“I’m right on your heels.”
He smiled and said hello to everyone they passed.
A couple of the nurses she’d known for a long time gave her that “aha” eyebrow raise, and that felt pretty good. Tucker was a good-looking man, and dressed in khakis and a button-down shirt as blue as his eyes and a fun Santa tie he was hunkier than Mr. December on the fireman calendar.
“Nice facility,” he commented.
“One of the best in the area.”
When they got to her mother’s room,MS. CYNTHIA ALDRIDGEwas printed on the placard outside the door.
Sheila tapped twice on the door, which was partially closed. “Knock, knock.” Sheila stepped through the door. “Mom? Hello?”
The nurse’s face lit up. “Miss Aldridge. Look who’s here to go to the party with you,” she said to Sheila’s mom, who was sittingin a wheelchair with her hands clenched in her lap. “Look who just walked in.”
Her mother wouldn’t turn her head.
The nurse tried to be encouraging. “She’s not really in the mood for a party today, but I promised her she’d have fun. Do you remember how much she enjoyed it last year?”
“I do,” Sheila said. “Mom? It’s me, Sheila.” She placed her hand on her mother’s shoulder. “I’m here to go to the party with you.”
The nurse looked apologetic.
“You look very pretty. Is that a new outfit?” She knew it was, because she’d mailed it especially for this a couple of weeks ago.
Cynthia turned, her green eyes searching Sheila’s for a long moment. “You look like my daughter. I have two daughters.”
“I’m sure they love you very much.”
“Yes.” But her mother’s attention had moved on. A playful smile made her lips tremble slightly. “Do I know you?”
“No ma’am,” Tucker said. “Not yet. I’m Tucker. It’s almost Christmas. My favorite time of the year and I was excited to come to the party. I brought you something to wear. May I?”
Her mouth formed an O and her eyes danced. She shot an excited glance at the nurse and then to Sheila. “I love presents.”
Sheila nodded. “Me too.”
Tucker didn’t miss a beat. He swept the clear box from behind his back and presented it to Mom. Then he took a knee and slipped the wrist corsage on her slight arm. “It looks very pretty. Merry Christmas, Ms. Aldridge.”
“Thank you, Tucker. That’s such a fun name.” She repeated it in a little song. “Tucker, tuck, tuck, tucker, tuck.”
Sheila’s heart jumped. It was a big deal for Mom to remember a name, even just a moment later.
Mom plucked at one of the petals of the flower. “What kind of flowers are these?”
Tucker said, “The kind to guarantee a smile.”
She lifted her fingers to cover her lips as she tittered. “You’re a very nice man.” Her tiny shoulders folded in as she enjoyed the attention. “And very handsome.”
His cheeks colored. “Thank you, ma’am. Coming from a striking woman like yourself, that makes my day.”
“Shall we go show him off?” the nurse said hopefully.
Mom nodded. “Most definitely. The others will be so jealous.”
Joy rose in Sheila’s heart. It was good to see Mom this happy.
“Wheelchair or the rollator?” the nurse asked, although she was already sitting in the wheelchair.
