"You don't think I'd miss my favorite niece's birthday party do you?"
His one blue eye twinkled and the patch over the other served as a perpetual wink - which was fitting.
"I'm your only niece," she corrected.
"Then you'd have to be my favorite."
"And that would make you my favorite uncle."
He gave her a bear hug and turned his attention to Denton.
"Haven't you two set a date, yet?"
Her cheeks felt warm. "Why is everybody in such a rush to get me married off?"
He threw his head back and laughed. "Maybe you look entirely too happy."
She tipped her head to the side and regarded him with reproach. "You were happy with Aunt Ida."
His expression became wistful. "Yes. God rest her soul, she was a wonderful wife. She would have been a terrific mother too, but I guess it wasn't in the plans."
The twinkle came back in his eye. "Must be something about us O'Hara's. All we've been able to produce since we came to America is one scrawny little girl. When are you going to make me a great uncle?"