Ace and Dee3 entered the Lander house and found it empty. Hearing laughter from the poolside, they followed the sound to discover everyone gathered by the outdoor pizza oven, enjoying Dan's pizzas. It seemed Dan had fired up his prized oven especially for his favorite niece.
"Ace!" Danny called out, rushing forward—then froze when he realized Ace wasn't alone. He had an attractive companion.
Mary turned instinctively, having been worried sick about her son after he disappeared all day despite their warning not to leave the property following the Apache incident. Seeing an attractive young woman beside him, she stifled her scolding and offered a strained smile. She'd reluctantly accepted that her baby boy was growing up—and, as long as this girl wasn't Mandy or someone related to them, she'd tolerate their relationship until he inevitably got bored.
