“I don’t even know if it’s anything. It’s very new,” Sheila whispered, but definitely feeling something as she watched Tucker so at ease with everyone. “He’s pretty great.”
“This is going to be Kyle’s best Christmas present, meeting a real fireman.” They watched as Tucker bent to get eye-to-eye with Kyle.
“I wish I’d known,” Tucker said. “I’d have brought you a hat. You get your Aunt Sheila to bring y’all to Chestnut Ridge someday. I’ll show you around the firehouse.”
“Can I slide down the pole?”
Sheila was glad to see that Tucker avoided ruining the little boy’s dream by admitting they didn’t have a sliding pole at their firehouse. It had been kind of a big disappointment for her too. Instead, he promised a ride in the fire truck and the chance to be the one to make the siren and lights come on.
“That child will never be the same,” Cassie said to Tucker. “You’re more important than Santa at this moment.”
“That should secure my spot on the nice list.” He gave Sheila an exaggerated glance. “She keeps trying to get me on the naughty list.”
“I do not. You just keep misbehaving.”
They noshed on the heavy hors d’oeuvres. Cassie always threw an amazing party, and this was the most fun Sheila had ever had at one. Dan had always bellyached his way through it, holing up in front of the television in the den. But this was different.
“We’ve got to hit the road,” Sheila finally said. “We haven’t decided for sure, but we were talking about possibly driving straight back tonight.”
“I’ll go get the car,” Tucker said. “I’ll pick you up out front.”
“Thanks, Tucker.”
Cassie said, “I’dmoveto the mountains for that guy too.”
“You would not, but he does seem too good to be true, doesn’t he?”
“Or just good. Don’t dismiss something wonderful when it lands in your lap.”
“It’s nuts. I know. Why are all the good ones already taken, or live in some horrible place?” Sheila shrugged. “If only he lived in Richmond.”
“Is Chestnut Ridge really so awful?” Cassie asked. “You said Natalie is happy there.”
“It’s not really that bad. It’s sort of charming. Just small.”
“And what’s more important? Population or the perfect relationship?”
Her sister always had a way of getting to the nitty-gritty, pushing personal agendas and noise out of the way to get to the real point. “I do also have a business to consider.”
“But do you really? You could sell houses anywhere, and this guy would make pretty babies with you. He’s hot!” She fanned herself. “I mean like fireman-calendar hot.”
“Babe. Standing right here,” Bert said.
“Sorry, honey. You’re super hot too.” Cassie patted his cheek, then turned to Sheila and rolled her eyes. “Don’t discount this,” she said. “You are wonderful. I want you to have everything I have in a relationship. Just keep your options open.”
“Okay, okay.” Sheila stepped back. “Don’t push. Like, seriously, we had our first date a week ago.”
“Well, you wouldn’t know it. It’s like y’all have known each other for years.”
“You should’ve seen him with Mom,” Sheila said. “She was smitten, and he was so patient and kind.”
“We both know that’s a lot easier when you’re not having to do it twenty-four/seven. She’s in a good place there.”
“I know. I’m sorry I gave you such a hard time about it. I understand now. I do. I promise. Can we put all of those bad scenes behind us?”
“Already behind us, Sheila. I love you. Sisters fight. Families suffer. It’s part of the ride. It’s really good to see you looking so happy.”
“It feels good.”
