“What if they need you? You couldn’t exactly race back to the scene of a fire five hours away.”
“One thing I learned early on was that a good fire chief always builds a team of people who can operate successfully without him. I’m there for my team, but I also know that those times when I’m away and they step in, they are prepared.”
“As should any good leader in any industry, but I’m going to say that it’s always hard for me to let go of the reins. I do try,” Sheila admitted.
“You’ve got to do it for your people. They need to know they’ve earned your trust and let them prove you can count on them.”
It was good advice and something she readily agreed she needed to work on.
“I’m going to call in an order for a corsage so we can pick it up on the way in.” She pulled out her phone and started searching for florists.
“No need. A deal is a deal. I got one yesterday. It’s in my bag.”
“You did?”
“I did. My friend whipped up a pretty wrist corsage. It has a red and white rose and a fancy ribbon. I think she’ll like it. It’s very Christmassy.”
“That is too sweet.” She’d only been joking that he had to get one. She always bought one special for Mom for the day. No matter how good or bad the day was, Mom always perked up with the flower corsage. “Thank you.”
Thirty minutes later, they turned in to the parking lot of the Hilltop. “This really isn’t much of a hill.”
“You’re right. Not compared to Chestnut Ridge. But it’s high to the flatlanders here at sea level.”
“Seems like a popular place today.”
“It’s always well attended.”
He parked and then turned and looked at her without a word, making her nervous. She almost wondered if he was going to say he wasn’t coming in. That would’ve been such a Dan thing. Her ex pulled those shenanigans all the time.
He leaned over and kissed her softly on the cheek. “Sheila, I really am glad to be here with you today. I haven’t enjoyed someone’s company like this in a long time.”
She knew how he felt, but if she uttered even a single word, she was afraid she’d cry. Happy tears, but tears nonetheless, and she had no intention of doing that. She simply nodded and smiled. “Let’s do this.” She got out of the car and took in a deep breath.
He took her hand as they walked inside.
“A lot of these people don’t visit except Christmas and birthdays,” she explained. “I understand. It’s so hard on the days they don’t even recognize you, but if there’s any teensy chance of her understanding she is loved, or reliving a special memory, I want to be there to help make that happen.”
“How often do you come?”
“It’s been less often the last few months. But I try to get there every other week. It’s only a two-hour drive from my house, but she sleeps a lot. I found I was only spending any real time with her less than half the times I went. My sister lives right there. She keeps me posted, and I call often.”
“That’s got to be hard.” He pushed the button to open the doors, but she didn’t move. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah.” But even she knew it didn’t sound convincing.
“If you’d feel better if I didn’t come in, it won’t hurt my feelings. It’s okay. I know I kind of filibustered you into letting mecome. If you’re uncomfortable…” He paused. “I was kind of looking forward to giving my new friend that pretty corsage.”
She cocked her head, unable to hold back her grin.
“And see that show. I do a pretty good Carol Channing too.” He raised a hand in the air as if he might even demonstrate.
“Oh no. Please don’t. Let’s go inside. I’m fine. Really.”
He laughed all the way in the door, where they were checked in by one of the nurses and given lanyards with their names in big, bold letters.
Sheila scanned the room for her mother, but didn’t see her right away.
“They may not have brought Mom out yet. I usually help her down. Let’s go check.”
