She stopped, her hand on the doorknob, then turned and looked at him. He started toward her, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him. Peter.
“Great speech,” the big man said. “For what it’s worth, I’m glad you’re sticking around.”
“Thanks.” How quickly could he end this conversation?
“Seth told me you considered joining a smoke jumping outfit.” At Sammy’s nod, Peter continued. “We can always use good men on the fire department here in town. Let me know if you get a hankering to fight a fire.” And then, blessed relief, he clapped Sammy on the shoulder and walked away.
Sammy took two steps toward Robin. Was she really going to leave before saying anything? “Wait!” he mouthed at her. Her eyes crinkled in a smile. Edith Draper stepped into his path.
“I’m glad we aren’t losing you to parts unknown,” she said. The older woman had a knack for making him smile.
“I won’t be going anywhere for a very long time.” He gave her a quick wink. “I couldn’t leave my favorite customer.”
“Oh, you.” She gave him a little swat, and he leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. Just then his mom came up, opening her arms wide. He stepped into them, hugging her tight. Over her shoulder, he checked on Robin.
Still there.
“I’m proud of you, Sam,” his mom said. She released him, then held on to his upper arms. “Of course, I’d be proud of you no matter what.” She let go of his left arm and dug in her pocket. “The Williamses sent you a note for tonight.” She handed him an envelope. He tore it open and a photo slid out. Teddy stood on a new prosthetic limb, holding two thumbs high into the air.
Congratulations on your new adventure, the card read. Teddy says two thumbs up to the man who helped him do hard things. The youth of Deep Haven are lucky to have you.
Sammy wiped at a stinging in his eyes.
At the door, Robin shrugged and put her hand on the knob again.
“I’m sorry, Mom. We’ll talk more later.” He bent down and kissed his mother like he’d done for Edith. “Right now I need to catch a girl.”
His mom turned, and he saw her react as her eyes landed on Robin. “Go,” she said and gave him a little push.
He felt like a linebacker again as he dodged his way through the room. No one else was getting in his way.
Until…
Finally.
“Robin.”
* * *
How hadshe ever felt this was “less than”?
Robin stood at the door of the youth center. Around her, friends and neighbors laughed and teased each other.
She’d arrived late to the party, purposely trying to keep her arrival quiet. She’d wanted to be in, deliver the cake, and be out again without anyone spotting her. This was not the time or the place to reunite with Sam. But the warmth of the party had drawn her in, kept her from escaping into the cold April air.
She’d hidden behind Seth during Peter’s toast and Sammy’s speech. She’d caught a glimpse of his smile, the glint of humor in his green eyes. She’d watched Sammy checking out the cake. Would he recognize the work she’d done? Okay, the cake probably wouldn’t tell him all the things she wanted it to say, but he couldn’t blame a girl for trying.
She’d thought she heard him call her name, but then he hadn’t come to her. Just as well. She’d resolved to not stay long. She’d watched as he greeted first one person and then another. Over his mom’s shoulder, he mouthed something to her, but she couldn’t make it out.
Enough.
It was time to leave.
She closed her hand on the cool doorknob.
“Robin.”
Sammy.
