“By now you have to know that Sam is an extremely intelligent guy?” he asked, knowing full well that she did. She nodded anyway. “Well, he’s a genius. I mean a bona fide genius, through the ceiling I.Q. and everything.”
“Wow.” She’d had no idea, but it really didn’t surprise her.
“Anyway, he’s always been that way. Even when we were kids. And you know the flack that smart kids take.”
“Yes.”
“Then you know he was teased mercilessly, called a nerd and a dork, and other not so nice names.” She closed her eyes again, picturing a younger Sam being taunted and made fun of, and her heart ached. “Exactly. Anyway, there was this girl in high school. She wasn’t a cheerleader, as I recall, but she could have been, she was that pretty and personable. She started showing an interest in Sam, and he was really flattered. They dated for a couple of months.”
“And then?”
“She passed her science class.”
“Oh no. Sam tutored her?”
“Yes he did. Which is the only reason she paid him any attention. Afterwards, she went right back to making fun of him with the rest of her crowd.”
“He must have been shattered.”
“He was. If she’d have been a guy, I think I’d have beaten her to a pulp for hurting him like that.” He paused to look at her and, apparently satisfied with what he saw, continued. “I know you’re probably wondering what this has to do with you and Sam.”
“Well, it was a long time ago,” she pointed out.
“It really made him gun shy, and he hasn’t dated an awful lot since. I guess he’s been afraid to trust women. At least until he met you.”
“I hope he trusts me.”
“He does. He’s just not really sure where he stands now that you’ve made up with your mother.”
“What does my mother have to do with Sam and I?” Holly gasped, gaping at Dan.
“I went over to see him last night and he seemed a little depressed so, you know me. I insisted he talk to me. First I want to say here and now that breaking a friend’s confidence is not something I take lightly. And I wouldn’t be doing it tonight, except you both seem pretty miserable.”
“Okay. I understand that. But if he told you in confidence-”
“He didn’t. But I’m still not a man to broadcast my private conversations to anyone else.”
“So what was he depressed about?”
“You. He misses you. And before you feel the need to justify spending time with your mother, he knows you need time alone with her to rebuild your relationship.”
“I haven’t meant to ignore him,” Holly whispered. She’d missed him dreadfully.
“I know that. He knows that. But there are a couple of more things that are really worrying him.”
“What things?”
“One, your parents live in Ohio, and he knows that’s your home. And two, given their reaction to your ex, he’s afraid they might take exception to him, too. And he doesn’t want to be the cause of another wedge between you.”
“My mother thought he was wonderful,” Holly said quickly.
“I’m not surprised. He’s a pretty great guy.”
“I know that. But even if my mother, even my father, took exception to him, it wouldn’t matter. I won’t let them dictate who I can or can’t date, or what I can or can’t do. And to ease your mind, Ohio was my home. Charlotte is my home. I have no intention of ever moving away.”
“Whew. I’m glad to hear it.”
“Sam heard it, too. We talked about it on the way home from the restaurant Tuesday night. I thought he understood.” If she’d known he hadn’t, she’d have made sure to at least give him a couple of quick calls.
“I think he’s just had too much time alone to think about all the possibilities.” Holly couldn’t help herself, and hugged him.
“Thanks for telling me, Dan. I wouldn’t hurt him for the world.”
“I figured that much. But, Holly? Please don’t let on that I told you.”
“I won’t. I promise. I will set his mind at ease, though. Before the night is over.”
“Good. Now if we can just pretend we were out here talking about kids, which we technically were.”
“How do you figure that?”
“I was telling you about Sam when he was younger.”
“True.”
“Let’s head back now before he starts getting suspicious.”
In keeping with her promise Holly started talking about when Billy was a baby. By the time they stepped back into the house she’d finished the story of how, while drying him off on the counter after his bath, he ‘baptized’ the pepper shaker. Everyone within earshot chuckled.
“So,” she concluded, “it’s all just a trial and error experience. I was terrified with Zack. By the time Billy came along, I was an old hand at everything. Except the pepper shaker. That was a once in a lifetime event.” More laughter filled the room.
“And on that appetizing note,” Cal chuckled, “do we think we’re ready for the cake and presents?”
Presents? After all of this there were presents? Holly felt her face flush at all the attention she was receiving for her thirty-fourth birthday. This sort of fuss hadn’t happened since before she went away for college, and she wasn’t exactly used to it.
“Come on, birthday girl. Sit right here,” Darby ordered, pulling her to their dining room table, now piled with gifts that hadn’t been there earlier. Cal disappeared for a minute, returning with the cake, which looked as though they might have to call 911 for the fire department.
“How’s it feel to be twenty-one?” he asked with a grin.
“Feels really good,” she said, laughing.
“Well blow the candles out quick, before the wax melts,” he said, setting it down before her.
The boys laughed uproariously when she discovered three trick candles, which kept relighting themselves after the flames went out. Jon finally took pity on her and took them to the kitchen, extinguishing them in the sink. While Cal and Darby dished up the dessert, they insisted she open her gifts.
Cute shirts from Jenna and Jess, a box of candy from Jon, a gift certificate to Barnes & Noble from Ed, a bottle of her favorite perfume from Emma and Ty, several phone cards and a video recorder from her mother and the boys, and a pretty gold bracelet from Cal and Darby. Sam cleared his throat and excused himself for a moment, Dan hot on his heels. They returned moments later with a beautiful honey colored cedar chest.
“Oh, Sam, it’s beautiful,” Holly gasped, leaving her seat and kneeling before it.
“Well, you mentioned that you really wanted one.”
“And you remembered.”
“Given that our friend here is a quality snob,” Dan bragged, slinging an arm around Sam’s shoulders, “He built one for you a couple of days ago.” There were several gasps, none more surprised than Holly’s.
“I love it!” she exclaimed, coming to her feet, and throwing her arms around his neck. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” he murmured, embarrassed. “It was- I mean, I was going to make one for you for Christmas but… I didn‘t know what else to get you.”
“Sam, it’s perfect.”
CHAPTER 6
“Are you sure your mom won’t be offended?” Sam asked for the third time since they’d left Cal and Darby’s.
“I’m sure,” Holly assured him, squeezing his arm. She’d gotten her mother and Jenna aside and asked if they would mind if she rode home with Sam because she hadn’t seen a whole lot of him this week. They didn’t mind a bit. She didn’t even have to ask if they’d take the boys with them, they just took it for granted that she wanted to be alone with him.
“That’s good. I’d hate to be on Eileen’s bad side.”
“She thinks you’re a very nice man, Sam. She even told me that my taste in men has improved dramatically.” The car swerved slightly when he turned his head to
look at her.
“She actually said that?”
“She did.” Holly laughed as he righted the car.
“She’s only met me once,” he pointed out. “How can she know that after just one dinner?”
“It might have something to do with the fact that the boys have done nothing but sing your praises since she got here. Sam did this, Sam said that.” She saw him smile in the darkness of the car. “Can we stop at the park and walk for a few minutes?”
“Of course. It’s your birthday. We can do whatever you want. Which one?”
“The one on Stoddard St.? The stars are so pretty tonight and it’s really the only one you can see them in. Bennett has too many trees.”
“Sure.”
In minutes he was pulling over at the curb and rounding the car to open her door. She could have opened it herself but, knew that he was a gentleman, through and through, and so she always waited for him. Climbing out, she boldly reached out for his hand. After a slight hesitation, he squeezed it and tugged her to his side.
“It looks like things are going very well between you and Eileen,” he said after a brief silence.
“They are. I’m really glad she came. But I have to say, I think I’ll be relieved when she heads home on Tuesday. Life needs get back to normal around here.”
“I thought you might want her to stay awhile longer.” Holly chuckled at that.
“No, I don’t. I love her, and I’m glad we’re friends again, but there’s always the phone and the internet. Can you believe my mother is on the net? I thought I’d faint when she suggested that we could email and instant message each other.”
“A modern woman, huh?”
“She sure is.”
“Is she going to work on your father?”
“I expect so. I imagine she’s home right now taking videos of the boys to show him.”
“You think he’ll watch them?”
“She says he’s always looking at their pictures when he thinks she isn’t watching. Not that he could have much choice since she’s got most of them on the refrigerator.”
“So you might be making up with him sooner than you think,” he said quietly.
“That would be nice. I’d love to have a dad again. And the boys will love having grandparents to visit a couple of times a year.” She hoped that was enough of a clue to make him feel more secure in their relationship.
“Maybe they’ll want to live closer to them.”
“I doubt it. Their home is here. And even if that were something they’d like, I’m the mom and I want to stay here. Don’t get me wrong. I love my parents. I have all along. But I don’t want to be under their watchful eyes anymore.”
“I’m glad,” he finally said, relief evident in his voice. “I was a little worried that you might change your mind.”
“Sam.” Holly stopped walking and, given that they were still holding hands, he had to stop, too. She turned so she was facing him. “I won’t change my mind. I’m happy here. I love them, but I also love someone I know that lives here.”
“You do?” he asked so softly that it was almost a whisper.
“I do.” He pulled her close and kissed her tenderly.
“I love you, Holly. I have forever.” She held him so tightly her arms ached.
“I love you, Sam. And I have forever, too.”
~~~~~
“I suppose I should get you home before your mother starts to worry,” Sam finally sighed, reluctant to let her go. After a few minutes, they’d moved to a bench and simply sat there with their arms wrapped around each other. Words hadn’t seemed necessary.
“You’re probably right. Not that she’ll worry while I’m with you, but I do have the morning shift tomorrow. I traded Lyle for tonight.”
“Then let’s get going so you can get a decent night’s sleep.” He rose and pulled her to her feet…and right back into his arms for another kiss.
“I don’t really need all that much sleep,” she murmured, nuzzling her face against his neck. He laughed softly.
“Yes, you do. Come on, let’s go.”
“Sam?”
“Hmm?” He was as reluctant as she to end the evening.
“Will you come for supper tomorrow?”
“She’s only going to be here for two and a half more days. You should probably spend that time with her.”
“I will. I might even let her have some food, too.” He laughed again. “Please come. I’ve missed you. The boys have missed you. Mom’s been worried that she’s putting a crimp in my love life. Please?”
“No, I won’t. Not after you’ve worked all day. But I would be very happy to cook supper for you. How about you bring everyone out to my place?”
“Sounds like a plan,” she sighed. “But my mom has been cooking while I’m at work.”
“Then it’ll be a treat for her, too. What do you say?”
“I say, thank you very much. It sounds wonderful. I say, I love you, Sam.”
“I love you, too. And, Happy Birthday, Holly.” It might have been her birthday but he knew that he’d gotten the best gift of the evening.
~~~~~
Holly locked the door behind her, leaned back against it and just stood there. Sam loved her. Sam loved her. A handsome, successful, wonderful man and he loved her. She hadn’t ever really expected to fall in love again, wasn’t sure she could ever trust her judgment again, but it had happened…and she felt like she might just be able to walk on air.
“You’re looking happy,” she heard her mother say. The florescent light over the kitchen sink was the only light on downstairs, but she saw her mother sitting at the table sipping what had to be a cup of tea, which was about all Eileen Barry ever drank. Holly walked slowly toward her.
“He loves me, Mom,” she whispered, not sure why she was whispering, but it seemed like such an awesome revelation that it was worthy of the reverence with which she’d announced it.
“You just realized that?” Eileen asked with a smile.
“He just told me.”
“Well I knew that the first time I saw you together.”
“You did?” Holly asked in surprise.
“Honey, it was as plain as the nose on my face.”
“I didn’t know.”
“Are you sure you didn’t?” Maybe she’d known. Maybe she’d been afraid to see it. If so, that wasn’t the case anymore.
“You don’t mind?”
“Why would I mind?” She looked truly perplexed.
“You never liked Mike.” Eileen laughed quietly.
“Holly, that man never loved you. Your father and I both saw that, just as clearly as I can see that Sam does. We both knew you were going to wind up getting hurt. The only difference between us was that I wanted to be there to help pick up the pieces and your father was so angry that he wouldn’t- Well, you know.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“If I’d had any reservations about him, which I didn’t, seeing him with the boys tonight would have put my mind at ease. He loves them, too. Anyone who didn’t know better would assume that Sam was their father.”
“He is very patient with them,” Holly agreed, her lips curving as she thought about all the things he’d done with Zack and Billy.
“No, he’s very loving to them. The same as he is with you. I’d say the man considers you three to be his family.”
“What?”
“He treats you like his family. Does that bother you?”
“No. But- Well, we didn’t talk about marriage or anything. We’re not really his family. We haven’t even been dating all that long.”
“Maybe not, but it’s still the way things look to me.” Eileen stood and walked over to her. “Does the idea of getting married frighten you?” Holly thought about it for a minute.
“No. Not with Sam. But I think we’re putting the cart before the horse.” The thought of taking that big step again absolutely terrified her
. And thrilled her. “There’s is a difference between saying ‘I love you’ and ‘will you marry me.’”
“True, but not a very big one.” Holly gave her a hug.
“I’ve got to get to bed, Mom. Four-thirty comes pretty early.”
“I know, sweetie.” Eileen hugged her back. “You get some rest. But know this. I expect an invitation to a real wedding this time. No justice of the peace, okay?”
“Okay, Mom. If it ever becomes an issue, I’ll make sure there’s a minister, a church and the whole shebang.”
~~~~~
“So tell me more about Ed Winslow,” Jenna was demanding over coffee at the amazingly early hour of six. The fact that Jenna rarely rolled out of bed before eight spoke volumes.
Volumes too loud for Holly this morning. She’d honestly tried to sleep, but had been too excited over the change in her relationship with Sam. He loved her!
“Come on. Spill your guts.”
“Jen, I honestly don’t know him very well. I know Sam and the guys all think pretty highly of him, though. He was their softball coach when they were kids.” Jenna’s eyes got huge.
“Their coach? He doesn’t look that old.”
“He’s not. I think he’s in his mid- to late thirties.”
“Must have been a pretty young coach.” Holly laughed, as much as she was able, given that all she wanted to do was lay her head on the table and take a nap.
“I think it would be kind of difficult to keep a dozen kids in control if you were an old man.”
“That’s true.” Jenna sipped her tea. Like Holly’s mother, she avoided coffee. And she certainly didn’t need the jolt caffeine so generously supplied. Holly had never seen her when she wasn’t bursting with energy. “He sure is a sexy thing, isn’t he?”
“Well- Um. I guess so. I never really gave it much thought.” Sam had occupied her thoughts for so long, she didn’t have the time or inclination to even look at another man.
“That’s good. I’d hate to ruin a perfectly good friendship when I had to claw your eyes out. Do you think he’d think I was too forward to call him and invite him to supper? Or do you think he’s one of those macho guys who has to do the asking.”
A Hero For Holly Page 8
