Page 24 of Dreaming Without Heartache

Sam helps the girls, letting our conversation go. I’m thankful for it.

The girls begin roasting their marshmallows while Sam and I sit back and watch. Kara, Olivia, and Maisie chatter about Halloween. It’s around the corner. I watch Sam, unguarded, as she joins the girls, asking about their costumes. Maisie wants to be a Disney princess like Merida because she shoots a bow and arrow and doesn’t want to marry a boy, or Elsa because she has magic and loves the snow. I fully support both options, though I’d let her be a shoe if she wanted to.

Kara and Olivia throw ideas out like Michael Myers or Freddy Krueger. Sam takes the lead on this topic. It’s nice having her here to interact with the girls.

“Okay, kiddo.” Sam gestures to Maisie. “Let me braid your hair. It’s getting late, and you girls have school tomorrow.”

Maisie settles between Sam’s legs. “Want me to get a comb?” Maisie asks as Sam runs her fingers through her hair.

“Kara, honey, could you run and grab me one?” Sam asks, taking control with ease.

“Sure.” Kara jumps to her feet and runs inside. Sam smiles at me while continuing to run her fingers through Maisie’s hair, smoothing it back. Maisie leans into her touch, eyes drifting closed.

“Mom?” Olivia asks.

Sam looks her way. “Yes?”

“Could Kara sleep over tonight?” Olivia glances at me, a little bashful. I don’t doubt for a second that Kara put her up to it. That’s why she ran off so eagerly for the comb.

“Not tonight, honey.” Sam gives a small, apologetic shake of her head.

I appreciate how easily she steps in like that and understands without me having to do anything.

“Here you go!” Kara comes back out and hands Sam the comb, then drops down beside Olivia. The look they pass between each other confirms what I thought.

Sam braids Maisie’s hair as I watch in awe. I can barely manage a simple ponytail. “All finished,” Sam says, leaning down to give my girl a hug. It’s endearing.

“Time for baths, girls.” I motion toward the house.

“Can I walk Olivia to her car?” Kara asks.

I’m so caught off guard by her politeness, I can’t say no. “Sure.”

“Bye, Sam.” Maisie wraps her arms around Sam’s neck. “See ya, Olivia.” She waves as she heads inside. I’ll check on her soon.

Kara and Olivia lead Sam out the front door. I follow to say goodbye as well. The girls head straight to the car, arms looped together, heads bent close like they’re sharing secrets.

Sam lingers beside me. “You’ve been quiet tonight.”

I nod slowly. “Too much going on up here.” I tap the side of my head.

Sam steps closer, taking my hand in hers. “You’re doing great. Please believe that.” She squeezes gently before leaning in to hug me, her breath warm near my ear. Without thinking, my hand settles at her hip. “I’m always here if you need me.” She pulls back, her eyes searching mine.

“Thank you, Sam. I mean that.” I let go of her, even though part of me wants to hold on a little longer. “I’ve never met someone quite like you before.”

“I’ll take that,” Sam says, the warmth of her smile spreading through me. She turns toward the car parked in the drive, sending Kara back inside as she goes.

I don’t linger, though she makes me want to. I follow Kara inside as she bounds upstairs to get ready for bed. I head straight for Maisie’s room to check on her. She’s climbing into bed when I walk in.

“All clean and smelling good?” I ask, already knowing her shower was way too short.

“Yep.” She giggles, tugging the covers up to her chin. The night-light casts a soft glow across the room.

“Did you brush your teeth?” I give her the side eye which makes her giggle even harder.

“Yes!” She nods vigorously.

“Let me see those babies.” I lean in for a closer look. Maisie smiles really big for me to examine her handiwork. “I approve.”