"Mother, this is Lee's uncle, Colonel Robert Clayton. Colonel, this is my mother, Dotty West."
"Oh my," said Dotty, holding out her hand. "What a pleasure it is to meet you, Colonel."
"Oh please, call me Robert," he responded. "I can't have such a lovely woman talking to me like a stranger. I mean, we're practically family, aren't we?"
"Yes, we are," she answered, gazing at him with a soft expression.
"I can see where Amanda got her beautiful eyes," he went on.
"You're too kind," Dotty replied, still staring.
Lee coughed, startling them both and making the Colonel finally release Dotty's hand which he'd still been holding.
"Robert, why don't you come through to the living room for a cocktail and we can leave these two in charge of dinner?" said Dotty. "Amanda, I've put the roast in, but you'll need to get the potatoes and the vegetables ready."
"Yes Mother," said Amanda, nudging Lee towards the kitchen as her mother drifted away with the Colonel on her arm.
Lee didn't move, staring after the older couple with a narrow gaze. "Should we leave them alone? I've never seen him act like that in my life!"
"I think it's sweet," Amanda answered, tugging him along. "And if all the men in your family fall in love at first sight, just think - he could be your stepfather-in law within a month!"
"What?" Lee stared at her in horror. "Oh no, no, we have to put a stop to this!"
There was the sudden sound of a flirtatious giggle from Dotty.
"Too late, Sweetheart," Amanda laughed.
Lee groaned and followed her into the kitchen.