willow brook road - droppdf1.droppdf.com/.../qm97n/willow-brook-road-sherryl-woods.pdf · 2015. 10....

#1NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorSherrylWoodssweepsreadersawaywiththestoryofabelovedmemberoftheO’Brienfamilyassheclaimsthelifeshe’salwaysdreamedof

Spirited,spontaneousCarrieWintershasgrownupunderthewatchfuleyesofnotonlyhergrandfatherMickO’Brien,buttheentiretownofChesapeakeShores.

Nowthatshe’shomefromEurope,aglamorousfashioncareerbehindherandherheartbroken,thereseemtobefartoomanypeoplewatchingtoseeifshe’llliveuptothe

expectationsherfamilyhasforher.

Asifthatweren’tenoughpressure,Carriefindsherselfdrawntosexy,grief-strickenSamWinslow,whoisyearningforsomeonetohelphimraisethenephewwho’sunexpectedlycomeintohislifeafteratragedy.

Withherownlifeinturmoil,

isCarriereallyreadytotakeonanewcareerandanewman?OrisSamexactlywhatsheneedstocreatethestrong,lovingfamilyshe’salwayswanted?

Praisefor#1NewYorkTimes

bestsellingauthorSherrylWoods

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home.Trulyfeel-greatreads!”

—#1NewYorkTimesbestselling

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“LaunchingtheChesapeakeShoresseries,Woodscreates

anengrossing…familydrama.”

—PublishersWeeklyonTheInnatEaglePoint

“Sparksflyinalivelytalethatisoverflowingwith

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andthepossibilityofrekindledlove.”

—LibraryJournalonFlowersonMain

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“Onceagain,Woods,withsuchauthenticity,weavesataleoftrueloveandthe

challengesthatcanknockupagainstthatlove.”

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themedread.”—KirkusReviewsonASeaside

Christmas

Alsoby#1NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorSherryl

ChesapeakeShores

DogwoodHillTheChristmasBouquetASeasideChristmasTheSummerGarden

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AboutThatMan

ForacompletelistofalltitlesbySherrylWoods,

visitwww.sherrylwoods.com.

Lookfor#1NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorSherryl

Woods’sTheChristmasBouquet

availablesooninpaperbackfromMIRABooks

SHERRYLWOODS

WillowBrookRoad

DearFriends,

Iusuallyusethisspacetogiveyoualittlebackgroundonthestoryyou’reabouttoread.ThistimeIhopeyou’llindulgemeasIthanksomefolkswho’vemadeitpossibleformetowritethemany,manybooksyou’vereadthroughtheyears.

Almostfromthevery

beginningIhaveworkedwiththeverysavvyDeniseMarcil,whosededicationasmyagenthasmadeheranincrediblebusinesspartner.ShehadfaithwhenmineflaggedandacalminginfluencewhenIwasontheedgeofsomewritingcliff.Noonecouldhaveworkedharderormadethislongcareerasmuchfun.

I’vebeenblessedwithso

manyfabulouseditorsthroughtheyearsaswell,womenwho’vegentlynudgedmetocreatebetterandbetterstories.LuciaMacrostartedmycareerwithSilhouettewaybackinthe’80s.JoanGolanguidedmethroughliterallydozensofbooks.NowIhavetheabsolutepleasureofworkingwithMargaretO’NeillMarburyforthesecondtime.

I’mabetterwriterbecauseofthemandtoomanyotherstoname(therehavebeen140-plusbooks,afterall).

Onceabookispolishedtoperfection—orasneartothatasweeverget—it’sinthehandsofthepublisherandsalesteam.I’veworkedwithseveral,butnosalesforcecouldbemoredeterminedorenthusiasticthanthemenand

womenatHarlequin.Gettingthesebookswhereyoucanfindthemisatoughjob,andthey’retheverybestatit.Theyhavemyundyinggratitude!

TherearedozensofothersI’dliketothank,includingfamilyandfriends,butI’llusethislastlittlebitofspacetothankyou!Youremailsandlettersmeantheworldto

me.AndI’vealwaystriedtokeepyouinmindwitheverypageIwrite.Blessyouforthesupportandloveyou’veshown.

Allbestasalways,

Sherryl

Contents

Chapter1

Chapter2

Chapter3

Chapter4

Chapter5

Chapter6

Chapter7

Chapter8

Chapter9

Chapter10

Chapter11

Chapter12

Chapter13

Chapter14

Chapter15

Chapter16

Chapter17

Chapter18

Chapter19

Chapter20

Chapter21

Chapter22

Chapter23

Epilogue

ExcerptfromDogwoodHillbySherrylWoods

TheoriginalMickO’Brien–designedcottageonWillowBrookRoadhadbeenbuiltwithweatheredgrayshingles,whitetrimandatinybackporchbarelybigenoughfortworockerssidebyside.TheyfacedWillowBrook,

whichfedintotheChesapeakeBay.Thebackyardslopedgentlytothebrook,withthegracefulbranchesofatrademarkweepingwillowtouchingthelawnatthewater’sedge.Thepeacefulsettingwasjustrightforquietconversationorrelaxingwithagoodbook.Infrontthecottage

featuredasmallyardwithanactualwhitepicketfenceand

aclimbingyellowrosebushthattumbledoveritwithaprofusionoffragrantblooms.Brightredandhot-pinkgeraniumsfilledpotsonthestoopinavibrantdisplayofclashingcolors.Thepropertyoozedpicturesquecharm.Withthreecozybedrooms

andafireplaceinthelivingroomandasurprisinglylargeeat-inkitchen,itwastheperfectChesapeakeShores

vacationgetawayorastarterhomeforasmallfamily,butCarrieWintershadbeenlivingtherealoneandatlooseendsforalmostsixmonthsnow.Theonlypersonaltouchshe’daddedbeyondthemismatchedfurnitureshe’dacquiredfromvariousfamilyatticswastheportraitofthewholeO’BrienfamilytakenattheChristmasweddingofhertwin,Caitlyn.

Thesedays,sittinginoneofthoserockersformorethanaminuteortwomadeherantsy.Aftertwoyearsinapressure-cookerpublicrelationsjobatwhichshe’dexcelled,beingidlewasanewexperience,andoneshedidn’tparticularlylike.Shewastoodistractedforreadinganythingdeeperthanthelocalweeklynewspaper.Andthoughshelovedtocook,

makingfancymealsforonepersonjustleftherfeelinglonely.Worstofall,sheseemed

incapableofmotivatingherselftogetoutofthisfunkshe’dbeenineversincecominghome.ChesapeakeShoresmightbewhereshewanted—orevenneeded—tobeasshetriedtopieceherlifebacktogetherandreevaluateherpriorities,butit

hadcreateditsownsortofpressure.Whiletherestofthe

O’Brienclanwasunmistakablyworriedabouther,hergrandfatherMickwasborderingonfrantic.O’Briensdidnotwastetimeorwallowinself-pity,whichwasexactlywhatCarriehadbeendoingeversincethebreakupofherlastrelationship.Timedto

coincidewiththecrash-and-burndemolitionofhercareerinthefashionindustry,thecombinationhadsentherfleeingfromParisandstraightbacktoherlovingfamily.Carriesighedandtooka

firstsipoftheoneglassofwinesheallowedherselfattheendoftheday.Wallowingwasonething.Gettingtipsyallalonewas

somethingelseentirely.Evenshewaswiseenoughtoseethat.AnimageofMarc

Reynolds,thefashion-worldiconshe’dthoughtsheloved,creptintoherhead,asitdidaboutahundredtimesaday.Thatwasdownfromaboutamillionwhenshe’dfirstflownhomefromEuropeafterthebreakup.Ifitcouldevenbecalledthat,she

thoughtwryly.Truthfully,she’dfinallyrealizedthatMarcthoughtofhermoreasaconvenientbedpartnerandworkhorsewhosepublicrelationseffortsforhisfashionempirehadhelpedtoputitonthefasttracktointernationalacclaim.Unbeknownsttoher,hisheartapparentlybelongedtoashe-devil,self-absorbedmodelwhotreatedhimlikedirt.

Carriecouldrelate,sinceMarchadprettymuchdonethesametoher.Shewasstillstrugglingtounderstandhowherjudgmentcouldpossiblyhavebeensocloudedthatshehadn’tseenthatsooner.Surelythesignshadbeenthere.Hadshebeensobesottedshe’dmissedthem?Ifso,howcouldshepossiblytrustherinstinctsaboutamanagain?

Notthatshewasgoingtoletthatbeanissueanytimesoon.Shewasswearingoffthemaleofthespeciesuntilshefiguredoutwhoshewasandwhatshetrulywanted.Attherateshewasprogressingonthatfront,itcouldtakeyears.Enough!shetoldherself

firmly,carryingheralmost-fullglassinsideandsteppingoverascatteringoftoysas

shewent.Shesmiledasshepickedupafloppy-earedbunnyandsetitgentlyinachair.Astackofchildren’spicturebookssatonanearbytable.Takingcareofhertwin

sister’slittleboy,JacksonMcIlroy,wasabouttheonlythingthatgaveherasenseoffulfillmentthesedays.WithCaitlynservingamedicalinternshipatJohnsHopkins,

andCaitlyn’shusband,Noah,runninganincreasinglybusyfamilymedicinepracticehereintown,Carriehadvolunteeredforday-caredutywhenevertheyneededher.Moreandmoreoftenthey’dcometorelyonher,whichsuitedherjustfine,butseemedtobemakingeveryoneelseinherdrivenfamilyalittlecrazy.Babysittingwasn’t

consideredasuitablecareergoalforthegranddaughterofthetown’sfounder.Shepickedupafewmore

toys,puttheminthebrightlycoloredtoyboxshe’dpaintedherselfoneparticularlydrearywinterday,thengrabbedherpurseandwalkedintotown.TenminuteslatershewasatO’Brien’s,theIrishpubhersecondcousinLukehadopenedafewyearsback.She

knewshe’dfindagoodmealthere,evenifitcamewithaservingoffamilymeddlingfromwhicheverO’Brienhappenedtobearound.Whenshewalkedinthe

door,shewasstartledtofinditmostlyempty.“Hey,Carrie,”Lukesaid,

automaticallypouringaglassofwhitewineforher.“Whereiseverybody?”she

asked,asshesettledona

stoolinfrontofthemagnificentoldbarthatLukehadfoundinIrelandandshippedhometobethecenterpieceofhispub.“It’sbarelyfiveo’clock,”

hepointedout.“We’llbefillingupsoon.”Carrieglancedatherwatch

andgroaned.Today—adaywithoutthebabytowatch—hadbeenendless.Apparentlyitwasn’tclosetobeingover,

either.“CanIaskyoua

question?”shesaid,asLukepolishedglasswareandreadiedthebarforthisevening’sbusiness.Hestudiedherfacefora

moment,thencamearoundthebarandsatdownbesideher,givingherhisfullattention.“What’sonyourmind?”“Youweretheyoungestin

mymom’sgeneration,right?”“Oh,yeah,”heconfirmed.“Didyoufeelpressuredto

accomplishsomething?”Helaughed.“Areyou

kiddingme?”“Notevenalittlebit,”she

saidseriously.“Youknowallthis,butlet

meremindyou.BythetimeIfinishedcollege,yourmomwasafinancialsuccessstoryonWallStreet.Kevinhad

servedinthemilitary,thenjumpedontothebandwagontopreservethebaywithUncleThomas.ConnorwasahotshotdivorcelawyerinBaltimore.Breehadopenedasuccessfulflowershop,thenalocaltheater,whereshe’snowwritinganddirectingtocriticalacclaim.AndJesswasbarelyintohertwentiesandalreadyturningtheInnatEaglePointintoasuccessful

regionaldestination.”Heallowedthattosinkin,

thenadded,“That’swhatIwasupagainst.Ontopofthat,mybrotherstartedworkingwithUncleMickasanarchitectstraightoutofcollege,andmysisterisallbutrunningtherealestatebusinesshereintownwithmydad.O’Briensseemedtoknowwhattheywantedinthewomb,allofthemexcept

me.”“Andme,”Carrie

lamented.“Funnyhowyouweretheyoungestandfeltlost.CaitandIaretheoldestinourgeneration.Sherecognizedherdestinyevenbeforeshegotoutofhighschool.She’sdeterminedtobeadoctorandsavetheworld.Notevenmarriageandababyhavederailedherplans.”

Lukegrinned.“Andyourgoalsaren’tthatlofty?”“I’mnotsureIevenhave

goals,”sheadmitted.“IthoughtIdid.IenjoyedPRworkwellenough.Iwasgoodatit,too.AndIlikedbeinginthefashionindustry,butthatwasmoreaboutbeingwithMarcthanthework.Itdidn’tbreakmyheartwhenanotherjobinfashiondidn’tmaterializerightaway.

WorkingwithhimiswhatImissmost,sothatmustbetellingmesomething.”Lukestudiedherwitha

commiseratinglook.“Haveyoufiguredoutthemessage?”Sheshrugged.“Nope.AllI

knowisthatIhatebeingatlooseends.”“Whataboutthattripyou

tookwithUncleMicktoAfrica?Anyinspiration

there?”Hergrandparentshadgone

toAfricatocheckoutseveralvillagesindireneedofmedicalhelp,especiallysincetheoutbreakofEbolahadhadsuchadevastatingimpact.MickhadbeendraftedbyCaitandadoctorinBaltimoreintodesigningsmallmedicalfacilitiesforthevillagestoprovidethecaretheysodesperately

needed.Ithadbeenaneye-openingtripwithanidealisticmissionsheadmired.“Sure.Itmademerealize

howluckywe’veallbeen.I’vedonatedatonofmoneyfrommytrustfundtothecausebecauseI’veseenfirsthandhowworthwhileitis,butIdon’twanttoreturn,notthewayCait’schompingatthebittogo.ShewassoenviousthatIgottogowith

GrandpaMickandGrandmaMegan.Me?”Sheshookherhead.“Icouldhardlywaittogetbackhome.”“TheStates?”“NotjusttheStates,but

here,backinChesapeakeShores.IthoughtonceIgothereeverythingwouldmagicallybecomecleartome.”Lukegaveheralong,

consideringlook.“Haveyou

thoughtaboutstayinghere,Carrie?Reallythoughtaboutit?Ialwaysknewthistownwasrightforme.ItwasjustabouttheonlythingIdidknow,butyou’velivedinalotofexcitingcities—NewYork,Milan,Paris.AreyouabsolutelycertainChesapeakeShoresisbigenoughforyou?”Shefrownedatthe

question,whichseemedto

suggestashallownessshedidn’tappreciate.Shedidn’tneedglitzandglamour.Shereallydidn’t.She’dhadatasteofit.Thathadbeenenough.“Whatdoyoumean?”she

challenged.“Thisishomeforme,Luke,thesameasitisforyou.”“Ifyousayso,”hesaid,his

doubtsstillevident.“Idosayso.”

“YouwereborninNewYork,”heremindedher.“Youwenttocollegethere,too,andtraveledallovertheworldwhenyouwereworkinginfashion.I’veonlybeentoIreland,wherethingswereprettylaid-back,especiallyinthesmallervillages,butIimaginethelifestylehereisverydifferentfromtheglamorousplacesyou’veseeninFranceand

Italy.It’sdefinitelyaworldawayfromthehustleandbustleofNewYork.”Thoughherinstinctwasto

counterLuke’sobviousskepticismwithcompletecertainty,shetookasipofherwineandactuallygavethequestionsomethought.“Itisdifferent,butina

goodway,”sherepliedslowly,tryingtoputhergutfeelingsintowords.“The

paceisslower.Thevaluesaredifferent.Familyreallycountsforsomething.Momsawthat.SheleftNewYorkandbroughtmeandCaitlynbackhere.”“Becauseshewasinlove

withTrace,”Lukesaid.Carriesighed.“Yes,Trace

didplayabigpartinherdecision,butshe’sbeenhappybeinghome.She’dtellyouthat.She’sfiguredout

howtobalancethecareershelovesandthefamilyshelovesevenmore.”“Balanceisimportant,”

Lukeagreed,thengaveheranotherofhisannoyinglonglooks.“Whatdoyouenvisiondoingwithyourlifehere?Iknowtheambitiongenecan’tpossiblyhaveskippedoveryoucompletely.AllO’Brienshaveit.”“Notme,”sheadmittedas

ifitwereacrime.Lukewasrightaboutonething—O’Brienswereexpectedtobeexcellentmultitaskers,and,despiteherlastnamebeingWinters,shewasanO’Brienthroughandthrough.Lukehadbroughttheconversationfullcircle,rightbacktothosegoalsthatseemedtobeeludingher.She’dbeensoblastedluckyherentirelife.Whatrightdidshehaveto

complainaboutanunexpectedbumpintheroad?“AllIeverreallywanted

wastobeawifeandmom,”shetoldhercousin.Shemadetheadmissioninahushedvoice,asifitweresomesortofcrimetowantsolittleforherself.WhenLukedidn’treactas

ifshewerecrazy,shecontinued,“Gramwasmyrolemodel.Nellmadeareal

homeforMomandhersiblingsafterGrandpaMickandGrandmaMegansplitup.Ialwayssawmyselfdoingthatsamething—cooking,baking,nurturingmykids—righthere,surroundedbyfamily.AllthroughcollegeIkeptexpectingtomeetsomeoneandfallinlove.Ipracticallymadeacareeroutofdating.IthoughtforsureI’dgetamarriagelicense

fifteenminutesafterIpickedupmydiploma.”Shesighedagain.“That

wastheplan,butitneverhappened.ThenImetMarcandthoughthewastheone.Ofcourse,hewasthelastmanonearthwho’deverbehappyinasmalltown,soIhavenoideahowIexpectedhimtofitintomydream.”“Everheardof

compromise?”Lukeasked

withasmile.“FromMarc?Notlikely.”“Howaboutyou?”“Fortherightman,sure,”

shesaidglibly,thenwondered.“Okay,you’reright.Ican’tsettle.Itwouldneverwork.IwantwhatMomandTracehave,whatBreehaswithJakeandGrandpaMickhasfoundwithGrandmaMegannowthatthey’rebacktogether.Iwant

thewholehappily-ever-afterthing.”“Soyoucan’tsettleand

youclaimyoudon’tcareaboutacareer,”Lukesummedup.“Youhaveyourselfarealdilemma.”“Isn’tthatwhatI’vebeen

tryingtotellyou?”shesaidinfrustration.“Maybeyouneedtofocus,

picktheareaofyourlifethatmattersthemosttoyou,the

oneoverwhichyouhavesomecontrol.”Shesmiledatthat.

O’Briensdidlovetocontrolthings.Hergrandfatherwasamasteratthatandhe’dinstilledthatstubborn,we’re-capable-of-anythingstreakinallofthem.“We’vealreadyconcluded

thatIcan’tcontrolwhenoriftherightmanmightcomealong,andIhavenocareer

goals,atleastnotthekindI’mpassionateabout,”sheremindedhimyetagain.“Ithinkyou’remakingthis

toocomplicated,”Lukesuggested.“Stopfrettingaboutacareer,ifthat’snotwhatyoucareabout.Putitonthebackburner.Getoutthereandstartdating.Therearesinglemeninhereeverynightoftheweek.I’llfixyouup.Whenwasthelasttime

youwentonadate?Thepathtomarriagegenerallystartswithafirstdate.”“SoI’veheard,”shesaid,

thoughrandomdatingdidn’tappealtoher.She’ddonethatallthroughcollegetonoavail.Besides,she’dswornoffmenuntilshefiguredouthowshe’dbeensowrongaboutMarc,howshe’dmisjudgedhisvaluesandhisfeelings.

ButLukewasrightaboutonething.Shedidneedsomesortofsociallifebeforeshewentcompletelystir-crazy.“Howaboutthis?Idon’twanttobefixedup,butthenexttimeI’minhere,ifthere’saniceguyaround,introduceus.Womenandmencanbefriends,right?That’snotabadstartingpoint.”“Ihavemydoubtsabout

menandwomenbeingpals,butit’sdefinitelyastart,”Lukesaid.“Ipredictyou’llbemarriedinnotime,withahalfdozenkidsunderfoot.”Asalluringasthatimage

was,Carriecouldseethedownside.“CanyoupicturewhatGrandpaMickwillhavetosayaboutthat?Helovesallhisgrandchildrenandgreat-grandchildren,butheexpectsmorefromus.”

“Forgetyourgrandfather.Thisisaboutwhatyouwant.YouknowNellwillbeonyourside.”Carriesmiled.“Sureshe

will,butshe’llbestandingthereallalone.GrandpaMickwillbehorrified.Sowilljustabouteveryoneelse.EvenMomandTracewillthinkI’mwastingmypotential.”“Thisisaboutyou,

though,”Lukeargued.“And

aboutwhatwillmakeyouhappy.Whenitcomesdowntoit,Ithinkthat’swhattheytrulywantforallofus.Asappalledasmydadwasbytheideaofthispub,hegotonboardwhenhesawhowmuchitmeanttome.Treatthewholemarriagethingasifitwereajobhunt.Interviewapplicantsonadailybasis.”Carriegavehimachiding

look.“Yousaythatasifit’s

perfectlysimpletoplucktheperfectmanoutofthinairortoidentifyhimbygettinghimtoansweralistofquestions.Trustme,it’snot.Besides,where’sthemagicinthat?”Hercousinchuckled.“Ah,

soyouwantthemagic,too?”“Ofcourse.AnduntilI

findit,Ican’tverywellsitaroundanddonothing.Istillneedagoal.Beingidleisn’tallit’scrackeduptobe.I’m

notsuitedforthat,either.”Luke’sexpressionturned

thoughtful.Whileheponderedwhateverhewaspondering,Carriesippedherwine.“You’rebabysittingfor

halfthekidsinthefamily,aren’tyou?”hesaideventually.“Yes,butwhat’syour

point?That’snotexactlyajob.”

Hegaveheralonglook.“Makeitone.”Shefrownedatthe

seeminglyoffhandsuggestion,thoughitwasevidentLukewaswarmingtotheidea.“Whatdoyoumean?”shepressed.“Youlovekids.Youdon’t

haveanyofyourownontheimmediatehorizon.”Hestaredatherasifwillinghertoreachthesameconclusion

hehad.Whensheremainedsilent,headdedwithatouchofimpatience,“Consideropeningadaycare.”Carrieimmediatelywaved

offtheidea.“Comeon,Luke.Ican’tchargefamilyforkeepinganeyeontheirkids.”“Whynot?Ifyouweren’t

around,they’dbepayingsomebodyelse.Icertainlychargethemfortheirpintsofalewhentheycomeinhere.”

“Notthesamething,”sheinsisted.“Thisisabusiness.Weallunderstandthat.”Helaughed.“Andtheday

carecouldbeyourbusiness,”hesaid.“Justsomethingtothinkabout.Thetowncoulduseone.Moirawassayingthattomenottwenty-fourhoursago.Shesaidifwe’reevergoingtohavekids,givenourbusyschedulesandhertravelingwithher

photographyexhibits,we’llneedsomeonewetrusttocareforthem.Sheflatlyrefusestoputaplaypeninthecornerandseeourchildraisedinabar.”Carriecouldjustimagine

Moiramakingthatpointveryclear.FromherveryfirstintroductiontotheO’BriensinhernativeIreland,Moirahadneverhesitatedtoexpressanopinion.Ithadearnedher

thenicknameofMaddeningMoira,untilLukehadpleadedwithallofthemtodropit.Lukegaveheragrin.

“Maybewhenyou’retotallyfocusedonstartingabusinessforyourself,therightmanwillsuddenlyappear.Bythenyoumaybesobusy,youwon’tevenhavetimeforhim.”“Thewayyouwerewhen

Moiracamealong?”shesaid,recallinghowhe’dexpectedMoiratositbypatientlywhilehegotthepubupandrunning.She’dtakenexceptiontothat.“Exactly,”headmitted

withagrimace.“Moiratriedtogetsomesensethroughmyhardhead,butitwasNellwhofinallysetmestraightaboutwaiting.”“How?Ineverheardthe

story.”“AfterGramfellillduring

thetripsheandDillontooktoNewYork,shecalledMoiraandmeintoherroomatthehospitalandtoldustostopwastingtime.Sheremindedusthatweshouldneverputoffthethingsinlifethatreallymatter,thatthere’sneveraperfecttimeforfallinginlove.Iswear,evenlyingthereinthathospital

bedlookingsoblastedtinyandfrail,shewasaforcetobereckonedwith.”“Shestillis,”Carriesaid,

thenadmitted,“Itscaresmetothinkwhatwillhappenwhenweloseher.She’sthebedrockofthisfamily.”“Andtohearhertellit,

she’snotgoinganywheretillshe’ssatisfiedwe’reallsettledandcontent,”Lukereplied.“Withawholeslew

ofgreat-grandchildrenaroundnow,Ithinkshe’splanningonbeingwithusforawhile.”“Ihopeso,”Carriesaid

softly.Lukepattedhershoulderas

hestoodup.“Ineedtogetbacktowork.JustthinkaboutwhatIsaid.Maybedaycareistherightfitforyou,maybenot,butyouwon’tknowuntilyou’veexploredthepossibility,thesameasI

figuredoutapubwastherightfitformethefirsttimeIwalkedintooneinIrelandandrealizeditcouldbetheheartofacommunity.Ifoundmytruecallingonthattrip.”“AndMoira,”shesaid,

smiling.“AndMoira,”heagreed.Afterhe’dgoneintothe

kitchentocheckinwithhischef,Carriesighed.WasthereanymerittoLuke’s

idea?Orwoulditfeelasifshewasgivinguponherowndreamofhavingafamilybysurroundingherselfwithotherpeople’schildren?Shewasagreatbabysitter,aterrificaunt,buttherewasawholelotmoretorunningadaycare,includingmoreregulationsthanshe’deverhadtodealwith.Ofcourse,shehadtakenacoupleofearlychildhooddevelopment

andchildpsychologyclassesinschool.She’dbeenfascinatedbythetopicsandshe’dacedthem.Shemightevenhavepursuedmoreclassesbackthen,ifshehadn’tgottenaPRinternshipandgravitatedinthatdirection.Shethoughtofallthe

O’Brienkidswhowereunderfootonaregularbasisandsmiled.Theywerethe

bestpartofherlife,noquestionaboutthat.Couldsheturnthatintoacareer?JustasLukehadsuggested,

itwassomethingworthconsidering.Shecertainlydidn’thaveanalternativeinmindandsheneededtodosomethingbeforeherfamilylostpatienceandshelosthermindwrestlingwithallthisindecisiveness.

Samglancedintherearviewmirrorandsawthathisnephewhadfinallyfallenasleep.Hebreathedasighofrelief.Hewasn’tsurewhichwasworse,thelongsilenceswhenBobbysaidnothingatallorthestringofunanswerablequestionsthathadbeenthrownatSameversincehissisterandbrother-

in-lawhadbeenkilledinanaccidenttwoweeksearlier.ThediscoverythatBobbywasbeingplacedinhiscarehadshockedhimintosilence,forsure.Itwaslittlewonderithadleftthesix-year-oldthoroughlyconfused.Andnow,heretheywere

drivingintoChesapeakeShores,atownwhereSamhadn’tevenhadtimetogethimselfsettledbefore

learningaboutthetragedythathadtakenBobby’sparents.He’dlefthisnewjobasagrievingbrother,hisonlythoughtsfocusedongettingthroughthefuneral.Nowhewasreturningasasingleparentwithsomanythoughtsandfearsswirlinginhishead,hehadnoideawhichneededtobetackledfirst.He’dputhisowngriefonthebackburnersohecouldstay

focusedonthescaredlittleboysuddenlyinhiscare.“Dinner,”hemuttered

underhisbreath.WheneverBobbyawakened,he’dbestarving.TheonethingSamdidknowwasthathecouldn’tgoonfeedingtheboynothingbutfastfood,theonlythingthatseemedtotemptBobbytoeat.FortunatelyfastfoodwasinshortsupplyinChesapeakeShores,which

didn’thaveachainrestaurantintown.TheclosestMcDonald’sorBurgerKingwasmilesaway.Insteadofheadingstraight

totheInnatEaglePoint,wherehe’dbeenstayingsincehisarrivalintown,SamturnedontoShoreRoadandfoundaparkingspotacrossfromseverallocalrestaurants,includingO’Brien’s,apubthatspecializedintraditional

Irishcomfortfood.Wasn’tthatexactlywhatheandBobbybothneeded?Somethingcomfortingandfilling?Exitingthecar,he

hesitated.DidhehavetowakeBobbyjustsohecouldrunin,ordersomefoodandrunbackacrossthestreet?Itwasearlyenoughthatthestreetwasmostlydeserted.Theshopshadclosed,sofew

touristswerelingeringalongthewaterfront,anditwastooearlyformostpeopletobeheadingoutfordinner.Anditwas,afterall,ChesapeakeShores,atownwithoutanysignificantcrimeexceptfortheoccasionalhighschoolprank.EvenasSamopenedthe

backdoorofthecar,hecouldhearBobby’ssoftsnores.Theboylookedsopeaceful;it

seemedashametowakehim.Convincinghimselfhisnephewwouldneverbeoutofsight,hejoggedacrossthestreetandwentinside,grabbingamenuoffthebar,thenmovingbacktothedoorwaywhileheglancedthroughtheofferings.Irishstewwastheday’sspecial.Thatsoundedhealthyandfilling.Andhowlongcoulditpossiblytaketodishitintoa

containersoSamcouldbeonhisway?Afteronemoreglanceto

reassurehimselfthatBobbyhadn’tawakened,hereturnedtothebar,onlytofindnoonetheretotakehisorder.Infact,theonlypersonintheplacewasayoungwoman,herexpressionglumasshestaredintoaglassofwineshe’dbarelytouched.“What’samanhavetodo

togetsomeserviceinhere?”heaskedirritably.Thewoman’sresponding

frownwaslikelyjustified,butSamcouldn’tworryabouttheimpressionhemightbemaking.Hehadachildoutsideandwaytoomuchonhismind.“Sorry,”shesaidinacool,

politetone.“Mycousinhadtogoinbacktospeaktothechef.He’llberightout,I’m

sure.”“Youdon’tworkhere?”“No,butifyou’reina

hurry,IcangetLuke.”Samnodded.“Please.Or

canyoujusttellhimI’dliketwoordersoftheIrishstewtogo?”Hehesitated.“Doyouthinkasix-year-oldwouldlikethat?”Herexpressionbrightened.

“Sure.It’sgreat.Allthekidsinourfamilyloveit.I’llgive

Lukeyourorder.He’llfixyourightup.”Samcouldn’thelpnoticing

thesexyhighheelsshewaswearingwhensheslidoffherbarstool.Thoseshoesdrewattentiontolong,shapelylegs.Hedidn’tknowalotaboutfashion,buthehadafeelingshehadn’tboughtthematthediscountstoreoutonthemainhighway.Infact,herentireoutfit,ascasualas

itwas,seemedtoshoutthatithadcomefromadesigner,notofftherack.Arichtourist,perhaps,thoughshedidseemtobetotallycomfortableinhere.Andhadn’tshereferredtotheownerorthebartenderashercousin?Samdidn’thavetimetotry

toputthepuzzlepiecestogether.Hesureasheckdidn’thavetimetoallowhis

curiositytobestirredbyabeautifulwoman.Hislifehadrecentlygottenmorecomplicatedthanhecouldeverhaveimagined.Rightnow,heneededtogethisfoodandgetbacktoBobby.Oncemore,hewentback

tothedoorandglancedacrossthestreet.TherewasnosignthatBobbywasstirringandnobodywasstandingbesidethecar

lookingalarmedthatachildhadbeenleftaloneinside.Thatdidn’tmeanSamcouldbegoneformuchlonger.ThelastthinghewantedwasforBobbytoawaken,findhimselfaloneandpanic.Pacingimpatiently,hewas

startledwhenthewomanappearedathisside,obviouslyonherwayout.“Yourfood’sontheway,”

shesaidassheopenedthe

door.Alightfloralscentthat

remindedhimofsummernightswasleftinherwakeasshepassedhim,thenheadedacrossthestreet.Samsawtheexactmoment

whenshespottedBobby.Shestoppedbesidethecar,didadoubletake,thenturnedbacktogiveSamalookthatcouldhavemeltedsteel.Shewhirledaroundonthosespike

heelsofhersandmarchedstraightbackinhisdirection.Thepub’sdoorslammed

openandshestoodbeforehim.“That’syourcar?”Samnodded,aflush

crawlinguphisface.“Youleftyoursoninthe

carallalone?Whatwereyouthinking?”shedemandedindignantly.“Thismaybeasafetown,butnoplaceis100

percentsafe.Plusitcangethotinsideinpracticallynotime,especiallyonasunnydaylikethis.”Eventhoughheknewshe

wasprobablyjustifiedinherindignation,Samstaredherdown.“Whyisthisyour

business?”“Becauseinnocentchildren

needtobeprotectedfromirresponsibleparents.”

“I’mnothisparent,”Samretorted,thoughnotonlywasthatnotentirelytrue,heknewitwasalsohardlythepoint.He’dbeenaparentforaboutananosecond.Hewasstillgettingthehangofit.“He’smynephew.”Sinceherharshstaredidn’t

waveratthat,hefoundhimselfexplaining.“Hisparentsdiedinanaccidenttwoweeksago.I’mjust

bringinghimheretolivewithme.You’llhavetoforgivemeifIthoughtlettinghimfinallygetsomerestwasmoreimportantthandragginghimoverheretowaitwithmewhileIgetsomefood.Hewasneveroutofmysight,washe?Andthewindowsareallcracked,sothere’saircirculating.Didn’tyouseemestandingrightherebythedoorkeepinganeyeonhim?”

“Isuppose,”shesaid,backingdown,butsparksstillflashedinhereyes.“Youcan’ttakechanceswithachild’ssafety.Thingscanhappenintheblinkofaneye.”“I’mwellawareofthat,

probablymoresothanyouare,”hesaid.“That’swhathappenedtomysisterandbrother-in-law.Theyweregoneintheblinkofaneye.

Nobodycouldhaveanticipatedthat.AndIsureasheckdidn’tanticipatebecomingadadovernight.”Shefalteredatthat,her

cheeksturningpink.“I’msorry.Look,justgobacktothecar,okay?I’llbringyourfoodoutassoonasit’sready.It’llmakeusbothfeelbetterifhe’snotovertherealone.”Samstartedtoargue,then

gavein.Hepulledacoupleof

twentiesfromhiswalletandgavethemtoher.“I’mnotsurehowmuchthebillwillbe,butthisshouldcoverit.”Shehandedbackoneofthe

twenties.“Thiswilldo.I’mgoingtohaveLukeputsomechocolate-chipcookiesinwithyourorder.They’renotonthemenu,buthekeepsthemonhandforthekidsinourfamily.They’remygreat-grandmother’srecipe.She

bakesonceaweekandbringsthemoverhere.Sheleavesasupplyatmyhouse,too,sincemostofthekidsareinandoutofthere,too.”Thethoughtofhome-

bakedcookiestriggeredalonginginSam,onehehadn’tevenrealizedhe’dburieddeepinside.“Mygrandmotherusedtodothesamething.Shebakedforthewholefamily.She’sbeen

goneforyears,butIstillrememberthewayherkitchensmelled.”Asmilespreadacrossthe

woman’sfaceatlast.“There’snothinglikeit,isthere?Don’tevertellNell,ifyouhappentomeether,butIbake,too,justsomyhousewillsmelllikethatwhenthekidscomeby.Iwanttobethego-toauntorcousinorneighborwhenitcomesto

cookies.”Sheshooedhimtowardthe

door.“Go.I’llbeoverwithyourfoodinjustaminute.”Samdutifullyleftthepub

andcrossedthestreet.Hestoodbesidethecarandwaitedforthewomantoemergewithhisorder.Atleasthetoldhimselfhisgazewassointensebecausehisstomachwasrumbling,butthetruthwas,hewanted

anotherglimpseofher.Shewasamassofcontradictionswithherfancyclothesandhome-bakedcookies,thelostexpressionhe’dcaughtonherfacewhenhefirstnoticedhersittingatthebar,andherfieryindignationwhenshe’dfoundBobbyaloneinthecar.Contradictionslikethat,

though,usuallymeanttrouble.AndthesedaysSamhadmoreofthatthanhe

couldpossiblyhandle.

Throughthepub’swindow,Carriestudiedthemanashewaitedbesidethecar.Helookedbone-weary.Littlewonderafterjustsufferingatragiclossandthenfindingouthewasresponsibleforhisnephew.Nolongerfurious

aboutfindingtheboyaloneinthecar,shewasabletocutthemansomeslack,butjustthisonce.She’dbekeepinganeyeonhim,andnotbecausehewashandsomeassinwithhistousledhair,deepblueeyesandfirmjaw,butbecausethatchildwaslikelyinneedofanadvocatewhoknewsomethingaboutkids.WhenLukeemergedfrom

thekitchenwiththetake-out

order,Carrieheldoutherhand.“I’lltakeittohim.”Lukefrowned.“Since

whendidweoffercurbsideserviceandhow’dyougetropedintoit?”“Justgivemethebag.Did

youputinsomeofNell’scookies?”“Youtoldmeto,didn’t

you?OfcourseIdid.Areyoupickingupthecheck,too?”“Veryfunny.Hismoney’s

bytheregister.Keepthechange.”Shewasabouttoopenthe

door,whenLukecalledout.“Carrie!”Shestopped,butdidn’t

turnaround.“Comebackhereafter

you’vedeliveredthat,”hesaid.“Iwasgoingtohead

home.”“Notjustyet,”hesaid

firmly.Afewyearsagoshemight

haveremindedhimhewasn’tthebossofher,butshewasmorematurenow.“Fine,”shesaidgrudgingly.Shecrossedthestreetand

handedoverthebag.Thearomaofthestewmadeherstomachrumble.Maybereturningtothepubwasagoodidea,afterall.Shecouldusesomeofthatstewherself.

“Here,takethisquick,beforeIdecidetodiveinandeatitmyself,”shesaid,handinghimthebag.Hereachedforthebag,

tookasniffandsighed.“Itdoessmellgood.IhopeBobbywilleatit.”“Isheapickyeater?”“It’shardtotell.He’s

shownlittleinterestinanythingthepastcoupleofweeks,butthatcouldbe

becauseofthecircumstances.TheonlythingI’vebeenabletocoaxhimtoeatareburgersandFrenchfries,butIknowIneedtobreakthathabit.”“Nowyou’retalkinglikea

responsibleparent,”shetoldhimapprovingly.Hegaveherawrylook.“If

onlyitwerethateasy.Makesureheeatshealthymealsandallwillberightinhisworld.”

“AreyoustayinghereinChesapeakeShoresorjustpassingthrough?”Whenhedidn’timmediatelyrespond,sheadded,“I’mCarrieWinters,bytheway.”Heheldouthishand.“Sam

Winslow.Igatheryou’realocal.”“Absolutely.Mycousin

Lukeownsthepub.IthinkImentionedthat.Mygrandfather,MickO’Brien,

designedthewholetown.”Heregardedherwith

amusement.“Isthatwhatentitlesyoutodigintothelivesofeveryoneyoumeet?”“That’sjustnatural

curiosity,”shesaid,tryingtokeepadefensivenotefromhervoice.“Andfriendliness.ChesapeakeShoresisknownforbeingaveryfriendlytown.Werolloutthewelcomematforstrangers.

You’dknowthatifyou’dspentanytimehere,whichmustmeanyou’repassingthrough.”Foramomentshethought

hewasn’tgoingtoanswer,butthenhesighedheavily.“ActuallyImovedhereabouttwoweeksbeforemysister’saccident.I’mthenewwebdesignerandtechexpertforthelocalpaper.”Carrie’smoodimmediately

improved.Shebeamedathim.“Thenyou’reworkingforMackFranklin.Thatmakesyoupracticallyfamily.He’smarriedtomycousinSusie—well,mysecondcousin,actually—she’sLuke’ssister.”Heshookhishead,

amazementwrittenonhisface.“TherereallyareO’Brienseverywhereinthistown,aren’tthere?”

Shegesturedtowardthecarvedgoldlettersonadarkgreenbackgroundonthefrontofthepub.“Wedon’ttrytohideit,”shesaid.“Andtherearealotofus,especiallywhenyoutakeintoaccountextendedfamily.Andit’saclose-knitcommunityingeneral.You’regoingtoloveithere,anditwillbeagreatplaceforyournephewtogrowup.”

Exhaustionanddefeatseemedtosettleonhisfaceoncemore.“Ihopeso.Hisparentsdyingsosuddenly,movingtoanewplaceplusadaptingtohavingmeas,well,whateverI’msupposedtobenow.”Heshookhishead.“It’salotforasix-year-oldtohandle.”Carriecouldonlyimagine

howdifficultitmustbe,andnotjustforalittleboy,but

forthisman,aswell.“Ifyoueverwanttotalktosomeone,myauntJess,whoownstheInnatEaglePoint,ismarriedtoashrink.”“WillLincoln?”hesaid,

lookingsurprised.“You’vemethim?”“I’mstillstayingattheinn

tillIcanfindaplacetobuyorrent.I’vehadacoupleofconversationswithWill.Heinvitedmetojoinsomeofthe

guystoshoothoops.Henevermentionedwhathedoesforaliving.”“He’sagreatguy.Orif

youjustneedsomebodytolisten,Luke’snotbad.Helivesuptothestereotypeofabartenderwhocanlistenwithoutpassingjudgment.That’swhyIwasintheretonightspillingmygutstohim.Ihaveaslewofpeopleinmyfamilywho’dhappily

listen,butnotwithouttellingmewhattodo.Lukejustthrewoutsuggestions.Hegavemesomeinterestingfoodforthought.”Samlookedherover

skeptically,apparentlyleapingtoconclusionsbasedonherdesignerclothes,theridiculouslyexpensiveshoesshelovedandtheflawlessmakeupshe’dlearnedtoapplyworkinginfashion,

wherelooksmattered.Beingintheworldofcovermodelsrequiredthatshepayalotofattentiontoherownappearanceifshehopedtocompete.WasittoomuchforChesapeakeShores?Sowhatifitwas?Itwashardlysomethingsheneededtoapologizefor.Sincewhenwaslookingpresentableinpublicacrime?“Youhaveproblems?”he

asked,provingshe’dreadhisdisdaincorrectly.“Everybodyhasproblems,”

shesaid.“Someareworsethanothers,butthatdoesn’tmeantheydon’tmattertothepeopletryingtogetthroughthem.”“Tellmeaboutyours,”he

said.“Didyouhavetroubledecidingwhattoweartonight?PerhapsyourPorschewouldn’tstart?Or

maybeyouacceptedadatewithaguyandaretryingtofigureouthowtogetoutofit?”Thecommentssuggesting

thatshewassoshallowstung,especiallycomingfromamanwhocouldn’tpossiblyknowanythingabouther.Shebackedoffatonce,no

longertryingtohideherannoyance.“Look,Iwasjusttryingtohelp.That’swhatwe

dointhistown.Idon’tdeservetobejudgedorinsulted.”Heturnedandfacedher

then,andshecouldclearlyseethedespairinhisdark,shadowedeyesalongwithwhatwasperhapsjustahintofguilt.“I’msorry,”hesaid.

“Truly.Idon’tknowwhatgotintome.Iusuallyhavebettermannersthanthat.”

“Youobviouslyhavealotonyourmind,”shesaid,decidingyetagaintomakeallowances.Itseemedshewasbeingcalledontomakealotofallowances,somethingsherarelydid.“Sometimessharingaburdenhelps.Ifyoudon’twanttotalktomeorLuke,justaboutanyoneinChesapeakeShoreswouldbeeagertolistenandlendahelpinghand.”

“I’mnotsurethere’sawell-meaningpersononearthwhocanfixthis,”hetoldher.“Well,asdifficultasit

mightbe,timeusuallytakescareofmostproblems.”Shegavehimaruefullook.“Andjustsoyouknow,Idon’thavethepatienceforwaitingforthattohappen,either.I’mjusttoldthatit’strue.”Hesmiledasshe’d

intended.

“I’mprettysurethistestwasdesignedtotrymine,too,”headmitted.“Theydosaykarmahasawayofgettingyou.AcoupleofweeksagoIwasaprettycarefreeguy.NowI’mtenseandcapableofbitingofftheheadofsomeonewho’sonlytryingtobenice.”“You’reprobablyentitled,

butfairwarning,”shesaidlightly.“Iwon’tletyouget

awaywithitagain.”“Thankyou.”Helooked

away.“Thegrief,that’sonething.You’reright.I’llgetoverthatintime.ButbecomingadadtoaboyI’veonlyseenafewtimesbefore...”Heshookhishead.“Ihavenoideahowtodothat.”Hegaveheranotherdoubtfullook.“Anythoughtsonthat?”“Onedayatatime,”she

saidatonce.“Iknowitsoundsglib,butthat’stheonlywaytodoanythingthat’sdifficult,atleastthat’swhatmyfamilyisalwayssaying.Andaskforhelpwhenyouneedit.”“I’vealwaysreliedon

myself.MyparentsarelonggoneandmysisterandI,well,we’dhadourdifferences.Wehadn’tbeenallthatclosethepastfew

years,whichisanotherreasonthiscustodyarrangementcameassuchashock.”Sorrowdarkenedhiseyes.“NowIgettolivewithregretfornotdoingmoretomendfences.Wealwaysthinkwehaveallthetimeintheworldtofixthings.”“I’vefoundthatregretsare

usuallypointless,”shetoldhim.“Thesituationiswhatitis.Youhaveachildto

considernow.Ifyoudorightbyhim,I’msurethat’sallthatwouldreallymattertoyoursister.Andtrustme,whenwordgetsaroundaboutwhatyou’regoingthrough,you’llhaveallthesupportyoucouldpossiblyneed.”Shehesitated,triedtotalk

herselfoutofmakinganimpulsiveoffer,butthenmadeit,anyway.“Infact,ifyouneedanyhelpwithday

care,Icanprobablyhelpout.Idon’trunadaycare,butIwatchmysister’sbabyafewdaysaweek.Severalofmyyoungercousinsstopbyfromtimetotimetohangout.Yournephewwouldbewelcome.Ihaveanendlesssupplyofcookiesonhandandalotofthecoolesttoys.”Forthefirsttimesince

they’dmet,Samsmiled,anditactuallyreachedhiseyes.

Carrie’sheartdidasuddenandentirelypredictableflip,somethingthathadn’thappenedtoherinallthemonthssinceshe’dbeenawayfromEuropeandMarc.Itwasdisconcerting—andveryuntimely,givenherrecentresolutiontoavoidjumpingintoanotherrelationshipanytimesoon.“I’dbettergetbacktothe

pub,”shesaidhurriedly.

“Luke’swaitingforme.AndIhearabowlofthatstewcallingmyname.”“Sure,”Samsaidandheld

upthebag.“Thanksforbringingthistome,andforthecookies.”“Noproblem.And

rememberwhatIsaid,ifyouneedhelp,ask.YoucanalwaysgetmycellphonenumberoraddressfromLukeorMackorSusie.”

Sheturnedandcrossedthestreetquickly.Shehesitatedforjustaninstant,tryingtoassurethattherewasaperfectlyneutralexpressiononherfacebeforeshesawLuke.ShewascarefulnottoglanceoverhershouldertoseeifSamhadleftorevenwaved.Hewasjustaguy,afterall,acustomer.Shedidn’tneedhercousingoingallprotectiveonher.

“Youtooklongenough,”Lukesaid,frowningwhenshefinallywentinside.“You’reluckyIcameback

atall,”sheretorted.“Youknowhowwealldislikebeingorderedtodoanything.AndI’monlyhereforsomeofthatIrishstew,notforoneofyourlectures.”Luke’sscowldeepened.“I

justwanttoknowwhyyouwerewaitingonthatguy.It’s

notasifyouworkhere.Andhewasrude.Imighthavebeeninthekitchen,butI’mnotdeaf.Iheardthewayhetalkedtoyouwhenhefirstcamein.”“Therewereextenuating

circumstances,”shesaid.“Really?Tellme.”Shedebateddoingjustthat,

butdecideditwasn’therstorytotell.“I’msureyou’llbeseeinghimaround.He’s

workingforMack.Getyoursistertofillyouin.Forgetaboutthestew.I’mgoinghome.”“Pleasejusttellmeyou

havenointerestinhimbeyondbeingnicetooneofmycustomers,”hercousinsaid.“WhatifIcan’tsaythat?”“Carrie,comeon.Thatguy

hasissues.”“Noquestionaboutit,”she

agreed.“Don’tyouhaveenough

issuesofyourownwithouttakingonhis?”“I’mnottakingon

anything.I’mbeingfriendly.That’swhatwedoaroundhere.AskMick.”Lukegroaned.“Blastitall!

Ileaveyoualoneinhereforfiveminutesandyoumanagetogettangledupintrouble.”Shelaughedatthe

exaggeration.“Stopfretting.I’mnottangledupinanything,”shesaid,wavingasshewentoutthedoor.Notyet,anyway.

MickwatchedhisgranddaughterwalkawayfromO’Brien’sasifshewereinabighurrytogetsomewhere.Shedidn’teven

turnaroundwhenhecalledouttoher.“What’sgoingonwith

her?”hegrumbledtohiswifeasheheldopenthedoortothepub.“Sincewhendoessheignoreherowngrandfather?”“Whenshedoesn’twantto

talkaboutwhatever’sonhermind,”Megansaid.“Eversinceshecamehome,you’vebeenalloverhertomake

somedecisionsaboutherfuture.Maybeshe’stiredofit.”“Well,sheneedstostop

wastingtime,”hereplied.“Youcan’ttellmeshe’sstillbrokenheartedoverthejerkinEurope.Heobviouslywasn’tgoodenoughforher.”“Notyourcall,”Megan

remindedhim.“It’snotaboutwhetherhewasorwasn’tgoodenoughforher,orabout

howlongitshouldtakehertogetoverhim.”Mickjustscowledathis

wife.HehateditwhenMegangotallreasonableandpointedoutthathecouldn’tcontroleverythingaroundhim,especiallywhenitcametohisownfamily.Okay,shewasusuallyright,butthatdidn’tmeanheshouldstoptryingtomakesurethingsworkedoutthewaytheywere

supposedto.“Hey,UncleMick,”Luke

said.“AuntMegan.Doyouallwantatableorareyougoingtositatthebar?”“We’llsitatthebar,”Mick

toldhim.“ThenyoucanfillusinonwhyCarriewasinsuchastatewhenshelefthere.”“Mick!”Meganprotested.

“Don’tinvolveLukeinthis.”Lukeregardedthemwith

aninnocentexpressionthatMickwasn’tbuyingforasecond.“Wassheinsomekindofa

state?”Lukeinquired,asifhehadn’tnoticedathingoutoftheordinaryabouthermood.Mickfrownedathim.“Did

allyoukidsmakeapacttokeepmeinthedarkaboutthings?”Hisnephewlaughed.“No

pact,”heinsisted.“ButIdid

takeanoathtoprotectmycustomers’privacy.”“Carrie’snotacustomer.

She’sfamily.”“Thenmarchrightonover

toherhouseandaskheryourself,”Lukesuggested,settingapintofaleinfrontofMickandaglassofredwineinfrontofMegan,whowastryinghardtobitebackasmile.“Ungratefulwretch,”Mick

mumbled.“WatchitorI’lltellGram

youwerecallingmenames,”Lukeretorted.“Madoesn’tscareme,”

Micksaid.“Well,sheoughtto,”

Megansaid.“Nowhush.Let’shaveanicedinnerandthengohome.”MicksighedasLukebeata

hastyretreat,leavinghimtostewoverthelackof

information.“You’rebothactingasifI’minthewrongforbeingconcernedaboutmyowngranddaughter,”hetoldMegan.“Notwrong,”shesoothed.

“Justmisguided.Carrie’sagrownwoman.She’llfigurethingsoutforherself.Andtobehonest,Mick,themoreyoupush,theharderyou’llmakethatforher.Stubbornnessisafamilytrait.

You,ofallpeople,oughttoknowthat.”Hescowledathiswife.

“YousayingI’mstubborn?”Shegavehiman

incredulouslook.“Youarethekingofstubborn!”shedeclared.“Butyou’realsocaringandthoughtfulandIwouldn’thaveyouanyotherway.Just,please,thisonce,stopyourmeddling.Itwaspartlybecauseofyourgood

intentionsthatourCaitlynbarelymadeitdowntheaislebeforeherbabywasborn.Learnfrompastmistakes.”“Caitlyn’smarriednow,

isn’tshe?AndeveryoneofourkidsandmybrotherJeff’saresettledandhappy,insomemeasureduetomyso-calledgoodintentions.”“Inspiteof,”Megan

corrected.ShecalledouttoLuke,whowashoveringjust

outofviewinthekitchendoorway.“Luke,bringussomeofthatstew,andhurry,please.MaybeifMick’sstomachisfullofsomegoodold-fashionedIrishfood,he’lltakeabreakfromfrettingaboutCarrie.”Mickfrownedatthe

suggestion.“I’mperfectlycapableofdoingtwothingsatonce,”hetoldher.Sheleanedoverandkissed

hischeek.“Iknow,”shesaidquietly.“More’sthepity.Ifyouneedsomethingelsetochewon,howaboutthis?”Thesuggestionshe

whisperedinhisearforhowtheymightspendtherestoftheeveningprettymuchwipedallthoughtsofhisgranddaughterandherproblemsrightoutofhishead.Hegrinnedathiswife.“Cleverwoman,”he

murmuredapprovingly.“Youhaven’tlovedmeall

theseyearsfornoreason,”shesaidsmugly.Micksighed.Thatwastrue

enough.Evenduringalltheyearsthey’dbeenapart,he’dlovedhertopieces.Ithadjusttakengettingpasthishurtpridetogivehimthecouragetofighttowinherback.Nowthathehad,maybeheshouldn’tbewastingquiteso

muchtimeonfixingeverybodyelse’slives.“I’llmakeyouadeal,”he

offered.“What’sthat?”“Fortherestoftonightyou

havemyfullattention.”“Andthen?”sheasked.“Yourunyourartgallery

duringtheday,andI’lldothethingsIneedtodo.”“Ofcourseyouwill,”she

saidwithasigh.“Butifthat’s

thebestIcanhopefor,atleastCarriewillhavethenightofffromyourinterference.”Mickgaveanodof

satisfaction.HedoubtedCarrie’sproblemwouldresolveitselfovernight.He’dmakeithispriorityfirstthinginthemorning.

Carriewanderedaroundthecottage,halfexpectinghergrandfathertoappearanyminutewithmoreofhisquestionsanddisappointedlookswhenshehadnoanswersforhim.Whenheneverappeared,sheknewsheprobablyhadGrandmaMeganandmaybeevenLuketothank.Oddlyenough,shewould

havewelcomedthe

distractionofoneofGrandpaMick’scross-examinations.ImagesofSamWinslowwerealittletooenticingforhercomfort,especiallywhencounterpointedagainstthedisdainshe’dfeltradiatingfromhimduringtheirconversation.Addinhisboneheadedmoveofleavinghisnephewaloneinthecar,nomatterhowhe’djustifiedit,andhedefinitelywasn’t

someonesheshouldbegivingthetimeofday.Lukehadprobablybeenrightaboutthat.Shewasn’tcrazyaboutacknowledgingthat,either.Whenherphonerang,she

seizedit,gratefulfortheexcusetoescapeherconflictedreactiontotheman.“Whowastheguy?”her

twinaskedthesecondCarrieanswered.

“Excuseme?”“Theguyatthepub,”

Caitlynsaid.“Theonewhogotyoualltiedupinknots.”“Therewasnoguy,”Carrie

said,thenamended,“Well,therewasamanwhocamein.Wehadwords.Iactuallyyelledathim.”“Youyelledathim,”Cait

repeated,soundingshocked.“Whywouldyoudothat?”“Heleftachildaloneinhis

parkedcar.IdiscoveredtheboysoundasleepinthebackseatwhenIwasleavingthepub.”“Sothisguyleftasleeping

childinacar,thencameintothepubtodrink?”“Nottodrink,”Carriesaid

hurriedly.“Toordertakeout.Andtobefair,hewaskeepinganeyeontheboythewholetime,butIfreakedoutjustthesame.”

“Idon’tblameyou.Butthesecondyourealizedtheguywasanirresponsiblejerk,why’dyouhangoutwithhim?”“Ididn’thangoutwith

him,”Carrierepliedimpatiently.“How’dyouhearaboutthis,anyway?”“Noahstoppedbythepub

afterworkwithJackson.HeandLukegottotalking.Lukewasworried.Hethoughthe

detectedsomesparksflyingbetweenthetwoofyou.”“Lukeneverevensawusin

thesameroom,”Carrieargued.“Hedoesn’tknowanything.”“Okay,hehashis

suspicions,”Caitlynsaidwithexaggeratedpatience.“HesharedthemwithNoah.”“PleasetellmeGrandpa

Mickwasnowherearoundwhentheyhadthis

conversation.”“Noahdidn’tmentionour

grandfather.Whywouldyouthinkhewasthere?”“BecauseheandGrandma

MeganweregoinginjustafterIleft.Hecalledouttome,butIpretendednottohearhimandkeptonwalking.”“Oh,boy!”Caitsaid.“I’m

surethatwentoverwell.Don’tyouknowbynowthat

justmakesGrandpaMickmoredeterminedtofindoutwhat’sgoingon?”“Iknow,”Carriesaidwith

asigh.“I’vebeenexpectinghimtoturnuphereeversinceIgothome.”“Soyouapparentlygota

reprievetillmorning,”Caitconcluded.“Nowtellmemoreaboutthisguywho’sajerk.What’shisname?”“SamWinslow.He’sthe

newwebdesignerandtechexpertforMackatthepaper.YouknowhowmuchMackdependsonwhoever’sinthatposition.Hesaysthepaper’swebpresenceiswhat’ssavingitfromfailure.Theguycan’tbeatotalflakeifMacktrustshim.”“Andtheboy?IsSama

singledad?”Carrietoldherwhatshe

knewofhowtheboyhad

cometobewithSam.Thestorywasmetwithanuncomfortablesilence.“Comeon,”shesaid,

resignedtotheinevitable.“Saysomething.Iknowyouwantto.”“Oh,sweetie,youalready

knowwhatI’mgoingtotellyou,”Caitlynsaid,soundingworried.“Stayfar,farawayfromthissituation.You’llgetsuckedin.Iknowyouwill,

andthere’saverygoodchanceyou’llgetyourheartbroken.”“Howcanyousaythat?He

obviouslyneedshelp.”“Notfromyou,”Cait

insisted.“You’revulnerable.Youwantafamilytoomuch.He’lltakeadvantageofthat.”“Nobody’sgoingtotake

advantageofme,”Carrierepliedirritably.“Marcdid,”Caitreminded

hergently.“Thatwasdifferent.”“Itwas,”hersisteragreed.

“Hedidn’thaveachildtosweetentheappeal.”“You’rewrong,”Carrie

said.“I’mgoingtobed.Goodnight.”“Don’thangupangry,”

Caitpleaded.“Justbecareful,that’sallI’msaying.”No,Carriethoughtwitha

sigh.Shewassayingsomuch

more.Worse,justlikeLuke,shewasprobablyright.

Samputthedinnerhe’dorderedatO’Brien’sintothebackseatofhisSUVnexttoBobby.TheboyhadbeensleepingwhilehewastalkingtoCarrieWinters,buthewaswide-awakenowandlookingaroundwithacurious

expression.“Arewehomeyet?”he

askedSam,histoneplaintive.“Justabout,buddy.We’ll

behomeinacoupleofminutes.Istoppedlongenoughtopickupsomedinnerforus.”“Where?Idon’tsee

McDonald’s.”SampointedtoO’Brien’s.

“Seetherestaurantrightacrossthestreet?Dinner

camefromthereandit’sgoingtobedelicious.I’mtoldtheremightevenbesomehomemadecookiesinthebagfordessert.”“Howcomeyoudidn’t

takemewithyou?”“Youweresleeping.”Bobby’sexpressionturned

serious.“Mommyneverleftmealoneinthecar.Shesaiditwastoodangerous,evenwhenItoldherIwasbig

enoughtotakecareofmyself.”Onceagain,allofhis

shortcomingsasaprospectivefatherslappedSamintheface.He’ddiscoveredthatnoonecouldinduceguiltquitelikeasix-year-old...except,perhaps,anindignant,red-hairedstranger.“Yourmomwasabsolutely

right,butyouwerejustafewyardsawayandrightwhereI

couldseeyouthewholetimeIwasinsidetherestaurant,”Samsaidinhisowndefense.HewonderedifthatsoundedashollowtoBobbyasitobviouslyhadtoCarrieWinters?“AndChesapeakeShoresis

alotsaferthanthecity,evenoneassafeasLouisville,”headdedforgoodmeasure.“DoesthatmeanIcanplay

outsidebymyself?”Bobby

askedhopefully.“Mommyneverletmedothat.ShesaidIalwayshadtobewithagrown-up.”Thatsoundedjustlike

Laurel,Samthought.Asfarbackashecouldremembershe’dbeenmakinguprulesandissuingorders.Asakidhe’dresentedit,butwiththehindsightofmaturity,hecouldseethatshe’dbeentryingtomakeupforthe

chaosoftheirfamilylife.Ithadbeenherself-assignedtasktoprotecthim.Recallinghowoftenthey’dbuttedheadsandrecognizingnowhowgoodherintentionshadbeenbroughtthestingoftearstohiseyes.Howhadheletsomestupidargumentcomebetweenthem?“We’llhavetoworkthat

out,”Samhedged,fightingtearsashedrovealongthe

curving,waterfrontroadtotheInnatEaglePoint.He’dvowednottoshowanysignofweaknessinfrontofhisnephew.Bobbyneededtobelieveinhim.“Firstweneedtogetyou

enrolledinschool,soyoucanmakelotsofnewfriendsthisfall,”Samcontinued,injectinganupbeatnoteintohisvoice.“Andweneedtofindarealhousesoyoucan

haveyourownroomandmaybeevenabigyardtoplayin.”Bobby’seyeswidened.

“Youdon’tliveinahouse?”“Notyet.Ijustmoved

here,remember?I’mstayingataninn.Itlooksjustlikeagreatbighouse,though.”“Iwenttoahotelonce.Is

itlikethat?”Hiseyesbrightenedwithexcitement.“Doesithaveroomservice?”

“Ihaven’ttriedit,butIimagineitdoes.Wecancheckthatoutinthemorning.Iknowithasadiningroomwithlotsofwindowssoyoucanseethebayandallthebigbirdslikeospreyandeagles.Icansayforafactthatthepancakesarereally,reallygood.”ThelasthintofBobby’s

uncertaintyvanishedcompletely.“Ilove

pancakes,”hesaidwithasighofsatisfaction.“MommyonlymadethemonSundays,though.”“Well,hereyoucanhave

themanydayyouwantthem,”Sampromised.“Atleastaslongaswe’reattheinn.”Hisnephewfellsilentuntil

theypulledintotheparkinglotoftheinn.“Wow!It’sthebiggesthouseever!CanI

playintheyard?Canwegoswimming?”Hiseyesgrewevenbigger.“Itevenhasapool.Inever,everwanttoleavehere.”Samchuckledathis

suddenburstofenthusiasm.IthadbeeninshortsupplyforthepastcoupleofweeksasSamhaddealtwiththedetailsofthefuneral,puttinghissister’shouseupforsale,andfacingtheshockingnewsthat

he’dbeennamedBobby’sguardian.Hissister’sin-lawshadthreatenedtofighthimforcustodyuntilthelawyerhadconvincedthemthewillwasairtightandthatSamhadtheenergytocopewithaninquisitive,livelysix-year-old,somethingaretiredcoupleintheirsixtiesandlivingonafixedincomemightnotbeabletohandle.“I’mafraidwecan’tstay

hereforever,”hetoldBobby.“Itcostsalotofmoney,butIpromiseyouwe’llpickahousethatyou’regoingtolovejustasmuch.Youcanhelpmedecideontherightone.”Afamiliarfrownsettledon

Bobby’sfaceandSam’sstomachtieditselfintoknots.Hecouldfeelthedisappointmentradiatingfromthebackseat.Howmany

timeswashedestinedtoletthisboydownbeforeeveryonerealizedwhatamistakehadbeenmadeingivinghimcustody?“Sam?”Bobbywhispered

hesitantly.Samturnedandsawtears

dampeningBobby’sroundcheeksandrealizedthiswasaboutmorethanstayingattheinn.“What,buddy?”“Ifwekeepmoving,how

areMommyandDaddygoingtofindus?”Sam’shearttwisted.“We

talkedaboutthat,remember?Yourmommyanddaddycan’tcomeback.They’reinheaven.”“Butyousaidthatevenin

heaven,they’dalwaysbelookingoutforme.Howaretheygoingtofindme?”heasked,hisexpressionwaytooseriousandworriedfora

childhisage.Samhadneverfeltmore

outofhisdepthinhislife.“That’sthethingaboutheaven,”hesaideventually,prayinghewasgettingitright.“Thepeoplewelovewholivetherecanseeuswhereverweare.Yourmomanddadwillalwaysknowexactlywhereyouareandwhentheyaskedmetotakecareofyou,theyknewIwas

inChesapeakeShores.”“Havetheybeenhere?”“No,butI’llbettheyhave

thisamazingGPSthinginheavenandit’salreadyguidedthemrighthere.”“Really?”Samnodded,thoughhe

wascertainofnosuchthing.Hewantedtobelieve.Hereallydid.Butwhatsortofgodtookawayalittleboy’sparentsandlefthimallalone

withanunclewhodidn’thaveaclueabouthowtoraisehimself,muchlessachild?Evenasthosewordscrossedhismind,herememberedLaurelsayingmuchthesamething,tellinghimitwastimetostophisrestlessroamingandgrowup.He’daccusedher—yet,again—oftryingtocontrolhim.Theheatedexchange,oneofmanyinasimilarvein,had

occurredmonthsago,butithadbeenthelaststraw.Afterthathe’dsimplyavoidedtakinghissister’scalls,leavingmessageswhenhe’dknownshewouldn’tbehomesoshewouldn’tworry,butnotwantingtoriskanotherlectureonhisflaws.Despitethedistancethathadgrownbetweenthem,she’dneverstoppedtextingpicturesofBobbyorsendingnoteson

specialoccasions.Tohercredit,she’ddoneallshecouldtokeepthelinesofcommunicationopen,whilehe’dbehavedlikeaspoiledjerk.He’dlivewiththatregrettherestofhislife.Samclimbedoutofthecar,

thenopenedthebackdoortohelpBobbyoutofhisboosterseat,buttheboyhadalreadyscrambledfree.Heracedacrossthewideexpanseof

greenlawntowardthewater,thenturnedbackjustasSamfearedhemightgotopplingstraightovertheedgeofthecliffoverlookingthebay.Hehadtorememberjusthowfastasix-year-oldcouldmoveanddoabetterjobofstayingonhistoesatalltimes.“Comeon,kid.Let’sgoin

andeatdinnerbeforeitgetscold.Thenwecangetyou

settleddownforthenight.We’vehadalongday.Tomorrow’ssoonenoughtodealwithallthecomplicatedstuff.”Andmaybebytomorrow,

he’dhavesomeclueabouthowtodothat.Surprisingly,itwasthememoryofCarrieWinters’simpulsiveoffertohelpoutwithdaycarethatcenteredhimenoughtogetthroughonemorenight.Even

ifhenevertookheruponit,justknowingbackupwasaroundseemedtoeasehispanic.

Carrieknewthattheoddsofgettingthroughthemorningwithoutavisitfromhergrandfatherwerebetweenslimandnone.Toatleastpostponetheinevitable,she

headedtothecaféonMainStreetforbreakfast.Therewasaverygoodchancetherewouldbelotsoffamilyaroundsincemanyofherauntshadstoresnearby,andhergrandmother’sartgallerywasrightaroundthecorner.TheytendedtostarttheirdayatSally’swithcoffee,raspberrycroissantsandconversation.Carriecouldcatchuponthetowngossip

andavoidhergrandfatheratthesametime.ThenshecouldgobyNoah’sandpickupJacksonforthedaysinceNoahhadofficehoursfromearlymorninguntildinnertimeonWednesdays.Sureenough,atSally’sshe

foundherauntsBree,ShannaandHeatheralreadyontheirsecondcupsofcoffee,telltalecrumbsfromtheircroissantsstillontheirplates.Two

raspberryandonechocolate,fromthelookofit.“Didyouleaveanyof

thosecroissantsforme?”shedemandedassheslidintotheboothbesideBree.“Iputachocolateoneaside

foryou,”Sallytoldherwithawinkasshepouredacupofcoffee.“Andthere’saraspberryforyourgrandmotherwhenshegetshere,too.”

“Thankyou,”Carriesaidgratefully.“You’rethebest.”“Ijustknowmycustomers.

Ihearalotoftalkaboutcarbsanddietingwhenyouallareinhere,butthere’snotamorningthatgoesbythatmytrayoffreshcroissantsdoesn’tmagicallydisappear.”AfterSallylefttogether

croissant,Carrieglancedaroundthetableandnotedalltheexpectantlooks.“So,

what’sup?”“Maybeyoushouldtell

us,”Breesuggestedslyly.“Wordonthefamilygrapevineisthatyouhadalittletiffwithamanatthepublastnight.Lukeswearshesawsparks.Hemaybealotofthings,buthe’snotusuallyattunedtothosekindofundercurrents,soI’mguessingtheyhadtobemorelikefireworksforhimto

notice.”Carrietookadeepbreath

asshetriedtoavoidtheseaofcuriousstares.Sheneededastrategytogetoutofthisconversation.Shegazedateachwomanintently,thenbeganinnocently,“Outofmydeeprespectforyouasmyelders...”Beforeshecouldcomplete

thesentence,herwordsdrewtheexpectedhorrifiedgasps.

Shebarelymanagedtocontainachuckleattheirpredictablereaction.“Andbecauseofmydeep

understandingofwhateachofyouwentthroughwithtoomuchmeddlinginyourlives,”shecontinued,thenbeamedatBree,“I’mgoingtoignorethatlineofconversation.”Heatherwasthefirstto

recover.“Nicelyplayed,”she

said,anoteofgrudgingapprovalinhervoice.“Butwedon’thavetolike

it,”Shannaadded.“AndI’mgonnatellyour

motheryoucalledusold,”Breeclaimed,lookingthoroughlydisgruntled.“Sinceshe’solderthananyofus,Idoubtshe’llappreciateit.”Carrielaughed.“Ididn’t

callyouold.Isaidyouwere

myelders.That’sanundeniabletruth.AndIdorespecteachandeveryoneofyou.BesuretotellMomIsaidthat,too.”“Sowe’renotgoingtoget

athingoutofyouabouttheman?”Heatherasked,clearlydisappointed.“Nothingtotell,”Carrie

insisted.“YoucouldalwaysaskSusieabouthim.Theguy’sworkingforMackat

thepaper.They’reboundtohavecrossedpaths.”Allthreewomenpromptly

lookeddismayed.Carriestudiedtheirfaces,thenasked,“What?HassomethinghappenedwithSusie?Iranintoheracoupleofdaysago.Sheseemedfinethen.”“YouknowsheandMack

wantababyintheworstway,”Breesaid.“Sure,”Carriesaid.“They

finallydecidedtoadopt.IthoughtUncleConnorwastryingtohelpwithaprivateadoptionthroughhisoldlawfirminBaltimore.SusiewaspracticallyburstingwithexcitementwhenIsawher.Shesaidthebabywasdueanyminute.”Ahorrifyingthoughtoccurredtoher.“Nothinghappenedtothebaby,didit?”“Notexactly,”Heather

responded.“Notthewayyoumean.”“Thenwhat?”Carrie

asked.“Connorkeptcautioning

themthatthingscouldgowrong,butSusiewassosurethiswasit.Ifyousawher,youknowhowshewasfloatingonair,makingalltheseplans.Andthen,attheverylastminute,themothergottogetherwithher

boyfriendandtheydecidedtokeepthebaby.”“Oh,no,”Carrie

whispered.“Susie’sdevastated.

Connorsaidthelookonherfacewhenhebrokethenewswassomethinghehopednevertoseeagain.NothingMacksaidordidcouldconsoleher.Shesaysshecan’tgothroughthatagain.”“She’sgivingup?”Carrie

asked,genuinelyshocked.O’Briensdidn’tgiveupthateasily,notwhensomethingtrulymatteredasmuchasababymatteredtoSusie.“That’swhatshetold

Connor,”Heatherconfirmed.“Mackthinksshe’llcomearoundonceshegetsoverthislatestdisappointment,butIdon’tknow.Ispoketoherlastnightforabouttwominutes.Shesounded

terrible,buttheonethingsheseemedcertainaboutwasherdecisionthatthiswasit.Iofferedtogooversoshecouldvent,butshesaidshewasn’tinthemoodforcompany,thattherewasnothingmoretobesaid,anyway.”“Andshe’snotherethis

morning,”Shannaadded.“Thelasttimetheygotcloseandtheadoptionfellapart,

shedidn’tleavethehouseforaweek.Thistimecouldbeworse.Shereallythoughtaprivateadoptionwastheanswer,aguaranteeofsomekind,despiteallConnor’swarningsthatthingscouldgowrong.”“She’dactuallypaintedthe

nurserythistime,becausesheknewitwasgoingtobeagirl,”Breesaid.“Iwasovertherejustlastweekandshe

haddrawersfilledwithfrillylittleoutfitsforthebaby.”“That’ssosad,”Carrie

said,unabletoimaginethedepthofSusie’sdisappointment.She’dbeensobraveallthroughherboutwithovariancancer,evenafterfindingoutshe’dneverhavechildrenofherown.Nowthis.“IsthereanythingIcan

do?”Carrieasked.

“Shehastocometous,”Breesaid.“She’lldothatwhenshe’sready.I’mhopingshe’lltalktoJess.Forbeingsuchrivalswhentheywerekids,theyformedareallyclosebondduringSusie’scancertreatments.Maybeshe’llopenuptoher.”“Andifshedoesn’t?”

Carrieasked,notlikingtheideaofSusiegoingthroughthisalone.Familieswere

supposedtosticktogetherintimesofcrisis,evenwhenthepersonpushedthemaway.ThatwasanotherofthelessonsNellhadtaughtallofthem.“Thenwe’llgotoherina

fewdays,”Heatherassuredher.“You,too,ifyouwanttocome.”Shesighed.“AlthoughrightnowIhaveanewbabyathome.I’mnotsurehowshefeelsaboutthat.

Shesaysalltherightthings,butI’veseenthestrickenlookonherfacewhenshehastobearoundthebaby.”“SohaveI,”Shannasaid.

SheandCarrie’suncleKevinhadjusthadanotherchild,aswell.“Sheskippedthewholechristeningandthepartyafterward.Shehadanexcuse,butitwasprettyflimsy.”“Itmustjustaboutkillher

tobearoundallthesebabies

inourfamily,”Breesaid.“Butwecan’tfeelguiltyaboutit.Allwecandoistrytobeunderstandingandsupportive.”Carriesatbackinherseat

andsighed,thinkingofSamandhowhe’dbecomeadadwhenheleastexpectedit.Didheappreciatewhatagiftthatwas?Maybeintimehewould,butrightnowtherewaslittlequestionthathewas

strugglingwithit.AndtherewasSusie,desperatetoholdachildofherown,butrunningoutofoptions.Lifesometimestrulywasunfair.NellwouldassurethemallthatGodhadaplan,butCarriesurewishedHe’dletthemallinonit.

Mackwasathiswit’send.

SusiehadbeensittingonthedeckoftheirhomeonBeachLaneforhours,staringoutatthebayandclutchingthehandmadebabyquiltshe’dboughtatHeather’sshop.He’dknownwhenshe’d

broughtithomethatthequiltwasabadideaandthatpaintingthenurseryandbuyingaboatloadofbabyclotheswereevenworseideas,butSusiehadn’tbeen

deterred.She’dbelievedwitheveryfiberofherbeingthatthistimetheyweregoingtogettheirchild,adaughter,accordingtoConnor’sformerassociateinBaltimore,thelawyerhandlingthearrangements.“Babe,comeinside,”he

begged.“Youneedsomesleep.”Sheshookherhead.“Not

yet.”

“Youwereouthereallnight.”Heknewbecausehe’dawakenedtoanemptybed.He’dcheckedonherhalfadozentimesduringthenight,butshe’drefusedtocomebacktobed.Heavingaresignedsigh,

Mackbroughthiscoffeeandjoinedheronthedeck,ignoringthelookthattoldhimshe’dprefertogorightonbeingalone.

Hesetthecoffeeaside,thenpulledhischaircloseenoughtoreachforherhand.Eventhoughitwasawarmmorning,herhandwaslikeiceandtrembledinhis,butatleastshedidn’tpullaway.Susiewasthebravest,most

courageouswomanhe’deverknown.He’dneverseenherthisdefeated,notevenwhenshe’dbeenbattlingcancerandsickenedbychemoand

radiation.She’dhadhershareofdownmoments,herdoubtsaboutherfuture,butthiswasdifferent.Therewasasteelyresolvebehindherdecisiontogiveup,onethatleftlittleroomforargumentorhope.“Iloveyou,”hetoldher,

holdingontight,willinghertodrawonhisstrength.Sheturnedandgavehima

vaguesmile.“Iknow.”“Areyoureadytotalk

aboutthis?”Onceagainsheshookher

head.“Whatistheretotalkabout?”“Whatwe’regoingtodo

next,”hesuggested.“Nothing,”shesaidflatly.

“It’sover.”“It’sonlyoverifwegive

up.”“Well,that’swhatI’m

doing.I’mgivingup.”Sheturnedandgavehiman

earnestlook.“Ican’tgothroughthisagain,Mack.NowIhavesomeideaofhowwomenfeelaftermiscarriages.Theycarrythislittlebabyinsideofthem,insidetheirhearts,evenifonlyforafewweeks,andthenit’sover.There’snobabytohold.”“Therightbabywillcome

along,”heinsisted,thoughheknewnosuchthing.“Orwe

couldlookintoanolderchildadoption.Thinkofallthechildrenwhoneedlovingfamilies,kidswho’vebouncedaroundinfostercare.Wecouldopenourheartsandourhometothem.Maybethat’swhatwe’remeanttodo.”Susieclosedhereyesand,

hesuspected,herears,toblockouthiswords.“Ican’tdoit,Mack.Pleasedon’thate

me,butIcan’t.”Mackwasn’tsurewhatto

say.Susiehadalwaysbeenmorecertainaboutparenthoodthanhewas.Ithadbeenherdreamand,becausehelovedhersoblasteddeeply,he’dwantedtogiveherthat,nomatterhowthechildcameintotheirlives.Hecouldacceptherdecisionandmoveon,butheknewinhishearttheday

wouldcomewhenshe’dregretit.Maybeheneededtoacceptherdecisionfornow,thenbringthisupagainwhenthislatestwoundwasn’tsofresh.Sheglancedhisway.

“HaveyouheardfromSam?How’shecopingwithlosinghissister?”“He’sdoingokay,Ithink,”

Macksaid,relievedtohavehershowaninterestin

something,evenifshewasonlydoingittochangethesubject.“Theaccidentcameasaterribleshock,butthere’smore.He’sreeling,infact.”Realinterestsparkedinher

eyes.“Why?Whatelsehappened?”“Hissisterandbrother-in-

lawnamedhimguardianoftheirson,asix-year-oldboy.”Shockspreadacrossher

face.“Sam’sadad?Justlike

that?”Mackhesitated,sensing

thatthenewshadstirredenvyasmuchassurprise.Heshouldhaveconsideredthatandkeptquiet,butitwasouttherenow.“Itwasashocktohim,

too,”Mackreported.“Hesaidhe’dtellmemorewhenhegotbacktotown.Ithinkhewashopingtomakeitbylastnight.Iimaginehe’llcheckin

latertoday.Itoldhimtotakeaslongasheneeds.Wecanmanageokayatthepaperforanotherweek,ifheneedsthatlongtodealwiththesituation.Evenlonger,ifneedbe.”Thatvacantstarereturned

toSusie’seyes.“Samhasason,”shemurmured.“Ofallpeople.”“Hey,”Mackprotested.

“Sam’sagoodguy.”

“Isupposeso.He’satalentedwebdesigner,forsure,andatechgeniustohearyoutellit,butcomeon,Mack,doyoureallyseehimasdadmaterial?”“I’mthelastpersontoask

aboutthat.Idon’tknowwhatittakestobeagoodfather.”“Reliability’sagoodplace

tostart,”shesaid.“Samisreliable.”“Heleftyouinthelurch

rightafterhestartedonthejob,”shesaid,acriticalnoteinhervoice.“Babe,hissisterand

brother-in-lawwerekilled.Didyouexpecthimnottoattendthefuneral?”“Well,hehasn’texactly

settleddown,hashe?He’sstilllivingattheinn.”Macksuspectedshewas

utteringthesejudgmentsforareason,onehedidn’t

particularlylike.“He’donlybeenhereacoupleofweeks,hardlyenoughtimetofindahouseorevenanapartment,”hesaid,defendingSam.“Whereareyougoingwiththis,Suze?”“Howmanyjobshashe

heldoverthepastfewyears?Three?Four?Whatkindofmandoesthat?”sheaskedwithoutrespondingtohisquestionabouthermotives.

“Someonewho’stalentedandverymuchindemandinanewfield,”Mackreplied,notsurewhyhewassoardentlydefendingamanhebarelyknewhimself,buthavingthefeelingthatheneededtomakehispositionclear.Susieseemedtobeheadinginaworrisomedirection.She’dlikedSamwellenoughwhenthey’dhadhimoverfordinner.Thishad

tobeabouttheboy,thoughMackhopedhewaswrongaboutthat.“Weshouldgoovertothe

innandseehowthey’redoing,”shesaidoutoftheblue,standingupandprovingthatMack’sinstinctshadbeenrightontarget.“Thismorning?You

haven’tsleptawink.Youneedrestmorethanyouneedtoberunningaroundpaying

socialcalls.”Shefrownedathim.“I

wanttoseeformyselfhowSam’scopingwithachildtocarefor.”SinceMackhadbeen

prayingforadistractionforSusie,evenoneasmisguidedashewassurethisonewas,hetoldhimselfhecouldcontrolthesituationandgavein.“Whileyoutakeashower,

I’llcallJesstoseeifhe’sback.Ifheis,we’llgowhenyou’redressed,”hesaid.“Whywait?”sheasked,

givinghimabewilderedlook.“Becauseyou’vebeen

wearingthatsamerobeforthepasttwodays.Youcan’tgoanywhereinthat.”Sheglanceddownasif

surprisedbythereminder.“Iwon’ttakelong,”shepromised.“Iknowyouneed

togettowork.Goahead,ifyouwantto.Icanstopbyonmyown.”“Notachance.I’mgoing

withyou,”Macksaid.Heneededtoseeforhimselfifhiswifeintendedsomethingmorethanakindheartedvisittoanemployeewho’djustsufferedaterribleloss.Susieleveledaknowing

gazestraightathim.“I’mnotjumpingoffthedeepend,”

shetoldhim.“IknowIcan’tgoswoopinginandtakealittleboyawayfromSam,nomatterhowdesperateImightbefeeling.”Mackwasrelievedtohear

herexpresshisexactconcern.“I’mgladtohearthat’snotwhatyouwerethinking.”Shetouchedhischeek.“I

loveyouforcaringsomuchandforworryingaboutme.I’msad,butI’mnotcrazy.”

Hepulledherintohisarms.“Inever,forevenasecond,thoughtyouwere.”Afaintsmiletuggedather

lips.“Itcrossedyourmind,MackFranklin.Don’tyoudaretrytodenyit.Ihonestlycan’tblameyou.IhavebeensittingaroundherewallowingeversinceConnortoldusweweren’tgoingtogetourbaby.I’llprobablywallowsomemorebeforeI’mdone.”

Herestedhischinonthetopofherheadandheldherclose.“Takeallthetimeyouneed.AndifcheckingonSamandhisnephewwillreassureyousomehow,I’mallforit.Iimaginehe’llappreciatethegesture.Hemustbefreakingoutaboutnow.”“Ihopenot,”shesaid,her

expressionturningwistful.“Ihopehe’sonhisknees

thankingGodforthegifthe’sbeengiven.”Macktuckedafingerunder

herchin.“Suze,ifhe’snottherejustyet,itdoesn’tmeanhewon’tgetthere.Lookhowlongit’stakenmetobelieveIcouldbeadecentparent.Aftergrowingupwithpoorexamplesinmylife,Ihadmoredoubtsthananyonecouldimagine,butyoubelievedinme.Sodidyour

family.Samneedsoursupport,notsomebodywaitinginthewingstosnatchthatchildawayatthefirstsignofamisstep.”“Iknowthat,”shesaid,

indignationinhervoice,evenasshewascarefultoavoidhisgaze.Mackwishedshewerehalf

asconvincingasshe’dobviouslyintendedtobe.Instead,hefearedwhatmight

happenifsheseizedonthesituationtofilltheemptyspaceinherheart.Thepastfewdaysofdespairwouldseemlikeapicniccomparedtotheheartacheinstoreifthathappened.

WithSusiestillverymuchonhermind,CarriewalkedthefewblockstothehousethathadbeenconvertedintoNoah’smedicalofficesonthegroundfloor.Theupstairshadbeenturnedintoacozyapartmentforhim,Caitand

thebaby.OnceCaitwasfinishedwithhermedicaltrainingandhomeforgood,itwouldprobablybemuchtoosmallforagrowingfamily,butfornowGrandpaMickhadconverteditintoawarm,welcominghome.Itwastoobad,Carriethought,thathertwinwasrarelyheretoenjoyitorherfamily.Carrieusedherkeytothe

sideentrancetotheoffices

andfoundNoah’snurse,WendyKaine,alreadythere,bustlingaroundinthebrightlypaintedexaminingrooms,gettingreadyforanotherbusyday.“Youheretopickupthe

littleman?”Wendyaskedwithagrinasawailcarriedallthewayfromupstairs.“Goodluck.Heseemstobeexpressinghimselfquiteclearlytoday.Heisnota

happylittleboy.”Carriewincedatthesound.

Noah,whopridedhimselfonsoothingevenhismostdifficultyoungpatients,mustbeathiswit’sendaboutnow.“Icouldhideoutdownheretillhisdaddygetshimcalmeddown,”shewhisperedtoWendy.“Coward,”thenurse

accused.“Marchrightonupthereandshowthetwoof

themwho’sboss.”“Noah’sprobablytryingto

makehimeatmoreofthatboringbabycerealagain,”Carriesaid.“Jacksonreallyhatesthatstuff.IguessIshouldgoupandsavehim.”“Himwho?Jacksonor

Noah?”Wendyasked.“I’msurethebabywillappreciateit.Noah,too.IknowIwill.”Carriehurriedupthesteps,

tappedonthedoortothe

livingquarters—notthatitcouldlikelybeheardoverthebaby’snoisysobs—andwentinside.Sureenough,Noahhada

spooninhishand,afrustratedexpressiononhisface,andfarmorecerealonhisshirtthancouldpossiblybeinthelittleboywhowaswavinghisfistsandhadbig,fattearsrollingdownhischubbycheeks.

JacksonspottedCarrieandimmediatelyheldouthisarms.Adroolingsmilelituphisface.ShegrinnedatNoah,then

passedhimandpickeduptheeight-month-old.“That’sright,sweetie.AuntCarrieisheretosaveyoufromhavingtoeatthatnastyoldcereal.”Noahfrownedather.

“You’vebeentellingmeheeatsitforyou.”

Sheleanedcloser,thebabyclingingtightlytoher.“Wanttoknowmysecret?”“Please,”hesaid,sounding

alittledesperate.“Imixinalittle

applesauce.Helovesapplesauce.”Noahclosedhiseyes.“Of

course.Whydidn’tIthinkofthat?”“Becauseyouprobably

nevertastedthecereal

yourselfandhadnoideahowawfulitis.IbelievepeacheswerethefruitofchoiceforCaitandme.Andintheinterestoffulldisclosure,Ididn’tdreamthisuponmyown.MomgavemethetipafterI’dspentaweekwashingcerealoutofmyhair.”Noahlaughedthen.“Ifeel

awholelotbetternow.”Hisexpressionsobered.“Yousay

thisworkedforyouandCait?”Carrienodded.“Hmm.Shenever

suggestedit,either.I’mthinkingmywifedeliberatelyomittedafewhelpfultipswhensheleftmeincharge.”“Couldbe,”Carrieagreed.

“Shedoesliketofeelsuperior.Now,go.Changeshirtsandgettowork.Ihavethingsundercontrolhere.As

soonasIhaveJacksonfedandcleanedup,we’llheadonovertomyhousesopeaceshouldreignhereforyouandyourpatients.”“Thankyou,”Noahsaid,

histoneheartfelt.“Imeanit,Carrie.Idon’tknowwhatwe’ddowithoutyou.Thefirstcoupleofmonths,whenJacksonwaswithCaitinBaltimoresoshecouldbreast-feedhim,Ihadnoidea

ofwhatshemustbegoingthrough,evenwithhelp.Iwassosureitwouldbeeasierformehere,withfamilyallaround.I’madoctor.Idealwithsickkidsonadailybasis.They’renotusuallyinthebestmood,butthey’remostlysaintscomparedtomyownson.”“Jacksonisasweetlittle

angel,”shecorrected.Noahsmiled.“Well,it’sa

goodthingyou’resmitten.OtherwiseI’dbeupacreek.Thanksagainforpitchingin.”Hisexpressionturnedserious.“Iwantyoutoletmeknowifitgetstobetoomuchforyou,ifwe’retakingadvantage.”“Nottoworry.Ilove

havingJacksonwithme,”sheassuredherbrother-in-law.“Butitdoesn’tleavemuch

timefor...”Hisvoicetrailedoff.

“Forwhat?”sheasked,forcingasmile.“Mybusyscheduleofwatchingthegrassgrow?Mynonexistentsociallife?Pursuingmyexcitingcareerpath?”Atherundisguisedbitter

tone,worryimmediatelyspreadacrosshisface.“Carrie,areyouokay?Seriously?Doyouwanttotalkaboutanyofthis?Icanmaketime.”

“Absolutelynot.IthinkoneofthethingsIlovemostaboutwatchingthebabyisthathedoesn’taskquestionsIcan’tanswer.IhaveGrandpaMickdoingenoughofthat.AndMom.EvenCaitgetsinashotfromtimetotime.”“I’mhappytolisten,

though,”Noahsaid.“Beinganoutsider,Imightbeabletogiveyouadifferentperspective.”

“Noah,Iloveyouforwantingtohelp,butwe’retalkingabouttheO’Briens.Ihavesomanyperspectivesaboutmylife,myheadisspinning.I’llfigureitout,evenifit’snotontheirtimetable.”“Ofcourseyouwill,”he

saidwithconfidence.“I’llbebytogetJacksonlater.”“OrIcanbringhimback,”

sheoffered.“Whichever’s

easiestforyou.Justletmeknow.”AssoonasNoahhadgone,

shesatthebabybackdown,mixedsomeapplesauceintohiscerealandspooneditintohismouthatasteadyclip.Hegaveheratoothlesssmilethatalwayswarmedherheart.Today,thinkingofSusie’s

longingtohaveachildandherownfantasyaboutafamily,thatsmilemadeher

heartache.WhenwoulditbeSusie’sturn?Orhers?

Firstthinginthemorning,withBobbyupandeagerforthepromisedpancakes,Samdugoutsomewrinkledbutcleanclothesforhisnephew,thentookhimdowntotheinn’sdiningroom.TohissurprisehefoundMackand

SusieFranklininthefoyer.Susie’sgazeimmediatelylockedonBobbyandasmilespreadacrossherface.“Youmustbetheyoung

manI’vebeenhearingsomuchabout,”shetoldBobby.Bobbyregardedhershyly,

thenhidbehindSam.Samkneltdownanddrewtheboyupbesidehim.“Bobby,thisisMackFranklin.He’smybossatthenewspaper.Andthisis

hiswife,Mrs.Franklin.”“CallmeSusie,please,”

shesaid,hergazeneverleavingBobby.“WhenIcalledthis

morningtoseeifyou’dmadeitback,Jesstoldmeyougotinlastnight,”Macksaid.“Didthetripgookay?”“Itwassmoothenough.I

shouldhaveletyouknowwe’dmadeitbacktotown,”Samapologized.

“Absolutelynot.Youhadalottodotogetsettled,I’msure,”Macksaid.“Infact,Susieinsistedoncomingoverrightawaytoseewhatshecoulddotohelpout.”HegaveSamareassuringlook.“Thingsmustfeelprettyoverwhelmingaboutnow,butyou’renotinthisalone,okay?Iwanttomakesureyouknowthat.Weallwanttohelp.”

“Iappreciatethat,”Samsaid,beginningtoseewhatCarriehadbeentalkingabout.Eventhoughhewasnewtotownpeoplewerewillingtopitchin.Hehatedthatoneofthemhappenedtobehisboss,amanherespectedandwantedtoimpress.Hecouldn’thelpwonderingwhatMackthoughtofthechaosthathadsuddenlybecomehislife.

“I’mnotentirelysurewheretostart,”Samadmittedcandidly,thengrinnedatBobby’simpatienttugonhisjeans.“Excepttogetsomepancakesintomyboyhere.”“Yeah!”Bobbysaid.“Well,Icandefinitelyhelp

withthat,”Susiesaid.“I’llgointhekitchenandspeaktothechefmyself.”Bobbyregardedher

hopefully.“CanIcome,too?

Iwanttoseewheretheymakethepancakes.WhenIgetbig,Iwanttomakethemmyself.”“Absolutely,”Susieagreed

andheldoutherhand.SheturnedtoMack.“Whydon’tyougrabatablebythewindowsowecanseethewater?”AssheandBobbyleft,

Mackwatchedthemgowithasurprisinglyworried

expression.“Somethingwrong?”Sam

askedhimastheymadetheirwaytoatable.Mackshookoffwhatever

wastroublinghimandforcedasmile.“No,nothingforyoutoworryabout.Doyouneedmoretimeoff?LikeItoldyouwhenyoucalledtheotherday,Icanmanageforanotherweek.Imightnothavethecreative-designexpertiseyou

have,andIdefinitelydon’thaveyourtechskills,butIcanpoststoriesandpictures.”HeregardedSamwithconcern.“Youmusthavealistamilelongofthingsyouneedtodotoadjusttohavingcustodyofyournephew.”“Youhavenoidea,”Sam

said.“Thankgoodnessmysisterandbrother-in-lawhadtheforesighttohaveawill.Toomanyyoungcouples

thinkthey’reimmortal,accordingtothelawyer.Hesaysit’scriticaltoplanaheadwhentherearechildrentoconsider.Theyevenhadasmalllife-insurancepolicythatwillbesetasideforBobby’seducation.”Heshookhishead.“It’s

hardtoimaginemysisterbeingquitesoorganized.Neitheroneofusthoughtmuchbeyondournextmeal

whenwewerekids.”“Maybethat’swhy,”Mack

suggested.“Kidswhogrewupinachaotichouseholdoftenfeelthegreatestneedforasenseofstability.And,incaseyou’rewondering,Iknowthatfromexperience.”HegaveSamaruefullook.“Ofcourse,IhadtogothroughaplayboystageandacareercrisisbeforeIfiguredoutwhatIreallyneededand

gotmylifeontrack.”MaybeSamwasmorelike

Mackthanhe’drealized.Hecertainlyhadn’tchangeddramaticallyfromhisearlydaysofwantingtoseizewhateveradventurecamealongnext.Now,though?HeneededtofigureouthowtodothewholestablethinginahurryforBobby’ssake.“Maybethatexplainsit,”

hesaid,thoughhewasstill

skeptical.Shemighthavebossedhimaroundlikeamatureadult,butshe’dhadherownwildmomentsbeforeshe’dmarried.“IthinkitwasprobablyRobert’sdoing.Laurel’shusbandwasarealsteadyguy.Moneyinthebankeveryweekforthefuture,oilchangedinthecar,tiresrotatedorreplacedrightonschedule.Itwasironic,really,thatitwasafaultytire

blowingthatcausedtheircartospinoutofcontrolonabusyhighway.”“Thatjustshowsthatwe

can’talwaysplanforeverycurvelifemightthrowatus,”Macksaid.“I’msosorry,Sam.”Samnodded,unexpected

tearsoncemorethreatening.“Me,too,”hesaid,hisvoicechoked.Hesighedheavily,thenadded,“AllIknow

aboutthefutureisthatIneedtoenrollBobbyinschoolthismorning.Afterthat,Idon’thavearealplan.”“Schooldoesn’tstartfor

almostamonth,”Mackremindedhim.“There’snorush.WhynotwaitatleasttillMonday?Ifyouneedtohaveanypaperworkexpedited,I’msuresomeoneinthefamilywillbeabletohelp.Susie’scousinConnorisalawyer.

Andheruncle,MickO’Brien,cangetjustaboutanythingdonearoundherewithaphonecall.GiveBobbyafewdaystogetusedtobeinghere,lethimgetfamiliarwiththetown,meetafewkids.Giveyourselftimetogetyourfeetbackunderyou,too.”“Ijustthoughtmaybeifhe

wasenrolledinschoolandknewtherewasgoingtobeafamiliarroutine,he’dfeel

moresettled,”Samsaid.“I’mnotsurehequiteunderstandsthatthisishishomenow.HesaysalltherightwordsaboutknowingMommyandDaddyareinheaven,butIjusthavethissensehestillexpectsthemtofindtheirwaybacktohim.”“Thatmustkillyou,”Mack

said,thenhesitated.“Look,Imaythinkabreakbeforehehastothinkaboutanything

exceptbeingakidmightbegood,butrunitbySusie.She’ssmarteraboutthissortofthingthanIam.ItjustseemstomeBobby’salreadyhadtomakealotofbigadjustments.Acoupleofextradaystohangoutwithyoumightmakehimfeelmoresecure.Youguysprobablyneedsomeseriousbondingtime.”Samnodded.“Thatdoes

makesense.And,likeyousaid,maybeit’llhelpmetowrapmyheadaroundeverythingthat’shappened,too.”“Whataboutaplaceto

live?”Mackasked.“I’msureJesswillgiveyouabreakhere,ifyouneedtostayonforawhilelonger.”“Shementionedthatwhen

Igotbacklastnight,”Samresponded.“Butas

convenientandwonderfulastheinnis,it’snotalong-termsolution.ThesoonerIcanfindapermanentplaceforus,thebetteritwillbe.”“Icanhelpwiththat,”

Susiesaid,returningjustintimetooverhear.“Iknoweverypropertyintownthat’savailableforrentorforsale.Anypreference?”“I’dplannedtorentasmall

apartment,ifthereissucha

thinginChesapeakeShores,butnow...”Hisvoicetrailedoffandheshrugged.“Bobbyneedsstability,somaybeahouse.”“Iagree,”Susiesaid

enthusiastically.“AndIalreadyknowtheperfectone.It’snottoobigandit’sonWillowBrookRoad,whichisawonderfulstreetwithlotsofshadetreesandniceyards.Thereareseveralchildren

Bobby’sageonthestreet,andalotofthekidsinourfamilyareovertherealot,too.Mycousin’sdaughterlivesthereandshewatchesthemafterschoolfromtimetotime.”“Carrie?”Samasked.Astartledlookpassed

acrossSusie’sface.“Howonearthdidyouknowthat?”“Iranintoherlastnight

whenIwaspickingupdinner

atO’Brien’s.Shementionedshehaschildreninandoutallthetime.”“It’snotaformaldaycare

oranythinglikethat,”Susieexplained.“Carriejusthappenstobereallygoodwithchildren,soalltheO’Brienlittleonesgravitatetoher.Theadultstaketerribleadvantageofthat.Ithinkweallknowthatsoonerorlatershe’lldecideonanewcareer

andgobacktotheglamorouslifesheusedtolive,butinthemeantime,she’sagodsend.”ThementionofCarrie’s

previouslyglamorouslifesetoffalarmsforSam.Itonlyconfirmedwhathe’dguessedthepreviousnightjustlookingatherinanoutfitevenhecouldtellhadn’tcomeoffarackatadiscountstore.Hadn’thealreadyexperiencedonedisastrous

relationshipthatendedbecausehe’dratherspendhismoneyonadventuresthanclothes?MaybeCarrieWinters,despiteherthoughtfuloffer,wasn’tthebestpersontobringintoBobby’slife...orhis,especiallyifherfutureinChesapeakeShoreswasasuncertainasSusiehadjustsuggested.Bobbydidn’tneedtoformanattachmentto

anotherpersonwhomightdisappearfromhislifeatanymoment.Hehesitatedabouteven

consideringahousejustdownthestreetfromCarrie.Itseemedlikeareallybadidea.ButlookingintoSusie’sexpectantface,heknewhecouldn’taffordtoignoreahousewithrealpotential,especiallyinatownwherehealreadyknewrealestatecame

atapremiumandwasinshortsupply.“Sure,let’stakealook,”he

said.“I’llgiveyouacallandwecansetitup.”“Youdon’twanttolook

thismorning?Ihavetime.”“Don’tpush,”Macksaid

quietly.“Samhasalottodo.”“Anythingmoreimportant

thanthis?”Susieasked,hervoicetight.WithMack’ssteadygaze

holdinghers,shefinallybackeddown.ShereachedinherpurseandhandedSamabusinesscard.“Callmewheneveryou’reready.Buthousesdon’tstayonthemarketlonghere,”shecautioned.Samnodded,thenturnedto

Bobby,notingthathewasmakingslowbutsteadyprogressthroughastackofpancakesmoresuitedto

Sam’sappetitethanaboy’s.“Youdoingokay,buddy?”Bobbynoddedhappily,his

mouthfull.Whenhe’dswallowed,hetookabiggulpofmilkandsaid,“Youwereright,Sam.Thesearethebest,evenbetterthanMom’s.”Asifhe’dsuddenly

realizedwhathesaid,hissmilefaded.“IsitokaythatIlikethem?”hewhispered.“It

won’tmakeMommad,willit?”“Noway,”Samsaid.

“Yourmomonlywantedtheverybestforyoualways,whetheritwaspancakesor...”HesearchedhismindforsomethingsufficientlyyuckytoappealtoBobby’ssenseoftheridiculous.Hegrinned.“Orescargots.”Bobbywrinkledhisnose.

“What’sthat?”heasked

suspiciously.“Snails,”Samtoldhim.WithSusieandMack

fightingsmiles,Bobbymadeagaggingsound.“Momwouldnevermakemeeatsnails.”HegaveSamawarylook.“You’renotgonna,either,areyou?”“Theyareconsidereda

delicacy,”Samtoldhim.Bobby’sjawset

stubbornly.“Idon’tcare.I’m

noteatingthem.”Samlaughedandruffled

hishair.“Okay.Goodtoknowwhereyoudrawthelinewhenitcomestofood.Nosnails.”“Nosnails,”Bobby

repeatedfervently.Hebouncedinhisseat.“Whatarewegonnadotoday?”SamglancedatMack,then

backathissuddenlyeagernephew.“IthoughtI’dplay

hookyandwecouldcheckouttheshopsonMainStreet,maybespendsometimeonthebeachorswiminthepool.AndIthinkIsawaplaygroundonthetowngreen.Wouldyouliketocheckthatout?”“Allright!”Bobbysaid

withafistpumpthathadeveryoneatthetablesmiling.Sambreathedinasighof

relief.Finally,afterdaysof

awkward,disapprovingsilencesanddifficultchoicesthathadBobbyshiftingfromtantrumstooutrightrebellions,itseemedSamhadgottensomethingexactlyright.Unfortunately,itwasmostlythankstoMack’sinstinctsandnothisown.

EvenaftergivingJacksona

bathanddressinghimincleanclothesafterthecerealdebacle,CarriediscovereditwasstillsurprisinglypleasantforamorninginearlyAugust.Ratherthanpushinghisstrollerstraightovertoherhouse,sheheadedforMainStreetandthenShoreRoad.HerfirststopwasGrandma

Megan’sartgallery,whichwascurrentlyshowinganexhibitionofMoira’slocal

photographs,manyofthemtakenofO’Brienchildren,aswellasotherChesapeakeShoresresidents.Luke’swifehadbecomeasurprisinglysuccessfulphotographerthankstoMegan’scontactsintheNewYorkartworld.OutofloyaltytoMegan,Moiraalwaysinsistedonashowhereintowninlatesummer.Ithadtheaddedadvantageofgivingherasolidstretchof

timeathomewithLuke.WhenGrandmaMegan

spottedCarriewiththebaby,sherushedovertoholdopenthedoor.“There’smyprecious

boy,”shecooed,leaningdowntoscoopJacksonoutofthestroller.“I’mdelightedtoseeyou,

too,”Carriesaid,amusedbyhergrandmother’scompletelackofinterestinanything

otherthanherfirstgreat-grandchild.Meganglancedupather.

“Ifussedoveryoufromthedayyouwereborn.It’sJackson’sturnnow.”Shebouncedthebabyinherarms.“You’realmosttoobigformetohold.”“I’dsuggestyounot

bouncehimquitesoenergetically,”Carriecautioned.“He’sjustfinished

hisbreakfast.”“Itwouldn’tbethefirst

timesomeoneinthisfamilyspitupalloveroneofus,”Megansaiddismissively.“Didn’tyoubuythatscarf

inPariswhenyouandGrandpaMickwentthereforyoursecondhoneymoon?”Carrieasked.“Isn’tityourfavorite?”Hergrandmotherglanced

downandshrugged.“I’lljust

makeyourgrandfathertakemebacktobuyanotherone.”“Andhe’ddoitwithout

battinganeye,wouldn’the?”Carriesaid,envyingthemthedevotionthey’dfoundtogetherthesecondtimearound.Apparentlysomethingin

hervoicealertedMeganthatCarriewasinanoddmood.ShereturnedJacksontohisstrollerwithalittlepat,then

turnedtoCarrie,givingherthefullattentionshe’dapparentlyconcludedwasrequired.“Wouldyoucareforsometea?It’sIrishBreakfasttea,Nell’sfavorite.”“Weshouldbegoing.

You’reprobablybusy.”“I’mnevertoobusyfora

visitwithyou.Sit.I’llgetthetea.”Whenshecameback,

Carriewaspushingthe

strollerbackandforthandwatchingJacksonfightsleep.“Here’syourtea,”Megan

said,handingherthedelicate,old-fashionedchintz-patternedteacup.“Nowtellmewhat’sonyourmind.”“I’matlooseends,”Carrie

admitted.“Nonewsthere,”her

grandmotheragreed.“Anythoughtsaboutwhatyouintendtodoaboutit?”She

gaveheraslylook.“Otherthanavoidingadvicefromyourgrandfather,thatis?”Carriegrinned.“How’d

youguess?”“Thewayyoutookoff

fromthepubasifyoudidn’thearhimcallingafteryoulastnight,”Megansaid.“Andthefactthatyou’reinhererightnow,ratherthaninyourownhousewhereyoucouldputthebabydownforhisnap.”

“YouknowhowGrandpaMickis,”Carriesaid.“Imostcertainlydo,”

Meganreplied.“Thatsaid,notallofhisideasshouldbedismissedsoreadily.”“ButIneedtofindmyown

ideas,”Carrieargued.“Isn’tthatthewholepointofgrowingup,tofigureoutwhatwe’remeanttodo?Youdidn’texactlyhaveahandleonit,didyou?Youwerehow

oldandhadfivekidsathome,whenyoudecideditwasn’tenough,divorcedGrandpaMick,movedtoNewYorkanddiscoveredhowmuchyoulovedartandworkinginagallery?”“Touché,”hergrandmother

said.“Buttherewasalittlemoretothedivorcethanmyrunningofftofindmyself.”“Iknowthat.Itwas

becauseGrandpaMickwasa

workaholicandyoufeltlikehe’dabandonedyoutobeasinglemom,stuckathomewithfivekids.”Megansmiledatwhateven

Carrieknewtobeasimplisticversionofaverydifficulttimeinhergrandparents’marriage.“Thatdoessumitup,”

Meganacknowledged.“Oratleasttheheartofwhathappened.Here’sthe

differencebetweenyouandme.Ididn’tknowjusthowunhappyIwasforaverylongtime,andIhurtalotofpeoplewhenItookoff,includingyourmotherandyourauntsanduncles.I’vespentalotoftimemakingamendsforthat.Youhavetheadvantageofbeingonyourown.Now’stheperfecttimeforyoutogetseriousaboutfindingyourdream.Tomake

yourmistakeswhentheonlypersonlikelytobehurtisyou.”Carriemethersympathetic

gaze.“You’retalkingaboutMarc.”“Notexactly.I’mtalking

aboutwhatyoudidtoyourself.Youworkedyourselfintoexhaustiontoimpressamanwhodidn’tappreciateit,”Megancorrected.“Thegoodnewsis

thatyouhadsenseenoughtoleavebeforeyouweretrappedbyamarriagethatwasdoomed.”Carrierolledhereyes.

“Trustme,marriagewasneveronthetable,exceptmaybeinmyfantasy.Marchadanentirelydifferentagenda.Hewasaselfish,manipulativemanwhotookadvantageofthefeelingsheknewIhadforhim.Icansee

thatnow.”“Goodforyou!Youwon’t

makeasimilarmistakeagain,willyou?”“Isurehopenot.”Hergrandmotherstudied

herworriedly.“You’renotgoingtoletthatonemistakekeepyoufromtakingrisksoropeningyourheartagain,areyou?Becausethatwouldbearealtragedy.Youhavesomuchpotential,Carrie,so

muchlovetogive.”“ButIneedapurpose,”

Carrietoldher.“GrandpaMickhasbeenharpingonthateversinceIleftEurope.”“Andhe’sright.Everyone

needsapurpose,apassionthatmakesthemwanttogetupinthemorning.”“SoyouthinkI’mwasting

time,too?”“No,Ithinkyou’retaking

yourtimetryingtoavoid

anothermistake.That’snotyou.You’remyimpulsive,embrace-everythinggranddaughter,butsuddenlyyou’rescared.Ithinkthat’swhatIhatemostaboutMarcReynolds.Herobbedyouofthatwonderful,spontaneousspiritthatmadeyouspecial.IfImayofferonepieceofadvice,it’sthis.Starttakingchancesagain,Carrie.Ifsomethingfeelsright,tryit.If

someonefeelsright,openyourheart.”“Maybeyou’reright,”

Carrieacknowledged.“MaybeIhavebeenplayingitsafe.”Shegavehergrandmother

aplaintivelook.“OrmaybeIsimplyhavenoideawheretogofromhere.”Hergrandmotherwrapped

herinatightembrace.“You’llknowitwhenit

comesalong.Inthemeantime,I’lltrytogetyourgrandfathertogiveyousomespace.”Carrielaughed.“Thanks

fortheoffer,butwebothknowthat’salosingfight.I’lljusttunehimout.”Shetriedtoimaginehow

wellthatwouldworkandcouldn’t.“I’dbettergetJacksonhome.He’llbeawakeagainanyminuteand

hetendstowakeupcranky.Wedon’twanthimscaringoffyourcustomers.”“Wednesdaysareusually

slow.I’mnotworried.I’mgladyoucameby,sweetheart.”“Me,too.Loveyou.”Surprisingly,thoughthere

hadbeennosuddenburstsofinspirationduringtheirconversation,Carriefeltatpeacewhensheleft.That

lastedtwowholeblocksuntilshespottedSamWinslowsittingonabenchbytheplayground,andhisnephewheadingstraightforthetoprungsofthejunglegym.Carrie’sbreathcaughtin

herthroatasshepushedthestrollerasfastasshecouldintheirdirection.Shedidn’tdarecalloutforfeartheboywouldtakeamisstepandtumblestraighttotheground.

Withhereyesgluedtotheboy,shemadeittothebaseofthejunglegymandstoodtherewatchinghiseverymove,readytocatchhimifhefell.ShesensedSam’s

approach,butneverlookedaway.“Whatwereyouthinking?”

shesaidinaquietvoice.“Didyouhaveanyideawhathewasdoing?”

“OfcourseIdid,”Samsaiddefensively,hiswelcomingsmileimmediatelyfading.“I’mnotcompletelyincompetent.Bobby’sbeenclimbingjunglegymssincehewasfour.He’salittledaredevil.”Heleveledalookather.

“Don’tbelieveme?”Hewhippedouthiscellphoneandshowedherapictureofatriumphantlittleboyatop

anotherjunglegymwithawomanwhowasclearlyhismomstandingwatchjustbelow,atremuloussmileonherlips.“Yoursister?”Carrie

asked.Samnodded.“Shelooksterrified.”“Butshelethimdoit,”

Sampointedout.“Thedifferenceisshewas

standingrightbelowincase

hefell.”“AndIwassittingafew

feetaway.Imayhavelookeddistractedtoyou,buttrustme,Isawhiseverymove.AndyousawfirsthandhowquicklyIgotoverherewhenyouturnedup.”“Isuppose.”“Carrie,Imaybenewat

this,butI’mnotgoingtoletanythinghappentoBobby.Mysistertrustedmetogetit

right,andIwill.”Shelookedintohiseyes

thenandheardthesinceritybehindhiswords.“ThenIshouldrelaxandleaveyoutoit.”“Oryoucouldgotothe

caféwithus.IpromisedBobbyamilkshakeandagrilledcheesesandwichforlunch.”Shewasalittletootempted

bytheinvitation.“Ishould

probablygetJacksonhome.”Samlookedatthesleeping

babyandsmiled.“Isthisyournephew?”“TheoneandonlyJackson

McIlroy,”sheconfirmed.“Hisdad’sthedoctorintown.Withanadventurouskidinyourlife,you’llwanttogettoknowhim.”“Absolutely,”Samsaid.

“Now,aboutlunch.Howaboutit?Youcangrumble

thatnothingI’mfeedingBobbyishealthy.”Carrielaughedandthought

aboutwhathergrandmotherhadjustadvised,openingherhearttonewexperiences,evenifshewasn’tquitereadyforanewman.“Well,whenyouputitthat

way,itshouldbefun,”shesaid.“MaybeI’llevenletyouholdthebaby,ifhewakesupcrying.Thatcouldbeeven

moreentertaining.”“Hey,I’mbarelyholding

myheadabovewaterasitis.Onekidatatime,okay?”“Okay,”sherelented.“I’ll

gosaveatable.It’sgoingtobehoppingintheresoon.”Evenasshewalkedaway,

sheheardhimtryingtopersuadeBobbytoclimbdown.Theboypromptlyrefused.“Don’tmakemecomeup

thereafteryou,”Samwarned.Asmuchasshewantedto

turnaroundandwatchthetestofwillsplayout,shekeptgoingtoSally’s.Lunchpromisedtobeoneofthoseinterestingadventuresthathadbeeninshortsupplyrecently.

“Twiceinoneday?”SallycommentedwhenCarriewalkedintothecafé.“TowhatdoIowethehonor?”“I’mmeetingafriend.At

leastIamifhecangethisnephewtoleavetheplayground.”

“Ah,youmustbetalkingaboutSam,”Sallysaid,provinghowefficienttheChesapeakeShoresgrapevinecouldbe.“Iheardaboutwhathappened,thatoutoftheblue,he’sgothisnephewtoraise.”Sheshookherhead.“Poorlittlething.Hemustbefeelingsolostwithouthismomanddad.AndSammustbefeelingcompletelyoutofhisdepth.YouruncleKevin

wouldknowwhatthatwaslike.”Carrieimmediatelysatupa

littlestraighter.“Whydidn’tIthinkofthat?UncleKevinsuddenlyfoundhimselfasingledadwhenGeorgiawaskilled.ThewholefamilypitchedinwithDaveyuntilKevingothisfeetbackunderhim.IshouldarrangeforSamtomeethim.”Sallygaveheralonglook.

“Howdidthisbecomeyourproblem?”“Itoldyou.Sam’sa

friend.”“Ithoughthewasnewto

town.”“Okay,wejustmet,buthe

obviouslyneedshelp.Kevincangivehimsomeencouragement,tellhimhewon’tfeelasifhe’sflounderingforlong,”Carriesaid,warmingtotheidea.

“LookatKevin’slifenow.He’smarriedtoShanna.TheyhaveDavey,andanadoptedson,Henry,andtwokidsoftheirown.”“Youplanningtostepin

andbethisman’sShanna?”Sallyasked,asparkofdevilmentinhereyes.Carrie’sjawdroppedatthe

question.“No,ofcoursenot.I’mjustbeingneighborly.”Sallylookeddoubtful.

“Keeptellingyourselfthat.Youwantyourusualtodrink—anicedtea?”Carrieshookherhead,

determinednottobesopredictable.Maybeitwassilly,butshevieweditasafirststeptowardgettingmorespontaneitybackintoherlifejustasGrandmaMeganhadadvised.She’dbeenright.Playingitsafewasn’tCarrie’sway.

“IthinkI’llgocrazyandhaveanothercupofcoffee,”sheannouncedwithagreatersenseoftriumphthanthedecisiondeserved.Sallynoddedandwentto

greetagroupoftouristswho’djusttakenovertwotablesinthemiddleoftheroom,usinghalfthechairsforalltheirpackages.ClearlytheirvisithadbeengoodfortheChesapeakeShores

economy.JustthenSamcameinthe

door,afirmhandonhisnephew’sshoulder.TheboyworeamutinousexpressionasSamguidedhimtotheboothwhereCarriewaswaiting.“Carrie,thisisBobby.

Bobby,CarrieistheniceladywhohelpedmedecideonthatdeliciousIrishstewwehadfordinnerlastnight.”

Ignoringbothherandhisuncle,Bobbycrawledacrosstheseatandsettledinacornerofthebooth,armsfoldedacrosshischest,hisgazedowncast.“Sorry,”Sammouthed.Carriedebatedherstrategy,

thenoptedtobedirect,actingasifBobbyweren’tsodeterminedtopunishSamandpretendshedidn’texist.“Isawyouclimbthat

junglegymontheplaygroundjustnow,”shesaid,hertonecheerful.Bobbygaveherasurprised

look,butremainedstubbornlysilent.Carriewasundaunted.

“Youwerereallyhigh.Youmustbeverybrave.Howoldareyou?”ShesawSamstartto

answerforhim,andshookherhead.Hesatbackand

waited.“IthinkIwasaboutyour

agewhenmytwinsisterandIclimbedupontherailingontheporchatmygrandfather’shouseandtriedtowalkitlikeatightrope,”shecontinuedasifhe’dresponded.“Itwasprettyscary,butfun,too.Atleasttillourmomcaughtus.”Bobbyfinallymether

gaze,afaintinterestsparkinginhiseyes.“Wasitvery

high?”“Notashighasthejungle

gym,butprettyhigh.”“Iliketoclimbstuff,”he

said.“AndInevergetscared.”“That’sgreat,butit’s

importanttounderstandthatsomethingshaverisks.Youdon’twanttodoanythingthatmightbedangerous.Abrokenarmorlegwouldn’tbemuchfun.”

Bobbyshrugged.“MyfriendPetehadacastonhisarm.Hesaidititched.Andtherewerelotsofthingshecouldn’tdoforalongtime.”“Somethingtoremember,”

Carriesuggested.“Iheardyoumightwantagrilledcheesesandwichforlunch.That’smyfavorite,too.Sally’sarethebest.”Curiosityfinallyovercame

hisbadmood.“Isthatthe

ladywhoownsthisplace?”Carrienodded.“Andhere’s

anothertip.Ifyou’renicetoher,shesometimeshascookiesstillwarmfromtheovenforherbest-behavedcustomers.”Bobby’seyeswidened.

“Chocolatechip,likewehadlastnight?”“Evenbetter,”Carriesaid,

prayingNellwouldforgiveherifsheeverheardabout

thattraitorousclaim.“Ithinkyou’vesaidthe

magicwords,”Samsaid.“BobbyandIarebothsuckersforwarmchocolate-chipcookies.”“Icaneatlotsandlotsof

them,”Bobbyagreed.“Butonlyafterlunch,”

SamremindedhimjustasSallyarrivedtotaketheirordersfortwogrilledcheesesandwiches,aburgerforSam

andanorderoffriesforthetable.Clearlymoreateasenow,

BobbyglancedacrossthetableandstudiedJacksoninhiscarrier.“Isthatyourbaby?”“No,Jacksonismy

nephew.Hestayswithmesometimes.”“LikeI’mstayingwith

Sam?”“Notexactly,”Carriesaid.

“Hegoeshometohisdadatnight.Hisdad’sadoctorhereintownandhismomisinschoolinBaltimore.”Bobbylookedpuzzled.“If

she’samom,isn’tshetoooldforschool?”Carriesmiled.“Thisisa

specialschoolforpeoplelearningtobedoctors.”“Isshegonnagiveshots?”“Iimagineso.”Hegaveanexaggerated

shudder.“Idon’tlikeshots.”“Mostpeopledon’t,”

Carrieagreed.“ButIhappentoknowthatJackson’sdadgivesshotsthatyoubarelyevennotice.”“Didhegiveonetoyou?”“Morethanone.Iwas

goingonatripandneededseveralbeforeIwent.”Bobbyshookhishead.“I’d

havestayedhome.”“Andmissedoutonabig

adventure?”Carriesaid.“Ithoughtitwasworthit.”“Wheredidyougo?”Sam

asked.“Africa.Mygrandfather

hastakenonthetaskofdesigningandbuildingmedicalfacilitiesforseveralsmallvillages,somethingthat’sincreasinglycriticalwithalloftheoutbreaksofEbolathathavebeenoccurringinthatpartofthe

world.Iwentwithhimandmygrandmothertotalktothepeopleandseewhattheyneeded.Whilehedidhisthing,weworkedwiththewomeninthevillagestohelpwiththeirEnglishandteachthemsomepreventativecarefortheirbabies.”“That’simpressive.Are

youinvolvedinhisworkonaregularbasis?”“Notreally.Helpingin

underservedvillagesismysister’spassion.It’sthereasonshe’sstudyingtobeadoctor.Andthetripwasmygrandfather’swayoftryingtomotivatemetogetonwithmylife.”“Whatdoyoudonow,

asidefromtakingcareofyournephew?”Samasked.“Notmuch,”shesaid

candidly.“Andthat’stheproblem.”Reliefwashedover

herwhenshesawSallycomingwiththeirfood.“Here’sourlunch.”ShestoleaFrenchfryfrom

theplatetheminuteitwasonthetable,avoidingSam’scuriousgaze.Sheglancedhiswayagainandrealizedshe’dbeenwrong.Itwasn’tcuriosityonhisface.Hisexpressionhadactuallyshutdownasifhedisapprovedofherglibresponse.

Okay,maybeherlifewasabitofadisorganized,unplannedmessatthemoment,butwhowashetojudge?Asshefocusedherattentiononhermeal,itdawnedonherhowannoyingsnapjudgmentscouldbe.PerhapsthatwasexactlyhowSamhadfeltearliertodayandlastnight,whenshe’dbeenjudginghim.Maybeshe’dbeenalittle

prematureintellingSallytheywerefriends.Theywere,atbest,distrustfulacquaintances.Withsurprisingregret,sherealizedshedidn’tseethatchanginganytimesoon.

ExceptforCarrie’sabilitytocoaxBobbyoutofhisstonysilence,lunchhadpretty

muchbeenadisaster,Samdecidedasheheadedbacktotheinnwithhischatteringnephewathisside.Hecouldn’texactlyponderwhathadgonewrong,though,withBobbyaskingamillionandonequestionsaboutthetown,thebayandeverybirdtheysaw.Sam’sanswerswereinshortsupply.Whoknewasix-year-oldcouldbesobrightandinquisitive?

“Whydon’twelookforsomebooksaboutallthatthenexttimewe’reintown?”hesuggestedatlast.“Wecouldgobacknow,”

Bobbysaid,gazingupathimhopefully.“Isawabookstorerightnexttowhereweate.”“Areyousureyoudon’t

wanttotakeanap?”“Idon’ttakenaps,”Bobby

scoffed.“I’mtoobig.”Samsighed.“Okay,then.

Let’sgoback.”ThiswasSam’sfirstvisit

tothebookstore.Hewassurprisedbyhowextensivetheselectionappearedtobe.Itevenhadacozylittlecoffeearea.Bobbyimmediately

gravitatedtowardthechildren’ssection,wherebookshadbeenleftscatteredaroundandchild-sizefurnitureinvitedkidstosit

andlookatthebooksorplaywiththebook-themedtoys.Clearlytheownerunderstoodalotaboutchildren.Itwasanatmospherethatinvitedcuriosityandexploration,ratherthanonethatsaidHandsOff!Awomanemergedfrom

thebackandbeamed,firstatBobby,thenathim.“Hi,I’mShannaO’Brien,”shesaid,holdingoutherhandtoSam.

“Andyou’rethenewwebdesignerworkingwithMack.”Samblinked,astounded

notonlybyherperceptiveness,butbyherlastname.“Excusemeforlettingmyjawdrop,”hesaid.“ButI’mbeginningtothinkO’Briensareeverywhere,”Shelaughed.“Prettymuch,

andwithallthebabiesinthenextgeneration,Idon’tsee

thatchanging.”“HowdidyouknowwhoI

am?”“IranovertoSally’sahalf

houragotopickupasandwich.IspottedyouwithCarrieandthislittleguy.Itdidn’ttakelongtoputtwoandtwotogether.Wehaveverygoodmathskillsinthistown,atleastwhenitcomestothatsortofthing.”“I’dbetterrememberthat,”

hesaid,notsurehowhefeltaboutsomanypeople,nomatterhowwell-intentioned,knowinghisbusiness.Shannahadgonetokneel

downnexttoBobby.“So,whatkindofbooksdoyoulike?”“Allkinds,”Bobbysaid.

“Mymomreadtomeeverynightbeforebed.”HeglancedupatSam,hisexpressionsad.“Willyoudothat?Ipacked

someofmyfavorites,butIlikenewstories,too.”“Absolutely,”Samsaid

readily,gratefultogetahandleonsomethinghewascapableofdoingtomakeBobby’stransitiontothisnewlifeatinybiteasier.“Youpickoutwhateverbooksyouwantandwe’llreadthemtogether.”Lookingrelieved,Bobby

turnedbacktoShanna.“Do

youhavebooksaboutthebayandthebirdsaroundhere?”“Isuredo,”shesaid,

pullingseveraloffashelf.“Therearealotmore,butthey’reforgrown-ups.Ifyouwanttoknowmorewhenyou’vebeenthroughthese,comebackandwe’llseeifoneofthoseappealstoyou.”SheglancedatSam.“I’mabigbelieverinencouragingchildrentoreadabout

whateverintereststhem,evenifthebooksweremeantforadults.Theymightstumbleoversomeofthewords,butitkeepstheminterested.”Bobbywasalready

engrossedinapicturebookaboutlocalshorebirds,sosheturnedherattentionbacktoSam.“I’mtryingtoconvinceThomasO’Brientostartasummerclassfortheyoungerkidsintown.Healreadyhas

anactivegroupatthehighschool,butinmyopinionchildrenarenevertooyoungtodevelopapassionfortheworldrightaroundthem.Thomasrunsthefoundationtopreservethebay,andI’vetoldhimthebestwaytoassurethatthebaygoesonbeingprotectedistosparkinterestatanearlyage.DoyouthinkBobbywouldliketojoin?”

Samglanceddownathisnephewandsmiled.“Ithinkthat’syouranswer.He’stheonewhoinsistedwecomeintodayandfindthesebooks,andwejustarrivedbackintownlastnight.”“Thomasandmyhusband

willbethrilledaboutthatenthusiasm.Kevin—andyes,he’sanO’Brien,oneofMick’ssons,infact—workswithThomas.Betweenuswe

havethreeboysandagirl,ranginginagefromafewmonthstoseventeen.We’llhavetohavethetwoofyouoverfordinner,soBobbycanmakesomenewfriends.”“Thatwouldbegreat,”

Samsaid,likingthisopen,generouswomanatonce.“ShouldIinviteCarrie,

too?”sheaskedslyly.Heblinkedatthe

obviousnessofthequestion.

“Uptoyou,”hesaid.“It’syourdinner.”Shegaveanodof

satisfaction.“I’lltakethatasayes.Nowletmeringupthosebooks,unlessyouwanttolookaroundforsomeforyourself.”“IthinkI’mgoingtobe

spendingallmysparetimereadingthesewithBobby,”hesaid.“I’llfindsomeformyselfthenexttimewecome

in.”“Anyparticulargenre?”“Adventuretravel,”he

suggested.Bookswereprobablytheonlywayhewasgoingtosatisfyhiswanderlustfortheforeseeablefuture.“You’reinluck.Ihavea

greatselection.Thereareafewotherpeopleintownwhohavethetimeandmoneytotravel,soItrytoorderthe

latestbooksforthem.”“Youmustgettoknow

yourcustomersreallywell,”Samsaid,impressed.“It’stheonlywayfora

small,independentbookstoretosucceedthesedays,”shesaid.Whentheirpurchaseswere

paidforandbaggedintwoseparatebagssoBobbycouldcarryacouplehimself,shegaveSamanothersmile.“I’ll

beintouchaboutdinner.Probablyonenightnextweek.IknowTuesdayisdeadlinenightatthepaper,soI’llaimforWednesdayorThursday.”“Great,”Samsaid.OutsideBobbywas

practicallyskippingacrossthestreetinexcitement.“Canwereadwhenwegetbacktotheinn?”“Wouldyouratherdothat

thanswim?”Samasked,surprised.“Uh-huh,”Bobbysaidwith

anod.“IalwayslikeditwhenMommyreadtome.”“Thenthat’swhatwe’ll

do,”Samsaid.Heheldouthishand.“Holdmyhandwhenwecrossthestreet,buddy.”Bobbytuckedhishand

trustinglyintoSam’s,thengavehimashylook.“Ithink

maybebeinghereisgoingtobeokay.”Thesoftlyspoken

commentbroughtthestingoftearstoSam’seyes.Hewasgladforthesunglassesthatkeptthosetearsfromhisnephew.“Iknowit’sgoingtobeokay,Bobby,”hesaid,histonemorereassuringthanitmighthavebeeneventwenty-fourhoursearlier.“We’regoingtobeateam,youand

me.”Bobbygrinned.“Ilike

beingonateam.DoyouthinktheyhaveT-ballhere?”“Iimaginetheydo.”“CanIplay?”“Ifyouwantto.”“Willyoucometothe

gameslikeDaddydid?”“Youbet.”Samstudiedthesatisfied

expressiononhisnephew’sfaceandrealizedturninginto

adadwasn’tgoingtobequiteasterrifyingashe’dimagined.Bobbywasalreadyshowinghimtheway.

Jacksonwasdownforhisafternoonnap,thoughhowhecouldsleepwithDaveyandHenryfightingoveravideogameinthelivingroomwasbeyondCarrie.

“Hey,youtwo,alittlequieter,please.Thebaby’ssleeping.”“Oops,”Henrysaid,his

expressionimmediatelyturningserious.“Shouldn’tyouhave

outgrownthiscompetitivethingwithyouryoungerbrotherbynow?”sheteased.“You’reonlyayearawayfromgoingtocollege.”Hegrinned.“I’mjust

warmingupforcollege,”heinformedher.“Ihearitgetsprettywildandcompetitiveinthedormsandfraternityhouses.”“Whateverhappenedtothe

sweet,seriouslittleboywhofirstcametotowntolivewithShanna?”Carrieasked,rememberinghisarrivaleventhoughshe’dbeenjustafewyearsolder.“Igotturnedintoan

O’Brien,”hesaid,thengaveheratauntinglook.“Youwanttoplay?”Davey’seyeslitup.“Yeah,

Carrie,takehimdown,okay?”“I’mnogoodatthis

game,”sheprotestedinnocently.“Youbothknowthat.”Still,shesatdownandtookDavey’sremote.“Don’tbetoohardonme,okay,Henry?”

Fifteenminuteslater,she’dwipedthefloorwiththesmugteenager,provingheandDaveyweren’ttheonlycompetitivepeopleintheroom.Daveyhooted.Henry’sgazenarrowed

suspiciously.“Haveyoubeenpracticingbehindourbacks?”“Itismygameinmy

house,”shetoldhim.“Whatdidyouthink,thatI’dletyougoontrouncingme?”

Henrylaughed.“Iwashoping.Ineedsomebodyaroundtokeepmyconfidencehigh.UncleConnorsuredoesn’tletmewinandevenDavey’sgettingtobemorethanIcanhandle.IguessI’llhavetostartplayingwiththebabiesifIwantasurefirewin.”“Arethereanymoreof

thosecookies,Carrie?”Daveyasked.“I’dlikea

couplefortheroad.Weneedtogethomefordinner.”Shegavehimasternlook.

“WhichisexactlywhyI’mnotgivingyoumorecookies.Idon’twantyourmomordadoverhereyellingatmeaboutspoilingyourappetites.”Justthenherphonerang

andshespottedShanna’snameonthecallerID.“Speakofthedevil.”“IsthatMom?”Davey

asked.Carrienodded.“Thenwe’dbettermove,”

Henrysaid,leaningdowntogiveherakissonthecheek.“Bye,Carrie.Seeyou.”“Seeyou,”Daveysaid,

boundingoutthedooraheadofhisbigbrother.Carriesighedandanswered

thephone.“Yourboysareheadinghomerightnow.”“Goodtoknow,”Shanna

said.“Butthat’snotwhyIcalled.”“Oh?What’sup?”“Areyoufreefordinner

nextWednesdayorThursday?”“Sure,eitherone,”Carrie

saidwithoutbotheringtocheckhercalendar.“It’snotasifIhavealotofcommitmentsthesedays.Anythingspecialgoingon?”“Notreally.Wejust

haven’tseenenoughofyoulately,”Shannasaid.Thecommentwasso

completelyuntrueitwaslaughable.“Isawyouthismorning,”Carrieremindedher.“AndHenryandDaveyjustleftmyhouse.IseeallofyouatSundaydinneratGrandpaMick’s.What’sthisreallyabout?Anddon’tfib.You’renogoodatit.”“IinvitedSamWinslow

andhisnephewfordinner,”Shannaadmitted.“Oh,boy,”Carrie

whispered.“Ifyou’retryingtodosomematchmaking,quitit.SamandIhavesomeissues.”“NotthatIcouldseeat

lunchtoday,”Shannaargued.“ItwasquitethelittlefamilysceneinSally’s.”“Yousawus?”“OfcourseIdid.Ifitwas

supposedtobeasecretrendezvous,itmighthavebeenbettertohaveitsomeplacemoresecludedandminusthekids.”“Youaresofaroffbase,”

Carrietoldher.“ThereisnothingatallbetweenSamandme.There’snotlikelytobe,either.I’mnotcrazyaboutsomeofthedecisionshe’sbeenmakingaboutBobbyandhedoesn’tseemallthat

crazyaboutme,period.Letthisgo,Shanna.I’mgladyouinvitedhimover.EarliertodayIwasthinkingheandKevinmighthavealotincommon,givenhowabruptlytheybothbecamesingledads.Trustme,though.You’llhaveamuchbettertimewithoutmethere.”“IalreadytoldhimIwas

invitingyou.”ThatgaveCarriepause.

“Andhedidn’timmediatelycomeupwithanexcusetoavoidthewholething?”“Nope.Helookedmore

likeamanwhowashappysomeonewassteppingintopushthetwoofyoutogetheragain.”“Iseriouslydoubtthat.”Shannawassurprisingly

silentforaboutaminute.“Youknow,Itakeitback,”shesaid.

Carriewasstartledbythesuddenturnaround.Shedidn’tlikethedisappointmentthatimmediatelyspreadoverher.“You’rewithdrawingtheinvitation?You’recancelingdinner?”“Nope,”Shannasaid

decisively.“I’mmovingitup.It’stomorrownight.Idon’twantyoutohaveawholeweektotalkyourselfoutofcoming.Sam,either.Seven

o’clock.I’llcallhimrightnowtoconfirm.”“ButIneversaidyes.”“Oh,you’llbehere,”

Shannasaidconfidently.“Don’tyouhaveenoughissueswiththefamilywithoutaddingcowardtothelist?”“That’snotfair,”Carrie

grumbled,knowingShannahadsetaveryneattrapforher.“Lifeisrarelyfair,”

Shannasaidbrightly.“ButO’Briensalwayscope.Seeyoutomorrow,sweetie.”ShehungupbeforeCarrie

couldformanotherprotestorthinkofasinglewaytowiggleoutofthecommitment.Maybe,ifshewerevery,verylucky,Samwoulddothewiggling.Sadly,withthewayherluckwasrunninglately,itwouldn’thappenthatway.

Andsomewhere,deepdowninside,atraitoroussparkofanticipationwasdoingalittlejigaboutthat.

SamhadbeensurprisedtohearfromShannasoquicklyaboutdinner.Infact,she’dcaughthimsocompletelyoffguard,hehadn’tbeenabletocomeupwithasingleexcusetorefuse,eventhoughhewasn’tcrazyabouther

obviousattempttothrowhimtogetherwithCarrie.Hetoldhimselfhe’dacceptedforBobby’ssake.ThatwastheonlythingthatgavehimanycomfortasheapproachedShannaandKevin’shouseonaquietsidestreetnotfarfromdowntown.Thoughthehouseappeared

smallfromthestreet,hediscoveredonenteringthatappearanceshadbeen

deceiving.Therehadbeenadditionsontotheback,includingabigsunroomwhereababyinpinkwasbouncinginachildseat,atoddlerwasclimbingalloverateenagerastheboytriedtoplayavideogameandyetanotherboywaslaughinghysterically.“Waytogo,”thelaughing

youngstertoldthetoddler.“Gethimoffofme,”the

olderboypleaded,stilltryingtoconcentrate.“Noway!”theotherboy

declared.“He’smysecretweapon.”“IthoughtCarriewasyour

secretweapon.Youloveditwhenshebustedmychopsyesterday.”Shannastoodinthe

doorway,shakingherhead.“Welcometomyworld,”shetoldSam.Sheraisedher

voice.“Boys!Wehavecompany.”“Henry,Daveyand

Johnny,”shesaidasshepointedtoeachofthem.“Thebaby’sKelly.Everyone,thisisSam.He’sworkingwithMackatthepaper.Andthisishisnephew,Bobby.”Bobbyhungbackshyly,

butsurprisinglyitwastheteenagerwhocameoverandheldoutahand.“Hey,

Bobby,doyoulikevideogames?”Bobbynodded.“Thenyoucanbeonmy

side.Davey’senlistedthelittlemonkeyovertheretotrytodistractmewhenit’smyturn.Youcandothesamewhenit’sDavey’sturn.”“Youwantmetoclimbon

him?”Bobbyaskedskeptically.Henrylaughed.“Whatever

works,”hesaid.“You’llthinkofsomething.”Bobbylookedhesitantlyup

atSam.“Isitokay?”BeforeSamcouldanswer,

Shannasteppedin.“Dowhateveryouneedtodo,”shetoldBobby.“Justnohittingorbiting.Thosearethehouserules.”SheturnedtoSam.“We

probablydon’twanttowatchthis.ComewithmeandI’ll

getyouaglassofwine.KevinshouldbeheresoonandCarrie’sonherway.She’sstoppingtopickupdessert.Nellbakedtoday.Honestly,Idon’tknowhowNelldoesit.Onceaweekthere’sKevin’sfavoriteapplepie,acoconutcakeforConnorandhisfamily,chocolatecakeforAbbyandTrace,sconesforanybodywhowantsthem.Shemust

havebeenabakerinherpreviouslife.She’ddoallthepastryfortheinn,ifJesswouldlether.Nowthatshe’sinhereighties,weallthinksheshouldslowdown,butshe’shavingnoneofit.Haveyoumetheryet?”Samshookhishead.“ButI

havehadafewofherchocolate-chipcookies,”Samsaid.“CarriegavemesomewhenIstoppedbyO’Briens

theothernight.”Shanna’seyeslitup.“Did

youtrythestew?That’sNell’srecipe,too.Infact,mostofthefoodinthepubisbasedontraditionalrecipesshelearnedwhenshestayedwithhergrandparentsinIrelandyearsago.”“SoLukeinheritedher

skillinthekitchen?”Shannalaughed.

“Absolutelynot.She

despairedofteachinghimathing.HebroughtinachefandNelltrainedhim.Shestilllooksoverhisshoulderregularlytobesurehe’snotmessingup.Nothinggoesonthemenuunlessithasherstampofapproval.ForaguywholearnedtocookinaNewYorkdeli,he’sadaptedquitewelltoNell’sIrishfavorites.EverynowandthenhesneaksaReubenora

pastramisandwichontothemenuasaspecial,andNellpretendsnottonotice.”JustthenCarrie’svoice

carrieddownthehallwaytothebigopenkitchen.Samfeltanimmediateandtroublingsparkofanticipation.Apparentlyhecouldtellhimselfathousandtimesthatgettinginvolvedwithherwasabadidea,buthistestosteronewasn’t

convinced.“Anybodyhere?”she

calledout.“Inthekitchen,”Shanna

repliedasshepouredtwoglassesofwine.ShehandedonetoSam,thenheldouttheothertoCarrieasshesetthepieonthecounter.“Gramsaystoheatthisup

beforeyouserveit,”CarrieinstructedShanna.“Asifshehasn’ttoldme

thateverysingleweeksincethedayImarriedKevin,”Shannasaid.Carrielaughed.“She

doesn’tliketoleaveanythingtochanceandI’mprettysureshe’sconvincedthatnotaoneofusinheritedasinglebitofherculinaryskill.”“Nottrue,”Shannasaid.

“Kevin’sactuallyquiteadeptinthekitchen.He’sjustneverhometocook.”

Hewalkedinjustintimetooverhearthecomment.“I’mherenow,”hesaid,givingherathoroughkiss.“AndIalwaystakecareoftheimportantthings,right?Likethis?”Laughing,Shannashoved

himawaywhenheclearlywouldhavestolenanotherkiss.“Company,Kevin.”“It’sjustCarrie,”hesaid.“AndSamWinslow,”

Shannasaid,givinghimagentleelbowintheribs.“Sam,myhusband,KevinO’Brien.”SamgrinnedatKevin’s

suddenlychagrinedexpression.“Ididn’trealizewehadcompanycompany,”heapologized.“IthoughtitwasjustCarrie.”“Thanks,”Carrie

grumbled,feigninganinsultedlook.“Alwaysa

pleasuretoseeyou,too.”SheglancedatSam.“AminuteagoIwouldhavetoldyouKevinwasmyfavoriteuncle,butnowhe’sonprobation.I’mthinkingUncleConnorhastheedge.”Theteasinginteractionwas

arevelationtoSam,whoseownfamilylife,ifitcouldevenbecalledthat,hadalwaysbeenfilledwithtensionandlong,awkward

silences.Therewasasuddenwhoop

ofgleefromthesunroom.“Videogame?”Kevin

asked.“Always,”Shannasaid

withasigh.“SoundsasifmaybeDaveyactuallywonthisone.”Kevinglancedtoward

Sam.“Youanygoodatthosegames?”“I’veplayedsome,”Sam

said,thoughfromwhathe’dobservedtonight,hewasn’tnearlyascompetitiveasthemalesinthisfamily.“Wanttogooutthereand

takethemon?”Kevinasked.“Sure,”Samsaidatonce,

eagertogetawayfromthekitchenandtheunwantedattractionthatseemedtobesimmeringbetweenhimandCarrie.“Twentyminutes,”Shanna

remindedthemsternly.“OnceIgetdinneronthetable,I’mnotcallingyoualltwice.Andmakesurealltheboyswashtheirhands.Anddon’tforgetthebaby,thewayyoudidlastnight.”Sambitbackasmileashe

followedKevintothesunroom.“Youforgotthebaby?”“Hey,she’dfallenasleep,”

Kevinexplainedinhisown

defense.“Sinceshe’salmostneverquietformorethanaheartbeat,IthinkIshouldbeforgivenfornotrealizingshewasthere.”“Youhavenoideahow

happyIamtohearyousaythat,”Samtoldhim.Kevinregardedhimwitha

puzzledlook.“Why’sthat?”“BecauseI’veonlyhad

responsibilityformynephewforacoupleofweeksand

I’vespentmostofthattimeterrifiedIwasgoingtodosomethingtotallystupid.AndasifIdidn’thaveenoughdoubtsmyself,Carriehascaughtmetwicedoingthingssheapparentlyconsideredunforgivable.”“Whatthings?”Kevin

asked.“IleftBobbysleepingin

thecarwhileIranintoO’Brienstopickuptakeout.

EventhoughIkeptmyeyeonhimthewholetime,thatwasn’tgoodenoughforher.AndthenextdayshethoughtIwasn’twatchingcloselyenoughwhilehewasclimbingonthejunglegymattheplayground.”“Whenitcomestokids,

Carrie’sanatural-bornworrier,”Kevinconsoledhim.“Justlikehermom.AndjustlikeAbby,Carriewillbe

agreatmomsomeday.Wealltrusthertokeepaneyeonourkids,butwealsoknowshe’soverprotective.She’llgetoveritoncesheseesthatnotevenshecanbeeverywhereatonce.Kidsareadventurous.Theydocrazythingsandsometimesthey’retoofastforustocatch’embeforetheyfall.Allwecandoisbealertandminimizetherisks,thenbereadyto

patchupanybumpsandbruises,dryanytears.”“Voiceofexperience?”

Samasked.“Asadadandasaformer

paramedic,”Kevinconfirmed.“There’sabigdifferencebetweenlettingkidsbekidsandallowingthemtotaketheoccasionalrisk,andbeinganegligentparent.You’llfigureitout,too.”

Samwasdoubtful.“Ihopeso.Bytheway,Bobbywasaskingifthere’sT-ballintown.”“Sure.Showupatthehigh

schoolfieldonSaturday.We’llgethimonateam.”Inthesunroom,Kevin

muscledHenryawayfromthecontrolsforthevideogame,tooktheotherremotefromDaveyandhandedittoSam.“Letusshowyouhow

it’sdone,boys.”“Oh,please,”Henry

taunted.“I’vebeenbeatingyousinceIwasakid.”“Me,too,”Daveygloated.

“Dad,you’rereallybad.”Samlaughed.“Then

maybeIhavehalfachance.”“LosertakesonCarrie,”

Henrysaid,hisexpressioninnocent.“You’llneedaconfidenceboost.”SomethingtoldSamhe’d

betterwinagainstKevin.ThelastthinghewantedwastobehumiliatedforhisineptitudeyetagainbyCarrieWinters.

“Areyouconvincednow?”CarrieaskedShannaasKevinandSamleftthekitchen.“Hebarelyevenlookedatme.”Shannawavedoffthe

comment.“Thatmeant

nothing.Ifanything,itwasmoretellingthanitwouldhavebeenifhe’dfawnedalloveryou.”“Seriously?”Carriesaid,

tryingtofollowherlogic.“Sure.Menactall

indifferentwhenthey’refeelingexactlytheoppositeanddon’twanttogiveanythingaway.”“Itwasjustplain

awkward,”Carriecorrected.

“Ishouldprobablygosoyouallcanhaveapleasantevening.”“Andlethimthinkhe

chasedyouoff?”Shannaasked.“Ithoughtyouweretougherthanthat.”“You’rethinkingofmy

twin.It’sCaitwho’stough.I’mallsweetandsensitive.”Shannaguffawedatthat.

“Sincewhen?Youdidn’tsurviveinthesharktankof

fashionbybeinganybody’spushover.”“You’rewrong,”Carrie

said,instantlysomber.“IwasMarc’spushover.”“Wholedifferentstory,

sweetie,”Shannasaid.“It’stimeyouputthatbehindyou.LetSambeyourreboundguy.Practicebeingawholenewyouonhim.”“Nowthere’sacharming

approach,”Carriesaid.“I’m

sureit’llmakehimfeelallwarmandfuzzyaboutbeingchosentoplaysuchanimportantroleinmylife.”“Youneverknow.He

mightliketheideaofbeingaknightinshiningarmorforalittlewhile.”Carriegaveheran

impatientlook.“Haven’tyoubeenmarriedlongenoughtostopbeingsucharomantic?”“IhopeIwillalwaysbea

romantic,”Shannaprotested.“It’sagoodwaytobe.Lookatyourgrandmother.DoyouthinksheandMickgotbacktogetherwithoutbothofthembeingromanticsatheart?”“Icertainlyseethesparks,”

Carrieadmitted,“butItrynottothinkaboutexactlyhowtheygotbacktogetherorwhattheydobehindcloseddoors.Infact,I’dbecontenttogotomygravewithout

havingthatparticularimageengravedonmybrain.”“They’regreatexamples,”

Shannacountered.“SoareNellandDillon.Ourfamilyiscrawlingwithwonderfulrolemodelswhoexemplifytheimportanceofromance.YourmomandTracearenoslouches.”“AnotherimageIprefer

nottodwellon,”Carriesaid.“Thoughtheyareawfully

cutetogether.And,justtobeclear,I’mnotdenyingtheimportanceofromance.I’mjustsayingI’veneverencounteredit,notinthewayyou’redescribing.”“Andyetyoutellusallthe

timethatwhatyouwantmostinlifeistobeawifeandmom.I’mtellingyouthatrequiresromanceandsappy,messyfeelingsandrisks.”Carriesighed.“Iknow

you’reright.ButSam?Ithinkthat’salostcause.Hecan’tpossiblyhavetimeforanythingthesedaysbeyonddiscoveringifhehaswhatittakestobeadad.”“Hecouldprobablyuse

somebodytoencouragehimandshowhimtheway,”Shannasuggested.“Somebodywho’sanaturalwithkids.”“You’resuggestingIcoach

him?”“Somethinglikethat.”“Hehasn’ttakenkindlyto

mostoftheadviceI’veofferedsofar,”Carrietoldher.“Advice?”Shanna

repeated,herbrowlifted.“Orcriticism?”Aguiltyflushcreptup

Carrie’sneck.“Criticism,”sheacknowledged.“Okay,Iseeyourpoint—aboutthat,

anyway.AsforSamandmeasacouple,Ithinkyou’rewayoffbaseaboutthat.”Shannamerelygavehera

knowingsmile.“Iguesswe’llsee.”

Despitethedifferenceintheirages,Bobbyseemedtoflourishunderalltheattentionoftheolderboys.

Heevenheldhisownwhenitcametoteasingthem.Samwatchedtheinteractionwithamazement,thenutteredasighofrelief.Kevinapparentlyoverheardhim,becausehegavehimapuzzledlook.“Whatwasthatsigh

about?”heaskedSam.“I’msureyou’veheardthe

storyofhowBobbycametobemyresponsibilitybarely

threeweeksago,”Samsaid,smilingwhenabellylaugheruptedfromBobbyasDaveypinnedhimdownandtickledhimtogetevenforsomething.Kevinglancedover.“Hey,

watchit!Rememberhe’syoungerthanyou.”“Hehasitcoming,”Davey

retorted.“HewassupposedtobeonmysideforthisgameandhehelpedHenryjust

then.”“Ididn’tmeanto,”Bobby

said,gigglingandscramblingaway.“Honest.Iforgot.Iwasonhissidebefore.”“Yeah,sure,”Daveysaid,

thentickledhimsomemore.KevinturnedtoSam.“You

okay?Davey’sjustteasing,butifyouthinkit’stoomuchroughhousing,Icancallahalttoit.”“Absolutelynot,”Sam

said.“It’swonderful.ThisisthefirsttimeI’veheardareallaughfromBobbysince,well,sincehelosthismomanddad.Iwasafraidthere’dbeentoomanychangesforhimtohandle.IwasthinkingabouttalkingtoWill,afterCarriementionedhe’sashrink.Ithoughthecouldhelpmefigureoutwhattodotomakethistransitioneasieronhim.”Hegesturedtoward

thepileoflaughingboys,whichnowincludedHenryandeventhetoddler.“Lookatthem.”Kevinshrugged.“Looks

normaltome.”Samcouldn’tseemtostop

thesmilespreadingacrosshisface.“Iknow.”Kevingavehimaslapon

theback.“I’mnoexpert,butitlookstomeasifyou’redoingjustfine.”

“Maybeyoucouldmentionthattoyourniece.”Kevingavehimaslylook.

“Doesherapprovalmattertoyou?”Samlaughed.“Nottheway

youmean.Ijustdon’twantherreportingmetochildprotectiveservices.”Justthenhehearda

shockedgaspbehindhimandturnedtoseeCarrie,hercomplexionsuddenlypale.

“IwouldneverreportyouandriskhavingBobbysentintofostercare,”shesaid.“Notunlessyoudidsomethingtotallyoutrageousordangerous.Howcouldyousaysuchathing?”“Well,itcertainlydoesn’t

seemasifyou’reveryimpressedwithmyparentingskills,”Samsaid,alreadyregrettingacommenthe’dmeantmostlyinjest.

“Maybeyoutwoshouldworkthisoutonthepatio,”Kevinsuggested,castingapointedlooktowardthesuddenlysilentboyswho’dturnedtoseewhyvoiceswereraised.“I’lltellShannashe’llhavetoholddinnerafewminutes.”“Butit’sreadynow,”

Carrieprotested.“Shesentmetotellyou.Besides,Ihavenothingtosaytohim.”

Herunclehadthenervetosmileatherpetulanttone.HewasabravermanthanSam.Samcouldfeeltheangerradiatingfromher.“Idisagree,andthis

conversationtakesprecedence,”Kevininsisted.“Go,settlethisandgetbackinbeforedinnergetscoldsomywifedoesn’tlosepatiencewithallofus.”Heturnedtoaddressthe

kidsashepickedupthebaby.“Handswashedandinthediningroom.Davey,youshowBobbywheretogo.AndmakesureJohnnywashesup,too.”Shouldersstiff,Carrieled

thewaypastSam,openedapairofFrenchdoorsandwalkedontoaflagstonepatio.Keepingherbacktohim,shefoldedherarmsacrossherchest.

Takingadeepbreath,Samwalkedupbesideher.“Whichoneofusshouldgofirst?Kevindidn’tmentionthat.”“Youstartedit,”she

muttered.Sheglancedhiswayand

gavehimahurtlook.ToSam’sdismaythereweretearsinhereyes.“Whatwouldmakeyou

thinkI’dturnyouintochildprotectiveservices?”she

asked.“Isn’tthatwhatpeopleare

supposedtodowhentheythinkaparent’sbeingnegligent?”Samresponded.“You’vemadeitprettyclearthatyouthinkI’minept.Ican’tevenarguewithyourperception.I’mfloundering,noquestionaboutit.”Sheflushed,thensighed

heavily.“AndIshouldbecuttingyouawholelotof

slackunderthecircumstances.It’snotasifIhavetonsofparentalexperiencemyself.”“Butyou’regreatwith

kids,”Samsaid.“EveryoneI’verunacrosssaysso.YouhavenoideahowIenvythat.Ineverexpectedtobeadad.”“Youdidn’twant

children?”shesaid,lookinggenuinelyshocked.“Ineverthoughtmuch

aboutit.Myparentsweren’tthebestexamples,soIfiguredIshouldavoidfollowingintheirfootsteps.Mysisteralwayssaidshewasn’tcutoutformotherhoodforthesamereason,butthenLaurelmetRobertandhewassolidandsteadyandcompletelyunflappable—perfectdadmaterial.Heconvincedhertheycouldbegreatparents,

andtogether,theyreallywere.Bobby’sagreatkid,andIknowit’sbecausetheyknewwhattheyweredoing,unlikeme.”“Youcanbeagreatdad,

too,”Carriesaidwithfeeling.“I’msosorryifthethingsIsaidmadeyoufeelinadequate,orshouldIsaymoreinadequatethanyouwerealreadyfeeling.Itendtoopenmymouthwithout

thinking,especiallywhenachildisinvolved.”“That’smypoint,”Sam

said.“YoucouldtellrightawaythatBobbywasinthehandsofsomeonewhodidn’tknowwhattheyweredoing.Andyoucaredenoughtosaysomething.”“Butyoudidknowmore

thanIgaveyoucreditfor,”shecorrected.“Whenyoulefthiminthecar,instincttold

youtokeepaneyeonhim.Ijustjumpedtoconclusions.Samewiththejunglegym.Youknewitwassomethinghelovedandlethimgoforit,ratherthanhoveringtoocloseandmakinghimscaredtotrysomething.Ithinkreallygoodparentshavetofindabalancebetweenlettingkidsgrowandbeingoverlyprotective.”Shemethisgaze.“I’m

sorry,Sam.Itrulyam.How

aboutthis?NexttimeIthinkyou’rehandlingsomethingwrong,I’llmentionit,butIwon’tgetalljudgmentalandcrazyonyou.”Helaughed.“Doyoureally

thinkyoucanpullthatoff?”Shewinced.“Icanatleast

try.”“Well,don’ttrytoohard.

Despitenotenjoyingbeingthetargetofyourindignation,Ilikethatyouwereprotective

ofalittleboyyoudidn’tevenknow.Iadmireyouforcaringthatmuch.AndjusttoreassureyouaboutBobby,Imaybeinexperiencedandthesituationmaybetotallyunexpected,butI’mgoingtobethebeststand-inforhisdadthatIcanpossiblybe.”“Ibelievethat,”shesaid,

thenstudiedhim.“So,we’regood?”Henodded.“We’regood.”

“Okay,then.IseeShannaatthekitchenwindowstaringatus.I’mnotsureifshe’sjustcurioustoseeifwe’rekillingeachotherortickedoffaboutdinnergettingruined.”“Let’sgoinside,soshecan

checkforinjuries,”Samsuggested.“And,totellthetruth,I’vebeenlookingforwardtoahome-cookedmealeversincesheinvited

Bobbyandmeover.I’dhateforittobespoiled.”Carriefellintostepbeside

himastheywentbackin.“Don’tyoucook?”“I’masingleguy.Igrill

andIorderpizza.Iamalsoamasterofcoldcereal.”“Oh,dear,”shesaid,

regardinghimwithalarm.“Iknow,”hesaid,holding

upahandbeforeshecouldsaymore.“AssoonasBobby

andIhaveourownplace,Iwillmakesurehehashealthymeals,evenifIhavetorelyonsomebodyelsetocookthem.I’llgetShannatorecommendafoolproofcookbook.”Shegrinned.“Anexcellent

plan.Andknowingthesinglewomeninthistown,Iimagineyoucancountoncasserolesanddessertsturninguponaregular

basis.”“Willyoubeoneofthose

women?”“Youneverknow,”she

saidlightly.“Ofcourse,ifIam,I’llmakesureNelldoesthecooking.OrmaybeLuke’schef.Myskillinthekitchenisonlymarginallybetterthanyouclaimyoursis.”Herexpressionbrightened.“Orhowaboutthis?Wecouldbothtake

lessonsfromNell.She’dloveit,andyouandBobbydefinitelywouldn’tstarve.”Samwasstartledbythe

suggestion.“Whatdoyougetoutofit?”“Ibecomeoneofthefew

O’Brienswhoactuallyknowsherwayaroundthekitchen.Nell’salwaysbeensogoodatcooking,wecountonherforallthebigfamilyoccasions.Iwouldn’tmindhaving

braggingrightsasaworthysuccessorsomedaydowntheroad.UptillnowKevin’shadthem,buthedoesn’texercisethemenoughtocountanymore.”Samlaughed.“Ah,Ifinally

seeachinkinyourarmorofperfection.Signmeup,ifNell’swilling.”Herfacelitup.“Seriously?

You’lldoit?”Heshrugged.“Whynot?

BobbyandIhavetoeat.”Andperhapsitwouldgive

himachancetoseeCarrieinasettinginwhichshewasn’tquitesosureofherself.Helikedknowingshedidn’texcelateverything.Andevenwitheverythingalreadyonhisplateandhisdeterminationtoremainimmunetotheattraction,hehadtoadmitthatdiscoveringmoreaboutCarrieWinters

wasanintriguingprospect.

Shewascrazy,CarriethoughtasshewalkedtoNell’scottagethemorningafterdinneratShannaandKevin’s.WhywouldshethrowherselfintothepathofdangerbyspendingevenmoretimearoundSamand

Bobby?JustasCaitlynhadsuggestedduringherlastcall,CarrierecognizedthatshewasvulnerablerightnowandSam—aflounderingsingledad—wasexactlythesortofmanshewaslikelytofallforwhenshewasinsuchavulnerablestate.ShecouldtellherselffromnowtilldoomsdaythatshewasonlyinterestedinBobby’swell-being,butthelittlesizzlethat

ranthroughherwhenshewasincloseproximitytoSamsaidotherwise.Sizzles,assheknewalltoowell,couldturnintodangerousfires.Whenshetappedonher

great-grandmother’sfrontdoor,itwasDillonwhoanswered.“Well,ifitisn’tthe

prettiestgreat-granddaughterintheworld,”hesaidwiththatwonderfulIrishliltinhis

voice.“YoudoknowthatCaitlyn

andIlookexactlyalike,”sheresponded.Feignedsurprisespread

acrosshisface.“Doyou,now?Therearetwoofyou?”Carrielaughedandkissed

hischeek.“Youknowthereare.Where’sGram?She’snotstillasleep,isshe?”Helookedappalledbythe

verythought.“Thislateinthe

day?Notachance.She’sonherkneesinthegarden,despitemetellinghershehasnobusinessdoingalltheweedingherself.SinceIcan’tmakeherseereason,seeifyoucan’tlureherinsideforacupofteaandagoodlongchat.”“It’ssuchalovelyday,

maybeI’llmaketheteaandtakeitoutside,instead,”Carriesuggested.“She’s

muchmorelikelytotakeabreakifshecanenjoyherpreciousgardenatthesametime.”Dillonnoddedapprovingly.

“Andthat’swhyyou’rethesmartestgreat-granddaughter,aswellastheprettiest.”Carrielaughed.“I’mso

gladyoubroughtthatblarneywithyoufromDublin,rightalongwithyourloveforGram.”

“Nochoiceinthematter,mydarlinggirl.Nochoiceatall.Therewerefartoomanyyearswhenwewereapart.Iintendtospendwhatevertimewehaveleftonthisearthsidebyside,whereverthatmaybe.ChesapeakeShoresandherfamilyaretoomuchapartofmyNelltoaskhertocometoIrelandtobewithme.AndI’mblessedtohavemyowngranddaughterMoira

herenow,too,withLuke.”“Funnyhowthingswork

out,isn’tit?”Carriesaid,asshepouredboilingwaterovertheIrishBreakfasttealeaveshergrandmotherpreferred.Bringingateabagintothishousewouldbeconsideredpracticallysacrilegious.Teawastobemadetheold-fashionedway,ornotatall.“Therearealwayssurprisingtwistsandturns.”

“Lifeamazesmeeveryday,tobesure,”Dillonagreed.“That’showIknowI’mliving.”“Doyouneedhelp

carryingthatoutside?”heaskedassheputtwoofNell’sprettiestcups,theantiquechinateapotwithitscrackledfinish,amatchingsugarbowlandafewslicesoflemononatray.“Ihaveit,butthanks,”she

said.“Enjoyyourvisit.”He

reachedforsomewetwipesandatowel.“Takethesealong.Nellneverwearsgardeningglovesthewayshe’spromisedto.She’llwanttocleanupbeforetouchingthosepreciouscupsofhers.”Carriesmiledassheleft

thekitchenofthecozylittlecottageoverlookingthebay.

Dillontrulywasatreasure,andhislong-heldloveforNellhadbeenawonderfuldiscoveryonthefamily’striptoIrelandseveralyearsago.Reunitedafteryearsapart,theysetanexampleforthewholefamilyofhowlovecouldendure,despitenearlyalifetimewithotherpeople.Carriesettheteatrayona

tablebesidetwoAdirondackchairsfacingthebay,then

crossedthelawntowardthegardens.Shefoundhergreat-grandmotherwithherroses,humminganIrishtunethatsoundedfamiliar,thoughCarriecouldn’tcomeupwiththewords.“Doesmusicmakethe

rosesbloombetter?”sheteased.Nelllookedup,startled,

thenlaughed.“Notmine,Isuspect.Butitmakesme

happy.Whatbringsyoubyonthislovelysummermorning?”“Iwashopingforacupof

teaandachatwithmyfavoriteperson.”Shenoddedinthedirectionofthechairs.“I’vemadeitjustthewayyoulikeit.Canyoutakeabreak?”Nellfrowned.“DidDillon

putyouuptothis?He’sbeenpesteringmeallmorning

aboutthedampnessmakingthearthritisinmykneesworse.”“Heworriesaboutyou.”“Oh,Iknowthat,andI

lovehimforit,butI’vebeengardeningforenoughyearstoknowthatthepleasureoutweighsafewachesandpains.Butacupofteaandachancetocatchupwithyouwouldbewelcome.”Asshestruggledtogetto

herfeet,Carrieheldoutahand,butasshe’dexpected,Nellignoreditandmadeitonherown.Carriehandedherthewipesandtowel.“Iimaginethesewere

Dillon’sdoing,too,”shegrumbled,thoughherblueeyessparkledwithaffection.“Hesaysyouforgetto

wearyourgardeninggloves.”“Idon’tforgetathing.Half

thejoyisgettingalittle

dirty.”Carrieputanarmaround

Nell’swaist.“Orneryoldthing.”“Iamthat,”Nellsaidwith

prideastheywalkedacrossthelawn.“HowdoyouthinkI’velivedsolong?”Whentheywereseatedand

theteahadbeenpoured,sheturnedaseriousgazeonCarrie.“What’sonyourmind?Youaren’tletting

Mickpressureyouaboutwhatyou’regoingtodonext,areyou?”“Hehasapoint,”Carrie

conceded.“Ishouldmakeadecisionofsomekind.”“Well,myadviceistotake

yourtime.There’snorush.Therightanswerwillcometoyou.”“IwishIbelievedthat,”

Carriesaidwithasigh,thenshruggedoffthewayher

indecisionweighedonher.“That’snotwhyI’mhere,though.Iwaswonderingifyou’dhavealittletimetoteachmetocook.Me,andafriend,thatis.”Nell’seyessparkledwith

delight.“I’dlovethat,”shesaidenthusiastically.Herexpressionturnedcurious.“Tellmeaboutthisfriend.Itmustbeaman,sinceIcan’timagineyouwantingtospend

timeinthekitchenifitweren’t.”“MaybeIjustthinkit’s

timesomeonelearnsallyourrecipes,”Carrieresponded.“Luke’schefknowsagood

manyofthem.”“He’snotfamily.”“AndyouruncleKevinhas

pickedupafew.”“Iwanttoknowthemall.”“Andthisfriend,what’shis

motivation?”

CarrieexplainedaboutSamandBobby.“Oh,thepoorlittlething,”

Nellsaidatonce.“Hehasaweaknessfor

chocolate-chipcookies,”Carriereported.“Igavehimacoupleofyoursatthepubtheothernight.Igathertheywereahit.”“Well,hecan’tverywell

liveoncookiesandpizzaandwhateverSamcantakeoutof

thefreezerorpickupintown,”Nellsaidbriskly,herexpressionthoughtful.“IfSamisworkingforMackandtryingtomanageachildforthefirsttime,Iimaginehedoesn’thavealotoftime.Youfindoutwhenhehasacoupleofhourstospare,letmeknowandbringbothofthemby.Promisethemtherewillbeagoodmealattheendofthelesson.”

“Thanks,Gram.”“Now,tellmewhatthis

youngmanislike.Ishehandsome?”Carrieblushed.“I

suppose.”Nellleveledadirectlookat

herthathadhersquirming.“Isithimyou’redrawntoortheboy?”“Maybeboth,”she

admitted.“Oh,mydarlinggirl,be

careful.”“Iwillbe,Gram.Nobody

knowsbetterthanIdothatIshouldn’tevenbethinkingaboutarelationshiprightnow.Ihaveenoughdecisionstomake.”“That’snotatallwhatI’m

saying.Lovecomesalongonitsowntimetable.Ijustwantyoutobesurethatyou’respendingtimewiththismanfortherightreasons.There’s

alittleboywho’sbeenthroughtoomuchtobeconsidered.Whentwoadultstryandfail,it’sonething,butyoudon’twanttomakeamistakethatcouldhurtachildwho’salreadysufferedaterribleloss.”“It’snotasifSamandIare

dating,”Carrieprotested.“Wecanbarelycallwhatever’sgoingonafriendship.Ijustwantto

help.”“Andthat’salovely

gesture.Justthinkcarefullybeforeitgoesanyfurther.”“Believeme,Iwill,”Carrie

promised.“Nowletmetaketheteathingsbackinside.Areyoucoming?”“Istillhavemyrosesto

tendto,”Nellsaid.“YoucanreassureDillonthatI’mnotoverdoingitandthatifhe’sallthatworried,hecanget

outhereandpullafewweedshimself.Iwon’teventellhimhe’sdoingitallwrong.”Carrielaughed.“I’llpass

thatalong.”ShehuggedNell.“Iloveyou.I’llbeintouchaboutthecooking.”“I’llbelookingforwardto

thelessonsandtomeetingyouryoungman.”“He’snotmyyoungman,”

Carrieremindedher,probablytonoavail.Noone

inthisfamilylistenedtosuchdenialsunlessitsuitedtheirpurposes.Romantics,thewholedarnlotofthem!

DeterminednottodwellonNell’sspeculationaboutherrelationshipwithSam,Carriedecidedshe’dwaitbeforecallinghim.Shedidn’twanttoseemoverlyeager.And

sinceshedidn’thaveJacksontoday,maybeshecouldgoshoppingforafewthingsthatdidn’tpracticallyscreamdesignerwhensheputthemon.Shedidn’twanttothinkaboutwhyshefeltthatwasnecessary.NotscaringSamoffshouldnotbeaconsideration.Shewasonherwayback

fromthenearestmallwayoutonthemainnorth-south

highway,whenshespottedaday-carecenteronalargefenced-inpatchoflawnwithacolorfulswingsetinthebackyard.WithLuke’ssuggestionaboutapossiblecareerstillverymuchonhermind,shemadeaU-turnandwentback,mostlyoutofcuriosity.Alookaroundwouldn’thurtanything,andmaybeitwouldeveninspireher.

Inside,shecouldhearshoutsofgleefullaughtercomingfromtheback.Thatsoundmadehersmile.Thegirlatthereception

desk,wholookedtobebarelyoutofherteens,hungupthephoneandgrinnedatCarrie.“It’ssnacktime.Italwaysgetsnoisierthen.CanIhelpyou?”“IwaswonderingifIcould

speaktotheowneror

managerforafewminutes,”Carriesaid.“About?Ifyouhavea

childyou’dliketoenroll,we’renottakinganynewclientsrightnow.”“No,it’snotthat.Actually,

it’salongstory,buttheshortversionisthatI’mthinkingofopeningadaycareoverinChesapeakeShores.”Shesmiledreassuringly.“Nocompetitionforthisone.I

couldusesomeadviceandI’dliketolookaroundifsheorhedoesn’tmind.”“Holdon.Letmecheck,”

thegirlsaid.“I’mLucy,bytheway.LucyMorris.”“AndI’mCarrieWinters.

Doyouworkherefull-time?”“Prettymuch,butI’malso

studyingearlychildhoodeducation.MymomopenedthisdaycarewhenIwasababy,soI’veprettymuch

grownuparoundtheplace.I’vebeenworkinghereeversincehighschool.”“Youmustloveitsince

youchoseearlychildhoodeducationasacareer.”“It’sthebestjobever,”she

saidcheerfully,thenmadeaface.“Exceptonthedaysitisn’t.”“Whichdaysarethose?”“Whenonekidiscranky

andthemoodseemstobe

contagious.Orwhenmomcavesinandbringscookiesforsnacktime.Twentykidsonasugarhigh?”Sheshuddered.“Notpretty.”Carriechuckled.“Iknow

whatyoumean.I’vehadahousefulofkidsatmyhouselikethatatimeortwo.ThedayafterHalloweencanbeparticularlydicey.”“Tellmeaboutit.”Lucy

heldupafingertoindicate

hermotherhadfinallypickedupthephone.“Mom,there’sawomannamedCarrieWintersherewho’dliketotalktoyouaboutrunningadaycare.Canyoutakeaminute?I’llcomebackandtakeover,ifyouwanttocomeoutherewhereit’squiet.”Shenodded.“Surething.I’lltellher.”Whenshe’dhungup,she

stood.“Shetoldmetobring

youbacksoyoucangetafirsthandlookatthecraziness.She’llspendalittletimewithyouafterthat.”“Perfect.Thankyouso

much.”Lucygrinnedather.“I

predictyou’lleitherfallinloveinthefirstfiveminutesorrunforyourlife.Eitherway,you’llhavesomeinklingifthisisrightforyou.”

“Isurehopeso,”Carriesaid,followingherthroughasetofdoubledoorsthatledintoalargeplayarea.Aquickglancearoundhad

hersmiling.ThecolorswerebrightandcheerfulfromapaletteverysimilartotheoneusedinNoah’soffices.Tinytablesandchairswerescatteredaroundtheroom,alongwithboxesstuffedwithtoys.Therewasachalkboard

inanareawhereafewyoungchildrenwereapparentlyengrossedinlessonsthatwouldgivethemaheadstartfortheupcomingschoolyear.Somewerereading,butothersseemedtobegettingtutoringfromaboywholookedtobehighschoolage.Everyonewasfinishingupasnackofcheese,crackersandcarrotsticks,alongwithbottledwater.

Awomanwhoappearedtobeinherearlyfortiesdisentangledherselffromthreepreschoolerswhowerebeggingforanotherstory.“SitquietlyandLucywillreadtoyou,”shepromised.“Gopickoutonebookeach.”Thechildrenscampered

awayandthewomancameover.“I’mJulieMorris,”shesaid.Shenoddedtowardtheyoungerchildren.“Lucy,

you’lltakeover?”“I’monit,”Lucysaid.

“Nicetomeetyou,Ms.Winters,”shecalledoverhershoulderassherushedafterthekids.“Iknowitprobablyseems

chaotic,butit’sanorganizedchaos,”Julietoldher.“Lucysaidyou’reinterestedinopeningadaycare.”“I’mexploringthe

possibility,”Carriesaid.“I

hadanothercareer,butitturnedouttobeabadfit.SomeonesuggestedthatChesapeakeShorescoulduseagoodday-carecenter.”“So,outoftheblue,you

wanttosnapyourfingersanddoit?”Julieasked,herexpressionskeptical.Carriewinced.Itdidsound

crazywhenherplanwasdescribedthatway.“It’snotquiteasimpulsiveasit

sounds.EversinceIgotbacktotown,I’vebeencaringformynephewasafavortohismomanddad.Otherkidsinmyfamilyareinandoutofthehouseallthetime.IlovehavingthemunderfootandeveryonesaysI’mverygoodwiththem.”“Runningadaycareisa

lotmoredifficultthanbabysitting,”Juliecautioned.“Iknowthat.Ididtakea

fewearlychildhoodeducationcoursesincollegeaselectives,butIunderstandthat’sjustthetipoftheiceberg.That’soneofthereasonsIstoppedbywhenIspottedyourcenterasIwasdrivinghomejustnow.Irealizethere’salotIneedtolearnandIdon’twanttodothisbyhalfmeasuresifI’mgoingtodoit.Ifyouknewmyfamily,you’dknowwe

mightmakeimpulsivedecisions,butwedoourhomeworkandwedothingsright.Andtohearmygrandfathertellit,failure’snotanoption.”Juliestudiedherintently,

thenseemedtoreachadecision.“Look,Icansitdownwithyouandgooverregulations,yourbusinessplanandalltheotherthingsittakestobesuccessfulinthis

business.Icanevenadviseyouonsomecoursesifyouwanttofillintheeducationalblanks.”“Thatwouldbeincredibly

generousofyou,”Carriesaidenthusiastically.“I’dbehappytopayyouforyourtime.”Juliesmiled.“Nota

chance,becauseI’mnotgoingtostartadvisingyou,atleastnotrightaway.You

thinkyouwanttodothis,thenyousignupforthosecoursesonline,thencomehereacoupleofdaysaweekasavolunteer.You’llknowsoonenoughifyou’reanygoodatit.WhenIseeifyou’reserious,thenI’llteachyoueverythingyouneedtoknow.I’vebeenrunningthiscentersinceLucywasababyandI’vegotanexcellentreputation.IfI’mgoingtobe

yourmentor,thenI’mgoingtobethorough.”Carriewasmomentarily

takenaback,butthenshechuckled.“Done,”shesaid,holdingoutherhand.“We’lldoityourway.Ihavethebabyacoupleofdaysaweek,butIcanworkherearoundthat.”“Oryoucanbringthebaby

withyou,”Juliesaid.“Iwon’tevenchargeyouforit,since

you’regoingtobepitchinginasvolunteerstaff.I’veworkedthatdealwithacoupleofmomswhoneedchildcarewhiletheyhuntforwork.”“Somethingtellsme

spottingthisplacewastheluckiestthingtohappentomeinalongtime,”Carriesaidsincerely.ShelikedthatJuliewasn’t

goingtohandoverabunchof

factsandfiguresordoleoutadvicewithoutbeingsurethatCarriewasuptothejob.ShewasobviouslyawomanwhotookherresponsibilitytothechildreninhercareseriouslyandintendedtodowhatevershecouldforthosewhomightbeinCarrie’scaredowntheroad.ForthefirsttimeCarriewasstartingtoviewthewholeday-careideaasaserious,viableoptionfor

herfuture.“Mondaymorning,”Julie

toldher.“Igetherebyfive-thirty.Acoupleofparentsworkveryearlyshiftsanddropofftheirkidsonthewaytowork.Six-thirtywillbeearlyenoughforyou.”“I’llbehere,”Carrie

promised,managingtohideherstartledreactiontotheearlyhour.She’dgrownusedtolatenightsandlaid-back

mornings,acarryoverfromherlifestylewhenshe’dworkedwithMarc.Julienoddedapprovingly.

“Iexpectedyoutoreactdifferentlytotheearlyhour.”“I’lladmitthatI’venever

beenmuchofamorningperson,”Carrieconceded.“ButIamareliableone.I’llbehere.”“Keepsurprisingmeand

we’llgetalongjustfine.Now

I’dbettergetoverthereandseehowLucy’sholdingup.Thekidsadoreher,buttheytendtotrytotakeadvantageofher.She’sstillworkingonbeingadisciplinarianwhensheneedstobe.”ShegaveCarriea

distractedwaveasshehurriedoff.Carriestoodwhereshewas

foramomentlonger,soakingupthehigh-pitchedlaughter,

thesightofkidsbouncingintheirseatswithexcitementastheiryoungtutormadewhateverlessontheywerehavingfun.Theatmosphereintheroomwrappeditselfaroundherandwarmedherheartinawaynothinghadinaverylongtime.ApparentlyLukehadbeen

ontosomethingwhenhe’dpointedherinthisdirection.Shesupposedshe’dfindout

forsureoverthenextfewweeksormonthsorhoweverlongittookforJulietodecideifCarriehadpassedherpersonaltest.Carriealreadyhadapretty

goodideathatthistimeshe’dfoundaperfectfit.

WhenshefinallygotbacktoChesapeakeShores,Carrie

foundhergrandfatherpacingupanddownthefrontwalk,acellphoneuptohisear.Whenhesawher,hedisconnectedandshovedthephoneinhispocket.“It’sabouttimeyougot

home.Whyweren’tyouansweringyourphone?”“Thebatterydied,”Carrie

replied,thinkinghowconvenientthatwas,giventheexpressiononher

grandfather’sface.Shekissedhischeek.“What’sup?”“That’swhatIwantto

know,”hegrumbled.“You’vebeenavoidingme.”“I’vebeenbusy.”“Doingwhat?”Sheheldupherpackages.

“Shopping,foronething.”“Youcouldn’tpossibly

needmoreclothes.Ihelpedhaulallyourthingsoverhere,incaseyou’veforgotten.”

“TheywerealittletoofancyforeverydayinChesapeakeShores,”shesaid.“Iboughtafewmorepracticalthings.”Hisgazenarrowed.“So,

you’renotthinkingoftakingoffagainrightaway?”“Nope,”shesaid,setting

allthebagsdowninachair,thenheadingforthekitchen.“Icouldusesomeicedtea.Howaboutyou?”

“Tea’sfine,”hesaid.“Answerswouldbebetter.”“Ihaven’theardany

questionsyet.”Herbacktohim,shepulledapitcherofteafromtherefrigerator,retrievedtwoglassesfromacabinet,addedice,thenpouredthetea,takinghertimeaboutitbeforefacinghimagain.Hescowledather.“Don’t

besmartwithme,young

lady.”Shesmiled.“Askwhatever

youlike,GrandpaMick,butontheadviceofcounsel,Ireservetherightnottoanswer.”Thescowldeepened.

“Whatcounsel?Whatthedevilareyoutalkingabout?”Carrielaughed.“Grandma

MegantoldmeIdon’thavetoletyoupryintomylifeunlessIwantto.”

“Myownwifetoldyouthat?”hedemandedincredulously.“Shealsosaidshewas

goingtogetyoutostopbuggingme.”Shesigheddramatically.“Iguessthatdidn’tworkoutsowell.”Hescrubbedahandacross

hisfaceandlookedasifhewereclingingtohislastthreadofpatience.“Iswearthatwomanisgoingtobethe

deathofme.”Carriegavehiman

impulsivehug.“Butyouloveherlikecrazy.”“ThatIdo.”Helookedinto

hereyes.“AndIloveyou,too.Iwantyoutobehappy.Thatmeansgettingonwithyourlife.Idon’tseeyoudoingthat,thoughifyou’vemadeadecisiontostayhere,Isupposethat’sastart.”“I’mworkingontherest,”

Carrieassuredhim.“Honest,GrandpaMick.I’mseeingthingsmoreclearlythanIhaveinalongtime.”Hisexpressionbrightened.

“Tellme.”“Notjustyet.Iwanttosee

howthingsgofirst.”“NotevenatinyhintsoI

don’tworry?”“Notevenatinyhint,butI

promiseyoucanstopworrying.Theskieshave

clearedandtheoutlookaroundhereisimprovingbytheminute.”“Whateverthatmeans,”he

grumbledagain.“Itmeansyoucangomeet

GrandmaMeganatthegallery,takeheroutforanicedinnerandtalkaboutsomethingotherthanmeandmyproblemsforachange.I’msureshe’llappreciatethat.”

Heshookhishead,butsmiledatlast.“I’msureshewill.Okay,then.I’llstoppesteringyou.”Hegaveherameaningfullook.“Fornow,”heamended.“ButifIdon’tlikewhatI’mseeing,Ireservetherighttospeakup.”“Iwouldn’thaveitany

otherway,”shetoldhimassheledthewaytothedoor.“Loveyou.”“Loveyou,too,though

howyouturnedouttobesuchastubbornoneisbeyondme.”“Lotsofexamples,”she

remindedhim.“Andyou’rethebestoneofall.”Assheclosedthedoor

behindhim,sheleanedagainstitforamoment,thenrealizedshewassmiling.Forthefirsttimeinwhatfeltlikeforever,shehadn’tbeenfibbingtohim.Sheheaded

forhercomputertolookforsomeoftheclassesJuliehadsuggestedshecouldfindonline.Smilingasshesignedupfortwoofthem,shefinallyfeltasifshewasstartingtohavesomecontroloverherlifeagain.

Samhadbroughthomepizzaforthesecondnightinarow,

mostlybecauseitwaswhatBobbyhadinsistedhewantedandbecauseSamcouldn’tcomeupwithasensiblealternative.“Wecan’tgoonlikethis,”

hemutteredmostlytohimself.“Whynot?”Bobbyasked,

devouringhissecondslice.Atleastitwasaveggie

pizzatonight,Samthought,aconcessiontoahealthier

lifestyle.“Becauseyouneedreal

food.”“Pizzaisrealfood,”Bobby

said,lookingconfused.“Thisoneevenhasyuckyvegetablesonit.”Samnotedthepileofsaid

vegetablesthatBobbyhadpickedoffandleftonhisplate.“Theydon’tcountunlessyouactuallyeatthem.”“Idon’tlikethem,”Bobby

saidreasonably.“IfIatethem,I’dprobablygetsick.”“Youwouldn’tgetsick,I

promise.”Athoughtstruckhim.“Didyourmomeverletyouhavepizzaeverynightoftheweek?”Bobbyhesitated,clearly

debatingbetweenthetruthandananswerthatwouldkeepthepizzacoming.“No,”heconcededfinally.“ItwasforSaturdaynight.”His

expressionbrightened.“Andtomorrow’sSaturday,sowecanhaveitagain!”Samshookhishead.“I

don’tthinkso,pal.”Hegrabbedhiscellphone,

checkedforCarrie’sphonenumber,whichhe’dprogrammedin,andcalledbeforehecouldthinkaboutthewisdomofit.“Well,hi,”shesaid.

“Everythingokay?”

“Yousaidsomethingaboutcookinglessons,”heremindedher.“I’monoursecondnightinarowofpizzawithathirdoneinstoreunlessyoucansaveus.”Shelaughed.“Ispoketo

Gramthismorningandshe’seagertostartwheneverwe’reready.Iwasgoingtocallyoutocheckyourschedule,butIhadabusydaytoday.”“Wouldtomorrowbetoo

soon?Ineedtobreakthispizzahabitasquicklyaspossible.”“Areyougoodwith

anytimetomorrow?”“I’mtakingBobbyto

checkintoT-ballfirstthinginthemorning,butweshouldbefreebyeleven.AnytimeafterthatifitworksforNell,”hetoldher.“Andyou.”“LetmecheckandI’llget

rightbacktoyou.”

“Youhavemynumber?”“OncallerID,”she

responded.“I’llcallyouinacoupleofminutes.”“Thanks.”“WasthatCarrie?”Bobby

askedwhenSamsethisphonewithinreachonthetable.“Itwas.She’sgoingtoset

upsomecookingclassesforuswithhergreat-grandmother.”

Bobbyimmediatelylookedworried.“Somethingwrong?”Sam

asked.“DoIgettocome,too?”Overthepastfewdays,

SamhadnoticedthatBobbyrarelylethimoutofhissight.Itwasunderstandable,butitprobablyneededtochangeorthefirstdayofschoolwasgoingtobeaproblem.Still,hecouldn’tverywellbreak

thehabituntilhehadgoodalternatives.HeconsideredcallingShannaorevenKevintoseeifthey’dtakeBobbytoT-ballinthemorning,butonelookatthefearinBobby’seyestoldhimhecouldn’tdoit.“Sureyoucancome.”WhenCarriecalledback,

hewalkedoutontothebalconyoftheirroomattheinnandfinalizedtheplans.

“IsitokayifBobbycomesalong?”heasked,explainingBobby’sreactiontotheprospectofbeingseparatedfromSamevenforalittlewhile.“Gram’scountingonit,”

Carrieassuredhim.“And,bytheway,goodjobpickinguponhisfear.”“Pickinguponitisone

thing,”Samsaid.“Butnoteverysituationwillbe

resolvedaseasilyasthisone.Ihavetogobacktoworknextweek.Schoolstartsnotlongafterthat.”“You’llfigureitout,”

Carrieassuredhim.WhenSamremainedsilent,

shesaid,“Didyouhearme?”“Idid.Ijustcouldn’tquite

believewhatIwashearing.”“Ilearnedmylesson,”she

toldhim.“Positivereinforcementfromhereon

out.Doesithelp?”“Surprisingly,itdoes,”

Samsaid.“Seeyoutomorrow.”“Lookingforwardtoit.

Wantmetopickyouup,soIcanshowyouthewaytothecottage?”“Sure,”Samsaid,though

healreadyhadaprettygoodideawhereitwas.Anythingtospendalittlemoretimearoundthepositiveenergy

shewassuddenlyexuding.Itwaspitifulhowbadlyheneededthatrightnow.

WhenMackcouldn’tfindSusieathome,hedroveintotownandheadedfortherealestateoffice.Susierarelystayedlate,butforthepastcoupleofdaysshe’dbeenthereuntileightorlater.Whenhe’dasked,she’dtold

himthatpaperworkhadpiledupbecauseofthedaysshe’dstayedhome.Hehadn’tboughtherexcuse,andwhenhe’drunintoherdadearlier,Jeffhadconfirmedthattherewasnobacklogofpaperwork.“Anyideawhat’sgoing

on?”Jeffhadaskedhim.“Iknowhavingtheadoptionfallthroughwasablow,butshe’sbouncedbackalotmorequicklythanI’danticipated.

Andsinceshecamebacktotheoffice,she’sbeenworkingharderthanever.”“Inoticedthesamething,”

Mackhadsaid,noteventryingtohidehisconcern.“WantmetohaveJotalk

toher?”Jeffhadasked.Susieandhermomwere

close,butMackwantedtogettothebottomofthishimself.“I’llhandleit,butthanks.IfIthinkJoneedstoget

involved,I’llask.”Jeffhadslappedhimonthe

back.“Iknowyoulovemygirl,Mack,butsodowe.Ifyouneedhelp,allyouhavetodoisask.UnlikemybrotherMick,Idon’tmeddle.NeitherdoesJo,butwe’reonlyaphonecallawayifyouthinksomething’snotright.JustbecauseSusie’sagrownwomanandmarried,doesn’tmeanshe’snotstillour

child.”“Trustme,Iknowexactly

howstrongthebondis,”Macksaid,meaningitandgratefulforit,too.“YoutwowereeverybitasimportanttohercancerrecoveryasIwas.Sheneededusall.Shemayagain.”InMack’sopinion,

somethingdefinitelywasn’tright.Aftertwodaysofstaringatthebayand

showingnointerestinanything,SusiehaddemonstratedasuddensurgeofenergyrightaftermeetingSam’snephew,Bobby,onWednesday.TherewaslittledoubtinMack’smindthatthetwothingswereconnected.Afterparkingonaside

streetwhenhecouldn’tfindaspotalongMainoronShoreRoad,heheadedfortherealestateoffice.Ashe’d

expected,thelightswereburningbrightlydespitethelatenessofthehour.HecouldseeSusieatherdeskstaringatthephone.Takingadeepbreathandprayingforguidance,hewentinside,asmileplasteredonhisface.“Hereyouare,”hesaid

cheerfully,droppingakissonherforehead.“Ithoughtyou’dbehomebynow.Fridaynight’salwaysbeen

ourdatenight.”Sheflushedguiltily.“I

forgotallaboutitbeingFriday.Igotcaughtupinsomethinghere,”shesaid.“What?”heinquired

mildly.Shefrownedatthe

question.“Whythedoubtinyourvoice?YouknowIworklatesometimes.”“Ofcourseyoudo.Iwas

justcuriousaboutwhathad

keptyoutonight.Isthereabigdealpending?”“Somethinglikethat,”she

said,notmeetinghisgaze.Mackconcludedthat

dancingaroundthesubjectwasn’tgoingtogetanswers.Hesatinthechairbesideherdesk.“Suze,what’sgoingon?”“ItoldyouI’mworking.”“Itlookedtomeasifyou

mightbewaitingforthe

phonetoring.”Suddenlytheanswercametohim,thoughhedidn’tlikeit.“AreyouwaitingforSamtocallabouttakingalookatthathouse?”“Hesaidhewould,”she

replieddefensively.“GettingBobbysettledisimportant,sowhyhasn’thedoneit?”Sheregardedhimwithalarm.“Nothing’shappenedtoBobby,hasit?”“Bobby’sjustfineasfaras

Iknow.TheyhaddinnerwithKevinandShannaandthekidslastnight.WhenIspoketoSamearlierthisevening,hementionedthathe’ssigningBobbyupforT-ballinthemorning,thenNell’sgivinghimacookinglesson.”Forthefirsttimesincehe’d

arrived,therewasasparkofinterestinSusie’seyes.“How’dthathappen?”“IgatherSamthrew

himselfonCarrie’smercyandshesetitup.She’stakinglessonsfromNell,too.”“Ofcoursesheis,”Susie

said,asurprisingedgetohervoice.Mackknewthere’donce

beenafamilyrivalrybetweenSusieandJess,butthiswassomethingnew.“Hey,whytheattitude?”“He’ssingle.Hehasakid.

OfcourseCarriewouldlatch

ontohim,thesamewayshemadeherselfavailabletoNoahwhenhefirstgottotown.”Mackregardedherwith

shock.Inalltheyearshe’dknownherandthroughsomeverytoughtimes,he’dneverheardherbesomean-spirited,exceptperhapswhenhe’dstupidlyinvitedanex-girlfriendtoworkatthepaper.Eventhen,hiswife

hadstruggledhardtohideherdistasteforthewomanandhowmuchthesituationupsether.“Youknowperfectlywell

thatCarrieandAbbypitchedintohelpNoahgetsettledbecauseCaitlynwasstartingherinternshipatthehospitalinBaltimore,”hesaidquietly.“Therewasnothingmoretoit,certainlynotanythinglikewhatyou’reimplying.”

“You’resonaive,”Susiesaid.Mackfoundthewhole

conversationincreasinglypuzzling.IfSusiewasgoingdownthepathhefearedshemightbe,herjealousyofCarriewasaworrisomesign.“Sincewhendoyouhave

suchajadedattitudetowardCarrie?”heasked,keepinghistoneaslevelashecould.Sparkingafightwouldget

himnowhere.Shewincedatthequestion,

butdidn’trespond.Thatlefthimnochoicebuttobedirect.“Isitbecauseshe’s

spendingtimehelpingSamwithBobbyandyouwantedtobetheonetodothat?Ifso,Suze,that’saproblem.”Hetriedtoholdhergaze,

buteventuallyshesighedandlookedaway,thoughnot

beforehesawtearsforminginhereyes.Sheburiedherfaceinherhands.“I’mturningintosucha

witch,aren’tI?HowcanIbejealousofsomeonewho’sjusttryingtobenice?”Whenthetearsbeganto

fallinearnest,Mackgatheredherclose.“You’rethefurthestthingfromawitch.You’rejusthurtingrightnow.Iknowyou,babe.You’d

neversaythingslikethisifyouweren’t.”“Ican’tseemtostop

myself.TheseawfulthoughtskeepcomingtomeandIgetsoangry.Thankgoodnessit’syouandnotsomeoneelseinthefamily.They’dprobablywantmetogointotherapy.”WhenMackdidn’treply

rightaway,sheregardedhimwithdismay.“That’swhatyouwant,too,isn’tit?”

Ratherthanansweringdirectly,heasked,“Doyouthinktherapymighthelp?You’vebeenthroughalot.Notmanypeoplecouldhavehandleditaswellasyouhave.”“Youhave.Youwerea

rockthroughallofmycancertreatments.Youhandledeverycurvethatwasthrownatus.Evenwhenwefoundoutweweren’tgettingthe

baby,youweresoblastedstrong.Iwantedtobelikethat,butthisadoptionfiascowasthefinalstraw.Idon’thaveanyhopeorstrengthleftinme.”“Ofcourseyoudo.Giveit

time,Susie.Youcan’texpecttogothroughsomethinglikethiswithoutittakingatoll.Iwasprobablypushingtoohardforustotryagain,becauseIthoughtthatwould

help.Iwaswrong.Youneedtimetomourn.”“That’sexactlyit,”she

said,seizingonhiscomment.“I’mmourningthischildthatwasalmostours.WhenIlashoutatCarriethewayIdidjustnow,IcanhearthewordsasifsomeoneelseissayingthemandI’mhorrifiedatthespitefulness,butIcan’tseemtostop.”Shesighed.“MaybeIshouldseeWill.”

“That’syourdecision,butitmighthelptohaveanotherperspective.Imaybetooclosetothistogiveyouthesortofunbiasedsupportyouneed.”“I’llthinkaboutit,”she

promised.“Andnow,ifyou’renottotallyturnedoffbymymoodswings,howwouldyoufeelabouttakingmetodinner?It’snottoolateforourdatenight,isit?”

“It’snevertoolateformetospendaneveningwithyou,anyplaceyouwanttogo,”Macksaidreadily,relievedfornow.“Brady’s,Ithink.I’dlike

somewineandsomeexcellentrockfishandmaybeevenadecadentdessert.”Macksmiled.“Nowyou’re

talkingmylanguage.GreatfoodandadatewiththewomanIlovemorethan

anythinginthisworld.Let’sdoit.”Thoughshecastonelast

lookatthestill-silentphone,shegrabbedherpurseandlockedup.Justoutsideshelookedupathim.“HaveImentionedhowmuchIloveyouandhowluckyIamthatyou’rehanginginherewithme?”“Nochanceofmedoing

anythingelse,”heassured

her.“You’remyworld,Suze.Andwhetherweeverhavekidsorwedon’t,youwillalwaysbemorethanenough.Pleasetrytorememberthat.”

WhenCarriearrivedattheinninthemorningtopickupSamandBobby,therewasnosignofthem.HerauntJessfoundherpacinginthelobby.

“Thereyouare,”Jesssaid.“It’scrazyaroundherethisweekend.We’repacked,soI’vebeenhelpinginthekitchenanddiningroom,butI’vebeentryingtowatchforyou.Samwantedmetoaskifyoucouldpickthemupattheballfield.KevincamebyearlieranddroveSamandBobbytoT-ball.KevinthoughtitwouldbeeasierforBobbyifDaveyandJohnny

arrivedatthefieldwithhim.Sometimesmybigbrotherdemonstratesamazingsensitivity.”Shegrinned.“OfcourseitwasprobablyShanna’sidea.”Carrielaughed.“Morethan

likely.Thanksforpassingalongthemessage.I’dbettergetoverthere.”“Notbeforeyouhaveacup

ofcoffeewithme,”Jesssaid.“CallGramandtellher

you’rerunninglate.Shewon’tmind.Ispoketoherafewminutesagoandsaidyoumightbe.”Carrieregardedher

suspiciously.“YoutoldGramI’dbelate?”“Isaiditwasapossibility,

becauseofhavingtogobytheballfield,”herauntsaidblithely.Carrietriedtoprotestany

furtherdelay,butJesshada

firmgriponherelbowassheguidedherintothebusydiningroom.“There’satableoverbythewindow.I’llgetthecoffeeandjoinyouinaminute.”“Jess,Ireallydon’thave

time,”Carrieargued,thenglimpsedhermotheratthetableJesshadpointedout.“Ah,Isee.Anambush.”Jesslaughed.“Youcan

choosetoseeitthatwayif

youwant,butItendtodomybigsister’sbidding,especiallyaftershe’shandedmeanice,fatdividendcheckfromtheinvestmentsshe’smadeforme.”AsCarriecrossedthe

room,shenoticedhermomwasdistractedlystirringherowncoffee.Sinceshetookneithercreamnorsugarinit,itwasclearlyanervousgesturejusttopassthetime.

“Hi,Mom.You’reoutbrightandearlyonaSaturdaymorning,”Carriesaid,givingherahug.“How’dyoumanagethat?”“TracetookPatricktothe

ballfield.HewantstoplayT-ball,eventhoughhecanbarelyholdthebat.”“So,ratherthantaking

advantageofalittletimetoyourself,youjusthappenedtocomebyhere?”

“IhadacheckforJess,butthenIheardyouwerestoppingbytopickupSamWinslowandIwashopingtocatchaglimpseofbothofyou.ApparentlyImissedSam,buthereyouare.”“Sorryyou’renotgettinga

twofer,”Carrieteased.“AndwhywouldyouwanttomeetSam,anyway?”“TheO’Brienrumormill

hasbeenbuzzing.Iwantedto

seeiftherewasanytruthtowhatIwashearing.”ShegaveCarrieachidinglook.“Youmighthavementionedyourselfthatyou’dmetaniceyoungman.”“Everybodyismakingway

toomuchofthis,”Carriesaid.“Sam’ssingleandhe’sattractive.However,hejuststartedanewjobandhejustassumedcustodyofhisnephewafteraterrible

tragedy.I’msurehe’snotlookingforarelationshipanymorethanIam.Webotharewaytoobusytryingtogetourlivesontrack.”“Andyetyou’retaking

timethismorningtohaveNellteachyouhowtocook,”Abbysaid.Shegrinned.“Clevermove,bytheway.”“Itwasn’tsomesortof

ploy,”Carrieclaimed.“Samcan’tcook.Hehasasix-year-

oldwhoneedstoeat.”“Verylogical,”Abbysaid,

hereyessparkling.“Andyou?Wheredidyoursuddendesiretolearnyourwayaroundakitchencomefrom?Uptillnowyou’vebeenperfectlycontenttotakeyourmealswithfamilyoratthepuborSally’s.AndIknowyou’dhaveatonoffrequentdinerpointsatPaniniBistroorthepizzaplaceifthey

offeredthem.”“Andwhosetthatexample

forme?”Carrieretorted,drawingastartledlaughfromhermom.“Touché.Iamamasterof

takeout.Thankfullythathasn’tdrivenTraceawayyet.Heknewwhathewasgettingwhenhemarriedme,anditwasn’tgourmetcooking.”Sinceshe’dmanagedto

one-uphermomanddoubted

she’dpullitoffagain,Carriestoodup.“Mom,I’dlovetostayandchat,butIreallydoneedtopickupSamandBobbyandgetovertoGram’s.”“Fine.Go,butIexpectto

meetthemverysoon.Ifyoudon’tbringthemaround,I’llgolookingforthem.AtleastIknowwheretofindthelotofyouonSaturdaymornings.You’llbeinNell’skitchen.”

Shegrinned.“Howconvenient!”“Weren’tyoubannedfrom

Nell’skitchenalongtimeago?”“OnlyifItrytogetnear

thestove,”Abbyretorted,laughing.“Nowgo.Havefun.”“Loveyou,”Carriesaid,

kissinghercheek.“Hey,”Abbycalledwhen

shewasjustafewfeetaway.

Carrieturnedback.“Ihearyou’vedecidedto

stayintown.I’msogladaboutthat.Weallare.”“Boy,itdidn’ttake

GrandpaMicklongtospreadthatword.”“Isuspecthewastexting

beforeheleftyourhouse,”Abbyreplied.“Hesaiditwasthebestnewshe’dhadinweeks.”“I’mgladIcouldmakehis

day.”Itremainedtobeseenif

thedecisionwasgoingtoworkouthalfaswellforher,butshewasdefinitelyhopeful.

Kevin’soffertopickthemupforT-ballhadbeenastrokeofgenius,SamthoughtashewatchedBobbyshadowing

theolder,veryfriendlyDaveyonthefield.SoonBobbywastalkingtootherboyshisownage,takinghisturnatbatandlisteningcloselytowhateverthecoacheshadtosay.Ofcourse,Samalso

noticedthatBobbyneverwentmorethanacoupleofminuteswithoutglancinghisway.Withsomekids,hesuspectedthatwouldbenomorethanaquickcheckfor

parentalapproval,butinBobby’scase,Samhadafeelingitwasanotherexampleoftheboy’sneedtoreassurehimselfthatSamwascloseby.ItwasBobby’steam’slast

at-batwhenhefeltCarrie’spresencenearby.Heturnedandgrinnedather.“We’realmostdone.”“How’shedoing?”“Thekidhasprettygood

eye-handcoordination.He’shadmorehitsthantheotherkidsontheteam.That’smadehimaninstanthero.”Sheglancedaroundthe

fieldandspottedBobbywaitingforhisturnatbat.Hewaslaughingwithanotherlittleboy.Forthefirsttimesinceshe’dseteyesonhim,helookedlikeeveryotherchildhisagehavingagreattimeattheballfield.

“WhoseideawasitforhimtoplayT-ball?”sheasked.“His.Heaskedifthere

wereteams.IcheckedwithKevinandhereweare.”“He’sobviouslyplayed

before.”“Apparently,”Samsaid.

“NotthatIknewmuchabouthislifebeforeIgotcustody.Thankfullyhe’sstartingtospeakupaboutthethingshelikestodo.”

Carriegavehimacuriouslook.“Youknewabouthisfondnessforthejunglegym.”“Mysistersentpictures

fromtimetotime.Itwasoneofherwaysofkeepingthelinesofcommunicationopen.Whenwespoke,wetendedtobuttheads,sowedidn’tdoitoften.”“Thatsurprisesme,”Carrie

said.“Especiallysinceshetrustedyoutotakecustodyof

Bobby.”“Itsurprisedme,too,”Sam

confessed.“Ithinkmaybeshethoughtitwouldnevercometothat.”Hesighed.“IguessnowI’llneverknowwhatshewasthinking.”“I’msorry.”“Yeah,me,too.”ThebatterbeforeBobby

wascalledoutatfirstbase,andthegameendedbeforehecouldgotobat.Hedropped

thebatandrantoSam,hisfaceflushedwithexcitement.“Didyouseeme?Igottwo

hits!”“Isaw,”Samsaid.“You’re

prettygood.”“Notjustprettygood,”

Bobbycorrected.“I’mgreat!”“Well,definitelynolackof

confidencewhenitcomestoT-ball,”Samsaiddryly.“Ihaven’theardyousayhitoCarrie,yet.”

“Hi,”Bobbysaid,instantlyshy.“Ionlysawthelastcouple

ofminutesofthegame,butIheardverygoodthingsabouthowwellyouplayed,”Carriesaid.“Maybeyoucouldcome

nextweek,”Bobbysuggested.“I’dlovethat.MaybeI

will.”Sheruffledhishair.“Areyoureadytolearnto

cook?”Bobbylookeddoubtful,so

Samsteppedin.“Icertainlyam,especiallysinceyoutoldmewegettoeatwhatwecook.”Bobby’sexpression

brightenedatonce.“Wedo?ThenIhopewe’relearningtomakecookies.”Kevinapproachedjustthen

withDaveyandJohnnyintow.“We’regoingtoSally’s

formilkshakes,Bobby.Youwanttocomealong?”HeglancedatSam.“IcanbringhimbyGram’safterthat.”SamwatchedBobby

closely.Atfirsttheideaofapostgametreatseemedtointeresthim,butthenhegazedupatSam.“Youwouldn’tbethere?”“Ican’tgo,buddy.I’m

goingwithCarrieforthatcookinglesson,butyoucan

goifyouwantto.”Bobbytookhishandand

heldontight.“No.Iwanttogowithyou.”Kevingavehiman

understandinglook.“Noproblem.Maybenexttime.”HegaveCarrieaquickkissonthecheek.“Don’twearGramout.”“It’smorelikelytobethe

otherwayaround,”Carriesaid.

WhenKevinandhisboyshadgone,SamrealizedBobbywasregardingCarriewithcuriosity.“HowcomeKevinkissed

you?Isheyourboyfriend?IthoughtShannawashiswife.”Carrielaughed.“She

absolutelyis.He’smyuncle.Heandmymomarebrotherandsister.”“Didyoueverlivewith

him?”“Justforalittlewhileat

mygrandpa’shousewhenwefirstmovedbacktoChesapeakeShores.Thenmymomgotmarriedagainandwemovedtoanotherhouse.”“Oh,”Bobbysaid,his

expressionthoughtfulasifhewastryingtofittogetherapuzzle.“Youguysready?”Carrie

asked.

“Wecan’twait,right,Bobby?”“Iguess,”hesaid,

soundingdoubtful.Carrieleaneddownand

whisperedsomethinginhisearthatmadehimsmile.“Whatdidyoutellhim?”

Samaskedastheywalkedtothecar.“Thatnomatterwhatwe

cooked,thereareboundtobecookies.AndifIknowGram,

she’llhaveawholeplatefreshfromtheovenwhenwegetthere.”“Isn’tthatgreat?”Bobby

askedexcitedly.“Bestnewsever,”Sam

agreed.Hewasn’tholdingoutalot

ofhopethatwhateverheandCarrielearnedtomakewouldbereceivedquitesoenthusiastically.

Samglancedacrossthesmallbutcher-blockislandinNell’skitchenandsmiledatthefrownofconcentrationonCarrie’sfaceasshedicedvegetablesintoperfectlymatchedpieces.“Needaruler?”he

inquired.Shescowledathim.“Gram

saidtheyshouldbethesame

sizesotheycookthroughevenly.”“I’mnotsureshemeant

youhadtobequitethatprecise,”hesaid,grinningashegesturedtohisownhaphazardlydicedveggies.“Iguesswe’llseewhenshe

andBobbygetbackfromcheckingoutthegardenandpickingthefreshherbsweneed,”Carriesaid,finallyputtingdownherknifeand

regardingherneatpilesofvegetableswithobvioussatisfaction.Samglancedoutthe

windowandsawNellleaningdowntolistentoBobbyastheywalkedtowardthehouse.Tohissurpriseandrelief,Bobbyhadbeenchatteringnonstopeversincehe’dmetNell.Eitheritwashernaturalwarmthorthechocolate-chipcookiesjust

outoftheoven,butshe’dwonBobbyoveratonce.Carriefollowedthe

directionofhisgazeandsmiled.“Theymakequiteapair,don’tthey?”“Isshethiswaywithall

kids,sortofanaturalPiedPiper?”“Prettymuch.Whenmy

grandmotherleftmygrandfatherwhilemymomwasateenagerandher

siblingswerestillprettyyoung,Grammovedinandtookover.Therewerefiveofthemanditcouldhavewornherout,especiallywithGrandpaMickontheroadwithworksomuch.Instead,shealwayssaidthatbeingaroundthemandthegreat-grandchildrenwho’vecomesincehaskeptheryoung.Shehasthisfreespiritthatallofusappreciate.Andwatching

herfallinlovewithDillonalloveragainwhentheyreconnectedinDublinwasaninspiration.”“It’snicetoknowthat

thingsdoworkout,evenifit’snotonthetimetableweanticipated.”“That’swhatshesays,that

lovehasitsowntimetable,andweneedtopayattentiontoit.Noteveryonegetsthatsecondchance.”

Samstudiedherandnoticedasadnesshehadn’tseensincethatfirstnightwhenhe’dspottedheratthebaratO’Brien’s.“Howdoyoufeelabout

secondchances?”“Givenhowoftenwe

managetomessupourownlives,I’mallforthem,”shesaid.“You?”“Samething.Haveyou

messedupyourlife?Itseems

tomeyouhaveitall—abig,wonderfulfamily,awholetownthat’spracticallyafamilybusinessinsomecrazyway.You’rebeautiful.”“I’llacceptthe

compliment,butthoseareblessingsthatIreallyhadnothingtodowith.Mylookscanbeattributedtogreatgenes.ThistownisGrandpaMick’sbaby.Thefamily,well,that’sNell’sdoing.

Evenwhentherehavebeentensions,she’smadecertainthatweallsticktogether.It’sniceknowingthatkindofsupportisalwaystherewhenweneedit.”“Isthatwhyyoucame

backhere?IheardyouwerelivinginEurope.”“Inaway,”shesaid.“This

ishome,andIdoloveithere.”“Areyouplanningtostay

oristhereanotherglamorousjobonthehorizon.I’veheardfromacoupleofpeopleyouwereinvolvedinthefashionindustry.”“Allbehindme,”shesaid.

“Itturnedoutitwasn’trightforme.”Hegrinned.“Youworethe

clotheswell.”HeglancedatthebrightblueT-shirtandcaprisshewaswearingtoday,alongwithapairofflip-flops

withabigwhitedaisybetweenhertoes.Nomoresexyheels.Nodesignerwardrobe.“Isthisanewlook?”“Youhaveagoodeye,”

shesaid.“IdecidedIneededsomemorepracticalclothesforthelifeI’mlivingnow.IlovedsomeofthethingsIwasabletobuyatadiscountbecauseofmyconnectiontoadesigner,butIwouldhave

hadheartfailureifI’dsplatteredgreaseonthem.”ShegesturedtowardtheapronNellhadgivenher,whichwascoveredalreadywithvariousstains.“Lookatme.Isurewouldn’thavemadeoneofthoseperfecthousewivesportrayedinthoseoldTVsitcoms.”Sheglancedhiswayandcaughtapuzzledlook.“Youknow,theoneswhocouldcookentire

mealsinadressandheelswithoutgettingathingonthem.”“Ah,yes,”hesaidwith

dawningunderstanding.“Well,justsoyouknow,youlooklikeamillionbucksintheseclothes,too.”Sheblushed.“Sam

Winslow,areyouflirtingwithme?”“JustcallingitlikeIsee

it,”hesaid,thenwinked.

“I’vealsoheardthatalittleflirtingisgoodforyourhealth.Ifthatblushonyourcheeksisanyindication,itdefinitelyhasanimpactonbloodflow.”Shelaughed.“Inever

thoughtofitquitethatway.I’llhavetobrushuponmyflirtingskills.”Asuddenimageofher

flirtingwithanymanwhocrossedherpathgaveSam

pause.Andthefactthatitdidscaredhiminawaythatlittleelseinhislifehad,Theonlythingscarierwasknowingthatastrickyasthepastthreeweeksofadjustingtobeingadadhadbeen,hestillhadyearsinthatroletofigureout.Thatthoughthadhim

movingquicklytothedoortoholditopenforNellandBobby,relievedtohavea

distraction.HecouldfeelCarrie’spuzzledgazefortherestofthemorningashefocusedhisattentiononmasteringNell’sinstructionsandansweringherquestions.Whentheyfinallysatdown

atthebigkitchentabletosamplewhatthey’dcooked,hesmiledwhenBobbytookhisfirsttasteoftheIrishstewandlookedup,hisfacealightwithsurprise.

“Thisisreallygood,”hesaid,alreadyspooningupmore.“It’slikethestewwehadwhenwegottotown.”“Itis,”Carrieagreed,

lookingtriumphant.Shemethisgaze.“Howaboutthat?Wedidn’tmessitup.”“YoubothgetanAplus,”

Nellsaidapprovingly.“Neverhadbetter,noteven

backinDublin,”Dillonadded.

Samstudiedtheirexpressions,stillharboringdoubtsabouttheirsuccess.Eventuallyhetookatentativetaste.Astheflavorsofthebeef,freshherbsandvegetablesburstonhistongue,heregardedthestewwithamazement.“WhoknewIcouldcook?”

hesaid,anunmistakablehintofwonderinhisvoice.Nellchuckled.“Boy,

you’rejustscratchingthesurface.Youcan’tliveonIrishstewalone,evenasgoodasitis.Nextweekwe’llmoveontomychickenanddumplings.Nowthosedumplingsarethetestthatseparatesthemenfromtheboys.”Carriemurmured

somethingunderherbreaththatdrewasharplookfromNell.

“What’sthat,girl?Speakup.”“IsaidUncleKevin’s

dumplingsareprettylightandfluffy.”Nellgaveherachiding

look.“Youmeancomparedtomine?”Carrieshrugged.“Hedoes

seemtohaveamagicaltouch.”“Andwhere’dhegetthat

from,Iaskyou?”Nell

inquiredwithatouchofindignation.“I’mguessinghelearnedit

fromyou,”Samsaidquickly.Nellgaveanodof

satisfaction.“Ofcoursehedid,”shesaid,thenfrowned.“Butdoyouknowtheungratefulbratwon’ttellmewhathe’sdonetoimproveonmyrecipe.”“Soyou’readmittinghis

arebetter?”Carriepressed.

“Maybeasmidgen,”Nellconceded,“butifyoutellhimIsaidthat,I’llcallyoualiar.”SamnoticedthatBobby

wasthoroughlyengrossedinhismeal,thankgoodness.BecausewhiletherestofthemmightbewiseenoughtokeepNell’sadmissiontothemselves,ifBobbyheardit,he’dblurtitoutwithoutasecondthought.“Hey,Bobby,”Samsaid,

justtoseeifhewasasdistractedashe’dhoped.Bobbyglancedupfromhis

food.“Chickenanddumplingsnextweek.Iknow.”Samwinced.“And?”“Kevin’sarebetterbut

we’renottelling.”Dillon’sboomoflaughter

filledthekitchen.HereachedoverandsqueezedNell’shand.“That’llteachyouto

saythingsyoudon’twantrepeated,mydarlin’Nell.”Atwinkleinhereyes,she

focusedonBobby.“HowmanycookieswouldittaketomakesureyouforgetwhatIsaid?”Bobby’sfacelitup.“Ican

haveallIwant?”Carrieintervened.“No

bribery,Gram.”Nellsatbackwithasigh.

“IsupposeI’lljusthaveto

hopethatBobbyhasaveryshortmemoryorthatheandKevindon’tcrosspaths.”“Somethingtellsmeyou’re

doomedonbothscores,”Carriesaid.“Kidsalwaysrememberthethingsyoudon’twantthemtoandKevin’slikelytobeatBobby’sT-ballpracticeeverySaturday.”AshehadatKevinand

Shanna’s,Samlistenedwith

growingamazementtothebanteratthetable.Thiswaswhatitwouldbeliketohavearealfamily,connectednotjustbythechanceofDNA,butbygenuinecaring.Forthefirsttimeinhislife,hewantedthat,notjustbecauseitwaswhatBobbyhadlostanddeservedtohaveagain,butforhimself.Also,forthefirsttime,hecouldappreciatejusthowmucheffortLaurel

hadputintotryingtogivehimsomesemblanceofnormalcyamidthechaostheirparents’dysfunctionhadcreated.

OnMondaymorningCarriedraggedherselfoutofbedattheungodlyhourof5:00a.m.toshower,dressandmakethedrivetotheHappily-Ever-AfterDay-careCenter.Atleastthesunwasstillcomingupfairlyearly,soshewasn’t

drivingthewindingroadinthepitch-darkofwinter.Atthecentershefoundthe

lightsonandJulieandtwootherwomenbusymakingsandwichesforlunch.Juliegaveheranapprovinglook,madequickintroductions,thennoddedtowardashelfwhereaboxofdisposablegloveshadbeenleftopen.“Getbusy,”Juliesaid.“We

needtohavethesemade

beforethenextroundofkidsstartstoarrive.Lucyhastheearlyarrivalsentertainedfornow,butshe’llneedhelpassoonasitstartsgettingcrazyinhere.”Studyingtheturkey,

tomatoandlettucesandwichesbeingassembled,Carriepitchedinandwenttowork,thendaredtoask,“Wouldn’tpeanutbutterandjellybealoteasierandmore

popular?”“Peanutallergy,”Julie

explained.“Weknowwehaveoneboywhohasit.Onceweopenthatjar,whoknowswhomightgettheirhandsonit.Whytakechances?Andwetrytosticktohealthyoptions,notpopularones.”“Weshakethingsupwith

grilledcheeseandtunaonpitabread,”Lucysaid,

joiningthemandreportingthatthethreeearlyarrivalswereoccupiedwithinviewwithpicturebooks.“It’sneverboringandtheyoungerkidswillprettymuchtryanythingonce.Foracoupleofthem,themealtheygetherewillbethehealthiestonetheygetallday.Addinsomefruitandaddedveggiesatsnacktimeandtheygetdecentnutritionfromus.It

makestheolderonesmorealert,too,sowecanactuallygetinafewlessonsduringthedaywhenthelittlestonesaredownfortheirnaps.”“Whatagesdoyouhave?”

Carrieasked.“Inoticedsomeolderkidsherewithatutortheotherday.”“Wehavesixuptotheage

ofeightwhocomehereafterschool.Duringthesummerthey’reoftenhereallday.

They’vebeenwithussincetheyweretoddlers.Iwon’ttakebabies,”Juliesaid.“Ijustdon’thavethestaff,butwe’lltakethemasearlyastwoaslongasthey’rereasonablypottytrained.”JustthenaloudNo!carried

fromthelobby.Julieshookherhead,her

expressionresigned.“Lucy?”“I’monit,”herdaughter

“Problemchild?”Carrieguessed.“Shejuststartedherea

weekagoandhasbig-timeseparationanxiety,atleastuntilwecangethersointerestedinsomething,shedoesn’trealizehermomhasleft.Oncetheotherkidsarehere,she’sprettygood.”ThinkingofBobby,Carrie

asked,“Howdoyoudealwiththeseparationthing?I

haveafriendwhojustassumedfullcustodyofhisnephewaftertheparentsdiedinanaccident.Sohe’sinanewtownwithanunclehebarelyknows.Inoticedtheotherdaythathe’snotlettinghisuncleoutofhissight.That’sgoingtobeaproblemwhenschoolstarts.”“Totallyunderstandable,”

Juliesaid.“Howoldishe?Doeshehavefriends?”

“He’ssixandhe’sstartedmakingsomefriends.”“Thesameage?”“Acoupleareolder,buthe

startedplayingT-ballonSaturdayandthatlookspromising.Heseemedtofitinprettyquickly,thoughthat’swhenInoticedhewaskeepingacloseeyeonhisunclethewholetime.”“Ifhe’ssocializingthat

wellalready,I’llbethe’llbe

fine,”oneoftheotherwomenmakingsandwichespipedup,thengaveashrug,herexpressionwry.“LotsofpsychologyclassesbeforeIhadtoquitcollege.Iknowjustenoughtobedangerous.”“Alicia,right?”Carriesaid,

determinedtokeepasmanynamesaspossiblestraightfromthebeginning.She’dbeenamasteratitduringhercareerinfashion.

RememberingnameswasthefirststepingreatPR.Alicianodded.“Listentoher,”Juliesaid.

“Imayhavebeenatthisalongtime,butAliciadoeshavetheadvantageofallthoseclasses.Oneofthesedayswe’regoingtoconvincehertofinishherdegreeandhangouthershingleinchildpsychology.OrI’llputheronstaffrighthereandbragabout

her.”Carrienoticedthatthe

womenhadaneasyrapportandademeanorthatwouldbewarmandwelcomingwiththechildren.WhenLucyreturnedwithalittlegirlwhosefacewastearstained,Aliciarushedovertogiveherahug.“We’resogladyou’re

here,”shetoldthechild.“Wanttocomewithmeand

drawapicture?”“No!”“Fingerpaints?”Alicia

suggested,evenasJuliewinced.“Okay,”thegirlsaidwitha

sparkofinterest.“Besureshewearsa

smockoverthatprettydress,”Juliecalledafterthem,thensighed.“Thepersonwhoinventedfingerpaintingshouldbemadetocleanupa

daycareattheendofthedayforayear.IswearI’dbanitfromthepremisesifIcould.”“No,youwouldn’t,”Lucy

said,givingherahug.“Youareinchargehere,soyoucouldeasilytossallthepaintsinthegarbageandnevermentiontheactivityagain.”Julie’sexpression

brightened.“Icould,couldn’tI?”“Andletallthosesmocks

youboughtgotowaste?Comeon,Mom,youknowthekidsloveallthosebrightcolorsandgettingmessy.Nothingonearthmakesyouhappierthanaroomfilledwithsmilingfaces.”Threemorechildren

arrivedinrapidsuccession.Theadultsmadequickworkofgettingthemsettledwithtoysorotherage-appropriateactivitiesbeforethenext

wavearrived.Byseven-thirtytheroomwasfilledwithnoisy,butdefinitelycheerful,chaos.BynineCarrie’sclothes

werestreakedwithfingerpaint,andherhair,whichshe’dpinnedatopherhead,hadtumbledtohershoulders.ButshewasashappyasthosechildrenLucyhaddescribed.She’dreadatleastadozenstories,helpedclumsyfingers

playwithblocksanddoledoutpraiseforunidentifiableartprojects.Afterlunch,withthelittlest

childrendownfornaps,andotherslookingatpicturebooksduringtheirownquiettime,shefinallyhadaminutetodrawinadeepbreath.“Howareyoudoing?”

Julieasked.“Istheindoctrinationbyfirehelpingordestroyingthiscrazy

impulseofyours?”“Iloveit,”Carrie

respondedwithouthesitation.Juliesmiled.“Thenthere

maybehopeforyou.You’llbebacktomorrow?OrWednesday?Wedidn’tsettleonaschedule.”“Tomorrow,”Carriesaidat

once,eagertolearnallshecouldasfastasshecould.Forthefirsttimein

months,shewasactually

excitedaboutgettingupinthemorning,evenifitwasat5:00a.m.whennosensiblepersonshouldbeexpectedtobeawake.

Sinceshedidn’twanttorevealherplanstothewholefamilyjustyetandithadbeenLuke’sideainthefirstplace,assoonasshe’d

showeredandchanged,Carrieheadedtothepub.ItwasstillearlyenoughtobedesertedandshefoundLuke,asexpected,behindthebar.Hestudiedhercuriously.

“Something’sdifferent.”“I’vehadaverygood

day,”shesaid.“Haveyou,now?Well,it’s

definitelyagreedwithyou.Yourfaceisglowingandyoureyesarebright.And

there’salovelystreakofsomethingthatlookslikebluepaintinyourhair.Whatwassospecialabouttoday?”Carriereachedforherhair,

regrettingthatshe’dsimplytwisteditintoalooseknotagain,ratherthanwashingitassheprobablyshouldhave.“Where?”sheaskedLuke.“It’sthestrandthat’s

pulledlooseandcurledalongyourneck.IfIdidn’tknow

youbetter,I’dthinkyouweremakingsomesortofrebelliousfashionstatement,thekindmeanttodriveyourgrandfathertodistraction.”“Hardly,”shesaid,then

shrugged.“Oh,well,it’llwashout.”Lukestaredatherwith

feignedshock.“Whoareyouandwhat’shappenedtomyperfectlygroomed,fashion-forwardcousin?You’renot

rushinghometodealwithitrightnow?”“Nope,”shesaid,grinning.

“Thisisthenewme,relaxedandtakinglifeasitcomes.”“Nowthat’safineattitude,

ifyouaskme,”hesaid.“Whatbroughtiton?”Sheextractedhispromise

thatonpainofdeathhe’dneverrevealawordoftheirconversation.“Bartender’s

confidentiality,”heintonedseriously.“You’vegotit.”“Itookyouradvice.”“Whatadviceisthat?I

handoutsomuchofitandI’mnotusedtoanyonetakingitseriously.”“Maybetherestofitis

suspect,butthiswasrightontarget.I’mvolunteeringataday-carecentertoseeifIlikeitandtolearneverythingIcanaboutpossiblyrunning

myown.IevensignedupfortwoonlineclassestheownerrecommendedItake.”“Now,there’sabitofnews

worthcelebrating,”hesaidatonce,tappinghisglassofsodawithherglassofwine.“Judgingbythewayyoulook,I’mguessingyou’refindingthatit’sagoodfit.”“It’sthebest,”shetoldhim

enthusiastically.“Theworkishard.Thereisahugeamount

ofresponsibility,butI’veneverbeenhappier.Iactuallycan’twaittogetbacktheretomorrow.”“Nodifficultchildrento

ruinitforyou?”“Sure,thereareproblem

kidsor,Ishouldsay,kidswhohaveproblemsfromtimetotime,butnothingIcan’thandle.”Shehesitated,thenamended,“Atleastsofar.”“Tellmeeverything.”

Shedescribedhowshe’ddiscoveredthedaycare,stoppedinandmetJulieandLucyandaskedforadvice.“IgotawholelotmorethanI’deverimagined,”shesaid.“Julie’sincredible.It’snotjustthatshehasawealthofinformationtoshare,butshecaresalmostasmuchasIdoaboutmakingsureI’mnotmakingamistake.Notformysake,ofcourse,sinceshe

doesn’tevenknowme,butforanykidswhomightbeplacedinmycare.Injustoneday,I’vealreadylearnedsomuch.I’malsobeginningtoseehowmuchIdon’tknow.”“Andthebluepaint?”Shesmiled.“Someofthe

kidsarealittleaggressivewiththefingerpaints,”shesaid,thenshrugged.“It’llwashout.”Luketappedherglass

again.“Andthatsortofacceptanceiswhatwillmakeyouverygoodatthis,ifitturnsouttobetherightcareerforyou.”“Ialreadyknowitis,”

Carriesaideagerly.“ButI’mnotrushingintoanything.Foronething,Juliewon’tteachmethenutsandboltstillshe’ssatisfiedthatI’mnotgoingtomessup.Foranother,thisexperienceis

invaluable.”“Whenwillyoutelltherest

ofthefamily?”Shesighedheavilyatthe

question.“Noidea.Notyet,that’sforsure.GrandpaMickwillthinkI’mgraspingatstraws.Forsomeonewho’salwaysbeenahugesupporteroftheschoolsandeducation,he’llviewthisasglorifiedbabysittingandawasteofmytalents.Icanhearhimnow.”

Toherregret,Lukenodded.“Icanhearhimdoingjustthat.Nothinglessthanloftyambitionsforhisfamily.Mysidewasmuchthesame.Canyoutunehimout?”“Today?Probablynot,”

sheconcededwithregret.“OnceI’m100percentcertainI’montherightpath,Iwon’tlethimintimidateme.”“Goodforyou.”He

glancedtowardthedoor.“Youmightwanttobraceyourself.Iseehimoutsidechattingwithsomeonerightnow.”“Idon’tsupposeyou’dlet

mesneakoutthroughthekitchen?”sheaskedwistfully.“OfcourseIwould,but

you’dhateyourselfforrunningaway.”“Surprisingly,notthat

much,”shereplied,butshe

didstaywhereshewas.“Notaword,remember?Youpromised.”“Hewon’thearthisfrom

me,”Lukeagreed.“Butdon’twaittoolongtofillhimin,Carrie.It’llonlyannoyhimwhenhedoesfindout.”Noquestionaboutit,she

thoughttoherself,thenmanagedabrightandhopefullyinnocentsmileashergrandparentscame

throughthedoor.Shestoodupandgavethembothhugs.“Sorrytobolt,butIhave

thingstodo,”shesaid,thinkingofthereadingsheneededtodoforheronlineclasses.She’dorderedthebooksfromtheuniversitybookstoreandthey’dbeenonherdoorstepearlier.Shecouldhardlywaittocheckthemoutanddoherfirstassignment.Herenthusiasm

wasafarcryfromthedayswhenshe’dhatedwastingtimeonstudyingincollege.Hergrandfatherregarded

herwithsuspicion.“You’vebarelytouchedyourwine.”“Notime,”shesaid.“Love

you.”“Enjoyyourevening,”her

grandmothercalledafterher.“Ihopeit’sahotdatethathasyourushingoff.”“Hotdate?”GrandpaMick

echoedindignantly.“What’swrongwithyou,woman?Youdon’tsaysomethinglikethattoourgranddaughter.”“Youdon’t,”shecorrected.

“I’mtherealist.Ifwewanthertobetrulyhappy,sheneedssomeoneinherlife.”Carriedidn’tlingertohear

whathergrandfatherhadtosaytothat,butshehadahunchhergrandmotherwasabouttogetanearful.Better

GrandmaMeganthanher!

SamlookeddownintoBobby’stearstainedfaceandfelttheurgetoshedafewtearsofhisown.They’djustfinisheddinneratSally’s—anotherburgerandfriesforBobby—whenSamhadtriedtoexplainthatheneededtogetBobbyenrolledinschool

firstthinginthemorningandthenhehadtogobacktowork.“Idon’twanttogoto

schoolhere,”Bobbyhadshouted,drawingstaresfromtheothercustomers.“Iwanttogoathomewithmyfriends.”“Youhavefriendshere,”

Samremindedhim,unabletokeepanoteofdesperationoutofhisvoice.

“They’renotmyrealfriends.Imissmyoldfriends.ImissMommyandDaddy.Iwanttogohome.”Samknewthatdeepdown

Bobbyunderstoodthatsimplywasn’tpossible.HeevenknewthatBobbyhadstartedtolikeChesapeakeShores.He’djustbumpedupagainsttherealityofthehugechangeinhislife.Samseemedtodothesamethingabouta

milliontimesaday.Theshockofitstillhadn’twornoff,andhehadn’tcomeclosetodealingwithhisownfeelingsaboutthelossofhissister.FocusedonBobbynow,

Samurgedhimoutoftheirboothandheadedoutside,hopingtofinishthisdelicatenegotiationwithsomedegreeofprivacy.HetookBobby’shandandcrossedthestreetto

theplaygroundonthetowngreen.Hechoseasecludedbenchunderamajesticoldoaktreeandsatdown,thenpattedtheseatbesidehim.Foraminute,itlookedasif

Bobbymightstubbornlyresist,hislittlejawsetandmoreofthoseheartbreakingtearsrollingdownhischeeks,buteventuallyheheavedasighandclimbedontothebench.Hedid,however,keep

somedistancebetweenhimselfandSam.Flyingbytheseatofhis

pants,Samsaidquietly,“Youknowyouliveherenowwithme.Iknowhowconfusingit’sbeenandwhatahugechangeitis,butwe’reinthistogether.”“Butyou’regoingto

work,”Bobbysaid,lookinglostandscared.“WhatwillIdo?”

“Inanothercoupleofweeks,you’llstartschool,you’llmeetlotsandlotsofnewfriends,andyou’llbesobusyyouwon’tevenhavetimetothinkaboutme.”“Whatabouttomorrow?”Sammadeanimpulsive

decision,oneheprayedthatMackwouldn’tobjectto.“Youcancometothenewspaperofficewithmetomorrow,ifyouwantto.

Youcanbringyourbooksandyourgames.”Bobby’ssilencesuggested

hewasconsideringtheidea.“Iguessthatwouldbeokay,”hesaideventually,thoughhedidn’tsoundveryhappyaboutit.“Wouldyouratherspend

thedaywithDaveyandJohnny?”Samasked.“IcancheckwithShannaandKevintoseewho’stakingcareof

themandmaybeworkthatout.”Bobbyfellsilent,then

heavedasigh.“Thatmightbeokay.”ButwhenSamcalled

ShannaandlearnedthatHenrywascaringforhisyoungersiblings,hecouldn’tbringhimselftoaskthatBobbybeaddedtothemix.WhileDaveymightnotbeaproblem,Johnnyandthebaby

wouldbeenoughofahandfulfortheteenager.“Areyoulookingfor

somethingforBobbytodotomorrow,soyoucanwork?”Shannaaskedperceptively.“How’dyouguess?”“Itwasboundtocomeup,”

shesaid.“CallCarrie.She’llbemorethanwillingtopitchin,I’msure.”“Shedidofferwhenwe

firstmet,”Samconceded,

thoughhedidn’tliketheideaoftakingadvantageofher.“Well,thereyougo.She’s

wonderfulwithkidsandBobbyalreadyknowsher.”Samglancedupand

spottedCarriecrossingthegreen.“Thanksforthesuggestion,”hetoldShanna.“I’llcheckintoit.”JustthenitseemedBobby

sawher,too,andcalledout.“Hi,Carrie!”heyelled,

scramblingdownandrunningacrossthegreentomeether.“Ijusthadahamburgerfordinner.That’smyfavorite.”Shelaughed.“Ithought

pizzawasyourfavorite.”Bobbynodded.“They’re

boththebestfoodever!”Samwincedather

reproachfulexpressionassheapproached.“Don’tlookatmelikethat.I’mweak.WhatcanIsay?Hamburgersand

pizzaaremyfavorites,too.”“Mine,too,whenitcomes

rightdowntoit,”sheadmitted,sittingnexttohim.“Whathappenedtoyourresolvetohavehealthymeals?”“Guilt,”hesaidatonce.“I

hadtobreaksomenewsandthiswasmeanttopavetheway.”Sheimmediatelyfrowned.

“Whatnews?”

“Sam’sgottaworktomorrow,”Bobbyannouncedsorrowfully.“Ah,Isee,”shesaid.“And

schoolhasn’tstartedyet.”“Exactly.”Samhesitated.

“IjustspoketoShanna,butHenryiswatchingherwholegang.Ididn’twanttoaddonemore.Shesuggestedyoumighthaveanidea.”“I’msureshesuggestedI’d

behappytohavehimatmy

house,andnormallyIwould,butI’mnotgoingtobearoundtomorrow.”“That’sokay,noproblem,”

Samsaidatonce.“I’llfiguresomethingout.Worstcase,he’llcometoworkwithme.”Herexpressionturned

thoughtful.“Idohaveanalternative.CanImakeaquickcall?”“Ifyouthinkitmightlead

toasolution,gorightahead,”

hesaidatonce.“Youknow,though,thisisnotyourproblemtosolve.”“Iknow,butthiscould

workout.”Sheheldupafingerashercallconnected,thensteppedawaysotheconversationcouldn’tbeoverheard.“Done,”shesaid,smiling

whensherejoinedthem.“Pleasetellmeyoudidn’t

changeyourplansonmy

account,”Samsaid.“Notatall.Ijustchecked

tomakesureitwouldbeokayifBobbycamealong.”“Where?”Bobbyasked

suspiciously.“Firstyouhavetotellmeif

you’reanygoodatkeepingsecrets,”shesaid.“InevertoldKevinabout

thedumplings,justlikeIpromised,”hesaidsolemnly.“Excellent.”

Samregardedhercuriously.“Whatonearthareyouuptoandwhyisitasecret?”“BecauseI’mnotsurehow

myfamilywillreact,”shesaid,thenshookherhead.“No,actuallyIknowexactlyhowthey’llreactandI’mnotquitereadytotakethemon.”“Thisisgettingmore

intriguingbytheminute.DoIreallywantBobbydrawninto

thisschemeofyours?”“I’mvolunteeringataday-

careplaceoveronthehighway,”shesaid.“YouhavetoadmittakingBobbyalongisanidealsolution.”SheturnedtoBobby.“Todaywasmyfirstdayandwehadlotsandlotsoffun.Wedidfingerpaintingandplayedgamesoutside.You’llbeoneoftheolderkids,soyouevengettohelpwiththelittle

ones,likeabigbrother.Thereweresnacksandareallygoodlunch.Ithinkyou’lllikeit.Doyouwanttocomewithme?”Bobbylookedskeptical,

hisworriedgazegoingfromhertoSamandbackagain.“You’llbetherethewholetime?Youpromise?”“Absolutely.”“Iguessitwouldbemore

funthangoingtothepaper

withSam.”“It’llbetonsmorefun,”

Carrieagreed.ShemetSam’sgaze.“Howdoesitsoundtoyou?”“Ifyou’resureit’snota

problemandBobby’swilling,it’sokaywithme.Theydon’tmindthatyou’rebringinghim?”“Notforthenextcoupleof

weeks.Schoolwillstartthen,soitwon’tbeanissueany

longer,right?”“Right,”Samconfirmed.

“I’dbehappytopaytheirfee.”“Hey,they’regettingme

free.That’sanextrapairofhands.TheownerhadalreadyofferedtoletmebringJackson,mynephew,onthedaysIhavehim.And,asIsaid,Bobbywillbeabighelpwiththelittlerkids.”SamstudiedBobby’sface.

“You’reokaywiththis?Carriewillhavemyphonenumber,soyoucancallmeanytime.”“Itcouldbefuntobelikea

bigbrother,”Bobbysaid.“Daveysaysit’sreallycoolhavingJohnnyaround.”“ThenIguessit’s

decided,”Samsaid,noteventryingtohidehisrelief.“Thanks,Carrie.You’realifesaver.”

“CanIgoclimbonthejunglegym?”Bobbyasked,hismoodimproved.“Sure,”Samsaid,standing

uptofollowalongbehind,asdidCarrie.“So,tellme,”hebegan.

“Whywouldn’tyouwantyourfamilytoknowyou’redoingvolunteerworkatadaycare?”“Becausethewhole

purposeofitistogetenough

experiencetoseeifIreallywanttoopenmyown,”shesaid.“Ah,”Samsaid.“Andyou

don’tthinkthey’dapprove?”“Somewill.Somewon’t.

I’mnotsurewhichsidewillbeinthemajority.”“Andtheirapprovalisthat

importanttoyou?”“Sure.They’remyfamily,”

sherepliedsimply.“Lifeisawholeloteasierwhenthey’re

onyourside.”“I’veheardenoughabout

Micktoimaginehemustbeaforcetobereckonedwith,”Samconceded.“Stubbornandopinionated

areacoupleofwordsthatusuallycometomind.”Shemethisgaze.“Whichremindsme,Iwasprobablyremissinnotswearingyoutosecrecy,too.”Samlaughed.“Alittlelate

now,don’tyouthink?IthinkmaybeIlikehavingsomethingtoholdoveryourhead.”“You’dblackmailme?”“I’mbeginningtothinkI’d

befoolishnotto,”hesaid.“Thisincredibleopportunityjustfellintomylap.”Sheshookherheadathis

teasing.“Okay,what’sitgoingtobe?Youalreadyhavemygreat-grandmother

teachingyoutocook,thankstome,andnowI’mprovidingdaycareforBobby.That’saprettygooddeal,ifyouaskme.”“It’sanexcellentdeal,but

I’mthinkingtherecouldbeonemorething,”hesaid,notsurewhyhewasheadinginthisdirectiondespiteallofhisreservationsabouttiming,andevenaboutCarrieherself.Hejustknewhefeltbetter

whenhewasaroundher,happierandmoreincontrolofthings.“Havedinnerwithme.”Hereyeswidenedwith

shock.“You’reblackmailingmeintogoingonadatewithyou?”“I’maskingyoutogoona

date,”hecorrected.“Keepingyoursecretisjustatinyincentiveforyoutoconsidersayingyes.”

Shelaughed.“AndifIsayno?”Heshrugged.“Iguess

we’llseewhatsortofarisktakeryouare.”Evenasheutteredthe

taunt,Samwasn’tsurewhichanswerhereallywanted.He’dalwaysbeendrawntodaring,adventurouswomen.EverythingheknewaboutCarrietoldhimshefitthatdescription.Butwasthatthe

sortofwomanheneededinhislifenow?HeandBobbyneededstabilitymorethanjustaboutanything.Hehadafeelingitwouldbeimpossibletofindbothinonewoman.Then,again,hewas

alreadydiscoveringthatCarriewasprettyremarkable.

Micktookhiswife’soffhandcommentaboutCarrieneedingsomeoneinherlifetoheart.He’dbeensofocusedongettinghergroundedandworkingatsomethingthatwouldfulfillher,he’dforgottenaboutthe

importanceofastrongrelationshipwithsomeonesuitable.AsheandMeganstrolled

homefromthepub,hesensedMeganstudyinghimwithconcern.“What?”heasked,toget

whateverwasonhermindoutintheopen.“You’vebeenawfully

quiet,”shesaid.“Thatusuallymeansyou’reupto

something.”“I’mrightherewithyou,”

heremindedher.“WhatcouldIpossiblybeupto?”“Idon’tknowandthat

worriesme,”shereplied.“Okay,thetruthisthatI’ve

beenthinkingaboutwhatyousaidearlier,”headmitted.“AboutCarrieneedingsomeoneinherlife.”Alarmimmediatelyfilled

hereyes.“Iwasnot

suggestingthatyougooutandfindthatsomeone,MickO’Brien!Carriecandothatallonherown.She’saveryresourcefulyoungwoman.”“Isn’tshetheonewho

foundthatMarcperson,whooverworkedherandbrokeherheart?Areyousuggestingherjudgment’sbetterthanmine?”Shechuckled.“I’llgive

youthatone.Icertainlycan’t

defendMarcReynolds,butCarrielearnedfromtheexperience.She’llbemorediscerningnexttime.”“Meggie,Iloveyoufor

havingfaithinourgranddaughter,butIwasn’tblindtothefactthatshedatedeverymanwhocrossedherpathallthroughcollege.”“Andhadsenseenoughnot

tochooseonewhowaswrongforher,”Meganreminded

him.“Anoldexpressioncomestomind,somethingabouthavingtokissalotoffrogsbeforefindingaprince.”“Idon’twantourgirl

kissinganyblastedfrogs,”Mickgrumbled.“Darling,it’sametaphor.”“Whatever.Thiswillgo

betterifIgivethingsalittlepush.Now,whodoweknowwho’savailable?”

Astheyapproachedthetowngreen,henoticedthatMeganwasnolongerlisteningtohim.HefollowedthedirectionofhergazeandspottedCarriewithayoungmanand,apparently,aboywho’dclimbedtothetopofthejunglegym.Sheandthemanwerelaughingandapplaudingtheboy’sachievement.“Who’sthat?”Mick

demanded,studyingthesceneintentlyandtryingtoassessanypotentialthere.Wasthemanamarriedacquaintanceoranavailablesingledad?“I’mnot100percentsure,”

Meganequivocated.Mickfrownedather.“Who

doyouthinkitis?”heaskedwithconsiderablepatience.Sometimesitrequiredingenuityandatrainedprosecutor’sskillstogethis

wifetorevealanythingshewantedtokeeptoherself.Thisappearedtobeoneofthosetimes.“I’veheardthattheyoung

manMackhiredasawebdesigneratthepaperjusttookcustodyofhisnephew.I’mguessingthat’shim.SamWinslow,Ibelieve.”Relievedtoknowthatthe

manwasemployedbyafamilymemberandlikely

bothsingleandresponsibleenoughtobegivencustodyofachild,Mickeagerlyturnedtoheadinthatdirection.“Let’sgooverthereandsayhello,”hesuggested,onlytohavehiswifetakeafirmgriponhisarm.“Notonyourlife.They’re

obviouslyenjoyingthemselves,andthat’sthegoalyouhadinmind,right?Leavethemalone.Letnature

takeitscourse.”“Sometimesnaturetakes

toodarnlong,”Micksaid,buthedidallowhimselftobepersuadedtotakethelongwayaroundthegreenenroutehomeinordertokeepthepeacewithhiswife.Tomorrow,hevowed,he’d

doalittleinvestigatinganddetermineifthisyoungmanwastherightsortforhispreciousgranddaughter.After

all,notjustanyonewoulddo.

Carriefeltasifshe’dbeenfrozeninplaceforasolidtenminutes.Firstthere’dbeenSam’sunexpecteddarethatshegoonarealdatewithhim.Whileshewasstillabsorbingthatanddecidinghowtoanswer,shesawhergrandfatherandfully

expectedhimtochargerightonoverandstartinterrogatingSamabouthisintentions.GrandpaMickwasnotknownforhisdiscretion,hissubtletyorhistiming.Theonemanshe’drisked

bringinghomefromcollegehadbeenreducedtostutteringonceMickgotstarted.Despiteanimpeccablebackground,apathtoalawpartnershipinhisfather’s

veryrespectableNewYorklawfirm,poorNathanhadn’tbeenabletowithstandMick’scross-examination.Carriehadconcludedthatdidn’tbodewellforhiscareerinacourtroomorfortheirrelationship.Anymanwhocouldn’tholdhisownwithGrandpaMickwasdoomed.Surprisingly,shewasn’tquitereadytoputSamthroughthattest.

“Carrie?”Sam’squestioningtone

snappedherattentionrightbacktohim.“Sorry.Ijustsawmygrandparents.”Hegrinned.“Andwhat?It

requiredallyourconcentrationtowillthemnottocomeoverhere?”Shelaughed.“You’re

amazinglyperceptive.Seehowwellitworked?They’vealreadymovedon.”

“Whichraisesthequestionofwhyyoudidn’twantthemtomeetme,”hesaid.“OramImisinterpreting?”“Oh,no,yougotitexactly

right.Well,notaboutthemmeetingyou.Theotherwayaround.”Shesighed.“It’scomplicated.It’snotthatIdon’twantyoutomeetthemever,justnotyet.”“Because?”“Let’sjustsaythatonce

GrandpaMickgetsanideainhishead,hetendstorunwithit,andthatincludesrunningroughshodoveranyoneinhispath.Neitherofusneedsthatsortofpressure.”“Sohe’sameddler,”Sam

concluded.“Andamaster

manipulator,”sheconfirmed.“Muchtomydismay,I’mhiscurrentproject.Idon’tthinkyouneedtogettangledupin

whateverplanshedecidestopursueforme.”Amusementdancedin

Sam’seyes,buthesaidverysolemnly,“Okay,then.I’llwatchmystepifwehappentocrosspaths.”“Oh,you’llcrosspaths,”

shesaidwithregret.“Ipredicthe’llhavefiguredoutwhoyouarewithinthehourifhedoesn’tknowalready,andyou’llfindhimwaiting

onthedoorstepatthepaperfirstthingtomorrowmorning.”Samlaughed.“Thenit’sa

goodthingIdon’tgointillten.Mackcandealwithhim.”Heheldhergaze.“Now,youandIhavesomebusinesstoconclude.Wheredowestandondinner?”“Thethreeofus,you,me

andBobby?”shehedged,tryingalittlemanipulationof

herown.“Nope.Arealdate,the

wayitwasmeanttobe,justtwopeoplegettingtoknoweachother.Fridaynight.I’llmakearrangementsforBobby.”Astemptedasshewas,

CarriethoughtitwastoosoonforSamtobeabandoningBobbytosomeanonymoussitter.Itwastheperfectexcuse,sosheseizedonit.

“Sam,you’veseenthewayBobbykeepsyouinsightnomatterwhathe’sdoing.Maybeafterhe’sstartedschoolandreallysettledinhere,he’llbereadyforyoutogooutandleavehimwithasitter.Butnow?”Sheshookherhead.“Ithinkit’sabadidea.”Henoddedslowly.“So,

justtobeclear,you’resayingnobecauseofBobby,not

becauseyou’renotinterestedorbecauseyou’veconcludedI’manirresponsiblejerk?”Shedrewinadeepbreath

andexaminedhermotives,thennodded.“It’sjustaboutBobby.And,again,Ireallyamsorryaboutjumpingtoconclusionsaboutyou.You’vegivenmereasontorevisemyfirstimpression.”“Okay,then,ifwe’repast

thatparticularhurdle,how

aboutthis?OnFridaynightthethreeofuswillgooutforpizzaandtwoweeksafterthat,whenschool’sstartedandBobby’sreadytospendsometimewithafriend,youandIcangoonarealdate,justthetwoofus.”“You’reonlygivinghim

twoweekstoadjust?”shesaid,unabletokeepanoteofpanicoutofhervoice.Sherealizedthatpanichad

nothingtodowithBobbyandeverythingtodowithher.Samapparentlysawthat,

too.“Doyouneedlongertoadjusttotheideaofadatewithme?”hetaunted.“Couldbe,”sheconceded

honestly.“ButIreallyamthinkingaboutallthechangesinBobby’slife.Hisadjustmentmaynothappenonsomeprecisetimetable.Whydon’twejustagreeto

playitbyear?”“Onlyifyouagreethat

we’llseeeachotherintheinterimdoingthingsBobbycando,too.”Carriefoundhis

determinationflattering,butshewasn’tquitereadytogivein.Indaysgoneby,playinghardtogetwouldhavebeenpartofsomestrategy,butwithSam?Itwaspanic,noquestionaboutit.

“I’vealreadysaidI’dcometoaT-ballgame,”sheremindedhim.“Andwe’reallgoingtoGram’sonSaturdays,too.I’llseeyoutomorrowwhenIbringBobbyhome.”Samfrowned.“Speaking

ofthat,Iusuallywindupattheofficetillatleastnineortenatnightgettingthelatesteditionuponline.You’llhavetobringhimtotheoffice.”

“Wherehe’llbeboredtotears,hungryandpesteringyouthewholetime?”sheobjected.“Thatwillbefunforbothofyou.No.I’lltakehimtotheinn,seethathegetsdinnerandhangouttillyougetthere.Ifhegoestosleep,Jesscankeepmecompany.”“That’stoomuch,”Sam

protested.“Idon’texpectyoutomakeacareerof

babysittinghim.”“Butthat’sexactlythe

careerI’mthinkingofpursuing,”sheremindedhim.“Considerthispartofmyprofessionaltraining.”“Thenyoushouldget

paid.”“Notachance.Thisisjust

afriendlygesture.IfIdoopenadaycareandBobbyneedsaplacetocomeafterschoolatsomepoint,thenwe

cantalkaboutfeesandsuch.”Samdidn’tlookallthat

happyaboutthearrangement.“Areyousure?Idon’twanttotakeadvantageofyou.”“You’renot,”sheassured

him.“Ioffered.”Forjustaninstantshehadaflashbacktoallthetimesshe’dsaidmuchthesamethingtoMarc,jumpingintotakecareofthingsthatweren’therresponsibilityanddoingitto

pleasehim.Thedifferencenow,shetoldherself,wasthatthispleasedher.IfitbailedSamoutofajam,somuchthebetter.Afterstudyingherasifto

assesshersincerity,Samnodded.“ThenIoweyouawholelotmorethanpizza.”“Youcangivemealovely

quotethatIcanuseinmyadvertisingwhenthetimecomes,”sheteased.“Oryou

candesignmywebsiteandonlineadvertising.Ifyou’regoodenoughthatMacktrustsyouwithhispreciouspaper,that’llbegreatforme.NowI’dbettergetmoving.Ihavetobeupatfive.”Sam’sgazenarrowed.

“WhattimedoyouneedBobbytobeready?”“Five-thirty,”shesaid

brightly.“Didn’tImentionthat?You’llbeabletogeta

nice,earlystartonyourday,too.Infact,youjustmightgettothepaperintimetocrosspathswithGrandpaMick,afterall.Isn’tthatsomethingfuntolookforwardto?”Hegroaned.“Andjust

whenIwasstartingtohaveallthesewarmandfuzzythoughtsaboutyou,Idiscoverthatyouhaveaslightlytwistedstreak.”

“That’sonlywhenitcomestotheadultsinmylife.Bobby’sperfectlysafe.”Samgaveheralonglook,

hislipscurvingslightly.“Neverdoubtedthatforaminute.”

Aftersendingastill-sleepyBobbyoffwithCarriejustbeforedawn,Samwentdown

totheinn’skitchentobegthebiggesttake-outcupofcoffeetobehad,thenheadedtothenewspaperoffice.Thewalkthroughthequiet

streetsofChesapeakeShoreswiththesunjustbeginningtostreaktheskyintheeastoverthebaywithbrilliantsplashesofpinkandorangewassurprisinglyinvigorating.Samthoughtitmightevenbeworthgettingupatthishour

moreoften,thoughhedoubtedhe’ddoit.He’dbeenanightpersonmostofhislifeanditwasprobablyalittlelatetoadjusthisbody’sclocknow.Asearlyasitwas,hefound

Mackattheofficebeforehim.Macklookedupfromhiscomputerscreenwithshock.“Iwasn’texpectingyoufor

afewhours.”

“Iwasup.IhadtogetBobbyreadytospendthedaywithCarrie,”hesaid,censoringhimselfquicklytokeepfromspillingthebeansabouttheday-carevolunteerworkshewasdoing.“CarriegotBobbyatthe

crackofdawn?Thathastobeafirst.She’sanightowl.”Samshrugged.“Theyhave

plans.”Mackregardedhimwith

suspicion.“CarrieandBobbyhaveplans?”“WhatcanIsay?Itworked

outforme,soIdidn’taskalotofquestions.”“They’renotgettingtoo

attached,arethey?”Mackasked.Samfrowned.“Noidea

whatyoumean.”Hehelduphiscoffeecup.“IneedalotmoreofthisbeforeIstartdelvingintomotivations.

Whydon’tyoufillmeinonthelogofstoriesforthisweek’sedition?IhavesomeideasforahomepageredesignIwanttorunbyyou,somethingthatwillmakeitevenmoreuser-friendly.”Macklookedasifhe

wantedtoprotest,butinsteadheletthesubjectdrop.“BeforeIgetintothat,thereisonethingIshouldprobablyaskyou.”

“Aslongasitdoesn’tinvolvedeepthought,shoot.”“Susie’sbeenwondering

whyyouhaven’tcalledaboutlookingathouses.”“BecauseItookyour

adviceanddecidedtospendalotoftimewithBobbyhelpinghimtogetacclimated.Iknowweneedtogetoutoftheinnandintoourownplace.I’llhavemoretimetolookoncehe’sstarted

school.”Macknodded.“Shewas

justworriedmaybeyou’ddecidedtostayattheinnormaybeevenuseanotherRealtor.”“NootherRealtor.I

wouldn’tdothattoher,”Samassuredhim.“TellherI’llbeintouchassoonasschoolstarts.Ireallyamanxioustoseewhatshe’scomeupwith.”

“Willdo,”Macksaid,lookingsatisfied.Hehandedoveraprintout.“Thesearethenewsstoriesforthisweek.Youcanseetheleadrightthereontop.Therearethreefeatures,too.Acoupleofimportantmeetingsarecomingupintownafterourprintdeadline,butIwantyoutogetthecoverageofthoseuponlineassoonasthestoriesarewritten.I’lldo

thosemyself.”“Photos?”Mackturnedthecomputer

screeninhisdirection,madeafewclicksonhiskeypad,andadozenpicturescameup.“Isortedthroughalotmoreandnarroweditdowntothese.I’llusesomeintheprintedition,butthejoyoftheonlineeditionisthatyoucanuseallofthem,especiallytheshotsthatshowcasealot

oflocals.Theyeatthatup.”“Gotit,”Samsaid.

“EveryoneID’dokay?Imaynotrecognizefacesjustyet.”“Ithinkso,butanyone

you’renotcertainabout,ask.”“Okay,then.I’monit.”Hewasabouttotakehis

coffeeacrosstheroomtohisowndeskwhenthedooropenedandMickO’Brienwalkedin.So,hethought,

Carriehadnailedit.Samhadtoturnawaytohideasmile.Mackmadethe

introductions,thenlookedatMickexpectantly.“Whatbringsyoubyatthishour?Ihopeyou’reheretotakeoutabigfull-pagead.”Micklaughed.“Forwhat?

Haven’tyouheard?I’mretired.”“That’snotwhatIhear

fromtheguyswhoworkfor

yourcompany,”Mackresponded.“Hasmynephewbeen

grumblingagainaboutbeingoverworked?”Mickaskedwithoutrancor.“Matthewdoesn’tknowhoweasyI’vebeenonhim,onallofthem,nowthatI’vemellowedout.”“So,ifyou’renothereto

advertisesomething,whatdoesbringyouby?”Mackasked.

“IwashopingtocatchSamifhehasacoupleofminutes,”Micksaid.Clearlysurprised,Mack

lookedfromMicktoSam,thenchuckled.“Surething.”Samheadedforhisdesk,

thengesturedtowardthechairbesideit.“Haveaseat.Idon’thavealotoftime.We’reondeadlinetoday.”“Thiswon’ttakelong,”

Micksaid,sittingdownand

takinghistimestudyingSam.“YouknowmygranddaughterCarrie?”“Ido,”hesaidsolemnly.“Wonderfulgirl,”Mick

said.“Idon’tknowherwell,but

I’msuresheis.”“Isawthetwoofyou

togetherlastnight.Theboywithyou,that’syournephew?”“Bobby,yes.Ijustgained

fullcustodyofhimafterhisparentsdied.”Seeminglygenuinedismay

registeredonMick’sface.“Terriblethingtolosebothparentslikethat.He’sluckytohaveyou.”“Iguesswe’llseeabout

that,”Samsaid.“ButI’mgoingtotrymybest.”“Can’taskmorethanthat.”“Sir,ifthere’snothingelse

onyourmind,Ireallydo

needtogettowork.Bobby’swithCarrierightnow,andIneedtogetmyjobdone,soIcantakeoveragain.”Sowhatifthetimelineforthatwasn’tastightashewasimplying.Micknodded.“I

understandallaboutworktakingpriority,butapieceofadvicefromamanwhogothisownprioritiesalloutofwhack.Family’swhatcounts.”

“I’lltakethattoheart,”Sampromised.Mickheldhisgazefora

longtime,thengavealittlenodthatSamcouldn’tinterpret.Hehadn’tknownMicklongenoughtoconcludeiftheinterviewhadgonewellorifhe’dfailedmiserably.Hesupposedtimewouldtell.TimewouldalsotellifMickO’Brien’sapprovalwasnecessaryif

SamwastohaveanyhopeofgettinganyclosertoCarrie.Rightnowthatmightnotmatter,buthehadahunchthingswereheadinginthatdirectionalittlefasterthanhe’doriginallyanticipated.

Attheday-carecenterBobbyhadshadowedCarrie’severymoveuntilLucyfinally

intercededandmanagedtogethimtoplayagamewithseveralotherchildren.AliciadrewCarrieaside.“That’stheboyyouwere

soconcernedaboutlastweek?”sheaskedwithanodinBobby’sdirection.“Yes,”Carrieconfirmed.“Andnowhe’sattached

himselftoyou?”“I’mtheonlypersonhe

knowshere.Samwasina

bindtodayandJuliesaidIcouldbringBobbywithmewhenI’mhere,atleastuntilhestartsschool.”ShefrownedatthelookofconcernonAlicia’sface.“Istheresomethingwrong?”“Yousaidhe’dlostboth

parents.ObviouslySamisfillinginforhisdadthesedays,butwhataboutyou?Areyoureadytotaketheplaceofhismom?”

“No,ofcoursenot.I’mafriend.Barelyeventhat.”“Bobbydoesn’tseemto

feelthatway.He’slookingforreplacements,Carrie.Unlessyou’rereadytostepintothatrole,becarefulhowyouhandlethings.WebothknowI’mnotanexpert,butIcanseehowattachedheisalready.”“He’sawonderfullittle

boy,”Carriesaid.“I’mjust

tryingtohelpoutinatoughsituation.”“Bestintentionsinthe

world,”Aliciaagreed.“Butasix-year-old...”Shehesitated.“Isthatright?He’ssix?”Carrienodded.“He’sgoingtogravitate

towardthefirstpersonwhocanfillthathugevoidthat’sbeenleftinhislife.”“Idon’tknowhowto

handlethisanyotherway,”

Carriereplied,frustrated.“Heneedstoknowtherearepeoplewhocareabouthim.”“Thenmakesurethereare

lotsofthem,”Aliciaadvised.“Notjustyou.”Carriecouldseeherpoint,

whichmeantthatthesoonerthereweremorelovingadultssurroundingBobbyandherroleinhislifewasminimized,thebetter.Italsomeantthoseplansshe’dmade

thenightbeforewithSamshouldprobablybeputonholdfornow.Creatinganongoingthreesomemightsuggestsomethingcompletelyunintendedtoalittleboylookingdesperatelyforafamily.Shetriedtellingherselfthe

disappointmentthatwashedoverherwasallaboutnotspendingmoretimearoundabright,inquisitivelittleboy,

butitwastheimageofhisgrown-upunclethatshecouldn’tseemtogetoutofherhead.

SamhadleftwordwithJessthatshecouldletCarrieintohissuitewhenshearrivedwithBobby.NotthatCarriecouldn’thavepersuadedheraunttoletherin,butwhy

shouldshebebotheredwiththehassle?He’dhopedtobeableto

jointhemintimefordinner,giventheearlystarthe’dgotteninthemorning,butonecrisisafteranotherwiththeirinternetserverhadmadethatimpossible.Ateight,hecalledCarrie’scellphone.“I’msosorry.IthoughtI’d

betherebynowtohavedessertwithyouoratleastto

takeover,butweseemtobeinaholdingpatternhere.”“Notaproblem,”Carrie

assuredhim.“Bobby’shaddinner,takenhisbathandiswatchingavideo.What’shisbedtime?”“Iaimfornine,butwe

sometimesgetdistracted,”Samsaid,thinkingofhowoftenthathadactuallyhappened.Ninehadbeenaprettyunrealisticgoal

apparently.Shelaughed.“I’llmake

surewe’renotdistracted.Heshouldbeinthatroutinebythetimeschoolstarts,anyway.”“You’reright,”Samsaid.

“TellhimI’lltrytobethereintimetoreadhimastory.”“He’salreadypickedout

tonight’sbook—orfivebasedonthepileheshowedme.I’llfillin,ifneedbe,thoughIbet

youdobettervoicesthanIcan.”“He’snotanespecially

toughcritic,”Samsaid.“ButIwilltrytomakeit.Seeyouinanhour.”Heactuallycamecloseto

makingit,too.Itwas9:45whenhewalkedintothesuitecarryingapizzaandabottleofwine.HeregardedCarrieapologetically.“He’salreadyasleep?”

“Outlikealight.Hehadabigdayattheday-carecenter.HewasyawningbythetimeIgotoffthephonewithyouandasleeptwopagesintohisfirststory.”“Idon’tknowhowtothank

you.Thiswaswayaboveandbeyond.”“Nothanksnecessary.We

hadfun,”sherepliedsimply.“Hereallyisagreatkid.”“Well,Iwon’tstart

dependingonyoutofillin,”hepromised.“Sam,it’snotabigdeal.If

IhaveJackson,hecanhangoutwithus.OnthedaysI’matthecenter,IalreadyhaveJulie’spermissiontobringhimalong.Hewasgreatwiththeotherkidstoday.Everybodylovedhim.”“Okay,then.WhenI’min

abind,I’llcheckwithyou,”Samsaid.“Now,then,are

youhungry?Canyoustayforawhileandsharethepizzaandwine?”Shehesitatedfora

surprisinglylongtime.“Carrie?What’sgoingon?

It’spizzaandwine,notalifetimecommitment.”“It’ssomethingsomeoneat

thecentersaidtoday,”shetoldhim.“TheythoughtBobbymightbegettingtooattachedtome.Wealready

knowyou’rehislifeline.Ican’tbeone,too.YouandI...well,wehardlyevenknoweachother.Bobby’semotionsareprettyprecariousrightnow.Wedon’twanthimtogetanyideasabouthowI’mgoingtofitintohisnewworld.”Samsetdownthepizza

andwineandcrossedtheroom.Herestedhishandsonhershouldersandlookedinto

hertroubledeyes.“Thefactthatyoucaresodarnedmuchisproofofhowspecialyouare.It’sthereasonI’dliketogettoknowyoubetter.”“HowamIsupposedto

trustthat?”sheasked.“You’reinadifficultsituation.I’mableandwillingtohelpout.Don’tyouseehowtangledupthatcouldget?AddinthepossibilitythatBobbycouldgethurtand

it’stoobigarisk.”Sam’sheartsank.“So,

you’renotonlysayingnotopizzaandwinetonight,butnextweekandbeyond,isthatright?”Shenodded.“Ithinkthat’s

forthebest.I’llstillcometohisT-ballgameonSaturdayandI’llbeatGram’sforourcookinglesson,butyoushouldprobablymakesurehegetstoknowlotsofother

peoplerightnow,sohedoesn’tgetoverlyattachedtomeoranyoneelse.”“You’vereallythought

aboutthis,haven’tyou?”“Eversinceitwasbrought

tomyattentionthatthesituationmightnotbehealthy.”“ForBobby?”hesaid,

wonderingyetagainifhisnephewwastheonlyoneshedidn’twanttoriskgetting

hurt.“Ofcourse.”Samdidn’tconsider

himselftobeallthatintuitivewhenitcametowomen,butthissituationwasplainasdayeventohim.“Somebodydidarealnumberonyou,didn’tthey?”Sheimmediatelylookedso

flustered,Samknewhe’dgottenitexactlyright.“Whathappened,Carrie?”

“Itdoesn’tmatter.”“Ithinkitdoes.It’snotthat

Idon’tbelieveyou’reconcernedforBobby.Iknowyouare.Butyou’vebeentakenadvantageofbysomeoneandthissituationisbringingupbadmemories.”“Maybe,”shefinally

admitted.“Inaway.Butthesituationsarenothingalike,honestly.Andbelieveme,youarenothinglikeMarc

Reynolds.”Samregardedherwith

shock.Hedidn’tknowalotaboutfashion,butheknewthatname.Themanhadarichtabloidhistorywithseveralofhistopmodels.“Hewasyourlastrelationship?”Sheshrugged.“Ifyou

couldcallitthat.Look,it’smessyandit’snotoneofmyfinermoments.Canweleave

itatthat?”Discussingitobviously

broughtbackpainfulmemories.Samquicklyrealizedthismightnotbethetimetoprobefordetails.“Sure,”hesaid.“I’msorry,Carrie.Imaynotknowwhathappened,butI’dbewillingtolayoddsyoudidn’tdeserveit.”Shesmiledathis

vehemence.“Thanksforthat.

I’dbettergo.”“You’reherenow,”he

protested.“Bobby’sasleep.Ihateeatingalone.Stickaroundforoneglassofwineandkeepmecompany.Canyoudothat?”Foramomentshelooked

torn,butthenhergazewasdrawntothepizzabox.“Whatkind?”“Veggie,”hesaid.Asmilebrokeacrossher

face.“Youwin!”shesaid,throwingopentheboxandtakingaslice,thencurlingintoacornerofthesofa.Samgrinned.“Make

yourselfathome,whydon’tyou?”“WhatcanIsay?Imade

Bobbyeatahealthydinnerdownstairs,butitwasprettydarnboring.This,however,isthefoodofthegods.Pizzalikethismayormaynotbe

trulyItalian,butI’mgivingthemcreditformakingthefoodworldabetterplace.”Samlaughed,satbeside

herandpouredthewine,thentookhisownslice.“Amentothat!Askanyunattachedmaleovereighteenwholivesonhisownandit’sprobablypizzathatkeepsusalive.”Carrieheldouther

wineglassandtappedittohis.Sammethergazeandheldit.

Awickedcurrentofelectricitysparkedbetweenthem.Nomatterwhatshe’dsaidearlier,nomatterhowwiseherdecision,thisthingbetweenthemwasn’tover.Itwasjusttemporarilyonhold.

CarriewasshakenbyhowintensethingshadgottenwithSamthenightbefore.Thatonelong,sizzlinglookevenaftershe’ddeclaredwhatabadideaitwasforthemtospendtimetogetherhadtoldherthatshewascrazyifshe

thoughtabunchofwordsandgoodintentionsweregoingtokeepthemapart.Shehadtotry,though.ForBobby’ssakeand,asSamhadguessed,herown.She’dmadeonetrulyterriblejudgmentaboutamanandithadtornheremotionallifeapart.Shewasn’tquitereadytotrustherselfagain.Anditwasn’tasifSam

hadn’tgivenhercauseforconcern.Lookhowbadly

he’dbungledthingswithBobbywhenthey’dfirstmet.Sure,therewereextenuatingcircumstancesandheseemedtohavelearnedfromthosemistakes,butoneofthethingsshewantedmostdesperatelywasamanwho’dbeagreatdad.Herssurehadn’tfitthebill.

WesWintershadbeencontrollingandhaddemonstratedthemoralsof

analleycatwhenhe’dgotteninvolvedwithoneofhermom’scoworkers.SincethedivorceandtheirmovetoChesapeakeShores,he’dbeenmostlyanabsenteefather,rarelyputtinginanappearanceevenonbigoccasionssuchasCait’swedding.He’dsentanextravagantgiftandalameexcuseforhisabsence.Herstepfather,though,was

somethingelse.Tracehadbeenaloving,warm,thoughtfulpresenceinherlifeandCait’sfromtheminutehe’dstartedtryingtowinbackhermom.He’dbeentough,butfair,alotlikeGrandpaMick,butwithoutthemeddlinggene.OnWednesdaymorning

withallthosethoughtsstilltumblingaroundinherhead,CarriewasatSally’sfor

coffeeintimetocatchupwithShanna,BreeandHeather.She’darrangedtodotheday-carecenteragainonThursday,buthadkepttodayandFridayopentobabysitJacksonasusual.EventhoughtheoffertobringhimalonghadbeenmadebyJulie,CarriethoughttheearlyhourwouldbetoohardonthebabyandonNoah,whohadpreciouslittletimewithhis

sonasitwas.Theirearly-morningritual,evenwhenitincludedgobsofsmearedcereal,mattered.“Wherehaveyoubeenthe

pastcoupleofmornings?”Breeasked.“Iwasbusy,”Carriesaid

evasively.“Notjustsleepinginafter

latenightswithyou-know-who?”Shannataunted.Bree’seyeslitup.“Ifthat

werethecase,thenthismorningwouldn’thavebeenanexception,”shesaid,clearlydelightedthatShannahadbrokentheiceandopenedupthisparticulartopic.“Ihaveitongoodauthority,shewasattheinntillallhourslastnight.”Carriebarelycontaineda

groan.“NotthatI’msurprised,sinceAuntJesshasneverbeenonetokeepa

tidbitofgossiptoherself,butdidshealsohappentomentionIwastherebabysittingBobbywhileSamwasondeadlineatthepaper?”“Tillaftermidnight?”her

auntBreeretortedwithundisguisedskepticism.“JakewaspickingupapizzaforalatesnackafterhefinishedabiglandscapingjobandhehappenedtorunintoSamat

thepizzaplace.So,IknowSamgotbacktotheinnbeforeten.Yourcarwasinthelottillmuch,muchlater.”Thisfinalrevelationwasmadewithacertaindegreeoftriumphinhervoice.Carriesighed.“Ireally

needtoreevaluatewhetherIcanstandtoliveinChesapeakeShores.”Thoughthecommenthad

comeoutimpulsively,she

couldn’thavechosenherthreatmorecarefully.Allthreewomenimmediatelylookedalarmed.“We’llcutitout—I

promise,”Shannasaidatonce.“Absolutely,”Breechimed

in.“Idon’twantmysisteronmycaseforchasingoffherdaughter.Abby’supsetenoughthatCaitlyn’sstilllivinginBaltimore,even

thoughNoahandtheirbabyarehere.”“Thenletthatbealesson

toyou,”Carriescolded,totakeadvantageoftheirmomentarychagrin.“Myrootsherearenotfirmlyplantedinthegroundquiteyet.”“Youboughtahouse,”

Heathersaidtentatively.“Youwanttostay.Youknowyoudo.”

“Ahousedoesn’tmakealife,”Carrieremindedthem.“AllO’Brienseventuallywanttohaveahomeheretocomebackto,evenforshortvisits.Itwasasmartinvestment.”“Andanindicationofhow

you’releaning.Alltheotherpieceswillfallintoplace,”Breesaidwithcertainty.“Ididn’tknowIwantedtostaywhenIfirstmovedbackfrom

ChicagoafterthatdisastrousexperienceIhadattheregionaltheater.ButthenIopenedFlowersonMain,JakeandIgotbacktogetherandIopenedthetheater.Thisiswhatmylifewasmeanttobe.”“Itworkedalotlikethat

forallofus.LivinginChesapeakeShoreswasthefirststepintoourfutures,”Shannasaid,thenaddedwith

confidence,“That’swhatitisforyou,too,Carrie.”“Andnowwe’reofficially

droppingthesubject,”Breesaid.Theothertwonodded,

thoughHeathergaveCarrieahopefullook.“Unlessthere’ssomethingyouwantedtotellusaboutyouandSam.”“Incorrigible!”Carrie

decreed,laughing.“Allofyou.”

“Onlybecauseweloveyouandwantyoutobehappy,”Shannainsisted.“We’renotjustnosy,honestly.”“Andnowyousoundlike

GrandpaMick,”Carriesaidwithanexaggeratedshudder.Thethreewomen

exchangedlooks,thenshudderedthemselves.“That’sit.Message

received,”Breedeclared.“Let’smoveontoSusie.

Haveanyofyouseenher?”“Notsincetheadoption

fiasco,”Heathersaid.“Iknowshe’sworkingagain,butshe’sobviouslyavoidingus.”“I’vecalled,”Shannasaid.

“IevenpokedmyheadintheofficeonMonday,butshepickedupthephoneandwavedmeoff.”“Notunusual,”Breesaid.

“She’sprettyfocusedwhenit

comestowork.”“Ah,butthat’sthething,”

Shannasaid.“Thephonehadn’trung.”“Oh,dear,”Carriesaid.

“She’sshuttingeveryoneout.Thatcan’tbegood.”“Ihaveonethought,”

Shannasaid.“We’redueforabook-clubmeetingandit’sherturntohostit.Icanremindherofthatandseehowshefeelsaboutit.Maybe

ifIapproachherandtheconversation’snotaboutherandhowshe’sfeeling,she’llrelaxandletusbackin.”“It’sworthashot,”Bree

said.“Somebodyneedstodosomething.GramwasbesideherselfwhenSusieandMackskippedSundaydinneragainthisweek.Idon’tlikeseeingherupset.”“Me,either,”Shannasaid.

“ThoughI’veneverknown

Nelltositonthesidelinesforlong.She’llbeonSusie’sdoorstepanydaynow,ifshehasn’tbeenalready.”“Nodoubtaboutit,”Carrie

said.“I’lltrytogetGramtoholdoffanotherweek,ifyou’llseeifyoucangetthisbook-clubmeetingorganized.”“Done,”theothersagreed,

practicallyinunison.“Okay,then,ifwe’reallin

agreement,I’dbetterheadtotheflowershop,”Breesaid.“Jake’sbringingmyorderinearly.”Shegrinnedwickedly.“IfI’mlucky,wecanmakeoutinthebackroomforacoupleofminutes.”Heatherlaughed.“Wemay

betheluckiestwomenintheworld.”“Howso?”Carrieasked,

curiousbecauseitdidseemtoherthattheywere.She

couldn’thelpwonderingwhattheirsecretwas.“We’reallmarriedtomen

westillthinkarehot,”Heatherreplied.“Betteryet,theycan’tkeeptheirhandsoffus,either.”Carrieslappedherhands

overherears.“Toomuchinformation!”sheprotestedeventhoughshewastheonewho’daskedfortheinsight.“Notso,”Breesaid.

“We’resettingagoodexampleforyou.Whenyoufindtheguywhomakesyoufeellikethatyou’llknowhe’stherightone.”AnimageofSamandthat

sizzlingmomentthey’dsharedthenightbeforeimmediatelycametomind.Shecouldsayitwasabadideafromnowtilldoomsday,butshewashavingmoreandmoretroublebelievingit.

MackstoppedbytherealestatemanagementofficetotrytolureSusietolunchandfoundherwithShanna.“Comeon,Susie.

Tomorrow’sbook-clubnightandit’syourturn.Pleasedon’tbackout.We’vebeenmissingyoulikecrazyatSally’sinthemorning.Wewanttocatchup.”

Susieopenedhermouth,abouttodeclineagainifMackknewanythingatallabouthiswife,butShannakeptrightontalkingoverher.“Youwon’thavetodoathing,”shepromised.“We’llbringthefood,thedrinks,allofit.We’llevencleanup.”“Soundslikeagreatdeal,”

Macksaid,watchinghiswifeclosely.Susiebarelysparedhima

glancebeforeshakingherhead.“I’mnotreadyforagirls’night.AndIhaven’tevenreadthebook.”Shannagrinned.“When

hasthatevermatteredtoanyoneexceptme?HalfthetimeI’mtheonlyonewho’sreadit.YouknowthisisjustanexcuseforalltheO’Brienwomentogettogether.”Mackkeptsilent,praying

thatSusiewouldbreakdown

andsayyes.Sheneededherfriends,whethershewantedtoadmititornot.“Okay,”shesaidatlast.

“ButnotonewordaboutwhathappenedtoMackandme,okay?Ican’ttalkaboutnotgettingthebaby.”“Promise,”Shannasaid.

“I’dbettergetbacktothestore.I’mtraininganewsalesclerkandshepanicsifwehavemorethanone

customeratatime.Seeyoutomorrowatseven.Don’tliftafinger.We’lldoeverything.”Susienodded,thoughshe

stilldidn’tlookespeciallyhappyaboutagreeingtoit.WhenShannahadgone,

Macktookherplacebesidehiswife’sdesk.“Thatshouldbefun.Youneedtospendsometimewiththegirls.”Shegavehimawrylook.

“Soyou’refreetoplayhoopswiththeguys?Don’tthinkIhaven’tnoticedhowcloselyyou’vebeenstickingtohome.”“It’snotasifspending

timewithmywifeisahugesacrifice,”heresponded.“Infact,Icamebynowtoseeifyouhavetimeforlunch.”“AtSally’s?”sheasked,a

frowninplace.“Unlessyou’dprefer

someplaceelse.”“Anyplaceelse,”shesaid

fervently.“PaniniBistro,thepizza

place,Brady’s?Yourchoice.”“Home,”shesaidatonce.

“Icanmakesaladsthere.”“Areyousureyou

wouldn’trathergoout?”“Verysure.”“Becauseyoudon’twant

torunintoanyonewhomightaskabouttheadoption?”he

guessed.Shenodded.“I’dtold

everybodyitwashappening,Mack.Iwassoexcited.NowIjustdon’tknowwhattosay.Ithurtsseeingthepityintheireyes.”Hereachedforherhand.

“I’msosorry,babe.”“It’llgetbettereventually,”

shesaidwithmorehopethanconfidenceinhervoice.“Peoplewillhearwhat

happened,iftheyhaven’talready,andwillavoidthetopic.”“Theywill,youknow.If

theydon’tdropit,iftheydoask,it’sonlybecauseeveryoneinthistownadoresyou.”“Isuppose.”“BeforeIforget,Samtold

melastnightthathe’llbeintouchaboutlookingathousesassoonasschoolstartsand

hehasmoretime.He’sbeenspendingmostofhissparetimewithBobby.”Herexpressionbrightened

marginally.“They’redoingokay?”“Itsoundslikeit.Iknow

Carrie’sbeenhelpingout,”hesaid,thencouldhavekickedhimselfwhendismayonceagainwashedoverSusie’sface.“Let’sgohavelunch.Ithinkit’scoolenoughtosit

ontheporch.”Shenodded,butitwas

clearsomeofthelifehadgoneoutofheragain.Whenshestoodup,Mackdrewherintohisarmsandpressedakisstoherforehead.“Iloveyoumorethan

anything,”hetoldher.“AndIhatethatyou’rehurting.”“I’mtryingtogetpastwhat

happened,Mack.Ireallyam.”

Mackbelievedher,buttheybothknewthatpainthatdeepsimplydidn’tvanishovernight.

Withthemorningoffafterworkinglatethenightbefore,SamboughtBobbyafishingpoleatEthel’sEmporium,thentookhimtothetownpiertoseewhattheycould

catch.Bobbyeyedthewormswithdistaste.“They’reyucky!”he

declared.Samlaughed.“I’llgrant

youthat,butthefishlovethem.”Heglancedupwithrelief

whenheheardHenry,DaveyandJohnnyapproaching.Shannahadcalledthatmorningandofferedtosendthemalongtohelpwitha

fishinglesson.“Everyboyinthistown

needstolearntofish,”she’ddeclared.“It’sariteofpassage.ItaughtHenrymyself.Ofcourse,Kevincamealongandimprovedonmylessons.Hedidn’tthinkawoman,especiallyonewhomovedherefromabigcity,couldpossiblyknowanythingaboutdoingitright.”“How’dyoufeelabout

that?”Samasked,curious.“Oh,hewasright,no

questionaboutit,”Shannaadmitted.“ButtheimportantthingwasHenrygaveitatryandcametoloveit.”Henrytookoverwiththe

youngerboysandSamsettledontoabenchtoenjoythemorning.NotonlydidHenryknowwhathewasdoing,itseemedhehadendlesspatiencewiththekids.

Davey,ofcourse,needednocoaching.Hecaughthisfirstfishbeforetheothersevenhadthebaitontheirlines.“Nowwethrowhimback,”

Daveysaid.“Butwhy?”Bobbyasked,

clearlyfascinatedwiththefishinDavey’shand.“Becausehe’stoolittleto

eat,”Daveytoldhimsolemnly.“Heshouldhaveachancetogrowup.”

WhilecatchandreleasewasobviouslyalessoningrainedbyKevin,itdidn’tseemtoresonatewellwithBobby.TearsfilledhiseyesandhecamerunningforSam.“What’swrong?”Sam

asked,atalosstounderstandtheobviouslyheartfeltemotion.“Whatifhecan’tfindhis

mommyanddaddyagain?”hewhisperedtoSam.

“I’llbetthey’reclosebywaitingforhim,”Samsaid.“That’swhatmomsand

dadsdo,”Daveysaidinhisownattempttobereassuring.ThatonlymadeBobbycry

harder.“Notmine,”hesaidbetweensobs.AllSamcoulddowashold

himclosewhilethetearsflowed.“I’msorry,”Daveysaid,

lookingshaken.“Iforgot

abouthismomanddad.”“It’sokay,”Samassured

him.“Sometimesitjusthitshim.Maybeweshouldallgoforsomeicecreamandforgetaboutfishingthismorning.”“Soundsgoodtome,”

Henrysaidatonce,takinghiscuefromSam.“Theseguysarealwaysupforicecream,right,Davey?”“Right,”Daveysaidat

“Bobby?Johnny?Doesthatsoundokaytoyou?”Samprodded.Johnnykepthissolemn

gazetrainedonBobby,asifheunderstoodthatBobbywasthekeytowhethericecreamwasanoption.“Iguess,”Bobbysaidwith

aloudsniff.“CanIhavechocolate?”“Youcanhaveanyflavor

youwant,”Samsaid,

relieved.“MaybeCarriecould

come?”Bobbysuggested.Samthoughtofher

declarationthattheydonothingthatwouldfeedintoBobby’sgrowingattachmenttoher.“Ithinkshe’soutoftowntoday,pal.Remember?”Bobbylookedpuzzled,but

thenhisexpressionbrightened.“Oh,yeah,theday-careplace.”

EvenastheinnocentwordsleftBobby’smouth,Samwinced.“Day-careplace?”Henry

echoed,lookingconfused.“What’sthat?”EvenBobbyrealizedhis

mistake.HestaredsheepishlyatSam.“Uh-oh,”hewhispered.“Isshegonnabemadatme?”“Noway,”Samsoothed,

thoughheknewnosuch

thing.Fornow,though,hehadtododamagecontrol.HeofferedabrightsmileforHenry.“Justaprojectshe’sbeenworkingon.Shedoesn’twantanyonetoknowaboutityet.”Henrystudiedhimwith

thatsolemn,knowingexpressionthatsuggestedhewaswisebeyondhisyears.“Gotit,”hesaidreadily.“Noonewillhearaboutitfrom

me.”HescowledfiercelyatDavey.“Gotthat?”“Mylipsarezipped,”

Daveyconfirmed.Henrygaveanodof

satisfaction.“We’regood,then.”“Okay.Let’sgetthatice

cream,”Samsaideagerly.Assoonasthekidswere

settledonabenchfacingthebaywiththeircones,hesteppedaside,pulledouthis

cellandcalledCarrie.Sinceshewasworking,he’danticipatedvoicemail,butshepickedupatonce.“IhopeI’mnotdisturbing

youatwork,”hesaid.“ActuallyI’mathome.I

haveJacksontoday.Iwon’tbegoingtothedaycareagainuntiltomorrow.What’sup?”“JustsomethingIthought

youneededtoknow.”“IsitaboutBobby?Ishe

okay?”“Hehadalittlemeltdown

earlier,”hesaid,explainingwhathadhappened.“Hewantedmetocallyou.Iremindedhimyouwereworkingtoday—oratleastIthoughtyouwere—andhekindofblurtedoutsomethingabouttheday-carecenter.”“AndHenryandDavey

caughtit?”“Oh,yeah,thoughthey

havepromisedtokeepwhattheyheardtothemselves.Ijustthoughtyoushouldknowthatyoursecret’snotsosecretanymore.”Shesighedheavily.“I

shouldhaveknownitwouldn’tlast.IguessI’llhavetocomecleanaboutthissooner,ratherthanlater.It’snotasifIdon’tknowalreadythatthisissomethingIwanttopursue.IthinkI’mreadyto

dobattlewithanyoneinthefamilywhotellsmeI’mcrazyornotthinkingrationallyorwhatever.”“Ican’tsayifthisisthe

rightcareerpathforyouornot,butIdoknowhowgreatyouarewithkids,”Samsaid.“Ifthisissomethingthatyoubelievewillfulfillyou,thenIsaygoforit.”“Couldyouputthatin

writing?MaybeifIhavea

fewtestimonials,mygrandfatherandmyparentswon’tgoberserk.”“Happytodothat,”Sam

said.“Wanttohaveastrategysessionlater?”“Sam,”sheprotested.“AfterBobby’sinbed,”he

persisted.“Thesuite’sbig.Wedidn’twakehimuptheothernight.I’mverygoodatmakingpro-conlists.”Shelaughed.“Youhaven’t

metmytwin.Sheisthegrandmasterofthepro-conlist.”“I’llbetIcouldgivehera

runforhermoney.”HethoughtofhowfrequentlyLaurelhadforcedhimtositdownandevaluatedecisionsrationally,whenhe’dwantedtojumpintosomethingimpulsively.He’dhatedherforitatthetime,buttheskillhadstayedwithhim.Shehesitatedforsolong,

hethoughthe’dlost,buteventuallyshesaid,“Okay.Honestly,Icouldusethehelptoweedouttheemotionalargumentsfromthesound,rationalones.”“ThenI’llmakesure

Bobby’sinbedbynineandasleep.I’llaskJesstosendupsomebrainfoodforsnacks.”Shelaughed.“Whaton

earthwouldthatbe?”“Youknow...healthystuff.

Almonds.Carrotsticks.Whatever.”“MaybeIshouldbringthe

snacks,”Carriereplied.“AndthelessJessknowsaboutthislittleget-togetherthebetter.Thewholeblastedfamilyapparentlyknewaboutmebeingovertherelastnight.”“Youcouldswearherto

secrecy,”Samsuggested.“It’sdivulgingsecretsto

thewrongpeoplethatgotme

intothis,”sheretorted.“I’mnottellingmyauntathing.”Helaughed.“Iseeyour

point.”“Sam,thanks.”“Forwhat?Lettingmy

nephewblabyoursecret?”“Forscramblingtomakeit

right,”shecorrected.“Andforofferingtohelpmesortthisout.”“Notaproblem.Seeyou

tonight.”

HehungupandglancedoveratBobby,whowasnowcoveredwithchocolateicecreamandgigglinghappilyagain.Hewasstartingtoseethatthedifficultmomentsinparentingweresomehowbalancedoutquitenicelywithmomentsjustlikethis.Hehadn’tfeltthisoptimisticinweeks.

EventhoughapartofCarrieverymuchregrettedbeingpushedtorevealherplansmuchsoonerthanshe’dhopedto,shecouldn’thelpfeelingafaintsenseofreliefthatsooneveryonewouldknowandshecouldstartmovingonwithherlife.ShearrivedatSam’switha

grocerybagfilledwithherideaofappropriatesnackfood—chips,guacamoleand

apintofBen&Jerry’sicecream.Thecombinationwasprettysickeningwhenshereallythoughtaboutit,butit’swhathadappealedtoherwhensheshopped.“Bobbyasleep?”she

asked,hervoicelowwhenSamansweredthedoortohissuite.“Inbedbyeight-thirtyand

asleepafewsentencesintohissecondbook,”Sam

assuredher,thenpeekedintothebag.Onebrowshotupwhenhegotagoodlookatthecontents.“Seriously?SpicyguacamoleandChunkyMonkey?”“Itseemedlikeagoodidea

atthetime,”shetoldhimblithely.“Well,onething’sforsure,

itoughttokeepuswide-awakeallnight.”“Maybeweshoulddivide

itup,”shesuggested,rethinkingthewholething.“Dibsontheicecream.”“Thechipsworkforme,”

Samsaidagreeably.Carriepulledhertabletout

ofherpurseandcurledintothesamecornerofthesofawhereshe’dsatonherpreviousvisit.She’dhavetocomplimentJessonherfurniturechoicesoneofthesedays.Thiswasmuchmore

comfortablethanhersofaathome.“Okay,Mr.Organization,

wheredowestart?”“Pros,”hesaidatonce.

“Let’sbepositive.”“Okay,then,”shesaidand

typedthatshelovedspendingtimewithkidsatthetopofthelist.“AndI’mgoodwiththem,too,”sheadded.“Putthatdown,too.What

else?”

“I’vebeengettingpracticalexperience,”shesaid.“Maybeit’sonlyafewdayssofar,butit’sbeenthebestthingI’vedoneinalongtime.I’mtrulyhappyattheendoftheday.JuliealreadyagreesIhaveaknackforworkingwithkids,andshe’sbeenatitforyears.”“Howareyouwhenthings

don’tgososmoothly?”“Idon’tgetflusteredor

impatient,ifthat’swhatyou’reasking.I’mcalminacrisis.”“Anotherplus,”hesaid.“AndI’mgreatwithall

ages.IlovebeingwithJackson,butIthinkI’mprettygoodwiththeolderkids,too.”Samnodded.“Allvalid

reasonswhythiswouldbeagoodfitforyou.Anybusinessreasonsit’sagood

choice?”“That’seasy.Thetown

needsagooddaycare.There’ssomehelpavailableatoneofthechurches,butit’srunbyvolunteersandtheycan’thandleallthechildrenwhoneedaplacetogo.Jackson’sthereacoupleofdaysaweek,butthat’salltheycouldaccommodate.That’sonereasonI’vebeenpitchingin.Noah’sactually

luckytheywouldtakehimatall.Alotofplacesdon’ttakebabies.”Samwassmiling.“Youare

sointothis.Howcouldyourfamilydoubtforasecondthatit’sexactlyrightforyou?”“Experience?”she

suggestedwithashrug.“ThewholefashionthingwassomethingIwaspassionateaboutforaboutaminute.BeforethatIworkedwitha

sportsteam,alsoforaboutaminute.”Shemadeaface.“Andthebigdrawwithbothofthosejobs?Iwasattractedtoaman.”Helaughed.“Well,that’s

obviouslynotthecasewiththis.Anditwillbeyourbusiness,notsomeoneelse’s.”“Theymighthavebought

thatacoupleofweeksago,”shesaid.

“Whywouldn’ttheybuyitnow?”“You,”shesaidcandidly.

“YouneedhelpwithBobbyandtheyknowwhatasuckerIcanbeforamanwhoneedsme.”Suddenunderstanding

dawnedonSam’sface.“That’swhyyouwerecomparingoursituationtoyourrelationshipwiththefashionjerk,isn’tit?”

“Afraidso.”“Butdidn’tyoutellmethat

Lukehadproposedthisideatoyouevenbeforememet?”“Aboutfifteenminutes

before,tobeexact.Soyouseewhypeoplemightbeskeptical.Thetimingissuspicious.”“Doyouthinkthishas

anythingtodowithme?”heasked.Shehesitated,thenshook

herhead.“Runningintoyouthatnightmighthavestirredupallmymaternalfeelings,butthedaycare?AfterworkingwithJuliethisweek,Iknowit’saboutdoingsomethingthatwillmakemehappy,somethingI’llbegoodat.TheclassesIstartedonlineareonlyreinforcingthat.Bestofall,it’ssomethingIcandorighthereinChesapeakeShores.Idon’thavetogo

chasingallovertheworldtofindfulfillment.”“Thereyougo,”hesaid

withsatisfaction.“Youcanclearlydefendyourselfagainstanyargumentstheymighttry.”Sheatethelastbiteofice

creaminthecontainer,thenputitaside.“We’reclose,butwe’renottherequiteyet.”“No?”“Weneedthatconlist.

That’swherethingscouldgettricky.Let’sstartwiththefactthattwodaysofvolunteerworkdon’texactlymakemeexperienced.AddinthatI’veneverrunanykindofbusinessbefore.Therearerulesandregulationstocontendwith,findingalocation,advertising,hiringhelp.”Shecoveredherface.“Idon’tevenknowwhatIdon’tknow.”

“So,there’salearningcurve,”Samsaid,dismissingherconcern.“Itwon’ttakeforevertogetuptospeed.Anddidn’tyoutellmethatJuliehadpromisedtobeyourmentor?Youhaveacousinwhocanhelpyoufindalocation,anunclewhocanhelpwithlegalwork.Soundstomeasifyou’recovered.”Hestudiedherintently,

thenadded,“Unlessyou’re

lookingforexcusesnottotakeachanceandpossiblyfail.”Herchinshotup.

“Failing’snotanoption.”Andjustlikethat,her

confidencethatshewasmakingtherightdecisionwasrestored.ShemovedquicklytogiveSamafiercehug.“Thankyou!”“Ididn’tdomuch.”“Yes,youdid.Youhelped

mesortthroughthisuntilIcouldseeitclearly.YoumademebelieveImightnotbemakingamistake.”“Sowhatifyouare?”he

asked.“Mistakesoftenprovidethecornerstoneforgettingthenextphaseofyourlifeexactlyright.”“O’Briensaren’tsupposed

tomakealotofmistakes,”shetoldhim.Hegrinned.“Thenyoucan

bethefirst.”“NotaroadIparticularly

wanttogodown,butthanksformakingitsoundlessthanawful.”“Ihavefaithinyou,”he

saidsimply.Surprisingly,thatwasjust

theboostherconfidenceneededasshemadeplanstofaceherfamilyandthelikelyruckusthatwasgoingtoensue.

Thursdaymorningattheday-carecenterwasaneye-opener.Afterallthepositivenotesshe’dmadethenightbefore,Carriefoundherselfquestioningwhethershewastrulycutoutforthis.Everychildatthecenterseemedto

behavingaverybadday.EventheunflappableJulieandLucyseemedtobeattheirwit’send.Andevenattheirworst,thechildrenwhopassedthroughCarrie’shouseonaregularbasishadneverbeenthisoutofcontrol.Ormaybeitwasjustthathere,thereweresomanymoreofthem,allneedingattentionanddisciplineatonce.AsLucytriedtocalmtwo

sobbingchildrenandAliciatookchargeofthreemorewho’dbeenthrowingfoodateachotherjustsecondsbefore,JulieandCarrietooktheinstigatorsofthetroubletoJulie’sofficeforasupervisedtime-out.“Iamsodisappointedin

you,”Juliesaid,lookingintoeachlittlefaceastheysatacrossfromherathertinydeskwithitsoverflowing

pilesoffolders.Jawswobbledandeyesfilledwithtears.Carrieknewtheydeserved

Julie’sharshwords,butshefeltsobadforthethreeofthem.Itwashardtobelievethatjustminutesagothey’dbeenhurlingfruitandtauntsatchildrenevenyoungerthantheywere.Thoughsheknewshe

oughttoletJuliehandleit,

shecouldn’tseemtostopherselffromasking,“Reed,youstartedit.Canyoutelluswhy?”Bigblueeyesmethers.

“BaileywasbeingmeantoJavier.Hesaidbadthingsabouthismom.BaileysaidJavier’smomdidn’tevenknowwhohisdadis.Andthattheyweren’trealAmericans.”CarrieheardJulie’ssharp

intakeofbreathandbarelymanagednottovisiblyreactherself.“Javier,isthattrue?Isthat

whatBaileysaid?”Julieaskedgently.JuliehadfilledCarrieinon

thestory.Javier’smotherhadcomeherelegallyfromElSalvadoryearsearlierwithJavier’stwooldersiblingstojoinhisfather.AfterJavier’sfatherhadbroughtthemhere

andbeforeJavierwasevenborn,themanabandonedthem.Hismotherworkedtwojobstokeepfoodonthetableandaroofovertheirheads.ShepitchedinatthecenterwhenevershehadthetimetohelppayJavier’sfees.And,thoughlegallydocumentedtoremain,shewasstudyinghardandworkingthroughtheprocesstobecomeacitizen.WithJulieholdinghis

gaze,Javierfinallynodded,hisexpressionsad.“Itisnottrue,whathesaid.

IknowwhomyfatherisandIamAmerican,”hesaidwithatouchofprouddefiance.Juliecamearoundthedesk

andputagentlehandonhisshoulder.“Iknow,sweetie.I’lldealwiththis.”SheturnedtoReed.“Iappreciateyourwantingtostandupforyourfriend,butnexttime,

justtellmeandletmehandleit,okay?Yousawhowquicklythingsgotoutofcontrol.Someonecouldhavegottenhurt.”“Ipromise,”Reedsaid

solemnly.“You’vebeencominghere

alongtime,”Juliecontinued.“Icountonyoutolookoutforthelittlerkids,butnotlikethis.”“Okay,”Reedsaid.“Ijust

knewitwaswrongandIdidn’tlikeit.Baileyshouldn’thavesaidsomethinglikethat.”“No,heshouldn’thave,”

Julieagreed.“I’lldealwithBailey.Carrie,youwanttotakethesetroublemakersoutontotheplaygroundandshootsomebasketswiththemwhileIhaveawordwithBailey.”“Absolutely,”Carriesaid.

“Icanwatcheverybody,”Reedprotested.“Youprobablycan,”Julie

agreed.“Butrulesarerules.Nobody’sontheplaygroundwithoutanadultpresent.”Withthechaosnowunder

controlanditscausedetermined,Carriefeltbetter.Beingoutsideinthefreshairandworkingoffsomeoftheiraggressioninamorepositivewaywasjustwhatthey

needed.Shecouldn’thelpwondering,though,ifshe’dhavebeenasquickasJulietorecognizethat.Orifshewouldhavebeensoincensedbytheracialprofilingbyachildtooyoungtoevenknowwhatthatmeant,shewouldhavebeenonthephonetellingofftheparents.“WhatifI’mnogoodat

this,afterall,”shemurmuredtoherselfasshefollowedthe

threeboysoutside.“Hey,Carrie,doyouwant

toplay,too?”ReedcalledoutwithagrinthatremindedherofDavey.Sherecognizedachallenge

whensheheardone.“You’reon,”shesaidatonce,thenstolethebasketballfromhisgraspandmadeaquickshot.Thethreeboysstaredather

inamazement.“Stillwantmetoplay?”

sheasked.“Youbet,”Javiersaid,his

toneheartfelt.“Youcanbeonmyteam.”“Howcome?”Reed

demanded.“I’mtheonewhoaskedher.”“Yes,butI’mtheshortest,”

Javierrepliedreasonably.“Ineedthehelp.”Carrielaughed.“It’sso

nicetobewanted,”shetoldthem.“Javier,I’llplaywith

youfirst,thenwe’llswitch.Howaboutthat?”“Worksforme,”Reed

said.Carrielookedintotheir

happy,expectantfacesandconcludedmaybeshewasn’tquiteasbadathandlingcontroversyasshe’dfeared.

Samdiscoveredawholenew

sidetoBobbywhenhetookhimovertotheschooltogetregisteredandtakealookaround.Sincehisdadhadbeenprettymellowandeasygoing,thekid’sstubbornstreakhadtohavecomefromtheWinslowgenes,buthecouldn’trecallLaurelorhimeverdiggingintheirheelsandthrowingaroyaltantrum.“I’mnotgoing,”Bobby

declaredmutinously,arms

crossedtightly,hisjawset.Hiseyeswelledwithtears.“Theschoollooksreally

nice,”Samsaid.“Anddidyouseetheplayground?Ithaslotsmoreequipmentthantheoneonthetowngreen.”“Idon’tcare.Iwanttogo

tomyoldschool.”Samclungtohispatience

byathread.Heunderstoodwhatwasgoingon,butcopingwithitwassomething

elseentirely.Hewasway,wayoutofhisdepth.HewassureCarriecouldhavecoaxedBobbyoutofthecarandintotheschoolbynow,butshortofdragginghim,hedidn’thaveaplanforaccomplishingthat.Reasondidn’tappeartobeworking.“Youalreadyknowlotsof

kidsherefromplayingT-ball,”heremindedBobby.“I’llbetsomeofthemwillbe

inyourclass.”“Ilikemyoldfriends.”Samseizedonabribe.

“Andmaybewecantakeatripsomeweekendtoseethem,butyouliveherenowandthisisgoingtobeyourschool.”“NO!”Theemphaticshoutechoed

inthecar.Samtookadeepbreathand

triedtoimaginewhatitmust

belikeforhisnephew.He’dlosthismomanddad.He’dmovedtoanewtownwithanunclehebarelyknew.Itprobablyshouldn’thavecomeasasurprisethatsoonerorlaterBobbywasgoingtodiginhisheels.Samtriedanothertack.“Itwasn’tthatlongago

thatIwasnewhere,too,”heremindedBobby.“Ididn’tknowanybodyintownexcept

myboss.Startinganewjobisalotlikestartingatanewschool.Itcanbeprettyscary.”“I’mnotscared,”Bobby

declared,thoughhecouldn’tquitebringhimselftomeetSam’sgaze.“Ofcoursenot.You’rethe

bravestkidIknow,”Samagreedreadily.“You’vebeenhandlingstuffthatwouldbehardforanybody.Thisisjust

onemorethingyouhavetoface,butIknowyoucandoit,Bobby.Andacoupleofweeksfromnow,I’llprobablyhavetroublegettingyoutocomehome,becauseyou’llbehavingsomuchfunwithallyournewfriends.It’sjustthisfirststepthat’shard.”“Whatifmyteacher’s

mean?”heasked,hisvoicesmallandfilledwiththefearhe’dbeentryingsovaliantly

tohide.“Ican’timagineany

teacherinthistownbeingmean,”Samsaid.“Wehaven’tmetonesinglemeanpersonyet,havewe?”“Iguessnot,”Bobby

concededgrudgingly.Inspirationstruck.“Ihave

anidea,”Samsaid.“Daveywenttothisschool.I’llbethismomknowsalltheteachers.Wanttogobythe

bookstoreandShannacantellyouallabouther?”Bobbynoddedeagerly.

Anythingtodelaytheinevitable,apparently.“Okay,we’lldothatfirst.”“Andthenlunchat

Sally’s?”Bobbywheedled.“I’dprobablyfeelbetterafteragrilledcheesesandwich.”Samnodded.“Butafter

lunchwecomestraightbackhereandgetyouregistered.

Deal?”Bobbyclearlyrealizedit

wasthebestdealhewaslikelytoget.“Iguess,”hesaideventually.Samstartedthecarand

droveintotown.Fiveminuteslater,he’dexplainedthesituationtoShanna.“So,doyouhappentoknowthefirst-gradeteacher?”Shanna’sexpression

brightened.“YoubetIdo.

HernameisAmyPennington.”“Isshemean?”Bobby

asked,trepidationinhisvoice.“Noway.She’sverynice.

She’sbeenhereforaverylongtime.”Shesatdownononeofthelowchairsinthechildren’ssectionrightnexttoBobby,thenleanedintoconfide,“Youknowwhosheremindsmeof?”

“Who?”Bobbyasked.“Mrs.Claus.”Bobby’seyeswentwide.

“Santa’swife?”Shannanodded,asmile

tuggingatherlips.“Don’tevertellherIsaidthat,though.Here,I’llshowyou.”ShepulledaChristmaspicturebookfromanearbyshelfandflippedthroughthepages,thenpointed.“Thereyougo.Youwaittillyou

meetMrs.PenningtonandthentellmeifI’mright.”Bobbygiggled,andSam’s

heartfilledwithamixofemotionshecouldn’tquiteidentify.Happinessatthesound,tobesure,andrelief,butitwasmorethanthat.Hefeltatinybitlikeadadwho’dfacedamonumentalhurdleandsomehowgottenoveritjustright.“Thanks,Shanna,”hesaid

asBobbyscamperedofftochooseanewbookforhiscollection.“Notaproblem.I’mso

gladyouthoughttobringhimhere.”Shegavehimareassuringlook.“Youmightwanttorememberthatyouwon’talwayshavealltheanswerswhenitcomestoyourkids,butknowingwhentoaskforhelpandwheretogotogetitissometimesjust

asimportant.”“Howaboutbribinghim

withthepromiseoflunchatSally’s?Isthatassmart?”Shelaughed.“Sometimes

youhavetowingitanddowhateverittakestogetthejobdone.Justdon’tbackdownonceyou’rebackattheschool.Remindhimhemadeadealwithyouandholdhimtoit.”Samsighed.“Doesitever

getanyeasier?”“You’vebeenatthisfor

what,amonthmaybe?I’vebeenatthisparentingthingforawholelotofyearsnow.I’llletyouknowwhenIfinallystarttoseeeasy.”Herexpressionsobered.“Ofcourse,ithelpsthatIhaveKevinrighttheretopickuptheslack.YoucouldalwaysaskCarrieforbackup.”“I’malreadyrelyingonher

alot,maybeeventoomuch,”hesaid.“Idon’twanttotakeadvantageofher.Igathershe’sstillrecoveringfromthelastjerkinherlifewhodidjustthat.”Shannalookedsurprised.

“ShetoldyouaboutMarc?”“EnoughthatIunderstand

whyshe’sgun-shyaboutgettinginvolvedwithanyoneelsesheperceivescouldbeusingher.”

“Recognizingthatjustprovesyou’reathousandtimesmoresensitivethanhewas.Youhavemystampofapproval,forwhateverthat’sworth.”Shegavehimalonglook.“Justdon’teverforcemetoadmitthatIwaswrongaboutyou.Ihatebeingwrong.”Helaughed.“Mostpeople

do.AndI’lldomybestnottohurtCarrie.That’sa

promise.”Shenodded.“Goodenough

forme.”Samlookedaroundfor

Bobbyandfoundhimabsorbedinabookhe’dchosen.“Comeon,kiddo.Let’spayforthatandgrabsomelunch.”Bobbyjumpedupand

headedfortheregister.SampaidShannaforthebook.“Ioweyoualotmorethanthis

fortheadvice.”“Nope.Thatwasonthe

house.”ShegrinnedatBobby.“RememberwhatIsaidaboutMrs.Pennington.That’sjustbetweenus.”SamthoughtofCarrie’s

secretthatBobbyhadinadvertentlyblurtedoutalltoorecently.“Youmightnotwanttocountonthat,”hewarnedShanna.Sheshrugged.“I’ll

recommendhertoBreeforthisyear’sChristmasproduction.Amywillbesoflatteredshe’llthankmeformakingthecomparison.”“Doyouhaveapositive

spinforeverything?”“Idothesedays,”she

repliedcheerfully.“That’swhatahappymarriagewilldoforyou.Youmightkeepthatinmind.”“SoMick’snottheonly

meddlerinthefamily,”hesaidwryly.“He’sjustthetipofthe

iceberg,”sheconfirmed.Forsomereasonthatdidn’t

botherSamhalfasmuchasitprobablyshould.

“DinnerwithTraceandmetonight!”Abbydeclaredinabrief,butpointedvoicemail.

Carrielistenedtohermom’smessageandrecognizedacommandwhensheheardit.Sighing,shereturnedthe

call.“Areyoucooking?”sheaskedwhenAbbypickedup.Hermomchuckled.“What

doyouthink?Iknowmyfood’snevergoingtolureyouoverhere.Jessissendingoveraroastedchicken,redblissmashedpotatoes,

veggiesandtheinn’schocolatedecadencecake.”“Wow!Isthisabig

occasion?”“Itisifoneofmy

daughtersiscomingfordinnerafteralongabsence,”Abbysaid.“Ijustsawyouattheinn,”

Carrieprotested.“Twoweeksago.Andyou

haven’tseenTraceforevenlonger,tosaynothingofyour

littlebrother.Wemissyou,sweetheart.”Sincesheknewshe’dbeen

deliberatelyavoidingthem,Carriecouldhardlydenythatherabsencehadgoneontoolong.“Whattime?”“Dinnerwillbeatseven,

butcomewheneveryou’reready.”Therewasaslightpausebeforehermotheradded,“Anyoneyou’dliketobringalong?”

Thereitwas,Carriethoughttriumphantly.Theulteriormotive.“Sothisisn’treallyaboutcatchingupwithme.It’saboutSam.Youwanttocheckhimout.”“Ithoughtitmightbenice

forhisnephewtogettoknowPatrick,”hermothercontradicted.“I’msureitwouldbe,butI

amnotbringingSamwithintenmilesofanyoneinthis

familyjustyet.O’Brienstendtogetideasandthentrytoramthemdownthethroatsofinnocentpeople.”“Haveyoueverknownme

todosuchathing?”Abbyasked,analmostbelievablenoteofhurtinhervoice.“OnlybecauseI’venever

datedanyoneseriouslyinChesapeakeShores,”Carriereplied.“Andbecauseyoudon’twantmetoaccuseyou

oftakingafteryourfather.”Abbylaughedthen.“Well,

that’strue.Okay,comeonyourown.We’lltrytomakedowithjustyourcompany.”“I’msoflattered.Love

you,Mom.”“Backatyou.Seeyou

tonight.”Assoonasshe’d

disconnectedthecall,CarrieregrettednotagreeingtobringSamandBobbyalong.

Atleasttheywouldhaveprovidedaverynicedistractionfromthenight’slikelyremainingmission:gettingafixonherplansforthefuture.Shecouldn’thelpwonderinghowsurprisedtheyweregoingtobewhenshearrivedwithawrittenlistofanswersallpreparedforthem.

Carriewalkedintothehousethathadbeenherhomeformostofherlifejustasherstepfathercamedownthestairslookingasifhe’djustbeenforaswimfullyclothed.Shecouldn’tseemtostopthegrinspreadingacrossherface.“DidPatrickwinthebath

war?”sheteased.“Ofcoursehedid,”Trace

said.“I’mnotsurewhyyour

motherinsistshetakeabathwhenhe’sspenttheentiredayswimming.NordoIunderstandwhyakidwho’salittlefishfrommorningtillnightbalksatgettingintoabathtub.”Carriekissedhischeek.

“Justtogiveyouaroughtime.”“Youandyoursisterwere

neverthisimpossible,”Tracesaid.

“Becausewewereyourlittleangels,”Carrierepliedsweetly.“AndwewantedyouandMomtogetbacktogether,sowewerealwaysonourverybestbehavior.”Hermotherwalkedintothe

foyerjustintimetooverhearher.“Idon’trecallanyofthat,”shesaid.“Irecallbathtimeswithprotestsatdecibellevelsthatcouldhaveregistereddowntheblock.I

recalltwogirlswhoranawayfromhomeandscaredthedaylightsoutofme.Irecall—”Carrielaughedandcuther

off.“Mom,youdon’tneedtorecountallofourbadbehavior.LetTracehavehisillusions.”Abbyslippedanarm

affectionatelyaroundTrace’swaist,thenjerkedaway.“You’resoakingwet!”

“ThusthecomparisonofPatrick’sbath-timebehaviortoCait’sandmine,”Carriesaid.SheglancedatTrace,thenshookherheadathisbesottedexpressionashestaredathiswife.Ithadalwaysbeenthatway.Unlikehermemoriesofherdadandthenonstoparguments,hermemoriesofhermomandTracewereallcoloredbytheabsoluteconvictionthatthey

lovedeachotherandherandCaitlynlikecrazy.“MaybeIshouldgo

upstairsandcheckonmylittlebrother,”shemurmuredandmovedtowardthestairs.“Ishesupposedtobeinbedorishecomingdownheretohavedinnerwithus?”“He’lljoinus,”Abby

respondeddistractedly.“Trace,youneedtogetoutofthesewetclothes.”

“Anythingyousay,”hesaid,awickedtwinkleinhiseyesashereachedforthebuttonsonhisshirt.“Nothere,”Abby

protested,butshewaslaughing.“Impossibleman!”Carrielaughedandleft

themtotheirflirting.That,shethoughtassheclimbedthestairs,waswhatshewanted,amarriageinwhichtheromancestayedalive.It

wasexactlyasBree,ShannaandHeatherhadsuggestedearlier.Shefoundherlittlebrother,

stilldampandwearingnothingmorethanhisfavoriteSpider-Manunderpants,sittingonthefloorplayingwithhisLEGO.Hergrandfather,who’dgivenPatrickthemostexpensivesethecouldfind,claimedhewasalreadyseeingsignsthat

Patrickwouldfollowinhisfootstepsasanarchitect.Giventhewobblingstructurehewasworkingonnow,Carriewasn’tsosure.“Hey,bro,”shesaid,

earningaglanceandagrin.“Didyoubringme

something?”heasked.Patrickwaswellawarethathisbigsisterswereputonthisearthtospoilhim.“Broccoliandspinach,”

shereplied,keepingherexpressionserious.“Yuck!”“Thatisnowaytoshow

yourappreciationforagift,”sheadmonished.“Broccoliandspinach

aren’tpresents,”herepliedreasonably.“Oh,okay,”shegrumbled.

Shereachedintoherpurseandtossedhimthebagofpennycandyshe’dbrought.

Hiseyeslitupandhetoreintothebag.“Holdit!Afterdinner,”she

saidfirmly.“OrMomwillkillusboth.”Hegiggled.“Shetold

GrandpaMicknever,evertobringcandyintothishouseagain.”“Hashepaidanyattention

toher?”Patricknodded.“Hehides

itoutside,andthenIgoout

andfindit.”Atypicallysneaky

GrandpaMickmaneuver,Carrieconcluded.Shereachedforthebag.“Thenmaybe,ifyoualreadyhavecandyhiddenaway,youshouldn’thavethis.”“Yes,Ishould,”hesaid,

tighteninghisgrip.“It’smypresent.Youcan’ttakeitback.”“Whathaveyougotfor

me,then?”Hescrambledupand

huggedher.“Thankyou.”Sheruffledhisstrawberry

blondhair,creatingahaloofthecurlshehated.“You’rewelcome,peanut.Nowputonyourpj’sandcomedownstairs.We’llbeeatingdinnersoon.Ihearthere’scakefordessert.”Thatearnedafistpump.

Hesearchedthrougha

drawer,tossingthingsonthefloor,tillhefoundapairofpajamasheliked,thenpulledthemon.Thetopwasinsideout,butCarrierefrainedfrompointingthatout.Evenasatoddlerherlittlebrotherhadhadawell-developedindependentstreak.Itwasonlystrengtheningashepreparedtogoofftopreschoolthisyear.Astheyreachedthetopof

thestairs,hegaveheranimpishgrin.“Wannarace?”Beforeshecouldreply,

he’dperchedonthebanisterandwasflyingdowntherailing.Carriewatched,heartinherthroat,tillhereachedthebottom.SherecognizedforthefirsttimehowmuchhermommusthaveagedwatchingherandCaittesttheirlimits.Asshefollowedherlittle

brotherdownstairsusingtheactualsteps,shespottedhermotherwaitingatthebottom.“Youknow,”Abbysaida

littletoocasually,“ifyou’regoingtoopenadaycare,you’regoingtohavetokeepamuchclosereyeonthekids.”Carrieregardedherwith

shock.“Whosaid...?Howdidyou...?”“Wordtravels,”shesaid.

“Youshouldknowthatbynow.”“ButIhaven’tdiscussed

thiswithanyoneexceptLuke.Hetookavowtokeepittohimself.”“AndIdidn’thearaboutit

fromLuke.”“Whothen?”“Doesitmatter?Isittrue?

Areyouconsideringopeningadaycare?”Carrieignoredthe

question,stilltryingtofigureoutwheretheleakhadbeen.Thenithither.Davey,ofcourse.SamhadtoldherhimselfthatBobbyhadletitsliparoundtheboys.Henrywouldneverrevealaword,butDaveywasaloosecannon.“Haveyouspentanytime

withKevinlately?”sheinquiredinnocently.Afaintblushtintedher

mother’scheeks.“I’vespokentoyouruncle.Why?”“Didhehappentopass

alonganytidbitsoffamilygossip?”Hermomfrowned.“Okay,

yes,butwhatIwanttoknowiswhymybrotherknewaboutthisbeforeIdid?”“Hedidn’thearitfromme,

ifthatmakesyoufeelanybetter,”Carriesaid,andexplainedthelikelyscenario

thatledfromBobbytoDaveytoKevin.Abbylaughed.“Oh,sweet

heaven,ifthenextgenerationisstartingthisearlyspreadingfamilygossip,we’llneverbeabletokeepanothersecret.”Shelinkedherarmthrough

Carrie’sandledthewayintothekitchen.“Youcanfillusinoverdinner.”Tracelookedup.“Fillusin

aboutwhat?”

“Carriehasdecidedwhatshewantstodowithherlife.”Herstepfather’sgaze

narrowed.“Doesitinvolvegoinganywherenearthatfashiondesigner?”“Definitelynot,”Carrie

assuredhim.“Okay,then.Whateverit

is,I’mallforit.”Carrieheardthe

unconditionalsupportinhisvoiceandfeltherheartlift.

Sheknewhemeanteveryword.FromthemomentTracehadcomeintotheirlives,he’dbeennotonlyadevotedhusbandtohermom,butasteadyinginfluenceforherandCait.Hethoughttheywerecapableofanything.And,inpart,becauseofthatunwaveringfaithinthem,theybelievedit,too.

“YouhavetounderstandthatI’mjustatthebeginningstagesofthinkingthisthrough,”CarrietoldhermomandTraceafteraboredPatrickhadgonebacktohisroomafterdinner.“Idon’thaveallthedetailsworked

out.Oranyofthem,forthatmatter.Ijusthavelists,awholelotofverylonglists.”“You’vealwaysbeena

naturalwithkids,”Abbysaid,herexpressionthoughtful.“Youknow,therewasatimewhenIthoughtyoumightwanttogotomedicalschooljustlikeyoursisterandbecomeapediatrician.”“Notme,”Carriesaidat

once.“Theprocesstakesway

toolong.YouknowhowimpatientIam.Icouldn’twaittogetonwithmylife,eventhoughIobviouslydidn’tknowquitewhatIwantedthatlifetobe.Asforthewholemedicalthing,that’sCaitlyn’spassion.”“Andyouthinkopeninga

day-carecentercouldbeyours?”Traceasked,studyingherclosely.“Youhonestlythinkyou’llbe

happystayinghereandlookingafterkids?Kids,whoaren’tyourown,thatis.IthinkyourmotherandIfiguredyou’dbesettleddownwithawholebroodbynow.”Carrieshrugged.“SodidI,

butithasn’thappened.I’mtryingtofindanalternativethatwillbeagoodfit,somethingIcanbeasexcitedaboutasCaitisaboutmedicine.”

“It’sabigdecision,”heremindedher,asifsheweren’talreadyverywellawareofthat.Carrieknewhewas

makinghispointonlytobesureshewasn’tdivingintosomethingthisdemandingonawhim.Takingcareofotherpeople’schildrenwasahugeresponsibility.She’dseenthatfirsthandsinceshe’dbeenworkingwithJulie.Andonce

she’dcommittedtoit,itwasn’tsomethingshecouldwalkawayfromonyetanotherwhim.Peoplewouldbecountingonher.“Iknowitmustseemasif

thiswholeideahascometomeoutoftheblueandIcan’tdenythatafewmonthsago,ithadneveroncecrossedmymind,”sheconceded.“Whathappened?”Trace

asked.

“YoumeanbesidesrealizingthatIwasinadead-endrelationshipandquittingmyjobwithnoprospectsforanotherone?”shesaiddryly.“LeavingMarcandthatjob

werethesmartestthingsyou’ddoneinawhile,ifyouaskme,”Tracetoldher,noteventryingtohidethedisdainhe’dmanagedtomaskwhiletherelationshiphadbeennewand,she’d

claimed,everythingshe’deverwanted.“Youweretoogoodforhimandthatjobworeyouout.Itdidn’tmakeyouhappy.”“Ilovedmyjob,”she

protested.AndatfirstMarchadbeenasattentiveasshecouldpossiblyhavewanted.Itwasonlylaterthatshe’drealizedthatallthatattentionshe’dbaskedinwasnothingmorethanajadedattemptto

makesureshecontinuedtodohisbidding.Traceregardedher

skeptically.“Whichpartofthejobmadeyouwanttojumpoutofbedinthemorning?Andbeforeyouanswer,remembermyhistory.Iwasdraggedintobankingbymyfather—anice,stablecareerpathIwassupposedlydestinedtofollow.Itwouldhavemeant

goodmoneyandstabilityforsure,butIhatedeveryminuteofit.Itwasn’tuntilIconvincedDadthatmysisterwasmoresuitedtothatcareerandIwasfreetocontinuewithmydesignbusinessthatIwastrulyhappy.”Hegaveheralonglook.“SoIknowalittlebitabouthowimportantitistochoosewhatyouweretrulymeanttodoandnotletanyoneoranythingstandin

yourway.”Carrieheardwhathewas

saying.“Okay,itwasn’tthePRjobIlovedsomuch.ItwasMarc.You’rerightaboutthat.Iwantedtoimpresshim.”Sheshrugged.“AndIhappenedtobegoodatpublicrelations.There’salottobesaidjustforbeinggoodatwhatyoudo.Especiallyinthatworld,praiseisseductive.AndIwantedtodo

somethingthatwouldmakethefamilytakenoticeandbeproudofme.”“Darling,we’vealways

beenproudofyou,”hermothersaid,lookingshocked.“Sure,insortofayou’re-

our-daughter-and-we’ll-love-you-no-matter-whatway.Mom,youandeveryoneelseinourfamilysetthebarprettydarnhigh.”Abbysighed.“Isuppose

wedid,andyourgrandfather’scertainlynotaboveremindingeveryoneabouthisloftystandards.Still,weallknowhowthatjobworkedout.It’soveranddonewithnow,”hermothersaidbriskly.“Telluswhyyouthinkopeningadaycareiswhatyouweremeanttodo?Howdidyoureachthatconclusion?”“IwastalkingtoLuke

aboutmyoptions.Wejuststartedbattingaroundideasandhepointedoutthathalfthekidsinourfamilyareinandoutofmyhouseonaregularbasis.I’mgoodwiththem.Ilovebeingwiththem.”“Butthat’sallpretty

casual,”hermomsaidworriedly.“Thiswillbeafull-timecommitment,Carrie.It’snotsomethingtotake

lightly.”“Iknowthat,”shesaid

impatiently.Shereachedinherpocketandpulledoutthepro-conlistshe’dprinted.Shehandeditovertohermom.“Andthat’swhyI’mtakingitveryseriously.Lookthoseoverandyou’llseejusthowcarefullyI’vebeenanalyzingthis.”“Prosandcons?”Abby

saidwithasmile.“Thisis

somethingyoursisterwoulddo.”“SinceI’vebeenwatching

heranalyzethingstodeathpracticallysincebirth,Idecidedtogiveitatry,”Carriesaidwryly.“AndI’vebeenvolunteering,justforafewdayssofar,atadaycareoutsideoftown.Theowner’sbeeninthebusinessforyears.She’spromisedtobemymentorandguidemethrough

everythingIneedtodo,butonlyifIprovetoherthatIcanhandlethejob.There’snotellinghowlongI’llhavetopaymyduesbeforeshe’sconvinced,soIdefinitelywon’tbetakingthenextstepimpulsively.I’meventakingacoupleofclassessherecommendedonline.”“Ah,sothedaycare’s

whereyou’vebeengoingatthecrackofdawn,”hermom

concluded.“Nowitmakessense.Icouldn’tbelieveitwhensomeonesaidmylittlenightowlwasupandoutbeforedaybreak.”Carriedidn’tevenbother

askingwho’dfiledthatreport.Ithardlymattered.ShelookedexpectantlyfromTracetohermom,tryingtogaugetheirreactions.“So,whatdoyouthink?”

sheproddedwhenshe

couldn’tstandthesilenceanotherminute.“Nowthatwe’vetalked,I

canseehowitwouldbeexactlyrightforyou,”hermothersaid.“I’malittlesurprisednoonesuggesteditsooner.”Carrierolledhereyes.

“Who?GrandpaMick?Youknowhe’sgoingtohaveplentytosayaboutmewastingmypotentialby

babysitting.”“AndIthinkyou’reselling

himshort,”Abbycontradicted.“Hewantsyoucloseby.Thiswillkeepyouhere.Hewantstoseeyouhappy.Ifthisachievesthat,he’llhavenocomplaints.”“Anditshouldn’tmatter

whatMickoranyoneelsethinks,”Traceemphasized.“Ifthisiswhatyouwant,that’sallthatcounts.Have

youspokentomydadorLailaatthebankaboutgettingasmall-businessloanforyourstart-up?”Carrieheldupherhands.

“Slowdown.I’mnotthatfaralongyet.AndIstillhavetrust-fundmoneytounderwritethefirst-yearcostswhenIamready.”Traceshookhishead.

“SpeaktoDadormysister.Don’tputyourtrustfundat

risk.Partofopeninganybusinessisestablishinggoodcredit.Letthemhelpwiththat.ItwillmakeDad’sday.Youknowhe’salwayshadasoftspotforyouandyoursister.AndanytimeanO’Briensucceeds,it’sgoodforthebankandgoodforthetown.He’swellawareofthat.”“Isupposeitwouldn’thurt

totalktohimwhenthetime

isright,”Carrieagreed,thoughshewasn’tenthusiasticaboutlayingoutherplansforamanashardheadedaboutbusinessasTrace’sdad.He’dspoteverysingleflawandmakenoconcessionsbecauseshewasfamily.“Seemstomethattheend

ofsummerandthestartoftheschoolyearwouldbeagoodtimetogetthingsrolling,”

Abbysuggestedcasually.“Noway,”Carriesaid,

horrified.“Schoolstartsinacoupleofweeks.Thisisn’tsomethingIcanrushinto.EvenifIwantedtoopenquicklyandonaverysmallscale,therearetoomanyregulationsandlicensestodealwith.PlusIhavetofindalocation,dorenovations.ThereareamillionthingsthatneedtobedonebeforeI

couldevenconsideropening.”“StopbyandseeSusie

aboutsuitableproperty,”Abbysuggested.“Sheknowseveryhouseorretailspacearoundherethat’szonedforsomethinglikethis.”Carriestudiedhermom.

Somethingwasgoingonhere.“Whyareyousuddenlyinsucharushformetomakethishappen?It’snotjustso

I’llstaycloseby,isit?I’vealreadytoldyouIintendtostayinChesapeakeShores.Thatdecisiondefinitelyisn’tawhim.Iwantthistowntocontinuetobehome.”Abbyglancedacrossthe

tableatTrace,whonodded.“Thethingis,”shebegan,colorbloominginhercheeks,“we’reexpectinganotherbaby.”Carriestaredatherin

shock.“Ababy?But,Mom,youcan’tbe.You’re...”“Old.Goaheadandsayit,”

Abbysaid,herexpressionwry.“Believeme,nooneismoreshockedthanthetwoofus.IthoughtIwasalotclosertomenopausethanIwastobecomingamotheragain.”“Whoknows?Haveyou

toldanyoneelse?”Carrieasked.“No.Sofar,it’sjustus,”

Tracesaid,thencautioned,“Andwewantittostaythatwayforanothercoupleofmonths.Butyoucanseewhytheideaofadaycarerighthereintownandrunbysomeonewetrustcouldbealifesaverforus.TryingtokeepaneyeonPatrickwhileworkingathomealmostdrovemeoverthebrink.Withthisbaby,Iwanthimorheroutofthehouseandin

thehandsofaprofessional.YourmomandIareagreedonthat.I’mnotexpectinghertoputhercareeronthebackburner,either,soreliabledaycareisamust.”Carriebouncedoutofher

chairandhuggedhermom,thenTrace.“Iamso,sohappyforyou.DoesCaitlynknow?”“Notyet,”Abbyreplied.

“Wewantedtowaitalittle

longer.We’llfillherinnexttimeshecomeshomeforaweekend.”“ThenIdon’tsuppose

Patrickknowshe’sgoingtobeabigbrother,”Carriesaid.“Absolutelynot,”Trace

said.“Thepint-sizeO’Briensarenotevenremotelytrustworthywithsecretsofanykind.Theleakingofyournewsisproofenoughofthat.”

“Pointtaken,”Carrieagreed.“RemindmetobeatthetaroutofDaveynexttimeIplayavideogamewithhimjusttogeteven.”“Hey,it’snotallbad,

havingusinonyourplans,isit?”hermomasked.“Actually,no.Your

enthusiasmhasbeenreassuring,evenifIhavediscoveredit’sduetoanulteriormotive.”Shestudied

hermotherworriedly.“Areyoufeelingokay?Isthepregnancygoingokaysofar?”“I’malittletired,butthe

doctorsayseverything’srightontrack.We’lldoanamniocentesisdowntheroadjustlikewedidwhenPatrickwasontheway.”“We’renotgoingtotake

anychanceswithyourmother’shealthorthe

baby’s,”Traceassuredher.“Well,ifyouneed

anything,anythingatall,I’mjustaphonecallaway,”Carrietoldbothofthem.“Iamsohappyforyou.AndGram’sgoingtobeoverthemoon.”Abbysmile.“Shewillbe,

won’tshe?There’snothingNelllovesmorethananewO’Brientofussover.”Thinkingofallthebabies

inthefamily,Carriefiguredhergreat-grandmotherwouldbeinseventhheavenforalongtimetocome.

ForafullweekafterdinnerwithhermomandTrace,Carrietriedtoabsorbtheirbignews,whilecontinuingtobabysitJacksonandvolunteerattheday-carecenter.She

didn’thearmuchfromSambeyondaquickcalltoletherknowthathe’dsuccessfullyenrolledBobbyinschool.“NowIjusthavetoget

himinthedooronthefirstday,”he’dsaid,soundingunconvincedthathecoulddoit.“He’sgoingtobefine,”

Carriehadassuredhim.“Itwouldhelpifyou’dtell

methatinperson,”he

suggestedslyly.She’dlaughed.“Remind

menexttimewe’reatGram’s.”“Nosoonerthanthat?”“Sorry.I’mswamped.”Anditwastrue.Asher

confidenceinherplanhadstartedtogrow,impatiencehadsetin.Shedownloadedformsandstudiedtherequirementsforlicensing.Then,whenshe’dbeenatthe

centerforthreeweeks,shesatdownwithJulie.“HowamIdoing?”she

askeddirectly.Juliesmiled.“Iwondered

howlongitwasgoingtotakebeforeyoustartedgettingantsytogetstarted.”“TobehonestI’vebeen

hopingforsomesignfromyouthatyoufeelI’mqualified.”“Qualified?Inlessthana

month?”“Okay,maybenot

qualified,butcapableofgettingthere.”“Truthfully,I’vebeen

impressed,”Julieadmitted.“Somuchso,infact,thatIwishIcouldtalkyouintostayingrighthereandcontinuingtoworkwithme.”ShestudiedCarrie,thenshookherhead.“Butyouwanttoopenyourownplace,

don’tyou?”Carrienodded.“Ireallydo.

Workingwithyouhasjustsolidifiedmyresolve.Thismayhavestartedonawhim,butI’mcommittedtoitnow,butonlyifyoubelieveI’mgoingtobeabletodothisthewayitshouldbedone.AndI’mnotgoingtobailonthetrainingI’vebeengettinghereoronmyclasses.Iwillkeepcominghereatleasta

coupleofdaysaweekuntilallthepiecesofmyplancometogether.IoweyouthatandIcanuseeverysecondofpracticalexperienceIcanget.”Julienodded.“Okay,then,

youhavemyblessingtogetstartedwithyourownplans.”ShegesturedtowardthetabletCarriehadbroughttothemeeting.“Getreadytotakesomenotes.We’llstart

yourcrashcourserightnow.”Forthenexttwohours,she

filledCarrieinoneverythingfromthecostsofdoingbusiness,thelicensingprocess,liabilityinsurance,whattochargeandthebestqualitytoysandsuppliesavailableandwheretogetthem.“Andthat’sjustthetipof

theiceberg,”Julieconcluded.“Butit’senoughfortoday.

Yougetstartedonallofthatandwhenyou’reherenexttime,we’llgooversomemore.”ShesmiledatCarrie’s

apparentlyglazedexpression.“Don’tworry.Itwillallfallintoplaceandstarttomakesenseonceyoustartchippingawayatthatlist.Andwhenyoufindaplaceyoulike,invitemedownandI’llwalkthroughitwithyouandhelp

youfigureoutwhatchangeswillberequiredtomeetcode.It’sbeenyearssinceI’vebeentoChesapeakeShoresdespitehowclosebyitis.I’veheardwonderfulthingsabouttheInnatEaglePoint.MaybeLucyandIwillspendamother-daughterweekendthere.”“You’reagodsend,”Carrie

saidfervently.“AndmyauntJessownstheinn.I’lltalkher

intocompingyourroom.”Juliesmiled.“Well,how

aboutthat?Iwon’tsayno.AsforwhateverI’vedonetohelpyou,it’sinmyowninterestsasmuchasyours.Ican’tverywellletsomeoneI’vetrainedgooffandmakeamessofthings,canI?”“I’llgetstartedonallthis

tonight,”Carriesaid.“BythetimeIseeyoudayaftertomorrow,I’llhaveafull

reportonwhatI’veaccomplished.”Juliegavealittlenodof

satisfaction.“Ofcourseyouwill.”AsCarriewasleavingher

office,Juliecalledherback.“I’mproudofyou.You’vecaughtonquickly.You’veneveronceblinkednomatterwhatI’veaskedofyou.Andyou’regreatwiththekids.”Touchedbythepraisefrom

awomanshe’dcometorespect,Carrieblinkedbacktears.“Thankyou.”“Don’tthankmeyet.There

aregoingtobedaysinthemonthsandyearstocomewhenyou’llprobablyhatemeforencouragingyoutotakethison.”Carriecouldn’timagine

suchaday,butshenodded.Juliehadn’tbeenwrongaboutanythingelse.Shewas

probablyrightaboutthis,too.Butitdidn’treallymatter.She’dneverbeenmoreexcitedaboutanythingshe’devertackledbefore.AndO’Briensweremadeoftoughstuff.Difficultiesdidn’tdeterthemonelittlebit.

SamwasonhiswaytothepizzashopwithBobbyfora

celebrationofthefirstdayofschoolwhenhespottedCarrieheadingtowardO’Brien’s.Hechangeddirectionandinterceptedher.Asmilespreadacrossherfacewhenshesawthem.“Afirstdayofschool

celebration?”sheguessedrightaway.Bobbynodded

enthusiastically.“We’rehavingpizza!”

“Notexactlyararetreat,”shecommented,hergazeonSam.Hecaughttheglimmerof

amusementinhereyes.“I’mreformed,butnotobsessedaboutit,”hetoldher.“Besides,thisisBobby’scelebration,soit’shischoice.Wanttojoinus?”“Yes!”Bobbysaideagerly.

“Please,Carrie.”“Well,Icanhardlyturn

downthechancetohavedinnerwithtwohandsomeguys.Itwillhavetobeaquickone,though.Ihaveatonofworktodotonight.”Samcastacautiousglance

towardBobby,whowasalreadyrunningaheadtothepizzashop.“Day-careplans?”Shenodded,abrilliant

smilelightingupherface.“I’mmovingforwardwith

Julie’sstampofapproval,”sheconfirmed.“Onlymymomandstepfatherknow,though,sopleasekeepittoyourselfalittlelonger.I’mgoingtoseeSusietomorrowaboutlocatingaproperty,soIsuspecteveryoneinthefamilywillknowafterthat.”Samwincedatthemention

ofSusie.“What?”Carrieasked,

obviouslycatchinghisguilty

expression.“I’vebeenmeaningtocall

hereversinceIgottotownaboutlookingathouses.Timekeepsgettingawayfromme.Mack’sevenmentionedtometwicenowthatSusie’swonderingifI’mjustgoingtogoonlivingattheinn.”“Itisaprettycomfortable

place,”Carriesaid.“Butit’snotahome.And

it’sabovemybudgetlong-

term,evenwiththedeepdiscountJesshasbeengivingme.”Hewavedoffthetopic.“I’llgettoSusiesometimethisweek.RightnowIwanttohearallaboutyourplans.”“Hurryup!”Bobby’s

urgentcommandinterruptedthem.Samsighed.“ButIsuppose

now’snotthetime.”“Probablynot.”“Idon’tsupposeyou’ve

changedyourmindaboutdating?”heaskedhopefully.“Wecouldhaveaquiet,adults-onlydinnerthisweekend.”“Didn’tyoutellmethat

Bobby’sstilluneasyaboutbeingatanewschool?”“Yes,buttodayseemedto

gookay.”“That’soneday,Sam.

Giveitaweekandthenwe’lltalkaboutit.Ineedsome

spacetopullallthispaperworktogether,anyway.Andyouneedtospendyoursparetimehouse-hunting.”Samconcededdefeat

reluctantly.“I’mcallingyoufirstthingonMondayandaskingyouout,”heinformedher.“Andmakenomistake,I’mnottakingnoforananswer.”“ThenI’llpracticesaying

yes,”shetoldhimwithagrin.

“Whoknows?Imightbeverygoodatit.”

Thenextmorning,determinedtoturnherdreamintoreality,shewasintherealestateofficefiveminutesafteritopened,sittingacrossfromSusie.“Ineedahouse,”shetold

hersecondcousin.

Susieregardedherblankly.“Youhaveahouse.”“Butit’snotzonedfor

whatIhaveinmind.”“Andthatwouldbe?”“I’mplanningtoget

licensedandopenasmallday-carecenter.”Ratherthanapplaudingher

decision,asCarriehadexpected,Susiefrowned.“Iknowyoulovehaving

thekidsoverforvisitsevery

day,butanactualdaycare,Carrie?Haveyoureallythoughtthisthrough?”Carriediscoveredthat

havingeachnewpersonshetoldquestionherdecisionwasannoying.“OfcourseIhave,”shesaidimpatiently.“Sinceeverybodyinthefamilyhasbeenregardingmelikeaslackerformonthsnow,Ithoughtthiswouldcomeasgoodnews.Carrie’s

finallyfiguredoutwhattodowithherlife.Yippee!”Susie’ssmilewasonly

halfhearted.“Nobodythinksyou’reaslacker.”“Seriously?Igetalecture

fromGrandpaMickonanalmost-dailybasis.IcouldseetheworryeverytimeMomlookedatme,atleastuntilIfilledherinaboutthis.I’mprettysureGramhasbeenlightingextracandlesat

church.”Susiefinallychuckled.

“BeinganO’Briendoescomewithafairshareofpressure,”sheconceded.“Butdaycare?IthoughtyouweredestinedtoreturntoParisorMilan.WhysettleforChesapeakeShores,whenyou’veledsuchaglamorouslife?Weallenviedyougettingtoworkinsuchamazinglocations.”Carrieshrugged.“I’m

hardlysettling.Therealityis,I’manO’Brienandthisishome.DespitealltheworriedlooksI’veenduredsincecomingback,IknowthisiswhereIbelong.Openingadaycarejustseemslikeanatural.I’vedonemyhomeworkonthenumberofchildrenwithworkingparentsandtheoptionsavailable.Theonlyfacilityopenrightnowisatthechurchandit’sfilledto

capacity.Thetownneedsaday-carecenter.”“Soit’snotenoughforyou

thatmostofthekidsinourfamilyarealreadyinandoutofyourhouseonadailybasis?”Carriethoughtshehearda

surprisinglybitternoteinSusie’svoice.Shealsothoughtsheunderstoodit.Thankstothatadoptionfallingthroughatthelast

minute,Susiewasboundtobetouchyaboutanythinghavingtodowithkidsthesedays.Regardinghercousinwith

sympathy,shesaid,“I’msorrytheadoptiondidn’tworkoutthistime,Susie,buttherewillbeotherchances.YouandMackwillhavechildren.”“I’mdone,”Susiesaid

flatly.“AndIdon’twantto

talkaboutit.”“IsMackreadytogive

up?”Susiejuststaredather,her

expressioncompletelyshutdown.Carriegotthemessageanddroppedthesubject.“I’msorryifIupsetyou,”

Carrieapologized.Susiesighed.“AndI’m

sorryfortakingmylousymoodoutonyou.”“Please.I’mfamily,andI

knowhowbadlyyouwantchildren.Ido,too,butIknowit’snotthesame.”“Right.Youcouldget

pregnantanytime.Ican’t.”Susiewincedathertone.“Sorry.Again.It’sironichowalloftheO’Briensseemtoprocreateatthedropofthehat,andthenthere’sme.Lookatyoursister.Caitlyndidn’twanttogetmarriedorhaveababy,butheresheis

withagreathusbandandadarlinglittleboy,andI’mnotsuresheappreciateseitherone.”“Ofcourseshedoes,”

Carriesaid,immediatelyjumpingtothedefenseofhertwin.“Itwasjustabigadjustment.Shehadherwholelifemappedout.”“Iguesswhattheysay

aboutbest-laidplansistrue,”Susiesaid.“Theydotendto

goawry.IthoughtifIcouldeventuallyconvinceMacktolookatmetwice,we’dlivehappilyeverafter.”“YouandMackaresolid,”

Carrieremindedher.Susie’seyesturnedmisty.

“Iknow,andIthankGodforthateverysingleday.Mackstoodbyme—heevenmarriedmenotknowinghowlongImightlive.Mostmenwouldhavebailed.”

“Andyou’llgetthatbaby,justmaybenotonthetimetableyou’dhopedfor,”Carriesaidconfidently.Susiemanagedafaint

smile.“FromyourlipstoGod’sear,”shewhispered.Carriesqueezedherhand.

“It’llhappen.O’Briensalwaysmakethingshappen.”Susiedrewinadeep

breath,thensquaredhershouldersandfacedthe

computer.“Let’sseeaboutfindingaspotforthatdaycare.Whoknows?MaybeI’llcomeandworkforyouandgetmyfixofbabiesthatway.”“Suze,”Carriesaidquietly,

thenwaitedforhercousintofaceher.“Therewillalwaysbeaspotforyou,evenifyoujustwanttospendyourlunchhourhangingout,okay?”“Thanks.”

Buttheybothknewthatcaringforotherpeople’schildren,nomatterhowrewarding,wouldneverquitefilltheemptyplaceineitheroftheirhearts.

AfewdayslaterCarriehadjustpulledahotcookiesheetfromtheovenwhenhergrandfatherbargedintoher

kitchenwithoutbotheringtoknock.“What’sthisIhearabout

youopeningaday-carecenter?”Mickasked,hisvoiceboomingthroughthesmallspace.“You’vebeentalkingto

Susie,”sheconcluded.“ActuallyIwastalkingto

mybrother.JefftoldmeSusiehasbeenshowingyoupropertiesandthatyou’ve

alreadyappliedforalicense.Whatsortofnonsenseisgoingoninthatheadofyours?Whydidn’tyoudiscussthiscockamamyplanwithmebeforeyoudivedin?”Carriedroppedthecookie

sheetontothetablewithaclattershehopedwouldbeahintofjusthowannoyedshewas.Naturallyhergrandfatherwasoblivious.

She’dexpectedthisreactionfromhim,butthatdidn’tkeepitfromhurting.“You’reanO’Brien,”he

declared.“You’remeanttobedoinggreatthings,notbabysittingotherpeople’schildren.”“Evenifsomeofthose

childrenareO’Briens?”Hescowledather.“There

areplentyofpeopleinthisfamilytolookoutforour

own.Notaoneofthemneedstobeinsomeimpersonaldaycare.”“SonowI’mproviding

impersonalcare?”shechallenged.“YouknowwhatImean,”

hesaid.“ActuallyIdo.Youmean

thatI’mlettingyoudownyetagain.Youdidn’tapproveofitwhenIwasinEuropeworkinginfashion.Thenyou

weredisappointedinmeforquittingthatjobandcomingbackhere.YouwerethoroughlyfrustratedwhenIdidn’tjumponthebandwagonandtakeupCaitlyn’sfavoritecauseinAfrica.Sorry,GrandpaMick,IguessI’mjustdestinedtobeahugefailureinyoureyes.”Asherheatedwordsand

thetearsstinginghereyesregisteredwithhim,he

lookedstunned.“Ineversaidanysuchthing.”“Didn’tyou?Worse,you

justreferredtosomethingI’mtrulyexcitedaboutasacockamamyidea.”“Carrie,sweetheart,allI

wantisforyoutobehappy.”“AndIthinkthiswillmake

mehappy,”shetoldhim,swipingangrilyathertears.“Ireallydo.Ilovekids.RightnowIdon’tseeanychildren

ofmyowninmyimmediatefuture,sothisworksforme.I’mgoodwithkids.Askanyone.”“Well,ofcourseyouare.

I’veseenyouatthehousereadingstoriesandplayinggameswithallyourlittlecousins.You’veagift,noquestionaboutit,”hesaid,clearlybackpedalingasfastashecould.Hisexpressionturned

thoughtful.“Seemstome,though,whatyoureallyneedisamanandahousefulofkidsofyourown.”Carriegavehimahorrified

look.“Donotgetanyideasaboutmatchmaking,GrandpaMick.Imeanit.RightnowIneedtofocusonthisnewbusiness.Iwanttodoitright.Whenit’supandrunningandsuchahugesuccessthatevenyouwillbeimpressed,then

I’llthinkaboutmysociallife.Andwhenthatdaycomes,IwantyoutorememberthatI’mperfectlycapableoffindingtherightmanwithoutanyhelpfromyou.”Hergrandfatherdidn’t

appearimpressedbyherdeclaration.“Areyou,now?IsthereonelurkingaboutI’venotseen?ThatSamWinslowfellow,perhaps?”“LeaveSamoutofthis.

Therearelotsofmenlurkingabout,asyouputit,”shesaid,silentlybeggingforgivenessfortheblatantlie.“EverywhereIturn,infact.”“Thenyou’llbebringing

onetoSundaydinner,Iimagine,”hesaid.Checkandcheckmate,she

thoughtwitharesignedsigh.“Sure,”shesaid,wonderingwhoshemightdraftfortheassignment.Itneededtobe

somebodytoughenoughtowithstandMick’sscrutinyandwillingtoplaythegameforafewhoursonaSundayafternoon.Becausehisnamehadjust

comeupandbecauseanimageofSampoppedintoherheadalltooregularly,sheconsideredhimasapossibility.Badidea,shetoldherself.Thenagain,atleasthewouldcomeawaywitha

decentmealandsomenewfriendsforhislittleboy.Shewouldn’tgolooking

forhim,butiftheycrossedpathsbetweennowandSunday,whatwastheharminasking?Sheglanceduptofindher

grandfathermunchingonawarmchocolate-chipcookieandregardinghersuspiciously.“Youaren’tthinkingof

tryingtoputoneoveronme,areyou?”heasked.Shemusteredhermost

innocentexpression.Giventhenumberoftimesshe’dbeencalledupontouseitwiththisveryman,shehaditdownpat.“Absolutelynot,”shetoldhim.Hegavealittlenodof

satisfaction.“ThenI’llseeyouonSunday.”Hepickedupanother

coupleofcookiesandleftthroughthekitchendoor.Carriesighedheavily.Thatgaveherexactlythreedaystofindthemanofherdreams...oratleastsomeonewillingtoplaytherole.

OnSaturdaySamstoodjustinsidethefrontdoorofthelittlehouseonWillowBrookRoadasBobbyracedthroughtherooms,thesoundofhisfootstepsontheshinyhardwoodfloorsechoingintheemptyspace.

He’djustboughthimselfahouse,hethought,amazementandpanicwashingoverhim.Herehewas,amanwho’dneverplannedtoputdownroots,andhewassuddenlytheownerofahousewithamortgageandtheparentofagrief-strickenlittleboy.SomewhereGodmustbehavingareallygoodlaughathisexpense,becausethe

carefreelifehe’denvisionedforhimselfhaddefinitelygoneupinsmoke.Hewasalittleastonished

athowquicklyandsmoothlythepurchasehadhappened.Whenhe’dfinallycalledafterhisdinnerwithCarrie,Susiehadleapedintoaction.She’dclearlybeenhighlymotivatedandapparentlyinChesapeakeShoreswhenO’Brienswereinyourcorner,creditreports

andpaperworkcouldbehandledwithlightningspeed.Susiehadn’twastedtime

dragginghimallovertown.She’dbroughthimstraighttothishouseandletthecozylittlecottagespeakforitself.Sammighthavehesitatedfordays,weighedthemeritsofbuyingahouseatall,ratherthanrenting,butBobby’sinitialenthusiasmhadbeencontagious.Listeningtohis

exuberantshoutsechothroughtheemptyroomsandwatchinghiseyeswidenwithdelightwhenhespottedbothaswingandatreehouseinthebackyardhadclinchedthedealforSam.Everythingafterthathadbeenallaboutthepaperwork.“Nottoworry,”Susiehad

assuredhim.“I’vealreadyspokentothesellerandyoucanmoveinassoonasyou

wantto.Mackspoketothebankandreassuredthemyourjobissolid.Allyouneedtodoissignanendlessnumberofpapers,packup,getsomefurnitureinhereandyou’reallset.MycousinConnorwillhandleallthelegalities.”Samhadbeenastonished.

“Justlikethat?Dothingsalwaysgothissmoothly?I’veheardhorrorstoriesaboutbuyingahouse.”

She’dsimplyshrugged.“Inthistown,connectionshelp.”Theycertainlydid,Sam

concluded.He’devenbeenabletoarrangeforthebedshe’dboughtjustyesterday—akingforhim,thebunkbedsBobbyhadinsistedon—tobedeliveredfirstthingthismorning.Susieorsomeoneshe’ddesignatedhadmadeacallandthestorehadbeenmorethanhappyto

cooperate.He’dhadtocallCarrieandNelltocancelthisweek’scookinglesson,butthisdeliveryhadtakenprecedence.Thetruckhadbeenwaitinginthedrivewaybyeighto’clockandthehastilypurchasedfurniturewasalreadyinplace.Susiehadmadeafewmore

callsandO’Brienshadofferedadditionalfurniturefromatticsandextrasetsof

dishestheysworeweren’tbeingused,butthatwouldhappenduringthisnextweek.Inthemeantime,heandBobbycouldputtheirclothesinthefreshlypaintedclosetsandsleepintheirownbeds.BobbywaselatedbythenewSpider-Mansheetsonhislowerbunkandthematchingnight-lightthathadalreadybeenpluggedin.Theonlythingmissing,

Samconcludedwithasigh,wasarefrigeratorstockedwithcoldbeer.Hecouldreallyuseoneaboutnowashefacedhisnewreality.“Knock,knock.”Thehesitant,musicalvoice

cutintohisthoughts.Ormaybeitwasthearomaoffreshlybakedcookiesthatcaughthisattentionfirst.Heturned,andtherewasCarrie,hercheeksnaturallyrosy

frombaking,herauburnhaircurlingaboutherface.ShewaswearingshortsandaChesapeakeShoresT-shirtandlookedalittletooapproachable.Hecouldsuddenlyenvisioncominghometohereverynightandfindingherinhiskitchenlookingjustlikethis,thearomaofoneofNell’sspecialtiestheyweremasteringwaftingfromthe

kitchen.“Hi,”hesaid,thengestured

aroundtheemptyspace.“I’dinviteyouin,but,asyoucansee,chairsareinshortsupply.”“That’sokay.I’mjust

droppingoffcookiestowelcomeyoutotheneighborhood.I’malittlestunnedbyhowquicklyyoupulledthisoff.”“Me,too,”headmitted.“I

hadn’teventhoughtaboutthismovemakingusneighbors.Youokaywiththat?”Carriefrowned.“Why

wouldn’tIbe?”“Wesortofagreedtokeep

ourdistance,right?ForBobby’ssake?”“We’lljusthavetoworka

littlehardertomakesurehedoesn’tgetthewrongidea,”shesaid.

Samwonderedwhatshe’dthinkoftheideashewasgettingrightnow.Wasitpossiblethatchocolate-chipcookieswereanaphrodisiac?Shelookedfarmoretemptingthanthatplateofcookies.Hesuddenlyrealizedshe

wasstudyinghimwithapuzzledlook.“Ifyou’rereallyworried,

youshouldknowthatIdon’tintendtomakeahabitofthis.

Ijustwantedtowelcomeyou.It’sagreatneighborhood.Ididn’tevenrealizethishousewasonthemarketorI’dhavementionedittoyoumyself.Thelocationcouldn’tbemoreconvenienttotownandthehouseisabsolutelycharming.”Samdidn’tknowwhat

qualifiedahouseascharming,butthisonedidfeelexactlyrightsomehow.It

evenhadaworkingfireplaceinthelivingroom,built-inbookshelvesandoneofthosewhitepicketfenceshe’dalwaysthoughttobetheworstsortofclichéforthekindofquaint,suburbanlifehedidn’tintendtolive.Howoftenhadheexpressedhisdisdainforsuchalifetohissister.Shemustbehavingagoodlaughatthewayshe’dturnedhislifeupsidedown.

HerealizedCarriewasagainstudyinghimintently.“Sorry,”heapologized.“IguessI’malittledistracted.”“Iknowyou’rejustsettling

inandmusthaveamillionthingstodo,soIwon’tbotheryou,butifthere’sanythingIcandotohelp,letmeknow,okay?”Sheglancedaroundattheemptyroomagain.“Howareyougoingtomanagewithoutfurniture?”

Hesmiled.“Wehavebeds.That’lldoforacoupleofnights.”“Whataboutdishes?Pots

andpan?”“Allinduetime,”hesaid.

“IgatherfromSusiethatshe’sbeenraidingvariousO’BrienatticsandwillbebringingincastoffsonMonday.Afterthat,I’llbeshoppingforwhateverelseweneed.”

“Well,then,IguessI’lltakeoff,”shesaidandstarteddownthesteps.Asshereachedthesidewalk,sheturnedback.“Idon’tsupposethetwoofyouwouldliketogotomygrandfather’sfordinnertomorrow,wouldyou?It’llbetheusualSundaymadhouse,butNell’scooking,soIcanpromiseyouadeliciousmeal,andit’llgiveBobbyachancetomake

somemorefriends.”Samhesitated.Givenwhat

she’dtoldhimabouthergrandfather’smatchmakingtendenciesandwhathe’dseenforhimselfwhenMickhadcomebythenewspaperoffice,maybethiswasn’tsuchahotidea.Carriewasskittishenoughandneitherofthemneededextrapressurethesedays.Hewasoverwhelmedbyallthe

suddenchangesinhislifestyleandshewassortingthroughamilliondetailstodecidewhethertoopenthatdaycare.Allveryvalidconsiderations,heconcluded.Intheend,though,hehad

tothinkaboutBobby.ItwouldbeawholeloteasierforhimtoadjusttoChesapeakeShoresifhewassurroundedbyevenmorekidshisage.Samwantedhim

tofeelasifhebelongedhere,ratherthanconstantlyhearingthathewantedtogobackhometoseehisrealfriends.“Areyousureit’llbeokay

ifyoubringacoupleoflast-minuteguests?”Shelaughedatthat.

“You’llsee.InthemobsceneatGrandpaMick’s,they’llbarelynoticetwomore.AndyoualreadyknowSusieandMack,plusmeandLuke,so

youwon’tfeelthatoutofplace.Andyou’vemetmygrandfatherandsurvived,soitshouldbeallgood.Nellwill,nodoubt,seizethechancetogiveusbothanothercookinglesson.She’scomplainedaboutusmissingthepastcoupleofSaturdays.”Samnodded.“Okay,then.

Thanksfortheinvitation.”“Wouldyouliketoride

overwithme?”sheasked.

“There’snoreasontotaketwocars,sincewe’reneighbors.”“Whydon’tIdrive?”he

suggestedinstead.“MycarhasBobby’sboosterseat.”“Sure.I’llwalkoverhere

justbeforefive.”Shegavehimawaveandtookoff.Samstoodinthedoorway

andwatchedhergo,enjoyingtheswayofherhipsinthoseshortsprobablyalittlemore

thanheshould.Bobbyslippedupbesidehimandtuckedahandinhis.“WasthatCarrie?”he

asked.“Itwas.”“Whywasshehereand

whydidn’tIgettoseeher?”“Shecametoinviteusto

Sundaydinnerwithherfamilytomorrow.”HeruffledBobby’shairandwavedtheplateofcookiesunderhis

nose.“Andshebroughtahousewarmingpresent.”“Cookies!”Bobbyguessed

atonce.“CanIhavesome?”“Justone,”Samsaid.

“Thenweneedtogotothegrocerystoretobuymilkandsomeothersupplies.”“Peanutbutterandjellyfor

schoollunches?”“Ifthat’swhatyouwant.”“Andcheeseandbreadto

makegrilledcheese

sandwichesforhere?”“Sure.”“Andpancakes?”WhenSamhesitated,

Bobbysaid,“Theymakefrozenones.Dowehaveatoaster?”“Notyet,butwewill,”

Samsaid,movingthattothetopofhismentallistofnecessities.“IfwedrivetothebigWalmartonthemainhighway,wecangetfoodand

atoaster.”“Allright!”Bobby

enthused,shovingthelastofhiscookieintohismouth.“Let’sgo.”Samcouldn’thelp

chuckling.Apparentlywhenproperlymotivated,BobbyforgotallabouthowmuchhemissedhomeandwasreadytoembraceChesapeakeShores.Allittookwasthepromiseofafewfamiliar

treats...andwarmcookiesfromaneighborwhowassneakingpastSam’sdefenses,too.

OnSunday,CarrieintroducedSamandBobbytoherrelatives,takinggreatcaretostressthathewasaneighborandnewtotown,thenaddinghisconnectiontoSusieand

Mack.Atleastthat’swhatshediduntiltheyreachedhergrandfather.“GrandpaMick,you

alreadyknowSamWinslow,”shesaid.“Iunderstandyoumethimatthenewspaperoffice.”Iftherewasatinyflicker

ofguiltinhergrandfather’seyes,itwashastilyreplacedbyasatisfiedgleam.ShehopedSamwasobliviousto

it.“Andwhowouldthisbe?”

Mickasked,reachingoutahandtoBobby.“Thisismynephew,

Bobby,”Samsaid.“IbelieveImentionedtoyouthathe’sjustcometolivewithme.Bobby,shakeMr.O’Brien’shand.”Bobbyhesitantlyreached

outforMick’shand,thenlookedsurprisedwhenhe

cameawaywithawrappedpieceofpennycandy.Carriechuckled.“Bobby,you’regoingto

findthatmygrandfatherhasanever-endingsupplyofcandyfromEthel’sEmporium.”Bobbygrinnedshyly.

“Cool.”HelookedupatSam.“CanIhaveitnow?”“Idon’tthinkonepiece

willspoilyourappetite,”Samsaid,thengavehimalookof

mockseverity.“Butjustone,understood?”“Youmaybetellingthatto

thewrongperson,”Carrietoldhim,noddingtowardhergrandfather.“Oh,stopyourfussing,”

Mickgrumbled.“Youenjoyedyourshareoftreatsfrommewhenyouwerehisage.Nowwhydon’tyouintroduceBobbytosomeoftheotherkids,whileSamand

Ihaveachat.”Carrieregardedher

grandfatherwithalarm,butknewbetterthantoargue.“Comeon,Bobby.Ithinkthere’sawholeslewofkidsplayingintheyard.Shallwelookforthem?”Bobbylookedhesitant,but

Samgavehisshoulderareassuringsqueeze.“I’llberighthere,”hepromised.Carrieheldoutherhand

andBobbyimmediatelytookit,thenfollowedheroutsidewhereahalfadozenO’Briengrandchildrenwereracingacrossthelawninanimprovisedgameofhide-and-seek.TheinstanttheyspottedCarrie,theystoppedandranover.“Carrie,areyougoingto

playwithus?”Seanasked,hisblueeyesregardingherhopefully.Seanwasthe

surpriseblessingwho’dcomeintoheruncleThomas’slifeafterheandtheyoungerConniehadmarried.“Notrightnow,butI’ve

broughtalongsomeonewhowouldlovetojoinyou,”Carrietoldhim.“ThisisBobby.”ShekneltdownandputherarmaroundBobby’swaist,thenpointedouteachofthechildren.“ThisisSean,andthat’sEmilyRose.You

alreadyknowDaveyandJohnny.Andthislittleguyhereismybrother,Patrick.Hedoesn’trunasfastastheothersyet,somaybeyoucanlookoutforhim.”Bobby’schestswelledjust

alittleatbeingaskedtobetheyoungerboy’sprotector.“Icandothat.”“Comeon,then,”Sean

encouraged.“Henry’sitandwe’resupposedtobehiding

fromhim.Icanshowyouthebestspots.”Bobbyglancedupather.

“Isitokay?”“Ofcourse.I’llbewaiting

foryourighthereontheporch.”SheloweredherselftothetopstepandwatchedasBobbyjoinedin,hesitantlyatfirst,andthenwiththeexuberanceofatypicalsix-year-old.“He’shavingfun.”

SheheardthesurpriseinSam’svoiceandglancedup.“Sometimesthechancetojustbeakidcanhelpwithallthegrown-upemotionsalittleboydoesn’tknowhowtohandle.”Samdroppeddownbeside

her.“I’vetriedsohardnottolethimseehowsadandscaredIam.”“I’msureyou’redoing

fine.”

“IwishIcouldbelievethat.”Heglancedsidewaysather,hiseyesshadowed.“It’sprettyoverwhelmingsometimes.Ican’tbelieveLaurelandRobertaregoneorthattheyleftBobbyinmycare.Whatweretheythinking?”“Thatyou’ddoagreatjob

withhim,”Carriesaid.“Youare,youknow.Despitealltheadjustmentsyou’rehavingto

make,you’remanaging.”Helookedstartled.“That’s

highpraisecomingfromyou.”“You’veearnedit.”She

noddedinthedirectionofthehouse.“How’ditgointhere?”Samturnedtofaceherand

grinned.“IhadtheoddestsensationthatonceagainIwasbeinginterrogatedaspotentialhusbandmaterial.

Youwouldn’tknowanythingaboutthat,wouldyou?”Carriecouldfeelablush

staininghercheeks.“GrandpaMickisaninveteratematchmaker.Iwarnedyouaboutthat.Paynoattentiontohim.”Henudgedherwithan

elbow.“Tellthetruth,Carrie.Didyouinvitemeheretodaytogivehimtheideathatwe’redating?”

Shesighed.“Maybe,justalittle.Hestoppedbythehousetheotherdayandgotonmycaseaboutfindingaman.ItoldhimIhadlotsofprospects,whenthetruthistherearenone.SinceIdidn’twanthimtodecidetofillthatparticularvoidinmylife,Idecidedtoinviteyouheretoday.AllthestuffaboutBobbymakingnewfriendswastrue,too.Itseemedlikea

win-win.”Shegavehimanimploringlook.“Canyouplayalong,justfortheafternoon?”Toherrelief,Samlooked

moreamusedthandistressed,“Gee,pretendtobeinterestedinabeautifulwomanforacoupleofhours?EspeciallywhenI’vehadnoluckuptillnowgettinghertogooutwithme?Hmm,Idon’tknow.”Heheldhergaze.

“That’saskingalot.”Shenudgedhimback.“Are

youuptothetask?”“Justhowseriousdoes

yourgrandfathergetabouthismatchmaking?Willhebebookingthechurchforaweddingnextweek?ShouldIavoidsigningthefinalpapersforthehousejustincaseIneedtomakeahastygetaway?”Carrielaughed.“IthinkI

canholdhimoffonthat.We’veallhadalotofexperienceatkeepingGrandpaMickfromgettingaheadofhimself.It’sjustthatit’seasiertoplayalongandlethimthinkthere’ssomeonespecialinourlives.I’mcatchingenoughgriefovermycareerchoicethesedays.Idon’tneedhimbuggingmeaboutmen,too.”“Howistheday-care

locationhuntcomingalong?Wehaven’thadmuchofachancetotalkaboutitsinceyoustartedlookingatproperty.”Carriebeamedathim.“Not

quiteascrazyfastasyourhousehunt,butIthinkI’vefoundtheperfectspotforitjustoffofMainStreet.Thekidswouldbeabletoplayonthetowngreeningoodweather.Ithasabigyard,

too.Julieandherdaughteraregoingtocomeovernextweekendtotakealook.Iftheythinkit’sasperfectasIdo,I’llputinanoffer.They’vepromisedtowalkmethroughanynecessaryrenovations.IhaveahunchonceIcangetmygrandfatherinvolvedinthatproject,he’llbackoffonhissearchfortheperfectmanforme.Thetruthisherevelsinbeinginvolved

inourlivesandaprojectlikethatwillbetotallyabsorbing,evenifit’sathousandtimessmallerthanwhatheusedtodowhenhedesignedandsupervisedthebuildingofwholetownsthewayhedidwithChesapeakeShores.”“Howlongarethose

renovationslikelytotake?”Saminquired.“Probablynotlongenough

tokeepussafefromhis

meddlingformorethanamonth.Braceyourself.”SherealizedSamwas

studyinghercuriously.“What?”sheasked.“I’msurprised,that’sall.

Notthatlongagoyouweremakingapro-conlistandnowyou’reobviouslyallin.”Shelaughed.“Iam,and

you’renotthefirsttocommentonmysuddenenthusiasm.Mywholefamily

seemstornbetweenreliefthatI’vefoundanewdirectionandshockthatit’ssomethinglikedaycare.”Sheshrugged.“WhatcanIsay?WorkingatJulie’splacehasreinforcedwhatIalreadyknewaboutmyself.”“Whichis?”“Ilovebeingaroundkids,

especiallylittleones.They’reendlesslycuriousandsweetlyinnocent.”

“Andyou’resurethisiswhatyouwanttodowithyourlife?NolingeringlongingtorunofftoEuropeorNewYork?”“I’mmoresureofthisthan

Ihavebeenaboutanythinginalongtime,”shesaidwithconfidence,thensmiledasPatrickwanderedoverandsnuggledagainsther.“Mylittlebrother,”shetoldSam.“Momgotalatestartona

secondfamily.We’reafamilythat’sjustfullofsurprises.”“Icanseethat,”Samsaid,

hiswarmgazefilledwithappreciation.“Whataboutyourfamily?”“There’sjustBobbyand

menow,”hesaid,griefonceagaindarkeninghiseyes.“Myfolksdiedacoupleofyearsago,justmonthsapart.Andyoualreadyknowabout

theaccidentthattookmysister.”“Noothersiblings?”Heshookhishead.“Ican’timaginegrowing

upwithoutahugefamily,”shesaid.“Iwassoluckytobepartofthisone.”Samgazedaroundatthe

children,who’dnowbeenjoinedbyseveraloftheadultsinanincreasinglyrambunctiousgameoftag.

Hisexpressionturnedwistful.“Icanunderstandthat.”Somethinginhisvoice,

though,suggestedotherwise.“Evenso,youfinditalittleoverwhelming,don’tyou?”Heshrugged.“Tobe

honest,yes.I’vealwaysbeenabitofaloner.Nowthatthere’sBobbytoconsider,I’mgoingtohavetochangemyways.Nomoreall-nightersforwork.Nomore

forgettingtoeatoreventobuygroceries.BobbyandIhitthestoretostockupyesterdayandtheamountoffoodinmygrocerycartwasprobablymorethanIboughtinsixmonthsinthepast.Imightevenhavetofigureouthowtousethewashingmachineand,heavenforbid,aniron.”Heshuddereddramatically.“Kidsdoneedfood,”she

said.“Andattention,andsleep,andaroutine.Itprobablydoesn’tmattersomuchiftheirclothesaren’tironed.”“AllstuffI’mnotvery

goodat,”Samsaid.“You’lllearn,”shesaid

confidently.“AndyoualreadyhavetheonethingBobbyneedsthemostrightnow.”“What’sthat?”

“Youlovehim.”Shecouldseeitinhiseyes

ashewatchedhisnephew.Sammightbeterrifiedatbeingthrustintothisnewroleofbeingresponsibleforanotherperson,buthelovedthatlittleboy.Seeingthatmadeherfalljustalittlebitinlovewithbothofthem.Andthatdefinitelywasn’tmeanttobepartoftoday’shastilydevisedschemetogether

grandfatheroffherback.

SamwassurprisinglycontentsittingontheporchstepnexttoCarrieaskidsracedaroundtheyard,shoutingexuberantly.Whileitwasafarcryfromthequiet,carefreeexistencehe’dliveduptillnow,therewassomethingalluringaboutthe

friendlycompetitivenessandthelaughterthatechoedthroughtheair.“IthoughtI’dheardthat

thetwoofyouwereouthere,”avoicesaidfromabovethem.Samlookedaroundtosee

Nellontheporch,handsonherhips.Despitethescoldingnoteinhervoice,therewasatwinkleinhereyes.“Hi,Gram,”Carriesaid,

flushing.“Didyouneedsomething?”“Ineedalittlehelpfrom

twopeoplewhomissedtheircookinglessonagainyesterdaywithabunchofflimsyexcuses.Iimagineyoucouldbothusesomeexperiencewithgettingpotroastforthiscrowdontothetable.”Samreadilyjumpedtohis

feet.“Whatcanwedoto

help?”“Comewithme,”Nell

commanded.WhenCarriestayedput,shefrowned.“You,too.”“Somebodyneedstokeep

aneyeonBobby,”Carrieprotested.“Thereareatleastten

responsibleadultsintheyard,”Nellcountered.“IncludingKevin.Tellyouruncletokeepaneyeon

Bobbyalongwithhisownkids.”“Yes,ma’am,”Carriesaid

dutifully.InthemeantimeSam

followedNellintothekitchen.Shealreadyhadthebulkofthemealwellunderway,butsheassignedhimthetaskofmakinggravy.“ButI’venevermade

gravyinmylife,”Samprotested.

Nellchuckled.“ExactlywhyI’mheretoteachyou,youngman.”“Oh,gravy!”Carriesaid

whenshejoinedthem.“Gram’sgravyisthebest.”“Itmightbewisetoavoid

ittoday,”Samsaid,agrimexpressiononhisfaceashestirredwhatlookedtohimlikeaglutinousmess.Nellglancedoverhis

shoulder.“Didyoumeasure

thecornstarchorjustdumpinhalfthebox?”“Itdidn’tlookasifitwas

thickeningatfirst,”Samadmitted.“SoIaddedalittlemore.”“Cookingislikealotof

thingsinlife.Itcan’tberushed,”Nelladmonished.“Itrequirespatience.”“Somethinginshortsupply

inthisfamily,”Carriecommented.

“Unfortunatelytrue,”Gramreplied.“Let’sseeifyou’reanybetteratthisthanhewas.”Shegesturedtoward

anotherpanofdrippingsfromtheroast,thencoachedherthroughthestepsandingredientsneededtomakehersmooth,richgravy.“Better,”shesaid

approvingly.“Yougetalittleredstar.”

“Notgold?”Carrieasked.“Isitperfect?”Nellasked.“No,”Carrieadmittedwith

achagrinedexpression.“Thenyoudon’tgetgold,

doyou?”“HowaboutSam?”Carrie

asked,provingthatcompetitivenessexistedeverywherewithO’Briens.“Hegetstodoitagainat

myhousenextSaturdaytillhegetsitright.I’dmakehim

tryagainrightnow,butweneedtogetthisfoodonthetable.Startdishingitup,Carrie.Sam,youcanputitonthedining-roomtable.”“Isshealwaysthisbossy?”

heaskedinanundertonethathemeanttobeoverheard.Carrielaughed.“Even

GrandpaMickandhisbrotherscowerwhenshespeaks,”shesaid.“NowthatI’dliketosee,”

Samsaid.“Stickaround,”Nelltold

him,smiling.“Mysonsusuallygivemesomereasonoranothertotakethemtotaskbeforethedayisout.”SomehowSamfoundthe

thoughtofthiswonderful,diminutivewomanbeingabletohandletheall-powerfulMickO’Brienveryreassuring.Maybehecouldfollowherexampleandlearn

toholdhisownwithMick—andevenCarrie—whenhehadto.

“Haveyouwatchedher?”SusiewassayingtoJessjustasCarriewasabouttowalkontotheporchafterlunch.Hercousin’svoicecarriedinsideandsomethingmadeCarriecometoastoplong

enoughtolisten.“Thewayshe’slatchedon

toSamissoobvious.Allthistalkaboutopeningadaycaredoesn’tmeanathing,”Susiecontinued.“Whatshe’sreallyinterestedinisfindingamanandaready-madefamily.”Carrieknewtherewaslittle

questionthatSusiewastalkingabouther.ShewaitedforherauntJess’sresponse.“I’mnotseeingthat,”Jess

respondedquietly.“Sure,Carrie’sbeenpitchingintohelpout,butanyoneinthisfamilywoulddothesame.You’vecertainlydoneyoursharetogetSamandBobbyintoanewhousewithaminimumoffuss.Andyou’vebeenscouringatticsforfurnituretheycoulduse.Doesthatmeanyou’reafterSam?”“Ofcoursenot,”Susie

said.“That’sentirely

different.”“How?”“I’mjusthelping.Carrie

obviouslyhasanulteriormotive.”Carriefrozeinplaceatthe

horribleaccusation.BeforeshecouldworkupafullheadofsteamandconfrontSusieherself,Jessdiditforher.“That’saprettyterrible

thingtoaccuseyourcousinofdoing,”Jesssaid.“SinceI

knowyou’renotinterestedinSamyourselfbecauseyou’rehappilymarriedtoMack,somethingtellsmethisisreallyaboutBobby.AmIright?Didyouwanttobetheonewhohelpedthatlittleboyadapttobeinginanewtown?”Silencefell,andfora

moment,CarriethoughtSusiemightnotanswer.“Maybe,”shefinally

admittedinasmallvoice.SheregardedJessmiserably.“It’ssoobviousthatSam’snotqualifiedtobeanyone’sfather.EvenCarriesawthatforherself.Heleftthatchildinacarallalone,foronething.Whoknowshowmanymistakeshe’sgoingtomakeandwhatcouldhappentoBobbybecauseSam’ssocareless?AndCarrie,ofallpeople,isgoingtojumpin

andsavetheday?Oneminuteshe’slivingitupinEurope.Thenextshe’sopeningadaycare.Comeon.Whatdoesthattellyouaboutherstability?”Carriefeltasifshe’dbeen

slapped.Ratherthangoingoutsidetodefendherself,shewhirledaroundtogothroughthehouseandleaveforhome.“Don’tyoudarerun

away,”hermothersaid

gently,standinginherpath.She’dobviouslyoverheardmostofSusie’sremarks,aswell.“Youknowshe’swrong.Susieisjustupsetwithherownsituation.She’slashingoutatanyoneandeveryonerightnow.ThesituationwithSamandBobbyhasstirredupallthoseunrequitedmaternalinstinctsshehasandshe’smadeyoutheenemy.”

“Igetthat,”Carrieconceded.“Butnooneinthisfamilyhaseversaidsuchspitefulthingsaboutmeoranyoneelsebefore.”Sheregardedhermomwithrealdismaytwistinginhergut.“Youdon’tthinkI’mthatfrivolous,doyou?Andyoudon’tthinkI’mtryingtolatchontoSam,justsoIcanhaveafamily?Iwouldneverdothat.Ifanything,I’vebeen

ignoringthesparkofattractionbetweenusbecauseIdon’tthinkitwouldbesmarttostartsomethingupwithSamwhenthere’sascaredlittleboyinthemixwhocouldgethurt.”“Tryreservingsomeofthat

compassionforSusie,”hermothersaid.“She’shurtingrightnow.Shedoesn’tknowwhatshe’ssaying.Trytorememberhowmuchpainshe

mustbeintofeeltheneedtoattackyou.Don’tthinkI’msuggestingforaminutethatshedoesn’toweyouanapology,butconsiderthecircumstancesandtrytocutheralittleslack.Onceshehasherfeetbackunderher,she’llseehowwrongshe’sbeen.”“Well,it’sprettyunlikely

that’sgoingtohappentoday.Ishouldleavebeforeweget

intoitandruinthedayforeveryone.”“Didn’tyourideoverwith

Sam?”“Yes,butyoucantellhim

somethingcameupandIhadtoleave.Icanwalkhome.”Shegavehermomapleadinglook.“Please.”Abbylookedasifshe

didn’tagree,buteventuallyshenodded.“I’lltellhim.”ShegaveCarrieafiercehug.

“Trytoputthiswholeincidentoutofyourheadandpleasedon’tletitspoilallofyourexcitementaboutopeningaday-carecenter.”“I’lltry,”shepromised.ButSusie’scruel

comments,nomatterthepainthatwasunderlyingthem,weren’tsomethingshewaslikelytobeabletogetoutofherheadanytimesoon.

“I’mworriedaboutSusie,”MackconfidedtoJakeandWill,histwobestfriends.ItwasafterSundaydinneratMick’sandthethreelifelongfriends—allofthemmarriedtoO’Briens—hadretreatedtotheAdirondackchairs

overlookingthebay,wheretheyhadsomeprivacyamidtheraucousgamesbeingplayedbytheyoungergeneration.“Whyisthat?”Willasked.

Apsychologist,hehadinsightstheyallreliedonfromtimetotime.AsthehusbandofMick’syoungestdaughter,Jess,theowneroftheInnatEaglePoint,Willunderstoodthefamily

dynamicsaswellasanyofthem.“Thewholeadoption

processistakingalotlongerthaneitherofusimagined,”Macksaid,hisownfrustrationevident.AroundSusie,hedidhisbesttobeupbeatandencouraging,butthesituationwasgettingtohim,too.“Havingthisprivateadoptionfallthroughatthelastminutewasdevastating

forher.Susieinsistsshe’sthroughtrying,butIcanseethelonginginhereyeseverytimewe’rearoundtheotherkidsinthefamily.Shealmostbalkedatcomingtoday.WhenIaskedwhy,shecameupwithsomelameexcuse,butIknowit’sbecauseshewantsherownbabysobadly.IgotherherebywarningherthatNellwouldstartaskingquestionsifshemissed

anotherSundaydinner.”“Still,Icanunderstandher

desiretoavoidthesefamilymeals,”Willsaid.“Everywheresheturns,there’seitheranewbabyoroneontheway.That’sboundtohurt.”“Exactly,”Macksaid.“It’s

killingher.It’sturningherintosomeoneIhardlyrecognizeanymore.”“Bree’sworriedabouther,

too,”Jakeadmitted.“SusiewascomingaroundthehouseprettyregularlytospendtimewithEmilyRose,butshesuddenlystopped.Breecan’tdecidewhethertotalktoheraboutitortoletitgo.AndshementionedthatSusie’sbeenavoidingthewomeninthefamilywhogatheratthecaféinthemornings,too.Soundsasifshe’swithdrawingfromeveryone.”

“Noteveryone,”Abbysaid,pullingupanotherchairandjoiningthem.“Sorryforeavesdropping,butMack,Iwaslookingforyou.”“Anyparticularreason?”

Mackasked.“Didyouneedtospeakto

himalone?”Willasked,obviouslysensingAbby’smood.EvenMack,whocouldbeprettyoblivioustosuchthings,couldtellshewasn’t

happy.“Actually,youshould

probablyallhearthis.Will,youmighthavesomeideasabouthowtohandlethesituation,”Abbysaid.Mackregardedherwarily.

“ThisisaboutSusie?”heconcluded.Shenodded.“Iwascoming

outofthehousejustnowandoverheardhertalkingtoJessaboutSam,Bobbyand

Carrie.”Mackcouldguessfrom

Abby’sprotectiveexpressionwhatthegistoftheconversationhadbeen.Heknewbecausehe’dheardthesameorsimilarcomments.“ShethinksCarrie’smakingamoveonSambecauseofBobbyandthatSam’scompletelylackinginparentingskills.”Abbygavehimastartled

look.“Prettymuch.She’ssaidthesametoyou?”Macknodded.“Sheknows

she’swrong,butshecan’tseemtohelpherself.It’sthiswholeadoptionfiasco.She’snotthinkingstraight.Forsomereasonshe’sseizedonBobbylikesomesortoflifeline,achildwhomightneedher.”“Well,Idon’tknowhow

oftenshe’sbeentalkinglike

thisortowhom,”Abbysaid,“butthistimenotonlydidIoverhearher,sodidCarrie.”“Blastit!”Macksaid

heatedly.“Iamsosorry,Abby.Didtheygetintoit?”“No,Carriewalkedaway.I

don’tknowifSusieevenrealizedshewasthere.I’mafraidmydaughtermightnotbequitesoforgivingnexttime.Shewashurtandangry,butshewastryingveryhard

toputherselfintoSusie’sposition.”SheleveledalookatMack.“Thelastthingwewantisanopenfeudbetweenthosetwowitheveryoneinthefamilytakingsides.”“Ofcoursenot,”Mack

agreed,thenturnedtoWill.“HowamIsupposedtofixthis?”“Talktoher,”Willsaid.

“Gethertoopenuptoyou.”“Doyouthinkit’sthat

freakingeasy?”Mackretorted.“Shewon’ttalkaboutit.IfIbringuptheadoption,shesnapsmyheadoff.Igetit.Ireallydo,butit’stakingatoll.IsweartherearedayswhenIthinkdealingwiththecancerwaseasierthanthis.Atleastweknewwhatwehadtodothen.Andwestucktogether.Neitherofusknowshowtofixthisandit’sevidenttomethatshe

thinksshe’sfacingitallalone.”Willregardedhim

thoughtfully.“Inoticedsomethingtodaythatfitswhatbothofyouaresaying.WhenSusiewaswatchingCarriewithSamandBobby,shelookedalmostangry,asifCarriehadstolensomethingfromher.”Macksighedheavily.“I

know.It’sjustasIfeared

whenItookherovertotheinntomeetBobby.Ithinkshegotthiscrazyideaofjumpingintosavethispoormotherlesslittleboy.ExceptnowCarrie’sobviouslybeathertoit.”“Ifshewon’topenupto

you,doyouthinkshe’dtalktosomeoneelse?”Abbyaskedgently.Mackfrowned.“Youmean

aprofessional?”

Abbynodded,thengavehishandasympatheticsqueeze.“Look,I’mgoingtoletyouhandlethis.Mebuttinginbeyondalertingyoutotheproblemwon’thelp.Imaybeopen-mindedandrationalaboutalotofthings,butwhenitcomestomykids,I’mgoingtostandupforthem,nomatterwhogetshurtintheprocess.IknowSusiedoesn’tneedme

comingdownonher.Ifthere’sanythingIcando,though,letmeknow.IknowhowhardthisisandIfeelforSusie.Ireallydo.I’llleaveyoualltofigureoutyournextstep.”Aftershewent,Mack

sighed.“Thisreallydoessuck,”

Jakesaid.“Itdoesn’tsoundlikethereareanyeasyanswers.”

“CertainlynoneSusie’sgoingtobehappyabout,”Mackagreed.“Shedoesn’tlikeaskingforhelp,evenwhensherecognizeshowdesperatelyshemightneedit.Ontopofthat,she’sprettyprivate.Ican’tseehertalkingtoastranger.”“Whataboutme?”Will

asked.“We’vealwaysbeenclose.Sheusedtoopenuptomeaboutherfeelingsforyou,

Mack.Atleastshedidbackintheday.I’dbehappytospendsometimewithher,thoughsomebodycompletelyimpartialwithnoconnectiontotheO’Briensatallmightbebetter.”Itwastheobviousnext

step,butMackthoughtheknewhowhiswifewouldreact.She’dthinkhewassidingwiththeenemyinsomeway.“Icansuggestit,”

hesaid,resignedtoamessyconfrontation.“Somethingtellsme,though,thatitwon’tgooverwell.I’mafraidit’sgoingtodriveanotherwedgebetweenus.”“Try,”Willencouraged

him.“It’simportant,especiallyifyouthinkherfeelingscouldcausearealriftbetweenherandCarrie.Abby’sright.Thatwouldhaveeverybodyinthefamily

takingsides.O’Briensareusedtostickingtogether.I’mnotsurehowwellthey’dhandlesomethingthat’sboundtodividethem,especiallywhenitcomestosomethinglikethis.Andwesuredon’twanttoseeSamandthatinnocentnephewofhiscaughtupinsomemessyfamilydispute.”“Believeme,Igetit,”

Macksaid.“Noneofuswants

that.KeepinmindthatSamworksforme.He’sadecentguywho’sdoingthebesthecaninanalreadytoughsituation.”Heshookhisheadwearily.“Atthesametime,Iwantmywifetobehappyandtohaveeverythingsheneeds.”Willregardedhimwith

compassion.“Ifwhatsheneedsisachildrighthereandnow,youmighthaveto

acceptthisoneisbeyondyourcontrol.”“Couldyou,ifJesswere

thisupset?”Willleveledalookathim,

thensmiledruefully.“Ofcoursenot.I’mjustsayingthatnoneofusmeremortals,noteventheall-powerfulMick,canmakedreamscometrueoncommandeverysingletime.”“ButMickcertainlyhas

beentherolemodelfortrying,”Macksaid.Theothertwonodded.“Oh,yeah,”Jakesaid.ThetruthwasthatMick

O’Brienhadsetthebarimpossiblyhighforallofthem.Andthewomenintheirliveswereusedtosuccess,notfailure.

WhileAbbyhadofferedatotallyplausibleexplanationforCarrie’sabruptdeparturefromhergrandfather’s—thatshehadpaperworkforthedaycaredueinthemorning—Samcouldn’tshakethefeelingthattherewasalotmoretoit.EventhoughhebarelyknewCarrie’smother,hethoughthe’ddetectedarealhintofworryinhereyes.Ashemadetheturnonto

WillowBrookRoad,hedroveslowlybythehousehe’ddeterminedwasCarrie’s.Hesawnosignsoflife,notalightoninside,nomovement.Ofcourseshecouldbe

takinganapormaybeshewasn’tevenhome,buthewasstruckonceagainbythesensethatsomethingwasn’tright.Heparkedinhisown

driveway,hesitatedjustlong

enoughtodrawapuzzledlookfromBobby,thensaid,“Howabouttakingawalkbeforewegoinside?”“Howcome?”Bobby

asked.“Ithoughtwemightstop

bytoseeCarrie.”Bobby’seyesbrightenedat

once.“Okay.Maybeshe’llhavemorecookies.”Samlaughed.“Didn’tyou

getenoughtoeattoday?”

“Sure,butcookiesarealwaysgood.Ortheycouldgointomybackpackforschooltomorrow.”“Aninterestinglineof

thought,”Samagreed.“Butyoudon’taskforcookies.Youcanacceptthemifsheoffersyousome,okay?”Bobbyshrugged.

“Whatever.”Carrie’shousestillseemed

uncommonlyquiettoSamas

heandBobbyapproached,thenrangthebell.Heheardnosoundscomingfrominside,soherangthebellagain.Thenhedecidedtowalkaroundback.That’swherehefound

Carrieatthefaredgeoftheproperty,herfeetdanglingintoWillowBrook,tearsonhercheeks.Sheswipedatthemimpatientlywhensherealizedshehadcompany.

Bobbyinstantlytooknoteofthetearsandsatdownclosetoher.“Areyousad?”“Alittle,”sheadmittedas

hesnuggledcloser.“I’msorry.”“Havingyouheremakes

mefeelawholelotbetter,”shetoldhim,drapinganarmoverhisshoulders.“Areyousure?”Sam

asked,studyingherintently.“Wedon’thavetostick

aroundifyou’dratherbealone.Iwasjustworriedthatsomethinghadhappenedatyourgrandfather’s.”“NothingIcan’tfigure

out,”shesaid,thoughshedidn’tsoundconvincing.“Wanttotalkaboutit?”he

asked,despitehislackofexperienceinsolvingthesortofproblemsthatbroughtontears.Hecouldhandlecomputercrashesorinternet

providerglitchesrightatthenewspaper’sdeadlinewithoutbattinganeye,butthissensitivitybusinesswasnewterritory.“IfIdo,itwillonly

convinceyouthatyou’vegottentangledupinaverymessyfamilydynamicthatitwouldtakeSolomontosortout.Sinceyou’rejustsettlingintoChesapeakeShores,itmightbebettertoletyou

keepyourillusionsaboutmyfamilyalittlelonger.”Hegaveheralonglook.“I

haven’tsignedthefinalpapersonthehouse.I’mnotstuckhereyet.”Shetriedforasmile,butit

wobbledandfailed.“That’stheproblem,isn’tit?IfIstartblabbingandblubbering,youcouldtakeofffasterthanoneofthoserocketstheyfirefromWallopsIslandtoget

suppliestotheInternationalSpaceStation.”“I’dliketothinkI’ma

littletougherthanthat.”Hesatonherothersideandstretchedouthislegs,thenreachedoverandbrushedawaythedampnessthatlingeredonhercheek.“Seriously—you’vestoodbymeinsometoughspotsthepastfewweeks.I’dliketoreturnthefavorifIcan.”

“Maybeacookieandsomemilkwouldhelp,”Bobbysuggestedhopefully.“Thatalwaysmakesmefeelbetter.”Overthetopofhishead,

SamcaughtCarrie’sgazeandheldit.“Orwecantakeoff.”Shetriedanothersmileand

thisoneheld.“Ithinkcookiesandmilksoundlikethebestideaever,”shesaid,gettingtoherfeetandleadingthewayinside.

Sheflippedonthekitchenlightstorevealasmallspace,butonethatwouldhavebeenagourmetchef’sdreamwithitsgranitecountertops,stainlesssteelappliancesandadoorthatopenedintoawalk-inpantrystockedwitheveryconceivablesnack,healthyandotherwise.Bobbystoodinthedoorway,clearlymesmerized.“It’sbetterthanthegrocery

store,”hesaid,aweinhisvoice.Carrielaughed.“Iliketo

bepreparedwhenthekidscomeover,”shetoldSam,herexpressionchagrined.“ItoldyouIlikebeingthego-toaunt.”“Well,IcanseeI’mgoing

tohavedifficultygettingBobbybacktoourhouseeveragain,”Samsaid.“Infact,Imightwantyoutoadoptme,

too.”Thecolorwashedoutof

hercheeksathiswordsandshequicklyturnedaway.Samwalkedaroundtofaceher.“WhatdidIsay?”“Nothing.Honestly,”she

claimed,thoughshewouldn’tlookhimintheeye.“Ifyoucouldgetthreeglassesfromthecabinetabovethesink,I’llgetthemilkandthecookiejar.”

Behindthem,Bobbywasdoinganinventoryofthepantry.“TherearethosefruitythingsIlove,andchips,andOreocookies,andpeanut-buttercrackersandpretzelsandapplesandbananasandlotsandlotsofcerealand—”“Enough,”Samsaid,

chuckling.“I’msureCarrieiswellawareofwhat’sinthere.Stopbeingnosy.”

“Butthedoorwasopen,”Bobbyprotested.Oncethemilkwaspoured

andthecookiesplacedonaplate,CarriefocusedherattentiononBobby.“Didyouhavefuntoday?”Henodded,hismouth

alreadyfullofcrumblingchocolate-chipcookie.ShefinallyturnedtoSam.

“Andyou?”“Itwasarevelation.”

“Itseemedasifyou’dlostthatglazed-over,overwhelmedexpressionbytheendofdinner,”sheobserved.“Prettymuch.Itwas

fascinatingwatchingtheebbandflowaspeoplemovedfromoneconversationandonegrouptoanother.”“Sortoflikewitnessinga

socialexperimentinperson,”shesuggested.

“Notatall.It’sevidentthatO’Briensloveandrespecteachother.Ifoundthatprettyimpressive.”“Oh,believeme,wehave

ourshareofsquabbles,”shesaid,anoddnoteinhervoice.“Insomewaysthey’reworsewhentheyhappen,becausetheexpectationisthatwe’llallgetalongallthetime.”“Personalexperience?”Ratherthananswering

directly,shetoldthestoryofthewarfareamonghergrandfatherandhisbrotherswhenthetownwasbeingbuilt.“UncleThomastookGrandpaMicktocourtbecausehedidn’tthinkhewasworkinghardenoughtoprotectthebay.UncleJeffsidedwithThomasandwarwasdeclared.ItwasGramwhobrokeredpeace,mostlybyinsistingthattheSunday-

dinnertraditionwouldnotbebrokenandthattheyhadtogetoverthemselves.”“Andjustlikethat,they

did?”Carrielaughed.“Hardly.It

tookyears.AccordingtoMom,Sundaydinnersweresometimesverytenseifanyoneventuredontoadangeroustopic.OfcoursebythetimeCaitlynandIcamealong,ChesapeakeShores

hadbeenbuiltandpeaceonceagainreigned,atleastmostofthetime.”“Well,Icertainlydidn’t

noticeanystraintoday,”Samsaid.Again,though,hehadthe

sensethatCarriewantedtodisputethat,butsheremaineddiscreetlysilent.“Weshouldgo,”hesaid

eventually.“Thanksforaskingustojoinyoutoday.”

“I’msorryIbailedonyou.IhopeMomexplained.”“Shedid,”Samsaid,

thoughwithnomountainofpaperworkinsight,hewaswellawarehestilldidn’thavethewholepicture.GivenCarrie’sreticencejustnow,hewonderedifheeverwould.Orwhyhehadagut

feelingthatitmattered.

“BookclubisonagainfortomorrownightatSusie’s,”ShannaannouncedhappilyonMondaymorning.“Ithoughtshe’dagreedthe

otherdaywhenyoufirstspoketoheraboutit,thencanceledanhourlater.”Heathersaid,lookingsurprised.“Whatmakesyouthinkshewon’tcancel

again?”“Ipinnedherdown

yesterdayatMick’sandbadgeredhertillshecouldn’tsayno,”Shannasaid,clearlypleasedwithherself.“You’llallbethere,right?Andyou’llbringsomething.Ipromisedhershewouldn’thavetoliftafinger.”HeatherandBree

immediatelyofferedtoshopforsandwichwrapsand

saladsfromPaniniBistro.“AndI’llbakebrownies,”

Shannasaid.“AndI’llaskJesstobringanotherdessertfromtheinn.Whataboutyou,Carrie?”“Ican’tmakeit,”Carrie

saidstiffly.“I’mswampedwithpaperworkfortheday-carecenter.”Breestudiedherwitha

narrowedgaze.“Andthat’smoreimportantthanbeing

thereforSusie?”“Actuallyitis,”Carriesaid

defensively.“Ihavetogettheballrolling,andConnorneedsthispaperworktofilealltheapplications.”“Surelyonenightwon’t

makethatbigadifference,”Shannasaid.“Sorry.Notthistime,”

Carrierepeated.Breegaveherapenetrating

look,thensighed.“Soit’s

true.”Theotherwomenstaredat

hercuriously,evenasCarriewantedtojumpupandleavebeforeherauntopenedthiscanofworms.“What’strue?”Heather

asked.“There’ssomesortofrift

betweenCarrieandSusie,”Breesaid,hergazeonCarrie.“AmIright?”“Noideawhatyou’re

talkingabout,”Carriesaid.“AndIhavetorun.IneedtopickupJackson.”“Sitstill.Youdon’thave

JacksononMonday,”Breesaid.“Changeofplans,”Carrie

said,tryingtokeepanoteofdesperationoutofhervoice.“Noahaskedmetofillin.That’swhyI’mnotvolunteeringatJulie’sday-carecentertoday.”Shegave

Breeachallenginglook.“Wouldyouliketocallhimtocheck?”Breerelented.“Thatwon’t

benecessary,”shesaideventually.“Butsweetie,ifthereissomethinggoingonbetweenyouandSusie,youneedtomendfences.Thatmakesitevenmoreimportantforyoutobethereforbookclub.”“It’suptome?Why?”

Carriesnappedbeforeshecouldstopherself.Shefoughttobringherannoyanceundercontrol.“Youhavenoideawhatyou’retalkingaboutandIreallythinkyoushouldstayoutofit.”Shestoodupandthistime

noonemadeanyefforttostopher.Shewashalfwayoutthedoorbeforesheheardthemurmurofvoicesstartagainandknewthatheated

speculationwasunderway.Thiswholethingwas

destinedtoturnintoahugedisasterbeforeallwassaidanddoneandshecouldn’tthinkofanywaytostopit.HowwasshesupposedtodefendherselfagainstSusie’sirrationalsuspicionsandcruelcommentswithoutmakingmattersevenworse?TalkingtohercousininSusie’spresentframeofmindwould

onlyescalatethesituation.Ofcourse,walkingoutof

Sally’sjustnowprobablyhadn’thelped,either.WhateverherauntBreekneworthoughtsheknewwasgoingtobecommonknowledgebeforenoon.Andthenwhat?Battlelineswouldbedrawn?NotonlydidCarrienotwantthat,butinSusie’sfragilestatethesedays,itwasthelastthingshe

needed,aswell.

SamhadgottenBobbyofftoschoolandwashavingasecondcupofcoffeetobracehimselfforabusydayatthenewspaper,whenheheardacarpullupoutside.Heglancedoutthelivingroomwindowandsawinsteadapickuploadedwithfurniture.

Susiewasjustgettingoutofthecabofthetruck.Samopenedthefrontdoor.

“Whereonearthdidyoufindallofthatstuff?”Shelaughed.“Imadethe

roundsafterdinneryesterdayandraidedattics.”AsSamapproachedthe

truckhespottedwhatlookedtobesomedecentantiquesandalike-newsofa.“That’swhatO’Briensstoreintheir

attics?”“Thewomeninthefamily

liketoredecorateonaregularbasis,”Susiesaidwithashrug.“It’sacurse.Heavenforbidaperfectlygoodsofaclasheswiththenewpaintcolor.”“Yes,heavenforbid!”Sam

replied,astonished.“Look,IreallyappreciatethismorethanIcansay,butIdon’tthinkyouandIcangetitinto

thehouseonourown.AndIneedtogettotheofficeforanearlymeetingwithyourhusband.”“Don’tfret.He’sonhis

way,alongwithotherreinforcements.Allyouneedtodoisdecidewhereyouwantthingsandpointthemintherightdirection.”Sureenough,severalcars

pulledintospacesalongthestreetandmenhe’dmetjust

yesterday,plusMackandKevinandevenMick,piledoutofthem.Forthenexttwentyminutesorso,allhedidwasdirecttraffictovariousrooms.“Idon’tknowwhatto

say,”hetoldthemwhenthefurnitureandboxesofpotsandpansanddisheshadbeenunloaded.“Thisiswayaboveandbeyond.”“Allthingsthatshouldbe

puttogooduse,”Micksaid.“Nowallyouneedisawoman’stouchandyou’llhaveyourselfaverynicehome.”“WhichisexactlywhyI’m

goingtostickaroundandputthingsintheirproperplaces,”Susiesaidbrightly.“PlusIhaveafewmorelittlethingsinthetruckthatwillbrightenthingsup.”“Susie,you’vealready

donemorethanenough,”Samsaid.“Roundingallofthisupandgettingthepaperworkinordersoquickly—you’vebeenarealgodsend.”“Absolutely,”Micksaid.

“YoujustleavetherestofthistoCarrie.Shehasagoodeyefordetails.”Samcouldn’treadthe

expressionthatwashedoverSusie’sface,butMackwasat

hersideinaninstant.“Sam’sright,sweetheart.Whatyou’vedonehereisamazing,butlethimfigureouttherest.I’msureBobbywillwanttohaveasay,too.”“Youcanbetonthat,”Sam

said.“Ipickedupafewtoysfor

him,”Susiesaidstiffly.“CanIatleastleavethose?”“Ofcourse,”Macksaid

quickly.“Aretheyinthecab

ofthetruck?I’llgetthem.”Astheothermenwaved

goodbyeandheadedout,SusiestoodbesideSam,hershouldershunched,herfacedowncast.Samcouldtellshewasupset,butfiguringoutexactlywhywasbeyondhim.“Ireallydoappreciate

everythingyou’vedone,”hetoldheragain.“Thissituationcouldhavebeensomuchharderandyou’vemadeit

painless.”“Ijustwantedtohelpany

wayIcould,”shesaid,liftingherchinuntiltheirgazescaught.Somethinginhertoneleft

Sampuzzled.“Iknowthat.”Hadsomeonesuggestedotherwise?Beforehecouldask,MackwasbackwithbagsoftoysforBobby.Samcouldonlystare.“Wow!Didyoubuyout

thestore?”Shegavehimasheepish

grin.“Imighthavegottenalittlecarriedaway.OnceIgotstarted,Iwashavingsomuchfun,Icouldn’tseemtostop.Pleasedon’taskmetotakethemback.”Samhadbeenabouttodo

justthat,butatasubtleshakeofMack’shead,hesaidonly,“IwasgoingtosuggestthatIputthemintoaclosetandthat

youcomebacklaterandgivethemtoBobbyyourself.Youdeservetherewardofseeinghisfacelightupwhenheseeseverything.”AtthatSusie’sexpression

finallybrightened.“Youwouldn’tmind?”“Notatall.I’mplanningto

getbackfromworkintimetobeherewhenBobbygetshomefromschool.Doyouwanttostopbyaroundfour?

Mack,you,too?”“Sure,”Macksaidawfully

quickly.“Wewouldn’tmissit,wouldwe,Suze?”“We’llseeyouatfour,”

Susiepromised.“Well,I’llseeyouatthe

officealotsoonerthanthat,”Macksaid.“Onmyway,”Sam

promisedandwatchedthetwoofthemleave.Hestillhadthesensethat

despitethegenerositybehindeverythingthathadhappenedherethismorning,therewasanundertoneofsomethinghewasmissing.Andwhateveritwas,itseemedtohaveleftalotofpeopleonedge.

CarriewastakingJacksonforawalkinhisstrollerMondayafternoonwhenshespottedMackandSusiepullingintoSam’sdriveway.ShewasabouttomakeaU-turnandgobackhome,whenBobbyspottedherandcame

runningacrossthelawn,shoutinghername.Susie’sheadsnappedaround,MackwincedandCarriewishedthegroundwouldopenupandswallowher.“Stopit!”shemuttered

underherbreath.Afterall,thiswasherneighborhood.Shehadaperfectrighttotakeawalkonthisstreet.Plasteringasmileonherface,shecalledoutagreetingto

Bobby.“There’sasurpriseforme

atthehouse,”Bobbytoldherexcitedlywhenhereachedher.“Samwon’ttell,butI’mgonnafindoutinaminute.Youwannasee?MaybeJacksonwouldlikeit,too.”SheglancedinSam’s

directionforguidanceandhenodded.“Absolutely,”shetoldBobby.“Let’sseewhatthisamazingsurprisemight

be.”Onherwaytothehouse,

shemanagedacivilizedgreetingforhercousinandMack,butshecouldtellbythelookinSusie’seyesthatshewasunhappywiththeadditiontothecelebration,whateveritwas.Onanyotherday,maybeCarriewouldhavebeenmoresensitiveandmadeherselfscarce,butafteroverhearingSusie’s

accusationsyesterday,shewasn’tabouttodothat.O’Briensdidn’thide.Ofcourse,whattheyeventuallydidwasspeaktheirminds,andshewasn’tquitereadytodothat,either,especiallynotinfrontofanaudience.Atthefrontdoor,Carrie

pausedinamazement.“Youhavefurniture!”Thelivingroomhadbeentransformedfromanemptyshell

practicallyovernightintoacharming,cozyroomwiththeadditionofasofa,chairandtablesshe’dlastseeninSusie’sapartmentbeforesheandMackhadbuilttheirhomeonBeachLane.“Yes,butthat’snotthe

surprise,”Bobbytoldher.“Samsaysit’ssomethingelse,somethingjustforme.”Carrieglancedather

cousin.“Iheardyouwere

gatheringupthingsforSam’shouse.Youdidagreatjob.Thislookswonderful.”“Thanks,”Susiesaid

tightly.“Shealsopickedupafew

thingsshethoughtBobbymightlike,”Samsaid.Hepointedtowardacloset.“Checkinthere,pal.”Bobbyracedacrossthe

livingroomandthrewopenthedoor.Hiseyeswidened

evenashegaveawhoopofdelight.“Forme?Allofit?”“That’swhatIhear,”Sam

said.“ThisisallSusie’sdoing,sobesureyouthankher.”AsBobbystartedbringing

outbagsandinvestigatingthecontents,thereweremorewhoopsandgasps.EvenCarriewasalittleinaweofthemagnitudeofSusie’sgenerosity.

BobbypausedmidwaythroughcheckingouthisunexpectedhaulandthrewhisarmsaroundSusie.“Thankyou,thankyou!”“Youreallydidgoabove

andbeyond,yetagain,”Samsaid,clearlytakenaback.Susie’sfaceflushed.“Ijust

wantedhimtofeelathomehere.Iwasprettysureyou’dleftalotofthingsbehindinstorageandIthoughtnew

mightbenice,anyway.Sortofafreshstart.”“Thatwasreally

thoughtful,”Macktoldher,givingherhandasqueeze.“Itwas,”Carrieagreed,

thoughshesuspectedsheandMackbothunderstoodtherewasalotmorebehindthemagnanimousgesture.Susie,withallthebestintentionsintheworld,wastryingtobuyBobby’saffectionsandfill

thevoidinherheart.Carriecouldunderstandall

that.Shecouldsympathize,knowinghowSusiehadbeencountingontheadoptionthathadfallenthroughattheverylastminute.WhatshewashavingahardtimewithwasSusietryingtocastherasthebadguybecauseshewasformingabondwithBobbyandSam,too.“Howaboutsomethingto

drink?”Samsuggested,gettingtohisfeet.“Ihavesodas,beer,water.”“Ishouldprobablygo,”

Carriesaid.“IneedtogetJacksonovertoNoah’s.”Shesawtheundisguised

reliefinSusie’seyesasshespoke.Samdidn’targue,buthedidwalkhertothedoor.Outsidehestudiedher,hisexpressionpuzzled.“Whathappenedjust

now?”Shelookedintohiseyes.

“Noideawhatyoumean.”“Thetensionintherewas

sothickIcouldhavecutitwithaknife.AreyouandSusiefightingaboutsomething?”“No,”shesaid.Andthat

muchwastrue.Theyhadn’texchangedasingleharshwordwitheachother.Butthoseblastedbattlelineshad

beendrawnjustthesame.Shewonderedifthingsbetweenherandhercousinwouldeverbethesame.TheironywasthattheybothknewSusiewasmadlyinlovewithherhusband,soitwasn’tasiftheywerefightingoverthesameman.No,thebattlewasfortheheartofalittleboy,whoneededallthelovehecouldgetfrombothofthemandanyoneelseinthisnew

worldtowhichhewasadapting.

AfterdeliveringJacksontoNoah,Carriecouldn’tbringherselftogobacktoheremptyhouse.IfshediscoveredthatSusieandMackwerestillhangingoutatSam’s,hersourmoodwouldsinkevenlower.

Instead,sheheadedtoO’Brien’s,thoughshewonderedifthatwasagoodchoice.ThiswashardlyaproblemshecoulddumpinLuke’slap.Susiewashissister.Fortunatelythepubwas

alreadybusyandtherewerenoseatsatthebar,soshefoundatableinacornernearthefrontwindowandsettledinwithaglassofwine.With

theviewofthebayacrossthestreet,itwassurprisinglysoothing.Therewastimetolistentoherownthoughts...aboutthedaycare,abouthercousinand,ofcourse,aboutSam.Individuallyshecouldhavecopedwithanyonething,butcombined?Wasshedestinedtomakeabaddecisionaboutanyoneofthem,justbecauseshewastoobusytothink

thingsthrough?Allweretooimportantformissteps.She’dbeentherelessthan

halfanhourwithnoresolutiontoanyofherdilemmasandwasdebatingorderingdinner,whenshelookedupandfoundSambyhertable.“Interestedincompany?”

heasked.“Sure,”shesaid,then

glancedaround.“Where’s

Bobby?”“SusieandMackareatthe

housewithhim.Hedidn’twanttoleavehishauloftoys,sotheyofferedtohangout.”“Areyousurethat’sagood

idea?”sheasked,thenwinced.“Sorry.Notmybusiness.”Samreachedacrossthe

tableandtookherhand.“Carrie,what’sgoingon?That’sthesecondtimeI’ve

pickeduponsomesortoftensionbetweenyouandSusie.Youcarefullyavoidedgivingmeastraightanswerearlier.Howaboutnow?”Shedebatedbrushingoff

hisobservationforasecondtime,butcouldn’tquitebringherselftodoit.Thiswasamanshemightwanttohaveafutureofsomekindwith.Lyingorevenhedgingwasnowaytomoveforward.

“Okay,maybethereisanissue,”sheconceded,thenaddedearnestly,“butit’snotmydoing.”Shehesitated,stillnotconvincedshewantedtoairthisparticularbitoffamilylaundry.Samdidn’tpress.He

orderedanale,thenwatchedherandwaited.WhenCarrierealizedheapparentlyhadanendlesssupplyofpatiencetogoalongwithhiskeen

powersofobservation,shecontinued.“DidyouknowthatMack

andSusiewereintheprocessofadopting?”Henodded.“Mack

mentionedhowexcitedtheywere.”“Well,thebaby,agirl,was

bornafewweeksago,butthemombackedoutoftheadoption.”Samlookedshocked.“Can

shedothat?”“Apparently.”“Thatmusthavebeen

heartbreaking,”hesaid.“Butwhatdoesithavetodowithyou?”“Itshouldn’thaveathing

intheworldtodowithme,”shesaid.“ButyoubroughtBobbytotownaroundthesametime.Susie’sapparentlyfocusingallthatloveshewassodesperatetogiveanew

babyonBobbynow.”Samlookedmomentarily

stunned,thennoddedslowlyasunderstandingdawned.“Alotofthingssuddenlymakesensetome.TheveryfirstdayMackbroughtherbytoseeBobby,hewasclearlyworried.Hethoughtshewasgoingtogetalittlecarriedaway,didn’the?”“Morethanlikely.”“Andthosetoysshepicked

out.That’spartofherattempttobeapartofBobby’slife,”heconcluded.“I’dsayso.”“Isitmorethanthat?Isshe

waitingformetoscrewup,soshecantakelegalactionorsomething?”Carriewasstunnedbythat

possibility.“Ofcoursenot,”shesaid,thenhesitated.“Honestly,Idon’tknowwhatshe’slikelytodo.She’snot

thinkingclearlyrightnow.I’mtryingtomakeallowancesforthatmyself.”“Becauseyou’resomehow

caughtupinwhatever’sgoingonwithher,”heconcluded.“Buthow?Istilldon’tseetheconnection.”Shesmiled.Typicalmale,

oblivioustoanynuanceswhenitcametowomen.“Don’tyousee?ShethinksI’minherway,becauseyou

andIhavegottentobefriends.You’veturnedtomeacoupleoftimeswhenyouneededhelpwithBobby.”“Butthat’scrazy,”Sam

saidatonce.“She’smarriedtomyboss,happilyasnearasIcantell.”“Sam,it’snotaboutyou.

It’saboutmyrelationshipwithBobbyortheaccessthatmyfriendshipwithyouhasgivenmetohim.”

“Oh,boy,”Sammurmured.“SeewhatImeanabout

howcomplicatedthingshavesuddenlybecome?”Shenoticedtheworrybuildinginhiseyesandknewshehadtooffsetanypanicshemightinadvertentlyhavecaused.“Susie’sreallyagoodperson.She’sjustgoingthroughatrulyterribletime.Youdon’thavetoworryaboutBobbyoranythinglikethat.He’sin

perfectlygoodhands,especiallywithMackthere.Anditcan’thurt,havingsomanypeoplecaringabouthim,right?”“Isupposenot,”heagreed,

thoughhestilllookedconcerned.“You’rethinkingyou

shouldrushrighthome,aren’tyou?”“ShouldI?IsthefactthatI

lefttoseeyougoingtogoon

somelistshe’skeepingofmyquestionableparenting?”“Youhavetotrustyour

instincts,butminearetellingmethatallSusiewantsistospendtimewithBobbyandtohavearelationshipwithhim.You’llhavetowatchthattheattachmentdoesn’tgettoointenseorthatshedoesn’tgooverboardwiththepresentsagain,butbeyondthat,theSusieI’veknownmywhole

lifewouldneverdoanythingtohurtanyone.AndIcan’timaginehertryingtotakehimfromyou,anymorethanIwouldhave.”Samgaveherawrylook.

“ThatremarkImadeatShannaandKevin’shouseisgoingtocomebacktohauntme,isn’tit?”“Itcouldcomeupfrom

timetotime,”shesaid,“whenyouneedtobereminded

aboutleapingtoconclusions.Ofcourse,Iwasguiltyofthesamethingwhereyouwereconcerned.We’reokaynowthatweknoweachotherbetter.”“Youthinkthisthingwith

Susiewilleventuallyworkitselfout?”Carriethoughtaboutthat.

Shehonestlycouldn’tsay.IfSusiefocusedallherattentiononBobbyandcontinuedto

refusetoconsideranotheradoption,howhealthywouldthatbe?Thatwasaquestionforsomeoneawholelotwiserthanshewas.“Eventually,”shesaid,

thoughwithmorehopethanconviction.“MaybeI’lljusttouchbase

withMack,seehowthingsaregoingatthehouse,”Samsaid.“It’sthefirsttimeI’veleftBobbywithanyoneother

thanyou.I’lltellhimthat,sohedoesn’tjumptotheconclusionthatIdon’ttrusthimorSusie.Orfigureoutthatyou’vefilledmein.”“Goodidea.”Sammadethecall,looking

moreandmorerelievedashelistenedtoMack’sresponses.“Ifyou’resurethingsareundercontrol.ImightstickaroundthepubandhavedinnerwithCarrie.Doyou

mind?”Helistenedintently,thensmiled.“Sure,orderapizza.That’sBobby’sfavorite,sothatwouldbegreat.Thanks.”Hedisconnectedthecall,

putthephonebackinhispocket,thenfocusedonher.“Looksasifwecanfinallyhavethatdate.MaybeIshouldbethankingSusie,insteadofworryingabouther.”

“Iletyoujoinme,”Carrieremindedhim.“Nothingwassaidaboutdinneroradate.”AsparklelitSam’seyes.

“Carrie,wouldyouliketohavedinnerwithme?ThenIcanwalkyouhomeafter,maybeevenstealakissatyourfrontdoor.Thatseemslikeareasonablefirstdate.”“Mightybigplans,”she

commented.“Afirststep,”hecorrected.

“Thebigplansareformuchlater.”“AndwhatifIdon’tkiss

onthefirstdate?”“I’llseeifIcanchange

yourmind.IcanbeprettypersuasivewhenIputmymindtoit.”“Aninterestingchallenge.

So,what’sthetimetableforthesebigplansofyours?”“Iwasthinkingdownthe

roadadayortwoatleast,”he

said,chuckling.“ButI’maguy.I’mhappytospeedtheprocessalong.”Carrielaughed,butshehad

alittletroublecatchingherbreath.Shelikedwherethisseemedtobeheading.Theoldwisdomseemedtobetrue;therightmansometimesdidcomealongjustwhenapersonstoppedlooking.Sam’sexpressionsobered.

“So,what’sthedecision?

Willyoujoinmefordinnerandwhatevercomesafter?”“Let’sstartwithdinnerand

seehowitgoes.”Hereachedforherhand

andheldit.“Ithinkit’sgoingtogoverywell.”Carriecouldn’tseemto

stopherselffromnoddinginagreement.Foraneveningthathadstartedoutfraughtwithtension,itwasdefinitelyturningaroundinto

somethingveryintriguing.

SamlistenedtoCarriegoingonandonaboutherplansfortheday-carecenter.Herenthusiasmwascontagious.Hecouldenvisionexactlywhatitwasgoingtolooklikewhenrenovationswerecompletedandwhatthechildreninhercarewouldbe

doingeveryminuteoftheday.Shestoppedforbreath.

“I’mboringyoutotears,aren’tI?”“Absolutelynot.It’s

wonderfultoseeyousocaughtupinyourplans.You’veobviouslyfoundyourpassion.Fromwhatyoutoldmewhenwemet,it’ssomethingyouwerestrugglingwith.”

“ItrulythinkIhave,”shesaid.Sheglancedattheuntouchedfoodonherplate.“Ofcourse,becauseI’vebeentalkingsomuch,myfood’sgonecold.Howaboutyou?Tellmeaboutyourpassion,whileIeat.Waswebdesignitforyoufromtheverybeginning,thethingyouknewyouweremeanttodo?”“Notentirely,”Sam

admitted.“ItwasacareerI

knewIcouldtakeanywhereIwantedtolive.WhetherIhaveoneclientlikethenewspaperorfiftyclientsallovertheworld,IcandotheworkwhereverIgo.”“Soit’smorea

conveniencethanapassion?”“Thatprobablymakesit

soundalittlemorecalculatingthanImeantto.Ilovethework.Ialwaysenjoyedartanddesignand

thetechstuffcameeasilytome.Thewebsideofdesignjustseemedtobeanaturalfitformypassionandformydesiretobefootlooseandtravel.Andthesedaysthere’sahugedemandforwhatIdo.Newspapersareintransition.Eventuallythey’llbemostlyonline.Everybodywantsanonlinepresencefortheirbusiness.”“Therearetwopartsofthat

weshouldtalkabout,”Carriesaid.“You’llhavetogettoknowmystepfatherbetter.Hisfirstlovewasgraphicdesign.Hisfathertriedtosteerhimintorunningthecommunitybankhereintown,butTracebalkedandfocusedonhisdesigncareer.Hegetstoworkfromhome,sohewasthereforCaitlynandmewhenMomcouldn’tbe.ThesamewithPatrick,

thoughTraceandMomclaimmybrotherisnotthelittleangelmytwinandIwere.”Samlaughed“Theysay

thatoryoudo?”“Okay,that’smy

interpretation.”“Andtheotherthingwe

needtodiscuss?”“Yourdesiretowander.

What’sthatabout?”“I’veneveranalyzedit,but

Isupposeit’sbecausemy

momhadalwayswantedtoseetheworld.Shemusthavehadahundredtravelmemoirsinthehouseandreadthemtousinsteadofstorybooks.Iwasfascinatedbythosebooks.”“Didsheevergettoseeall

ofthoseexoticplaces?”Samshookhishead,

surprisedbythedepthofsorrowthatwashedoverhim.“Shehadgottenpregnant

withLaurel,marriedmyfatherandspentherlifestuckinatinythree-bedroomhouseinthesuburbsofCleveland.ThelongesttripsheevertookwasdowntoColumbus,andthatwasonlybecausemydadwantedtogotailgatingwithhisbuddiesandtheirwivesatanOhioStatefootballgame.”“Nogirlfriendsshecould

travelwith?”Carrieasked.“Nofriendsofherown,”

Samcorrected.“Inhindsight,Ithinkmydadabusedherpsychologicallybyisolatingherandcontrollingher.Shedidn’thavethestrengthtowalkaway,thoughthereweresomeprettyintensefightsfromtimetotime.Laureltriedtoprotectmefromallthat,butIheardwaytoomuch.”“Kidsusuallydo,”Carrie

“InsomecrazywayIwantedtoshapemylifetodothethingsmymotherhadn’tbeenabletodo.Ialwaysintendedtotakeheralongtotheplacesshe’ddreamedabout,butbythetimeIcouldhavedonethat,shewastoosicktotravel.Attheend,Isatbesideherbedandtoldherstoriesandshowedherpicturesfrommytravels.”“Oh,Sam,”Carrie

whispered,hereyesdampwithtears.Hetriedtoshrugoffthe

memories.“Anyway,therewillbenomoretripsformefortheforeseeablefuturenowthatIhaveBobbyinmylife.”“Areyouafraidyou’ll

resenthimbecauseofthat?”Carrieaskedwithsurprisinginsight.“Doyousomehowseethisasarepeatofwhathappenedtoyourmom?”

“Iwasworriedaboutthatwhenallofthisfirsthitme,butyouknowwhat?I’mstartingtorealizebeingaparentisitsownkindofadventure.AndI’mverygladthatifithadtohappen,ithappenedafterI’dmovedtoChesapeakeShores.Iwasn’tthinkingaboutitwhenItookthejob,butnowItrulyappreciatewhatagreatplacethiswillbetoraiseachild.”

Heleveledalookintohereyes.“Andthenthere’syou.Icertainlycan’tregretanythingthathasbroughtmeclosertoyou.Ifyouhadn’tjumpedallovermeforleavingBobbyinthecarthenightwegotbacktotown,whoknowshowlongitmighthavebeenbeforewecrossedpaths.”Shesmiled.“Youthink

thatwasfate?”“I’mnotsurehowIfeel

aboutfateordestinyorwhateveryouwanttocallit.Whataboutyou?Anythoughtsaboutwhetherthere’sonerightpersonforallofus?”“I’vegrownupinafamily

ofromantics,”Carrietoldhim.“HowcouldInotbelievethat?Ijustspentalongtimelookingformysoulmateinallthewrongplaces.”“Anyregretsaboutthat?”

Herexpressionturnedthoughtful.“Youknowwhat?Notreally.IthinkIlearnedsomethingfromallofmymistakes,evenmiserableMarc.IfiguredoutwhatIdon’tneedinmylife.”Shemethisgaze.“AndlatelyI’vestarteddiscoveringwhatIdoneed.”“Ashiftinpriorities?”“No,justasudden

awarenessthatthere’smore

thanonewaytoapproachthosepriorities.Familywillalwaysbefirstforme,withafulfillingcareeraclosesecond.Ifyoustudymyfamily,you’lldiscoverthatmostofthemhaveachievedabalancebetweenthosetwothings,evenifittookafewofthemalittlelongerthanitdidothers.”“Inevergavemuch

thoughttohavingafamily,”

Samsaid,drawingashockedlook.“IknowthatmustbestrangetoanO’Brien,butmyfamilywasverydifferentfromyours.LaurelandIwerefairlycloseaskids,butwe’vehadourdifferencesasadults.”“Butyoursisterleftyou

custodyofherson.Thatmustmeanshetrustedyou.”“Therewasnooneelse,”

herepliedsimply.“Iwasthe

defaultguy.IknowshebelievedI’ddorightbyBobby.SodidRobert.Butifthey’dhadanyotherviableoption,theyprobablywouldhavetakenit.Robert’sparentsarearound,butthey’reolderandalittletoosetintheirwaysforthechaosakidBobby’sagewouldbringintotheirlives.Theydidtalktoalawyeraboutfightingmeforcustody,butI

thinktheywererelievedwhenheadvisedthemtheywereunlikelytowin.”“Willtheycontinuetobea

partofhislife?”“Ofcourse,iftheywantto

be.I’lltakehimtovisitorinvitethemhere.IcanseethevalueofBobbyknowingI’mnottheonlyfamilyhehas.”“Nowthatyou’vehad

sometime,howdoyoufeelaboutbecomingadad

overnight?”“It’sanadjustment,”he

admitted.“Iwasaprettycarefreeguy.NowIhavenochoicebuttothinkofsomeoneotherthanmyself.FortunatelyBobby’saterrifickid.Ithinkwe’regoingtodookay.ItmayberockyfromtimetotimewhileIfindmyway,butthere’snothinglikeakidtokeepaguyhonest.”Hesmiledather.“You’ve

beendoingthat,too.Idon’twanttoleteitherofyoudown.That’sascaryprospect,becauseIknowsoonerorlaterIwill.Untilthishappened,I’dledaprettyselfishexistence,doingwhateverappealedtome,takingoffatamoment’snoticeifsomethingthatsoundedexcitingcameup.Thosedaysaredone.”Hewassurprisedtorealize

thathenolongerregrettedthatthewayhehadwhenhe’dfirstgraspedallthechangeshewasgoingtohavetomaketolifeashe’dknownit.“Aslongasyou’redoing

thebestyoucan,youwon’tleteitherofusdown,”Carrieassuredhim.Herconfidence,especially

giventheirrockyfirstmeeting,meantalot.“I’ve

alreadymademistakes,asyoucanattest.”“Findmeonehumanbeing

whohasn’t,”shecountered.“Oroneparentwhohasn’tmadeaboatloadofthem.Mygrandparents,theultimaterolemodelsforafamilymatriarchandpatriarchnow,madesomedoozies.I’llfillyouinsometime.Mistakesarepartoflife.It’swhatyoudotofixthingsthatreally

matters.”“I’mgoingtoremindyou

ofthatnexttimeyou’rescoldingmefortheerrorofmyways.”“Ivowedtogiveyou

gentleadvice,notscoldings,remember?”Samtouchedherhandto

makesurehehadherfullattention.“IthinkImightmissthefireinyoureyeswhenyou’retellingmeI’ve

gottenitallwrong.”Sheglancedupathis

wordsandhemethergaze.“There’ssomethingabouta

redheadwithafullheadofsteamthatgetstome,”hesaid.“Makesmewanttodiscoverwhatelseshemightbesopassionateabout.”“Iguesswe’llsee,won’t

we?”shesaid,atellinghitchinhervoice.Forthefirsttimesince

they’dbegunthisdance,Samwasstartingtobelievetheymightgetthestepsjustright.

“Thishouseisamazing,”LucyenthusedasshewalkedfromroomtoroominthepropertyCarriewashopingtoturnintoherday-carecenter.“Lucy’sright,”Julieadded.

“Theopenconceptisvery

workableforkeepinganeyeonthekidsfromanyplaceyouhappentobe,yetit’seasilydividedintoactivityareas.”“Thenyouthinkitwill

work?”Carriesaid,excitedbytheirenthusiasm.She’dbeenholdingherbreathawaitingtheirreaction.Iftheyapproved,shewasreadytomoveforwardfirstthingMondaymorning.Connor

wasonstandbytoclosethedeal.Shekneweventhenshe’dbeweeks,ifnotmonths,awayfromopening,butowningtherightpropertywouldmakethedreamfeelreal.She’dhavesomethingconcretetoshowforallthestepsshe’dtakeninthisnewdirection.“Notadoubtinmymind,”

Juliesaid.Shehandedoverafewpagesfromanotebook

she’dbeenwritinginsinceshe’darrived.“Notesonthingsyou’llneedtoaddresstobringituptocodeforaday-carecenter.Aninspectormighthavemore,butthisshouldcovermostofit.Whenareyouthinkingofopening?”“AssoonasIcantakecare

ofthislistandgetallthelicensesandapprovalsIneed.”

“Thatcouldtakeawhile,”Juliecautioned.“Bureaucracydoesn’tmovequickly.”“Iknow.Mycousin’sa

lawyer.He’swarnedmenottogetaheadofmyself.”“AndIimagineyou’llhave

yourgrandfather’shelpwiththerenovations?”Juliesaid.Carriechuckled.“Yes,but

notjustbecausehe’sanoutstandingarchitectandhasyearsofconstruction

experience.”“Thenwhy?”Lucyasked,

regardinghercuriously.“Itwillkeephimfocused

onthis,insteadofmysociallife,”Carriesaidcandidly.Lucy’sexpression

brightened.“Tellusmore!”“Stopbeingnosy,”Julie

chidedherdaughter,thengrinned.“Unlessofcourseyou’dliketoshare,Carrie.It’sbeensolongsinceI’ve

beenonadateIcanbarelyrememberwhatitwaslike.Iyearntolivevicariously,andLucyisprettytight-lippedaboutsharinganydetailsaboutthemeninherlife.Shehasn’tbroughtonetothehousetomeetmeinyears.”“Becauseyouinterrogate

them,”Lucygrumbled,thoughhereyesweretwinkling.“Beenthere,donethat,”

Carriesaid.“So,isthefatherofthat

littleboywhocametothecenterwithyoupartofthesocial-lifeequation?”Julieasked.“Nowwho’sbeingnosy?”

Lucyteased.Carrielaughed.“Letme

takeyouonatourofthetown,thenI’llfillyouinoverlunch.There’snotmuchtotell,though.”

Thoughafterdinnertheothernight,therewereafewadditionaldetails.Thoseshethoughtsheprobablyoughttokeeptoherselffornow.Tohersurpriseanddelight,itturnedoutthatSamhadthewholekissingthingdownpat.Ithadtakeneveryounceofherwillpowernottodraghiminsidetofindoutwhatelsehe’dmastered!ShecaughtLucynudging

hermom.“Carrie’sblushing.Did

younotice?”Julielaughed.“Inoticed.

Maybeweshouldskipthetourandgostraighttolunch.”“Notachance,”Carrie

said,chuckling.“IwanttoshowoffChesapeakeShores.”Anhourlaterthey’dhada

condensedtourofthetownandwereseatedata

waterfronttableontheoutsidedeckatBrady’s.“Thisisafantasticlittle

town,”Juliesaidasshedrankhericedtea.“Icanseewhyyouloveit.Ican’timaginewhyIhaven’tdrivenoverthiswayinsolong.”“Well,thismaybethefirst

time,butitdefinitelywon’tbethelast,”Lucysaid.“Mom,Ithinkweshouldlookforahouse.The

commutetothecenterwouldn’tbethatawfulandI’veseensomeveryattractivemenintown.”“I’mtoooldtobelooking

foraman,”Juliesaid.“Butyouarerightaboutthetown.Icanalmostimaginehowrelaxingitwouldbetocomehometoaplacelikethisafteratoughday.Icouldseemyselfsittingoutherewithaglassofwineand

unwinding.”“MycousinLukehasapub

that’sgreatforunwindingandspendingtimehangingoutwithlocals.Sally’sCaféhasitsowncrowdinthemorningsandonweekends,especiallywhenit’snottouristseason,”Carriesaid.“Youreallyshouldconsiderit,Julie.Iloveitbecauseit’sbeenhomeformostofmylife,butI’velivedinalotof

otherplacesand,believeme,nothingcompares.”“We’llsee,”Juliesaid.“Mom,what’sholdingyou

back?”Lucyprodded.“Youhateourhouse.Youhatethetrafficandhowcrowdedeverything’sgotten.”“Butitisamuchlonger

commutefromhere,”Julieprotested,thoughnotveryconvincingly.“Mostlyonacountryroad

that’snotthatbusy,”Carriesaid,addingherencouragementtoLucy’s.“Andyou’dgettokeepaneyeonme,makesureyourprotégéisn’tmessingup.”Julieshookherhead.“I’m

notworriedaboutthat.You’regoingtodojustfine.”“Maybeweshouldback

off,”CarriesuggestedtoLucy.“Givehersometimetodrawherownconclusions.”

“Nowthere’sanintriguingconcept,”Juliesaidwryly.“Iraisedalittlebulldozer.WhenLucywantssomething,shetendstorollrightoveranyoneoranythingthatgetsinherway.”Carrielaughed.“Welcome

tomyworld!Ihaveawholeslewofpeopleinmylifeexactlylikethat.Ifyoufigureouthowtostayoutoftheway,letmeknow.”

Julienodded.“I’lladdittothoselistsI’mpassingalongtoyou.”Sheturnedherattentiontotheplatethewaiterhadjustplacedinfrontofherandsighed.“NowIamgoingtofocusonthesescallopsandsavoreverysinglebite.ThisissofarbeyondmyusualsaladdietImayneverleave.”LucyandCarriegaveeach

otherhighfives.

“Missionaccomplished,”Lucysaidtriumphantly.Juliejustgaveherdaughter

along,hardlookandkeptrightoneating.Carrieenviedthemthe

bondthey’dformedbothasmotheranddaughterandascoworkers.Shewasclosetoherownmom,sosheknewhowrareitwastoviewaparentasapersonandnotjustanauthorityfigure.She

hopedBobbyandSamfoundthatsortofrelationshiponeday.Ironically,shecouldn’thelpthinkinginsomewayitmightbeeasierbecauseofhowthey’dcometobetogether.ThehardpartforbothofthemmightbetheadjustmenttothinkingofSamastheauthoritypersoninBobby’slife,ratherthanthefununclewhobreezedintohislifeandoutagain.

OneofthesedayssheneededtothinkaboutSam’swanderingwaysandwhethertheytrulywerebehindhim.EventhoughheseemedtohaveacceptedhisresponsibilityforBobbydidn’tmeanthetwoofthemcouldn’trelocateatthedropofahat.Andwherewouldthatleaveher?Everytimeshestartedtothinkshewasreadytotakeanotherriskwithher

heart,herheadjumpedinwithsomethingjustlikethistorenewhercaution.

Samdidn’thaveachancetotalktoMackprivatelyuntillateonTuesdayafterthey’dgottenthewebeditionofthepaperonlineandtheprinteditiontothecompanythatprinteditanddeliveredthebundlesofpaperstotownon

Wednesdaymorning.Unsureofexactlyhowto

begin,Samfumbledthroughafewattempts,thenfinallysettledforsayingagainhowgenerousSusiehadbeen.Mackgavehimalong

look,thensighedheavily.“Iknowitwastoomuch,”hesaideventually.“AndIappreciateyounotcallingheronit.Susie’sstrugglingrightnow.”

“Iheardabouttheadoption,”Samsaid.“I’msorry,but—”“ButBobbycan’tbethe

substituteforthebabywedidn’tget,”Macksaid,completingthethought.“Iknowthat,Sam.ButIcan’ttellyouhowworriedI’vebeenabouther.BeingaroundBobbymakesherhappy.Don’ttakethatlifelineawayfromher.”

“Iwasn’tgoingto,”Samsaid.“Butmaybeweshouldhavesomeboundaries.”“Thatmakessense,”Mack

agreedreadily.“Doyouhavesomethinginmind?”Samshookhishead.“I

havenoideawhattheyoughttobe.Maybethatsheneedstocheckwithmefirstbeforeshoweringhimwithgiftsormakingarrangementstospendalittletimewithhim.

Doyouthinkshecandothosetwothingswithoutfeelingasifshe’sbeingcutofffromcontactwithhimorthatI’mretaliatinginsomeway?Parentingisstillbrand-newtome,andthisparticularsituationwithSusiedefinitelywasn’toneIanticipated.”“Seemstomeyou’re

managingjustfine,”Macksaid.“Thenagain,Ididn’texactlyhaveanideal

backgroundtocompareitto.Iwasn’tatallsureIwaspreparedtobeafather.”Hesighed.“Maybenoonewithanysenseeveris.Youjustdothebestyoucan.”“Isurehopethat’swhatit

takes,”Samsaid,“becauseIwakeupeverydayfeelingasifI’mabouttofailabysmally.”“Andyetyoudidn’ttake

theeasywayout.”

“Whatwaywasthat?”“Youdidn’tturnBobby

overtohisgrandparents,You’vesaidtheywantedtofightyouforcustody.Youcouldhavewalkedawaywithaclearconscience.”Samshrugged.“Laureland

Robertchoseme.Theymusthavehadtheirreasons.Icouldn’tletthem—orBobby—downwithoutatleasttrying.Therehavebeena

coupleofmomentshereandtherewhenI’veactuallythoughtthingswillworkoutokay.Bobby’sagreatkid.”“Hereallyis,”Mack

agreed.“YoushouldhaveheardhimwithSusie.”Thewordswerenosooneroutofhismouth,thanheheavedasigh.“Aboutthoseboundaries,Ithinkwhatyousuggestedisperfectlylogical.Thatsaid,Idon’tknowhow

muchlogicentersintoanythingwithmywifethesedays.I’lldomybesttomakeherseethattheboundariesareinBobby’sbestinterests.”“I’dreallyappreciatethat,”

Samtoldhim.“Undernormalconditions,

Susieisgreatwithallthekids,butsheseemstohavecreatedsomesortofspecialattachmenttoBobby.Justthismorning,shementioned

casuallythatshewonderedwho’dbelookingafterhimtonightwhileyou’rehere.ItoldherIwassureyou’dmadearrangements.Ittookallofmypersuasivepowerstokeepherfromcallingyouwithanoffertobabysit.”Mackfrownedevenashe

toldthestory,thenasked,“Orwouldyouhavewelcomedtheoffer?IfeelasifI’mwalkingatightropehere.”

“IhadalreadymadeplansforBobby.He’soveratKevin’s.”Samrecalledthatconversation,thengaveMackacuriouslook.“IthoughtShannawassupposedtobeatyourhouseforsomefamilybook-clubthingthatSusie’shosting.”“Susiewasreadytocancel

thatifyouneededher,”Mackadmittedwithagrimace.“SeewhatImean?She’smade

Bobbyatoppriority.”HestudiedSamforaminute,thensaidalittletoocasually,“IfiguredBobbywouldbewithCarrie.”Samrecognizedthatthere

wasmoretothequestion—thatMack,likeeveryoneelseinthefamily,wastryingtofigureouttheirrelationship.“Carrie’snotmy

designatedbabysitter,”hesaid,keepinghistoneneutral.

Hemightbeannoyedbytheprobing,butitwassecondnaturetoO’Briensandanyoneconnectedtothem.“She’sagoodfriend.Rightnowshe’stryingtogetherdaycarereadytoopen.Shehasplentyonherplatewiththat.She’sofferedtopitchinwhenIneedher,butI’mnotgoingtotakeadvantageofher.”“Susieseemstothinkyou

twoareanitem.”AssoonasMackspoke,hewinced.“Listentome.I’mturningintoasbadagossipastherestofthetown,tryingtowheedleinformationoutofyou.”AtleastMackobviously

feltguilty,whichallowedSamtochuckleathisdiscomfort.“Verylittleinformationtowheedle,”hesaidwithcompletecandor.“We’reexploringthe

possibilitiesandthatisthelastIintendtosayaboutthat.”HeleveledalookthatwasintendedtomakeMacksquirm.“Unlessyourroleasmybossextendstomylifeoutsidetheoffice.”“Nope.Thetopicis

closed,”Macksaid.“Ishouldbegettinghome.Susiewasn’tlookingforwardtothiswholebook-clubgathering.Shewasconvincedthewomen

plannedtostagesomesortofintervention.”“Aretheyqualifiedtodo

that?”Samasked,startled.“Hardly,butitdoesn’t

mattertoanO’Brien.Whentheyperceivethatoneoftheirownisstrugglingwithanything,theyjumponthecase.It’sablessingandacurse.Rightnow,mywifeconsidersittobeacurse.Shewantstowallowabitand,if

youaskme,shehasarightto.It’snotthewallowingthatworriesmehalfasmuchasthemanicstuffthatinvolvesyournephew.Thanksfortryingtooverlookthatoratleastkeepitinperspective.I’lldomybesttoseethatitdoesn’tgetoutofhand.”Samnodded.“Fairenough.

Iamsorryashellaboutthewholeadoptionthing.Herethetwoofyouaresoanxious

tobeparentsandIwindupwithcustodyofmynephew.Lifesuretakessomeunexpectedtwists.”“Itdoesthat,”Mack

agreed.“I’vegivenupontryingtofigureouttheplanandtriedtolearnjusttogowiththeflow.Susie’scancertaughtmethatlife’sprecariousandasmartpersonmakesthemostofwhatever’she’sgiven.”

“Notabadphilosophy,”Samsaid.Itmightbeonehe’ddowelltofollowhimself,insteadofquestioningeveryunanticipatedtwistandturn.

Carriehadpapersspreadalloverherdining-roomtableandachecklistwhichseemedtobegrowing,ratherthan

gettingshorter.Whenhercellphonerang,sheanswereditwithanunmistakabletouchofimpatience.Hertonewasmetbyan

equallytestyquestion.“Whyaren’tyouatmyhouse?”Carriestaredatthephone

inshockbeforeanswering.“Susie?”“Ofcourseit’sme.It’s

book-clubnightandeveryoneelseishereandthey’reall

wonderingwhatI’vedonetooffendyou.Ofcoursenoonehasactuallysaidaword,butIcantellbythewaythey’relookingatme.Isthatwhatyouwanted,togetthewholefamilyonyourside?It’snotenoughthatthisgreatlittlekidjustfellintoyourlife?”Carriesighed.“Susie,this

isaconversationweprobablyneedtohaveface-to-face,butcertainlynottonightinfront

ofhalfthefamily.”“Thenyouagreethere’sa

problem?”“Ithinkmaybeyou’veseen

onethatdoesn’texist,atleastnotfrommyperspective.”“Sonowyou’resaying

I’m,what,crazy?Imaginingthatyou’removinginonSamandBobby?”Carrieclungtoher

patiencebyathread.“I’mnotdiscussingthiswithyou,not

likethis.”Silencegreetedherremark.

Thensheheardwhatsoundedlikeasob.“Susie?”Whentherewas

noreply,justmorechokedsobs,Carrietriedagain.“Susie,saysomething.Areyouokay?”“OfcourseI’mnotokay,”

Susiesaid,anoteofnearhysteriainhervoice.“IfIwere,Iwouldn’tbeacting

likethis.Carrie,I’msorry.Itrulyam.I’vegottenintothisawful,darkplaceandIcan’tseemtodragmyselfout.”Everybitofangerdrained

awayasCarrieheardthesincerityandfearbehindhercousin’swords.“I’mcomingover,”shesaidquietly.“No,youwereright.This

isn’tthetimetohavesomesortofconfrontation.”“Howaboutjusta

conversation,”Carriesuggested.“Everysinglepersonovertheretonightlovesyouandwantstohelp.Iwanttohelp,butnoneofusknowwhatyoureallyneed.”“Ineedababyofmyown,

achildIcanhold,”Susiewhispered,ahitchinhervoice.“Andnoneofyoucangivemethat.”“Connordesperatelywants

tohelpyoufindthatbaby,”

Carrietoldher.“Youjustneedtotellhimyou’rereadytotryagain.EverybodyinthisfamilywantsyouandMacktofindtheperfectchild.”“I’lltakeanychild.Heor

shedoesn’thavetobeperfect.Goodnessknows,MackandIhaveourflaws.Irrationaljealousycomestomind.”“Itwasirrational,”Carrie

agreed.“Butunderstandable.NowI’mheadingoverthere.How’sthesupplyofBen&Jerry’s?”“Therewereatleastsix

pintsbymycount,”Susiesaid.“EveryonemusthavethoughtIwasteeteringonthebrink.”Carrielaughed.“I’llbring

afewmore.Onepintapieceseemsaboutrightonanightlikethis.”

“Thankyou.”“It’sicecream.Nobig

deal.”“No,forforgivingmy

craziness.Youhaveforgivenme,right?”“Forgivenandforgotten,”

Carriepromised.That’swhatshehopedanyoneinthefamilywoulddoforherifsheeverwentoffthedeepend.

SamfoundCarrieatthecaféfirstthingonWednesdaymorning,sittingwiththeusualgroupofO’Brienwomen.TohissurpriseSusiewasamongthem,lookingmorerelaxedthanhe’dseenhersincethey’dfirstmet.Maybethatinterventionthingthey’dsupposedlystagedhadhelped,afterall.“MindifIborrowCarrie?”

heinquired,thoughhe

honestlydidn’texpectanyobjections.“Youdon’twanttojoin

us?”Breeaskedhopefully.“Yes,dojoinus,”Heather

said.“Wewouldn’tmindobservingthedynamicsbetweenyoutwosowecoulddrawourownconclusions.Carriewon’ttellusathing.”Samlaughed.“Goodfor

Carrie.”Hemethergaze.“Doyoumindcomingwith

me?”“Togetawayfromthese

meddlers?I’mallyours,”shesaideagerly.“Ofcourseyouare,”Bree

commentedwithsatisfaction.Outside,hestudied

Carrie’sface,smilingatthescatteringoffrecklesacrosshernoseandimagininghowthoseprobablyirritatedher.Hecouldn’thelpwonderingexactlywhenthesightofher

hadstartedtofillhimwithsuchanintenseburstofhappiness.He’dneverthoughtofhimselfaslonelyorincomplete,butthatwasbeforehe’dmetthiswomanwhomadehimfeelasifhewerewhole.AddinBobby,andhislifewasfullinwayshe’dneveranticipated.Itwasalittlescary,butnotsoterrifyingthathedidn’twanttostickaroundtoseewhat

camenext.“Okay,you’vegottenme

awayfrommyfamily,forwhichIamprofoundlygrateful,”CarriesaideventuallyastheyheadedtowardShoreRoad.“What’sonyourmind?”Heregardedherblankly.

“Nothinginparticular.Why?”“Yourealizethatmakesno

sense.Youinterruptedaget-

together,draggedmeaway,andforwhat?Youhavenoidea?”Hegrinned.“Ispottedyou

insideatSally’sandsuddenlyfeltthisneedtohaveyoualltomyself.”“Really?”shesaid,

soundingsurprised,evenasasmileseemedtobespreadingacrossherface.“Ican’tgetenoughofyou,

Iguess.Doyoumind?”

“Sincetheywereabouttensecondsawayfrominterrogatingmeyetagainaboutourrelationship,yourtimingcouldn’thavebeenbetterfrommyperspective,thoughIimaginemydisappearancejustnowwillonlyfueltheiralreadyoveractiveimaginations.”“Sorry.”Sheshruggeditoff.“It’s

whattheydo.”

“Howaboutacappuccino?”heaskedastheyturnedthecorner.“IcangetthemtogoatPaniniBistroandwecansitononeofthebenchesacrossthestreet.Doyouhavetime?”Carrienodded.“Sure.

JacksonisatthechurchdaycaretodayandI’mnotvolunteeringatJulie’s.Ihaveamillionandonethingstodoatmynewbuilding,but

GrandpaMickisoverseeingthatandthelesstimeIspendunderfoot,thebetter.Hishelpcomeswithtoomanyintrusivequestions.”“SoI’vesavedyouon

severalfrontsthismorning?”“Atleasttwo,”sheagreed.

“Yay,you!”Yay,indeed,Samthought.

“I’llgetthecoffees.Whydon’tyousnagabenchbeforethetouristsgrabthemall?”

WhenSamrejoinedher,shewasstaringathercellphonewithafrownonherface.“Problem?”heaskedashe

handedoverhercoffee,thensatnexttoher.Shelookedstartledbyhis

return.Shequicklyjammedthephoneinherpurse,thegestureoddlyangry.“No,”shesaidtersely.Samregardedherin

silenceandwaited.“Okay,itwasatextfrom

Marc,”shesaid.“Thedesignerjerk,”Sam

said,drawingafaintsmile.“Couldn’thavedescribed

himbettermyself,”shesaid.“Whatdidhewant?”“Hewantedmetoreturn

hiscallsoroneoftheprevioustentextshe’ssentovernight.”Samfelthisheartbeat

accelerateinsomethingthatfeltlikepanic.“Seemstobeimportant.”Shedrewinadeepbreath,

thenforcedabrightsmilethatdidn’tfooleitheroneofthem.“Nottome.”Sheglancedtowardthebay.“It’sanabsolutelybeautifulmorning,isn’tit?”Thebay,sparklingwith

morningsunlight,wasspreadbeforethem.Thebluesky

wasdottedwiththemerestwispsofwhiteclouds.Ospreysswoopedoverhead,thenheadedforimpressivenestsatoppolesthathadbeenerectedspecificallyforthatpurpose.Thetownhadinstalledtheminanattempttokeeptheospreyfromchoosingthesewaterfrontbenchesfortheirnests,astheyhadoneyear,forcingthehumanstoremainata

distance.Bobbyhadtoldhimaboutthat.ApparentlyadelightedDaveyhadfilledhimin,whileexplainingthattheospreywereprotected.“Beautiful,”Samagreed,

thoughhisgazewasonCarrie.“We’removingintofall.I

wonderhowmanymoregloriousdayswe’llhavelikethis,”Carriesaid,herfaceturneduptothesun.“When

it’slikethis,IwishIcouldsitrightherealldaylong.”“Courtingsunburn?”Sam

teased,touchingafingertiptohernose.“EnoughSPF30andIcan

sithereindefinitely,”shecountered.“Thesefrecklessuggest

you’veforgottenitatimeortwo.”“Yes,well,Momand

Gramcouldn’talwayscatch

mebeforeIgotoutside,”shesaidwithalaugh,thensuddenlypulledhercellphonefromherpurse.Samregardedher

curiously.“Areyougoingtorespondtothattext,afterall?”“Notachance.Youjust

remindedmetoaddsuntanlotiontomylistofsuppliesforthedaycare,”shesaid,typingaquicknotetoherself.

Sampluckedthephonefromhergraspandtuckeditintohisownpocket.“Obviouslymymerepresenceisn’tenoughtodistractyou,”hemurmured.Hereyeswidened.“What

didyouhaveinmind?”“ThesamethingI’vehad

inmindeversincethefirsttimeIdidit,”hesaid,movingcloseruntilhecouldclaimherlips.

Thekisswasasintoxicatingashe’dremembered,maybeevenalittlemorepotent.Champagneintoxicating,ratherthanbeer,perhaps.Whateveritwas,hecouldn’trecallasingletimeinhislifewhenasimplekisshadmadehimlongtoleapintosomethingmorethanbed,somethinglasting.Whenhepulledaway,he

keptahandagainsthercheekinacaress.“JustthewayIremembereditfromtheothernight,”hesaid.“Bettereven.”Carriesmiled.“Ismy

techniqueimproving?”“No,youjustgetmore

infatuatingeverytimeIseeyou.”“Whoknewyouhadsucha

waywithwords?DoesMackknowaboutthat?He’llhaveyouwritingarticlesaswellas

designingthepaper,ifyou’renotcareful.”Samchuckled.“Trustme,

Mackdoesnotinspiremetowaxpoetic.”Heheldhergaze.“Ireallywanttokissyouagain,”hemurmured.“Whydon’tyou?”“BecauseIamsuddenly

verymuchawarethatwearesittinginpublicinbroaddaylightjustacrossthestreetfromshopsownedbyyour

grandmotherandHeather,aswellasLuke’spub.”“Goodpoint,”shesaid,

thoughhersighsuggestedshewasasdisappointedbythatashewas.“Maybewecouldcontinue

thislater,someplacealittlemoreprivate.Ican’tabandonBobbyagaintonight,butyoucouldcomeoverfordinner.Maybehangouttillafterhe’sasleep.Anyinterest?”

“What’sfordinner?”“IthinkIcanmanage

burgersonthegrillandasalad.”“Whydon’tIbring

dessert?I’mthinkingvanillaicecreamandsomepeaches.Ifoundsomeatthefarmstandyesterday,lastoftheseasonmorethanlikely.”“Bobbywilllovethat.”Sheregardedhimwith

surprise.“Notyou?”

Samwinkedather.“Ihaveamuchmoregrown-updessertinmind.”Carrielaughed.“Then

you’reinforabigdisappointment.NotwithBobbyinthehouse.”Herealizedshewasdead

seriousandsighed.“You’reright.Wedon’twanthimtocatchusintheactandstartgettingideas.”“Exactly,”shesaid.

“You’restartingtothinklikeaparent.”“ButIstillwantsomeof

theperksofbeingabachelor,”hetoldher,leaningintostealonemorequickkissmeanttoholdhim.“Patience,”shesaid.“I’m

notgoinganywhere.”She’dtoldSamthatbefore,

buthecertainlydidn’tmindthereassurance.Becausedespiteherenthusiasmforher

day-careprojectandheravowedloveforChesapeakeShores,hecouldn’thelpwonderingifsomedaydowntheroadtheallureofParisorItalywouldsuddenlybecometoostrongtoresist.AndwithMarcReynoldsseeminglytryingtogetbackintothepicture,itwasaconcernhecouldn’tseemtoshake.WasCarrieasimmunetothemanassheseemedtobe?Ordid

hehavethepowertohurtheryetagain?

Carriehadbeensurprisedbyhowmuchredtapewasinvolvedwithgettingherselflicensedtoopenaday-carefacility.Sheprobablyshouldn’thavebeen,givenalltheinstructionsJuliehadgivenher.Maybeitwasthe

factthatinsomanywaysbeinganO’Brienmadelifeeasy.Hergrandfatherwasusuallyabletomakehurdlesdisappear.Notthistime.Shewasdealingwithanew,by-the-booksbureaucracy,andsherelishedthechallenge.Betweenthepaperwork,

doingtherenovationsshefeltwerenecessarytocreateabrightcomfortablespaceforthekids,interviewingforhelp

anddoingbackgroundchecksonhertopcandidates,keepingupwithheronlineclassesandstillvolunteeringatJulie’s,shehadpreciouslittletimeforbabysittinghernephewortheotherO’Brienchildrenwho’dbeencomingaroundforthepastfewmonths.Thefewstolenmomentsshe’dsharedwithSamonthewaterfrontthismorninghadbeenarare

breakfromsendingoffforms,answeringendlessquestions,establishinganaccountatthebankandgoingthroughcatalogsforsupplies.Everythingseemedtotakealotlongerthanshe’danticipated.Shewasinthesmalloffice

she’dcarvedoutforherselfinwhathadoncebeenawalk-incoatclosetandhadjusthungupthetelephoneafterdealing

withyetanotherrequestforinformationshethoughtshe’dalreadysupplied—intriplicate,infact—whenConnorwanderedintocheckontheprogress.Sincehislawofficewasjustupthestreet,hisvisitswereprettymuchdaily.Sowerethoseofalmosteveryoneelseinthefamily,especiallysincehergrandfatherhadassignedoneofhiscrewstodothe

renovationsshewanted.Today,though,she

suddenlyrealizedsomethingwasdifferent.Connorhadanenvelopeinhishandandacat-that-swallowed-the-canarysparkinhiseyes.“Isthatit?”sheasked

excitedly.“AmIlegal?”“Mostly,”hetoldher,

handingoverthepaperwork.“Therewillbeafinalinspectiononceallthework

inhereisfinished,butyou’vepassedallthescreenings.ThestateofMarylandhasdeemedyoufittobetrustedwithchildren.”Shegrinnedathim.“You

soundsurprised.ItoldyouIwasneverinanylegaltrouble.Imighthavegottenintoalotofmischiefovertheyears,butInevercrossedaline.Andunlikesomepeoplewecouldprobablyname,

GrandpaMickneverhadtostepinandcleanupanyofmymesses.”Connorscowledather.

“Hey,IhadonespeedingticketwhenIwasjustateenager.That’sit.”Hergrinspread.“Butit

wasinGrandpaMick’sprizedclassicMustang,whichyoudidnothavepermissiontodrive,asIrecall.”

Heruncle’sscowldeepened.“Mymotherobviouslyhasabigmouth.Shewassupposedtotakethatsecrettohergrave.”Carrielaughed.“Afraid

not.Weallheardthestory.GrandmaMeganseemstoenjoysharingit,especiallywhensheknowsitwillgetGrandpaMickallriledup.”“Let’sstayfocusedon

business,notmymisdeeds,

okay?”Connorgrumbledinawaythatremindedherofjusthowmuchhe’dmaturedfromthoserebelliousteenyears.“Finewithme,”Carrie

said,fightingforamoreseriousexpression.“Whenwereyouhopingto

open?”“GrandpaMicksayshis

crewswillbeoutofherebytheendofSeptember.Allthefurnitureandsuppliesare

scheduledforthefollowingweek.I’dsayweshouldbereadyforthatfinalinspectionbymid-October,orNovember1atthelatest.I’vealreadyhadinquiriesfromafewpeopleaboutwhetherI’llbeopenintimetoacceptkidsforthefallschoolholidayperiodsthatparentscan’talwaysgetofffromwork.AndIhaveahalfdozennamesoffamilieslookingfor

apermanentplacefortheirtoddlersthat’sclosertohome.”“Youhaven’tguaranteed

anything,haveyou?”“Ofcoursenot.I’vetold

themI’llcalltheminuteIhaveallthenecessaryapprovals.Iwanttobecarefulnottotakeontoomanychildrenatonce.Withmebeingnewtothisandanewstaff,Ican’triskus

beingoverwhelmedandmakingmistakes.Tobehonest,I’dbehappyenoughtogetopenbytheendoftheyearonceI’vefinishedmyclassesandgotteninafewmoreweeksofworkingwithJulie.”Connornodded

approvingly.“Smartthinking.”Carriecouldn’tseemto

stopasmilefromspreading

acrossherface.“Connor,thisisreallygoingtohappen,isn’tit?”“Looksthatway.”His

expressionsuddenlyturnedworried.“Youaren’tgoingtopanicandchangeyourmind,areyou?”Thiswasaboutthetenth

memberofthefamilytoaskherthesamequestionthisweekalone.Shewasoutofpatiencewithit.“Howflighty

doyouallthinkIam?Howmanytimeswereyouaskedifyouweresureaboutgoingtolawschool?IdoubtanybodyquestionedmymomaboutgoingtoworkonWallStreet.”Connorgaveheran

incredulouslook.“Areyoukiddingme?EvenafterI’dgraduatedfromlawschoolandgonetoworkinBaltimore,thefamilywasall

overmeforchoosingdivorcelaw.NobodywasveryhappywithmeuntilI’dmovedmypracticedownhere.AndyourmomchosetoworkinNewYorkinitially.Thatcauseditsownsortofruckus.Let’snotforgetKevindecidingtogotoworkforUncleThomas,whichsetmydad’steethonedge.OrBreegoingofftoChicagotobeaplaywright,whichisnotexactlyastable

profession.Thisfamilyisincrediblysupportive,buttheydon’thesitatetonudgeandmaneuverandspeaktheirmindsuntilwe’relivingaccordingtosomegrandplanDadhasinmindforus.”Carriewinced.“Iseeyour

point.Thisjustseemsreallypersonal.”Helaughed.“Well,of

courseitdoes.It’sfocusedonyou.Justrememberthatin

yourcase,they’renotjustaskingbecausetheythinkyoumadethewrongchoice.They’reaskingtogiveyouanopeningtochangeyourmind.O’Briensmaypushandprodtogetanyofustogoinaparticulardirection,butthebottomlineisalltheyreallycareaboutiswhetherwe’rehappy.Ittookmeawhiletograspthatmyself,especiallysincelivinginChesapeake

ShoresonceMomcamebackwasnotpartofmylifeplan.”Shestudiedhim.“No

regretsnow,though,right?”“Notaone.Andallofmy

issueswithMomleavingyearsagoareinthepast.Imaynevertotallyunderstandherchoices,butI’vestoppedreactinglikeanimmaturekid.She’sactuallyaprettygreatpersonandshe’sreallypulledthroughforHeatherandme

morethanonce.”Carrieknewhowhardher

grandmotherhadworkedtomakeamendsforleavingGrandpaMickandmovingtoNewYork,leavingherchildrentoberaisedbyhimandNell.Everyoneinthefamilyhadfinallymadepeacewiththatdifficulttime.“I’mgladyou’vemoved

on,”shetoldheruncle.Heshrugged.“Itwaspast

time.Howaboutyou?AnyregretsaboutnotgoingbacktoEuropeorNewYork?”Sheshookherhead

withoutamoment’shesitation.“Iknowthisisright.Iknowit’sgoingtomakemehappy,”Carriesaidwithcertainty.ShewasconvincedenoughtogorightonignoringallofMarc’stextsandvoicemails.“Thengivethefamilysix

months,showthemhowdeliriouslycontentyouare,andthey’llallbeclaimingitwastheiridea,”Connorsaid.Carrielaughed.Hewas

right.Takingcredit,evenfordecisionsthey’ddiscouragedthatturnedoutokay,wasdefinitelytheO’Brienway.

Thoughhe’dhadnoexperiencedealingwiththem,SamhadheardplentyabouttheterribletwoswhenBobbyhadbeenthatage.Laurelhadcalledfromtimetotimeintears,becauseherstubbornsonseemedtoknowonlyone

word,no,saidemphaticallyinresponsetoanythingsheaskedofhim.TonightitseemedBobby

hadrevertedtothosedaysorsomethingveryclosetoit.WhenSamaskedhimtopickuphisnewtoysthathadbeenleftscatteredalloverthelivingroomfloor,Bobbyscowledathim,turnedhisbackandranfromtheroom.Sinceitwasthefirsttime

he’dbeenopenlydefiantinquitethisway,Samwasshocked.“Youngman,comeback

here,”hecommandedinwhathethoughtsoundedlikeasufficientlyparentaltone.Bobbykeptrighton

running,hisfootstepsechoingonthehardwoodfloors.Whenheevidentlyreachedhisroom,heslammedthatdoorbehindhim.

Samstaredafterhimindismay.Workingtokeepareinonhisowntemper,hetookadeepbreath,walkeddownthehallandopenedthedoor.Heknewheneededtogetanexplanationbeforetacklingtheboy’sintolerablebehavior.Thiswasthefirsttimehe’dfelttheneedtoestablishsomebasicgroundrules.ItwasareminderthatBobby,forallofhisgood

traits,wasstillalittleboyinneedofthekindofguidanceSamwasn’tsurehewasqualifiedtogive.Bobbywassittingonthe

floorwithhisnewTransformers,listlesslymovingthemaround.Hedidn’tgiveSamsomuchasaglance.Samwantedtoscreamatthekidandremindhimwhowasthebossaroundhere,butsomethinginthe

dejectedsetofBobby’sshoulderskepthimfromdoingthat.Instead,hesatonthefloornexttohim.Afterseveralminutesof

continuedsilence,whichgavebothofthemtimetocalmdownandthink,heasked,“Okay,pal,talktome.What’sup?”Bobbycontinuedto

pretendSamwasn’teventhere.WhenSamtouchedhis

shoulder,Bobbyjerkedaway.EventhoughSamremindedhimselfthatthekidwasinsomesortofturmoil,hewassurprisedbyjusthowmuchtherejectionhurt.“Howwasschooltoday?”

Samasked,searchingforsomelogicalexplanationforBobby’smood.Abaddayatschoolwasthefirstthingthatcametomind.Hecouldrecallafewofthoseinhisown

past.Hedrewashrugin

response,whichwasbetterthanbeingignored,butnotexactlyilluminating.“Didyouhaveatest?”Sam

persisted.FailingaspellingtestorgettingamathproblemwronginfrontoftheclassmightseemdevastatingtoakidBobby’sage.Ordidtheyevenhavethosesortoftestsinfirstgrade?Ithadbeena

verylongtimesinceSamhadstartedschool.Samgotnothingin

response.“Atleastrecessmusthave

beenfun.Ordidyoufalldown?Skinyourknee?”Again,nothing.Sambit

backasigh.“Didyourteacherreadto

youtoday?Iknowyoulikethat.”Bobby’sscowldeepened

andtearsleakedoutandtrickleddownhischeeks.“It’snotaboutschool,okay?”heblurtedfinally.“Leavemealone.”Saminchedcloser,but

didn’treachout.“Sorry,buddy.Ican’tdothat.Iknowyou’reupsetaboutsomething.Rememberwhatwedecidedwhenyoufirstcametotown?”Bobbysniffed,butkepthis

gazedowncast.“What?”“Thatwe’reateam,”Sam

remindedhim.“ThatmeansI’myourbackup,soifsomethingorsomebodymakesyoufeelbad,I’mheretohelp.”“Youcan’tfixthis,”Bobby

saidwearily,clearlyresignedtosufferingalone.HisattitudemadeSam

wanttocry.Nosix-year-oldshouldbefeelingthis

defeated.“Fixwhat?MaybeIcan’t,butyouhavetotellmesoIcanatleasttry.”Bobbygavehimawhat’s-

the-pointlook,butwhenSamcontinuedtowaitforareply,hefinallysaid,“Grandmacalled.”“That’snice,”Samsaid

carefully.UsuallycallsfromhisgrandparentsperkedupBobby’sspirits,butclearlytherehadbeensomething

differentaboutthisone.“Whatdidshehavetosay?”Theforlornexpressionthat

washedoverBobby’sfaceoncemoremadeSamwanttocry.“ShesaiditwasDaddy’s

birthdayandaskedmewhatIwasdoingtocelebrate.”HeturnedtoSam,tearsstreamingnow.“ButIwasn’tdoinganything,becauseIforgot.”

ThistimewhenSamreachedouttogatherBobbyclose,theboypracticallythrewhimselfintoSam’sarms,hisshouldersshakingashesobbed.Samfeltlikejoiningin,lettinggooftheemotionsthathe’dkeptmostlyburiedeversincetheaccident.Instead,hefocusedonBobby,whowasclingingtohimasifhewasafraidtoletgo.

“It’sokay,”hesoothed,eventhoughheknewnothingwouldeverbetotallyokayagain.SamwishedRobert’s

motherwereheresohecouldgiveherapieceofhismind,butrationallyheknewshe’donlyreachedouttohergrandsonasawaytofeelconnectedtohersononadayshecouldnolongercelebratewithRobert.Shehadn’t

meanttomakeBobbyfeelbadforforgetting.Heck,evensheprobablyknewthatBobbycouldbarelyrememberwherehe’dkickedoffhisshoesthenightbefore,muchlessimportantdates.“Ididn’tmeantoforget,”

Bobbywhisperedbrokenly.“Itdoesn’tmeanI’veforgottenmydad.”“Iknow,pal.And,believe

me,yourgrandmother’snot

madatyou.She’sprobablyjustfeelingalittlesadtoday.Youknow,thewayyoufeelsometimeswhenyouthinkaboutyourdadoryourmomandrealizeyoucan’tseethem.”Hischeeksstilldamp,

BobbygaveSamahopefullook.“CouldwedosomethingforDad’sbirthday?It’snottoolate,isit?”

“Itisdefinitelynottoolate,”Samsaid,makingaspontaneousdecisiontomakethisright.This,thankgoodness,wasthesortofproblemhecouldhandle.“Carrie’scomingoverinalittlewhile.She’sbringingpeachesandicecreamfordessert.Whydon’tIaskifshecanpickupsomecupcakesandsomebirthdaycandles?”

ThesparkreturnedtoBobby’seyes.“Sometimespeoplehaveballoonsandletthemfloatintotheair,sopeoplecanseethemfromheaven.Couldwedothat,too?”“I’llchecktoseeif

anyplaceisstillopenthatsellsballoonswithheliuminthem,”Sampromised.“Howdoesthatsound?Andwe’lltakepictureswiththecell

phoneandsendthemtoyourgrandmother.Ithinkitwillmakehersmiletoseehowwe’vecelebratedyourdad’sbirthday.”“Allright!”Bobby

enthusedwiththefistpumpSamhadconcludedalwaysaccompaniedhissolidapprovalforanyplan.“Now,whileIcallCarrie

andgettheballrollingforthisbirthdaycelebration,why

don’tyoupickupthosetoyssoshedoesn’ttriponthemandfallonherfacewhenshewalksinthedoor?”“Okay,”Bobbysaid

agreeablyandracedoff.Samstayedwherehewas

anddrewinadeepbreath.He’davertedonecrisis,buthowmanyhundredsmorewouldtherebelikeit?WashereallyuptoprovidingthesupportthatBobbyneeded?

“Nochoice,”heremindedhimselffirmly.“We’reateam.”Thatwasthepromisehe’d

madeandhehadeveryintentionofdoingwhateverwasrequiredtokeepit.Ascrazyasitseemed,itappearedheandhisnephewwouldbegrowinguptogether.

WhenSamtoldCarriewhathadhappened,sheaddedafewextrathingstohershoppinglist.FortunatelyEthel’sEmporiumwasalwayswellstockedwithbirthdaysupplies.Shefoundballoons,abannerthatspelledoutHappyBirthdayincolorfullettersalongwithbirthdaypaperplates,matchingbowlsforicecreamandnapkins.Sheevenfound

asillypairofsunglassesforBobbythathadbirthdaycandlesandwishesontheframe.“DidImissabirthday?”

Ethelasked.“Iusuallyknowwhenone’scomingupbecausehalfyourfamilyisinherebuyingupmostofmystock.”“Longstory,”Carriesaid.

“Butit’snotforanO’Brienthistime.”

“Iimaginetherearegoingtobequiteafewbirthdaypartiesinyourfuture,”Ethelsaid,backingofffromhernaturaltendencytoasktoomanyquestions.“Seemstomeadaycarewillprobablybehavingpartiesonaregularbasis.”CarrieregardedEthelwith

surpriseassherecognizedthevalidityofherstatement,thenimmediatelyduginherpurse

forhercellphone.Sheaddedanothernotetoherlongto-dolist,thenmetEthel’scuriousgaze.“Addingareminder,”sheexplained.“DoIneedtofindasupplierorcouldweworksomethingout?”Ethelbeamedather.“I

wasn’tanglingtomakeasale,butI’mhappytohelpout.I’llgetyouanythingyouneedandgiveyouaproperdiscount,too.Yourfamily

practicallykeepsmeinbusiness.Icandothistoreturnthefavor.”“Iknowweshopinherea

lot,butit’sthetouristswhokeepthistownafloateconomically,”Carriesaid.“I’veseenformyselfhowmanybagstheycarryoutofhereonanygivenday.”“Onanygivensummer

day,”Ethelcorrected,thenpaused,herexpression

thoughtfulassheapparentlyconsideredherbusinesstrends.“Okay,andmaybeinthespringandfall,butit’sthelocalswhoseetoitImakeitthroughthewinter.I’mnotlikelytoforgetthat.Ithelpsthatyourgranddaddyisinheremosteverydaybuyingabigsackofpennycandyforallthekidshespoils.”Carrielaughed.“CaitandI

werethefirstbeneficiariesof

that.BetweenhimandTrace,it’sawonderourteethdidn’trot.”“Well,youandyourtwin

stillhavethoseprettysmiles,soitdidn’tdoeitherofyouanyharm.Iimaginetheothergrandchildrenandgreat-grandchildrenwilldojustfinewithallthatsugar,too.”SheputCarrie’spurchasesintoabag,thentiedahalfdozenribbonsaroundher

wristtokeeptheballoonsfromsailingaway.“Haveagoodtime

tonight,”Ethelcalledafterher.Ethel’swordslingeredas

Carrieleftthestore.ShethoughtofwhatSamhadinmindfordessert.Maybetheywouldn’tquitegettothat,giventheirpint-sizechaperone,buttheappetizerleadinguptoitpromisedto

besuperb.

Tearsforgotten,BobbywasbouncingwithexcitementbythetimeCarriearrivedontheirdoorstepladendownwithbags.ToBobby’sunmistakabledelight,shehadabunchofcolorfulballoonsonlong,matchingribbons.“You’dbettertietheseto

thebackofachairorsomething,”sheadvisedSamwhenshehandedthemover.“Otherwise,they’llbeontheceilingwhenitcomestimetoreleasethem.”ShegrinnedatBobby.“Isthatwhatyouhadinmind—lettingthemgo,sothey’dfloatintotheskywhereyourdadcanseethem?”Bobbynodded.“Won’t

thatbecool?”

“Itwillbeamazing.”Shebrushedhishairbackfromhisforehead,thetendergestureremindingSamthatBobbywasinneedofahaircut,somethingelsehe’dforgottenabout.“Andyou’resosweettohavethoughtofit.”Sambitbackachuckleas

Bobbymadeanexaggeratedgaggingsound.“Notsweet?”Carrieasked

innocently.“Howaboutawesome?Incredible?Stupendous?”Bobby’sexpression

falteredatthelastsuggestion.“Idon’tknowwhatthatonemeans.”“Itmeansamazing.”Hissmilecameback.

“Cool.”“Let’sseewhatelsewe

haveherefortheparty,”Samsaidashestartedpoking

throughthebags.“Cupcakeswithchocolatefrosting.”“Theverybestkind,”

Bobbysaid.“Daddylovedchocolate.That’swhathealwayswantedforhisbirthday.”Carriestudiedhim.“Is

chocolateokayforyou,too?”“Ilovechocolate,”he

confirmed.Shenoddedwithevident

satisfaction.“Ihadafeeling

aboutthat.”“Candles,plates,and

what’sthis?”Samdrewapairofbrightlycoloredbirthdaysunglassesfromthebag.“Who’swearingthese?Notme,Ihope,”hesaid,evenasheputthemon.Bobbydoubledoverwith

giggles.“Youlooksilly.”Carriesmiled.“Ithinkthey

makeyoulookveryhandsome.Noteveryguyis

manenoughtocarryoffthatstyle.”Samfelthisheartflipover

justalittleattheteasing.“Andyou,Ms.FashionExpert,thinkIam?”heasked,holdinghergaze.“Definitely.”Somethingwarmand

almosttangibleshimmeredintheairbetweenthemuntilBobbycutinimpatiently.“IthinkIshouldgetto

weartheglasses,”hesaid.Samfeignedreluctanceas

heremovedthem.“Isupposesincethispartyisforyourdad,youprobablyshouldgettoweartheglasses,butit’sgoingtobereallyhardformetopartwiththem.”Bobbylookedasifhe

weren’tquitesureifSamwasserious.Eventuallyheseemedtoconcludehemightbe.“Youcanhavethemback

whentheparty’sover.”“Thanks,pal,”Samsaid.

“Nowlet’sgetthispartystartedbeforeitgetsdarkout.Bobby,helpCarrieputtheicecreaminthefreezer,sowedon’twindupeatingvanillasoup.”“Yuck!”Bobbysaid,

grabbingherhandandpullinghertowardthekitchen.Astheypassedcloseby,

Samleanedtowardherand

whispered,“Iamreally,reallylookingforwardtodessert.”Shegavehimablandlook,

eventhoughhereyesweretwinkling.“Iintendtosavoreverybiteofthemaincourse.”Bobbygavethetwoof

themanoddlook.“Iwanteverything,”hedeclared.“Thengetthaticecream

putawayandlet’sgetthe

grillfiredupfortheburgers.Thebutteredcornisreadytogoon,too.Theguyatthefarmstandsaysit’saboutthelastoftheSilverQueenvarietyforthisyear.Bringthesaladwithyouwhenyoucomeout.Bottlesofdressingareinthedoorofthefridge.”TwentyminuteslaterSam

andCarriewereeatingcheeseburgerswiththickslicesoftomato,whileBobby

ateahotdog,alast-minutesubstitutioninthemenu.Samhadcutthegrilledcobsofcornintomanageable,sweetlydeliciousbite-sizesections.“BestburgerI’vehadall

summer,”Carriedeclared.“Ithoughtyourfamilyhad

bigbarbecuesallthetime,”Samsaid.“Oristhatjustwishfulthinkingonmypart?”“Oh,no.GrandpaMick

considershimselfkingofthegrill.He’sinhisgloryatourannualFourthofJulycelebration,thebiggestfamilyeventoftheyearasidefromChristmasandThanksgiving.Unfortunately,he’seasilydistracted,sowesometimesgetvery,verywell-donehamburgers,andthat’sbeingkind.”Shetookanotherbiteofhercheeseburger,closedhereyes

andsighed.“These,however,areperfect.”“Amazing,considering

howeasilyyoucandistractme,”Samsaid.“That’swhyIstayedbusy

insideforsolong,”Carrieclaimed,grinning.“Ifyouthinkaboutit,Ididnotappearuntilyou’dputtheseburgersontotheirbuns.”“Soweowethesuccessof

mycookingtoyour

forethoughtandconsideration?”heasked,laughing.Shenoddedsolemnly.“I

thinkso.”“Whenarewegonnahave

cupcakesandicecream?”Bobbyasked,hismouthfullofhotdog.“Whenyoufinisheating,”

Samtoldhim.“Swallow,please,beforeyouspeak.”“Oh,yeah,”Bobbysaid,

thenmadeashowofchewing.Heputtherestofthehotdogonhisplate.“I’mdone.”Carriestoodup.“Okay,

then.Icecreamandcupcakescomingup.”“I’llhelpyougetthem,”

Samsaid,standingtofollowher.Inside,hemovedclose,

turnedheraroundandtiltedherchin,thenclaimedher

lips.“I’vebeenwantingtodothatsinceyougothere,”hesaid,evenashereluctantlytookastepback.“Butthat’sprobablygoingtohavetoholdme.GivenBobby’simpatience,hecouldwalkinhereanysecond.”“Goodthinking,”Carrie

said.“Butjustsoyouknow,it’sbeenonmymind,too.”“That’sencouraging.”

Whensheturnedandwould

havereachedouttoopenthefreezerdoor,heputhishandoverhers.“Carrie,arewecrazy?”“Whatdoyoumean?”“You’reinthemiddleof

thislife-alteringcareerchange.I’manovernightsingledad.Areeitherofusinanypositiontomakeourlivesmorecomplicated?”“Idon’tknow,”shesaid

softly.“ButIknowwhatmy

grandmotherwouldsay.”“What’sthat?”“Thatlovedoesn’talways

comealongwhenit’sconvenient.”Nosoonerhadthewordsleftherlipsthansheblushed.“Notthatwe’retalkingaboutlove,ofcourse.Thisislust,right?That’sallitis.”Shesoundedsodesperate,

Sambarelyresistedlaughing.“Areyouaskingmeortelling

me?”“Ihonestlydon’tknow.

Howaboutyou?Whatdoyouthinkisgoingon?”BeforeSamcouldanswer,

Bobbyburstintothekitchen.“What’stakingsolong?”Samdrewinadeepbreath.

“We’llbethereinaminute.Whydon’tyougettheballoonsfromthediningroom.Hangontight,though,andI’lltiethemtosomething

outsideassoonasIgetthere.”“Hurryup!”Bobby

commandedexcitedly.“It’sgonnabetoodarktosee’emfloatawayprettysoon.”Asheranoff,Samonce

againturnedCarrietofacehim.“Tobecontinued,”heassuredher,thentouchedhercheekwithaquickcaress.“That’sapromise.”“Agreed.”

Bobbychosethatmomenttoracebackthrough,theballoonsclutchedtightlyinhishand.SamandCarriefollowedwithbowls,plates,icecream,cupcakesandcandles.Sampulledouthiscellphone,readytorecordtheimpromptuparty.AsBobbyhadreminded

them,thesunwassinkingtowardthehorizoninafinalburstofcolor.Carriequickly

litthecandlesonthecupcakesandtheyallmadewishesandblewthemout,thenBobbysolemnlyreleasedtheballoonsintotheair.“Happybirthday,Dad!”he

said,hisheadtilteduptofollowthepathoftheballoonsastheydriftedaway,brightspotsofred,blue,greenandpurpledottingthelaststreaksoforange-tintedsky.

Carriestartedsinging“HappyBirthday”andBobbyandSamchimedin.Nearlyoverwhelmedbythesweetpoignanceofthemoment,Samrecordeditallwithhiscellphone,thenshutitoffasthefinalnotesofthesongandthelastballoondriftedawayontheeveningbreeze.“Thatwasthebestbirthday

partyever!”Carriesaid,givingBobby’sshouldera

squeeze.“Iknowyourdadissohappyyouthoughtofit.”“Imisshim,”Bobby

whispered,thenreachedoutforSam’shand.“ButnowIhaveyou.”“That’sright,”Samsaid,

hisvoiceoddlychoked.“Nowyouhaveme.”Forbetterorworse.And

everysingleday,heintendedtopraylikecrazythatitwouldbeforthebestforthis

littleboywho’dlostsomuch.

ThecallfromtheschoolthemorningafterthebirthdaycelebrationcaughtSamcompletelyoffguard.Hewasuptohiseyeballswithtryingtocorrectaseriousglitchonthepaper’swebsitewhenthecounselorcalledtotellhimBobbyhadbeeninafighton

theplayground.He’dgottenasplitlip,whichtheschoolnursethoughtmightneedstitches.“What’swrong?”Mack

askedwhenhehungupthephone,obviouslyshaken.Samfilledhimin.“Ican’t

imagineBobbyinafight.Ihavetogo.Heneedstoseeadoctor.”“Go,”Macksaidatonce.“OrIcouldgethim,”Susie

offered.ShehadbroughtinlunchforthemsincecorrectingthetechproblemhadbothMackandSamtearingtheirhairout.SamhaddiscoveredthatSusiewasconvincedthatMackforgottoeatfartoooften.“JustcalltheschoolbackandtellthemIhavepermissiontopickhimup,thencallNoah’sofficeandtellthemit’sokaytotreathim.I’llbringhimbyhere

afterthat,soyoucanseeforyourselfhowhe’sdoing.”Samwassorelytemptedto

lethergo.“Idon’tknow...”Hehesitated,thinkingoftheboundariesthathadbarelybeenputintoplace.RelyingonSusie,eveninanemergencylikethisone,seemedrisky.Still,thiswebproblemneededtoberesolved.Susiegavehimalookthat

wasalmostpleading.“Please,letmedothis,Sam.Bobbyprobablyneedsamom’stouchrightnow.”Alarmedbyherchoiceof

words,SamglancedatMack,whogaveasubtleshakeofhishead.Thatwasenoughtoconvincehimhisinstincttodothishimselfwasright.“I’vegotit,”hesaid,

standingup.“Thanksfortheoffer,Susie,buthe’sboundto

bescared.Besides,Ineedtogettothebottomofwhatthefightwasaboutinthefirstplace.”Susielookedasifshewas

abouttoprotest,butMackreachedforherhandandgaveherapointedlook.“Go,”Macktoldhim.“I’llbebackassoonasI

can,”Sampromised.“HereareacoupleofthingsyoumighttrywhileI’mgone.I

thinkweweregettingclosetofixingtheproblem.”“Don’tworryaboutit.

FocusonwhatBobbyneeds,”Macksaid.Samhadahunchthiswas

yetanotherofthosetestsofparenthood,andforjustaminutethere,he’dalmostfailedit.

MacksteeledhimselfforafightwithhiswifeasSamleftthenewspaperoffice.“Whydidyoudothat?”

Susieimmediatelydemanded.“IcouldhavetakenBobbytothedoctor.”“Ofcourseyoucould

have,”Mackagreedreasonably.“Butitwasn’tyourplace.”“Afriendcan’tstepinto

help?”

Macksighed.“Sweetheart,ifIthoughtitwasnothingmorethanafriendlygesture,I’dhavegonealongwithit,butitwasmorethanthatandwebothknowit.SodoesSam.”Susiescowledathim.

“Suchas?”“Yousaidityourself.You

thoughtBobbyneededamother’stouch.You’renothismother.”

“Iknowthat.”Mackheldhergazeand

thistimeheknewhecouldnolongerdancearoundtheissueinanattempttoprotecthiswife’sfeelings.“Doyoureally?I’veseenhowyouarewithBobby.I’veseenthelonginginyoureyes.Ihavetowondersometimesifyou’renothopingSamwilldecidebeingadadistoomuchtrouble,sowecanstep

in.”“That’saterriblethingto

say!”shesaid,butshewastremblingandthesadlookinhereyestoldtherealstory.“Canyoudenyit?”Mack

askedgently.Hesawhowmuchshe

wantedto,butSusieneverhadbeenverygoodatlying,eventoherself.“Okay,no,Ican’tdenyit,”

sheconcededwearily.“On

someawful,selfishlevel,Ithinkthatchilddeservestwoparentswhowouldloveandnourishhimthewaywecould.”“Sam’sdoinghisbest.And

todayisachanceforhimtotakeonemorestepalongthedifficultlearningcurveofbeingaparent.Youmighthavebeenabletohandlethesituation,butintheend,SamhastofilltheroleofBobby’s

dadandweneedtogivehimthatchance.”TearsspilleddownSusie’s

cheeks.“You’reright.Iknowyouare.”Mackstoodupandclosed

thedoortohisoffice,thenpulledhiswifeontohislap.“Suze,Iknowhowbadlyyouwantachild,”hesaid,holdinghertightandbrushingthetearsfromhercheeks.“Iwantthatforyou,

forus.Anditwillhappenwhenthetimeisright.IfIcouldmakeithappentoday,Iwould.”“Iknow,”shewhispered,

restingherheadonhisshoulder.“I’msorryIgetsocrazy.AndI’msorryIkeepdoingthingsthatnecessitatemyapologizingtoyou,toCarrie,topracticallyeveryoneinmyfamily.SometimesIthinkthisisthe

onlythinginmyentirelifethatmatters,eventhoughwhenI’mrationalIrecognizethatIhavesomuchtobethankfulfor.”ShegazedintoSam’seyeswithregret.“I’msorryifImakeyoufeelasifyoudon’tmatterenough.”“Comeon,sweetheart,”

Mackchided.“It’snotaboutme.Iknowthat.”Shesighedheavily.“Ihope

so,becauseIdoloveyou

morethananything.”“Andwearegoingtoget

throughthis,”hesaid,prayingitwasapromisehecouldkeep.

SamfoundBobbyinthenurse’soffice,holdingabandagetohislip,abruisealreadyformingunderhiseye.“Hey,buddy,”Samsaid,

sittingdownnexttohim.“You’vegotquiteashiner

comingon.How’dthathappen?”Thesix-year-oldregarded

himwithstoicsilence.Thenursegavehimashrugsuggestingthatsheknewnomorethanhedidaboutwhateverhadcausedthefight.“Let’sgetovertothe

doctor’sofficeandlethimtakealookatyourlip,”Samsuggested.“That’sapretty

badcut.”FearsparkedinBobby’s

eyes.“Willhehavetouseaneedle?”“Hemight,”Samtoldhim

honestly.Bobbycrossedhisarms

overhischest.“No!”“Buddy,wehavetoletthe

doctordecideanddowhateverhethinksisbest.”“No!”Bobbyrepeated.Samcastahelplesslookat

thenurse.ShesatdownonBobby’sotherside.“Youknowhe’llgiveyou

somethingsoitwon’thurt,”shetoldhimgently.“Andtherumoristhathehaslollipopsforhisbravestpatients.”“Gram’paMickhascandy,

too,”Bobbysaid,asifthedoctor’sofferingweren’tallthatspecial.“ButGrandpaMickcan’t

fixupyourcut,”Sam

remindedhim.Bobbyseemedtobe

consideringthetruthofthat.“I’llgoifCarriecomes,too,”hesaidfinally,startlingSam.“Ithinkthisissomething

youandIcanhandle,”Samtoldhim,determinedtoholdhisground.Hewasn’tsurewhyhewassoinsistent,butitseemedimportanttoprove,ifonlytohimself,thathecouldcareforBobbyonhisown.

Bobby’sexpressionturnedevendarker.“No!IwantCarrie.”Asbadlyashewantedto

stayfirm,Samconcludedthiswasn’tthetimeorplaceforanargument.“I’llcallCarriewhenwegetinthecarandaskhertomeetusthere,”heconceded.“Ifshe’sfreeandcloseby,she’llbetherewhenwegetthere.How’sthat?”“Iguessthat’sokay,”

Bobbyrelented.AfewminuteslaterCarrie

metthematthedoctor’soffice,whichwasinthesameblockashernewbusiness.ShegaveBobbyareassuringhug,thenglancedcuriouslyatSamasBobbydriftedofftowardaselectionoftoysinthewaitingroom.“Whenyoucalled,it

almostsoundedasifyouweren’tsureI’dcome,”she

saidquietly.“Youhavealotgoingon

rightnow.Iwasn’tevensureifyou’dbeintown.Ididn’twanttodragyouallthewaybackfromJulie’s.”“NothingIhavetodois

moreimportantthanthis,”shesaid,regardinghimcuriously.AfterglancingdowntomakesurethatBobby’sattentionwasfocusedonsomeLEGOsin

thewaiting-roomplayarea,shesaid,“Didn’tyouwantmehere?Ifthat’sit,whydidyoubothercalling?”Samsighed.“It’sjustthatI

relyonyoualot,mostrecentlylastnight,tobailmeoutofyetanothertightspot.”“Theimpromptubirthday

party?”shesaidincredulously.“Thatwasfun.Itwasn’tanimposition.Sam,IknowyouandIhavea

wholelotofthingsweneedtofigureout.”“Oneofthethingswe

agreedtowasthatwedidn’twanttoconfuseBobbywhilewewerefiguringouttherest,”heremindedher.“True,butIthoughtwe

werefriends.Friendsstepupinabind,nomatterwhatelsemightbegoingon.”Samsuddenlyfelt

ridiculousformakingtoo

muchoutofthis.Hadhewantedtousethisincidenttoprovehewasuptothetaskoffatherhood?Nowwasn’tthetimeforhispridetokickin.Sincehedidn’twanttoadmittothat,hesaid,“ButBobbyisn’tyourresponsibility.”Carrieheldhisgazefora

verylongtime,disappointmentinhereyes.“Oneofthesedaysweneedtotalkaboutthedifference

betweenresponsibilityandcaringenoughtobearoundforthepeoplewelove,”shesaid.“Ifyoudon’tgetthat,thenmaybeweshouldn’tevenconsideranythingmore.”BeforeSamcouldsaya

wordinhisowndefense—assumingheevenhadone—NoahMcIlroycameoutofthebacktogetBobbyandthemomentended,leavingSam

moreshakenthanhe’dbeeninalongtime.NoteventhecallfromtheschoolhadgottentohimthesamewaythatCarrie’squietlyspokenrebukehad.

Bobbyisn’tyourresponsibility.TheentiretimeCarriewas

intheexaminingroom,

BobbyclutchingherhandtightlyasNoahputtwostitchesintohislip,shewasfightingthehurtthathadspreadthroughheratSam’scomment.Howcouldtheypossiblyhavebeensocloselastnight,onlytohavehimuttersuchcarelesswordstoday?She’dthoughtthey’dbeenmakingrealprogresstowardsomethingmeaningful,andinasplit

second,he’ddestroyedthatillusionandputherinherplace.ShewasawareofNoah

studyinghercuriously,butknewhewouldneveraskthequestionsthatweresoclearlyonhismind,suchaswhyshewasherewithBobbyorwhysheandSamcouldn’tevenlookeachotherintheeye.“Goodjob!”Noahtold

Bobbywhenhewasfinished.

“Youwereverybrave.”“Thenurseatschoolsaid

youmighthavelollipops,”Bobbysaidhopefully.Noahchuckled.“Ido,

indeed.”Hepulledacartonwithanassortmentofflavorsfromoneofthedrawers.“Nowhere’sthedeal.Itmightbebestifyoudon’teatthisrightnow.Yourlip’sgoingtobenumbforalittlebitlongerandyoudon’twant

todribblealloveryourself.Canyousavethistilltomorrow?”“Tomorrow?”Bobby

repeatedasifitwereaneternityuntilthen.“Butbytonight,Ithink

perhapsyoucouldhaveaPopsicle,”Noahofferedasaconsolation.“Maybeeventwo.Theicewouldfeelrealgoodonyourlip.”BobbyturnedtoSam.“Can

wegetsome?”“I’llstopatthestore,”Sam

promised.“Icouldtakehimhome,

whileyoudothat,”Carrieoffered,thencouldn’tseemtostopherselffromadding,“UnlessI’dbeoverstepping.”Samwincedatherwords.

Noahlookedevenmoreintrigued.CarriesimplystoodthereandwaitedtoseewhatSamwouldsay.

“Ifyouhavethetime,thatwouldbegreat,”hesaid.“I’llgiveBobbyasmall

doseofchildren’sTylenolbeforeyouleave,”Noahsaid.“He’llprobablysleepforawhilethisafternoon.Youcangivehimmorelaterifhe’sinpain,butasbraveasheis,heshouldbejustfine.BringhimbacknextweekandI’llremovethestitches.Callorstopbyifyouhaveany

questionsorifanythingdoesn’tseemright.”“Thanks,”Samsaid,

shakinghishand.“Iappreciateyourseeingusonshortnotice.”“Hey,playgroundwar

woundsalwaysgetpriorityaroundhere,”Noahtoldhim.Carrieaddedherown

thanks.“How’stheday-carecenter

coming?”Noahaskedher.

“AllIneedarethefinalinspectionapprovalsandwe’llbereadytoopen.Afewmoreweeksshoulddoit,”shesaid,hopingheroptimismwasn’tmisplaced.“Great.I’llhaveJackson

thereondayone.MaybeyoucangiveCaitandmeatourwhenshe’shomethisweekend.”“Absolutely,”Carrie

promised,thoughshehada

hunchthattheyweregoingtobefarmoreinterestedinherrelationshipwithSamthantheywereintheselectionoftoysandthecolorschemeathernewenterprise.Outside,Samhandedhera

housekey.“ThanksfortakingBobbyhome.I’llbethereasquicklyaspossible,soyoucangetbacktowork.”“Sure,”shesaid,barely

resistingthedesiretostarta

fightwithhimabouthisattitudetowardherinvolvement.He’dcalledher,blastitall.Andshewasn’tSusie,likelytomisconstruewhathisrequestmeant.“We’llseeyouatthehouse.”Inthebackseatofhercar

withhisseatbelton,Bobby’seyelidswerealreadydroopingfromtheday’sexcitement.Whenshepulledtoastopinfrontofthehouse,though,his

eyesblinkedopen.“We’rehome,”shesaid,

walkingquicklyaroundtohelphimgetout.“Youfeelingsteadyonyourfeet?”“Uh-huh,”hesaid,then

wobbledalittle.Stillhelookedindignant

whensheofferedtocarryhim.“Icanwalk,”hesaid,thenheadedunsteadilyforthefrontdoor.Carrieopenedit,thentook

himstraighttohisroom.Sheremovedhisshoesandhelpedhimontothebed.Hiseyeswereclosedbythetimehisheadhitthepillow.Shesatnexttohim,herheartachingasshebrushedhishairfromhisforehead.Longlashesthatgirlswouldonedayenvybrushedhischeeks.Hissweetlittlemouthwasswollenandredandtherewasalreadyabruiseunderoneeye.

“Whatonearthwereyoufightingabout?”shemurmuredtoherselfasshewatchedtheriseandfallofhischest.ShewonderedifSamhadanyidea.Shewasstillsittingthere

whenSamgothome.Shetensedatthesoundofthefrontdoorclosing,thenmadeherselfgetupandgointothekitchenwherehewasputtingawaythePopsicles.

Heturnedslowlywhenshecameintotheroom.“Howishe?”“Downforthecount,”she

said,notingtherawanguishinhiseyes.“Areyouokay?”Heshookhishead.“When

Igotmyfirstlookathiminthenurse’soffice,Ithinkmyheartstopped.”“Getusedtoit,”she

advised,wishingshehadtherighttoputherarmsaround

himandoffercomfort.Lessthanadayago,shewouldhave.Nowshefeltentirelytoouncertainofherstatusaroundhere.“Littleboysarepronetocutsandscrapes.”“Andfights?Athisage?”“That’sprobablynotquite

astypical,”sheconceded,thoughshe’dmediatedseveralatJulie’sday-carecenterinvolvingboysnotmucholder.“Anyideawhat

onearthhewasfightingabout?”“None.Thenursehadno

ideaeitherandBobbywasn’ttalking.Ishouldprobablygivetheteacheracallnowthattheimmediatecrisisisoverandseewhatshehastosay.”Hepausedandmutteredacurseunderhisbreath.“IneedtocallMack,too.”“Heknowsaboutwhat’s

goingonalready,right?”

“Yes,butItookoffinthemiddleofawebsitecrash.Iwassupposedtocomebacktodealwithit.”“Thengo,”shesaidat

once.“Icanstayheretillyougethome.”Shesawanotherofthoseannoyinglooksthatsuggestedhedidn’twanttoinconvenienceher.“OrI’llstaytillyoucangetsomebodyelse,ifyoudon’twantmehere.”

Guiltdarkenedhiseyes.Hescrubbedhishandoverhisface.“Carrie,IamsosorryifI’vemadeyoufeelasifyouhavenoplacehere.I’mnotevensurewhyIletmyselfgetsocrazytoday.MaybeitwasbecauseSusiewastryingtotakeoverandIgotdefensiveaboutthat.ThenBobbywantedyouwithhim,notme,andIhaterelyingonyou,onanyone,rightnow.Ineedto

knowIcanhandlethisstuffonmyown,butthetruthisthatIcan’t.WhenIarrivedatthenurse’sofficeatschoolandsawthatblackeyeandsplitlip,Ifeltcompletelyhelpless.IwantedtoburstintotearsmyselfandcurseLaurelforputtingmeintothisposition.”Carriefeltthestartofher

tensioneasing.“Welcometoparenthood!Doyouthink

there’saparentonearthwhohasn’tfeltthatwaythefirsttimehisorherbabygetsacutorbruisethattheycouldn’tprevent?TheonlyadultIknowwhoseemstohandlethatwithcompleteaplombisGram.Nellhasseenmorethanhershareofinjuriesandcometoacceptthatthevastmajorityaremessy,butnotlife-threatening.She’sreallytheoneyouwantaroundina

crisis.Therestofusjustdothebestwecan.”ThecornersofSam’s

mouthlifted.“AreyousuggestingyouwereasscaredasIwas?”“Notsomuchscaredas

wantingtocrybecauseBobbywasinpain.”“Butyoudidn’t.”“Neitherdidyou,”she

remindedhim.“Youdideverythingjustright,Sam.

YouevencalledmewhenBobbyaskedforme,ratherthanmakinghimtoughitout.”Sheriskedtakingastep

closerandthistimeshedidputherhandonhischeek.“Youdidjustfine,Sam.”“Ihavetowonderifevery

dayisgoingtobringsomenewchallengethat’sgoingtomakemefeelcompletelyinept.”

“Morethanlikely,”shesaidcandidly.“Butthinkaboutlastnight.WhenBobbywassadandlost,youpulledtogetherexactlytherightsortofcelebrationofhisdad.Youmadeeverythingokayagain.”Samsighed.“Hismomand

dadaregone.Nothingwilleverbeokayagain.”“Itwon’tbethesame

again,”shecorrected.“Butitwillbeokay,becausehehas

you.”Shehesitated,thenadded,“Andme,ifyouwantmearound.”Hereachedforherthen

andpulledherintohisarms.Carrieacceptedtheembraceandtheapologythatwasinhisactions,ifnotexactlyinhiswords.“Iwantyouaround,”he

said.“MorethanIprobablyshould.You’regoingtogetsickofbeingmygo-to

person.”Carrietouchedafingerto

hislips.“Kissme.”Samlookedstartled,but

thenhebenthisheadandclaimedherlips.Likeadrowningman,heclungtoherandkissedheruntiltheywerebothbreathinghard.Whenhefinallypulled

away,Carriecaughtherbreath,thensmiled.“Therearesomedefiniteperksthat

gowithbeingthego-topersoninyourlife.”“It’snotnearlyenough

comparedtowhatIoweyou.”“Letmebethejudgeof

that.Nowgobacktowork.I’llbeherewhenyoucomehome.Ifwe’relucky,Bobbywillbesleepingsoundly.”Agrintuggedathislips.

“Whatonearthwillwedo,then?”

“Ihaveafewideas.We’lldiscussthemwhenyougethome.”Sheshrugged.“Ornot.MaybeI’lljustshowyou.”ShelaughedasSampulled

outhiscellphoneandhitspeeddial.“Whatareyoudoing?”sheasked.“CallingMack.Ifthere’sa

Godinheaven,hewillhavesolvedthatwebsiteproblemwithoutme.”

“Butyouwon’tbereallyhappyuntilyouseeforyourselfthatit’sbeenhandledproperly.Go.”Hehesitated,thenasked,

“We’reokay,evenaftermyslightlapseintoidiocy?”“We’reokay,”sheassured

him.Heclaimedherlipsone

moretime,thenheadedforthedoor.“Hurryhome,”shecalled

afterhim.“Ilikehowthatsounds,”

hesaid,thenclosedthedoorbehindhim.Carrielikedit,too,

probablyalittletoomuch,givenhowproneSamwastopanickingoverwherethingswereheadedbetweenthem.

Unfortunatelythetechissue

atthepaperhadn’tbeenresolved.IttookSamandMackhoursoffrustratingworkandwaytoomanycallstotheirserviceprovidertogeteverythingbackonlineandfunctioningproperly.“DoyouthinkKristin

Lewisdeliberatelyleftsomesortofbugintherejusttoyankyourchain?”Samasked,referringtothewomanwho’dinitiallydesignedthe

websiteandgottenitupandrunning.HeknewsheandMackhadaromantichistoryshe’dhopedtorecapturewhenshe’dcometotown.Ithadbeenamessysituation,complicatedwhenasubsequentrelationshipwithLukeO’Brienhadfallenapart,aswell.Macklookedstartledby

thesuggestion.“Ican’timaginethat.Ithought

KristinandIwereondecenttermsbythetimesheleft.”“Shewasstillthewoman

scorned,”Samremindedhim.“Well,itdoesn’tmatter,”

Macksaid.“Kristingotabetterjobclearacrossthecountry,andwe’vesolvedtheproblemonceandforall.”HeslappedSam’shandinacelebratoryhighfive.“Wethinkwe’vesolved

theproblem,”Samcorrected.

“IthoughtIhaditfixedlastweek,remember?Ifitcropsupagain,I’mseriousaboutlookingintosabotage.IfKristinisthewebgeniuseveryonesaysshewas,shecouldbehackinginfromanywhere.”“Iamnotgoingthere,”

Macksaid.“Infact,theonlythingI’mgoingtodorightnowisgohomeandspendwhat’sleftoftheevening

withmywife.Ihonestlythinkwemayhaveturnedacornerearliertoday.”HegaveSamawearylook.“OfcourseI’vethoughtthatbefore.”“DidsheunderstandwhyI

hadtopickBobbyupmyself?”“Eventually,”Macksaid.

“ButIdon’tthinkI’llmentionthatCarriegotinvolved.Itmightsetheroffagain.EverytimeIthink

thosetwohavemendedfences,anotherincidentcropsup.”“Carrieisgoingtobe

involvedwithBobbyandme,”Samsaidflatly.“Susieneedstoacceptthat.”“Thenit’sgottenserious?”

Mackasked.“It’sdefinitelymovingin

thatdirection,”Samsaid.“I’mscaredtodeathaboutthat.Thingsinmylifeare

changingwaytoofastforme.NotthatlongagoIwastheguywhowasalwaysreadytomoveonorgoonsomedangerousadventureatthedropofahat.Now,hereIam,adadandputtingdownrootsandthinkingaboutaddingawomantothemixforthelonghaul.Afewmonthsago,Iwouldn’thavebetfiftycentsonanyofthateverhappening.”

Macklaughed.“Wasthatpanicthatjustwashedacrossyourface?”Samnodded.“Morethan

likely.”Hepaused,thoughtaboutit,thenadded,“Youknowwhat,though?It’snotquiteasterrifyingasIexpectedittobe,becauseit’sBobbyandit’sCarrie.DoyouknowwhatImean?”“Believeme—Iknow

exactlywhatyoumean.Iwas

theultimateplayer,”Mackadmitted,hisexpressionnostalgic.“Ihadnointentionofeverallowingarelationshiptogetserious.Susiewiselyvowedshe’dneverevengooutwithaguywhotossedwomenawaythewayIdid.”Macklaughed.“Andthen

lightningstruckandIrealizedSusiewastheone.ForthefirsttimeinmylifeIknew

exactlywhatIwantedandwhoIwantedtobewith.”Helaughed.“Tomyeverlastingregret,ittookalotlongertoconvincehertotakeachancethatI’dmendedmyways.”“Noregrets?”“Notforme,”Macksaid

withouthesitation.“Notaone,evennowwhenthingsarerocky.IknowwebelongtogetherandIbelievewewillhaveachild.SusieandIare

inthistogetherfortherestofourlives.”Listeningtothedeeply

heldconvictionbehindMack’swords,Samnodded.HewantedtobelievethatstronglyinwhathehadwithCarrie.Hewasmorethanhalfwaythere.Hethoughtshemightbe,too.Hewasn’tsurewhatitwouldtaketogettherestofthewayorifeitherofthemwereuptothe

challenge,but,ifdeterminationtotakethatfinalleapcountedforanything,they’dgetthere.

BobbyhadgrapePopsicledribblingdownhischinandalloverhishandsandshirt.Carriehadgivenuptryingtokeepupwiththedripsandfiguredthisshirt,liketheone

he’dwornearlier,wouldeithercomecleaninthewashormakeanexcellentdustcloth.Theyweresittingonthe

backdecktosavethekitchenfloorfromtheinevitablestickiness,whenSamfoundthem.“Hey,buddy!Howareyou

feeling?”“Better,”Bobbyreported.

“I’mhavingPopsiclesfor

dinner.”“Excellent.”Hisgaze

soughtoutCarrie’sandheld.“Everythingokayaroundhere?”“We’redoingfine,ifyou

don’tcountthefactthatthisisthesecondshirtwe’veprobablylosttoPopsiclestains.”Samshrugged.“They’reT-

shirts.They’reexpendable.”“Mysentimentexactly.”

Sam’sexpressionsobered.HeliftedBobbyupandsathimonhislap.Inatoneheobviouslymeanttobecasual,hesaid,“So,pal,maybeyoushouldfillusinonwhatactuallyhappenedatschooltoday.”“Iwasinafight,”Bobby

said,asifitwereofnoconsequence.“Iknowthatmuch,”Sam

said,histonestilllight.“You

havetheblackeyeandsplitliptoproveit.Butsincefightingisn’tontheapprovedlistofschoolactivitiesandyou’reawareofthat,maybeyoucouldtellmewhohityouandwhy?Didsomeoneelsestartit?”Bobby’sexpressionshut

downandhedroppedtheremainderofhisicytreatontheground.“Idon’twanttotalkaboutit.”Hestruggledto

breakfree.“Iwanttogotobed.”“Notanoption,”Samsaid.

“Whathappened?”WhenBobbytriedonce

moretosquirmoffhislap,Samheldhiminplace.“Bobby,it’sokaytotell

us,”Carriesaidgently.“It’snottattling.”“Idon’tcareabout

tattling,”Bobbysaidangrily.“WhatPatsysaidwasalie,so

Ishovedher.”ShockspreadacrossSam’s

face.“Youshovedagirl?”“Don’tfeelsorryforher,”

Bobbysaidmutinously.“Becausethenshehitmeintheeyeandbustedmylip.”Hischeekscoloredpinkwithobviousembarrassment.“Thefightwaswitha

girl?”Samrepeated,asifhecouldn’tquitegrasptherealityofthat.

“She’smean,”Bobbydeclared.“Andshetoldabigoldlie.”“Whatwasthelie?”Carrie

asked,understandingthatwasattheheartofthefight.“Shesaidmymomanddad

wentawayandleftmeonpurposebecauseIwasadumb,stupidboy.”Carriegaspedatthecruelty

ofthat.Morethanlikelyasix-year-oldhadn’t

understoodthedepthofpainsuchacommentwouldcause,butitwasshockingjustthesame.NowonderBobbyhadreactedthewayhehad.“Youknowyourmomand

daddidn’twanttoleaveyou,”Samsaid,clearlyshaken.“Theylovedyoumorethananything.”“Iknow,”Bobbysaid

impatiently.“That’swhyitwasalie.”

Samcastawhat-nowlookinCarrie’sdirection.“Bobby,youstilldon’t

shovesomeonejustbecausetheysaymeanthingsthathurtyou,”Carriesaid,eventhoughshewouldn’tmindgivingthegirl’smotheragoodhardshove.ClearlylittlePatsyhadheardsomecommentathomethatencouragedsuchtalk.“Ihadtodosomething,”

Bobbysaidinfrustration.Carrierecognizedthe

childishsenseofimpotencebehindtheragehemusthavefelt.“Iknow,sweetheart.Youshouldhavewalkedawayandtoldtheteacher.Wouldn’tthathavebeenbetterthanshovingPatsyandhavingherpunchyou?Ifyou’ddonethat,youwouldn’thaveneededstitches.”“Itwasworthit,”Bobby

saidstubbornly.“BecauseIgotstitches,you’rehereandIgotPopsiclesfordinner.”CarriesawthatSamwas

strugglingtofightasmile.EventuallyhewasabletofaceBobbywithasoberexpression.“Andbecauseyouwere

fightingwhenyouknewbetter,younowgettogotoyourroomandthinkabouthowwrongitistohit

someoneelseortoshovethem,”hesaidsternly.“It’snotthewaywesolveproblems.”Hepointedtowardthehouse.“Go.”Bobbyclimbeddownand

headedinside,thoughhedidn’tlooktheleastbitrepentant.Justinsidethedoor,heturnedback.“Ifyou’dbeenthere,I’llbetyou’dhaveshovedher,too.”Whenhewasoutof

earshot,SammetCarrie’sgaze.“Isurewouldhavewantedto,”headmitted.“You’renotalonethere,”

Carrietoldhim.“YouprobablyshouldhaveaconversationwithlittleMissPatsy’smotherorfather.”Samlookedasifhe’d

rathereatdirt.“DoIhaveto?”Carrielaughed.“Scared

she’sgoingtosplityourlip,

too?”“Nope.”“Oh?”“I’mnot100percentsureI

won’tthrowthefirstpunch.”“Ihavefaithinyou,”

Carrieassuredhim.“Notonlydoesfightingnotresolveanything,whichyouperfectlywellknow,buthittingagirlisneveracceptable,somethingyoualsoknow.”Hegaveheralonglook.

“ThatchildtoldBobbythathismomanddadlefthimonpurpose.AmIsupposedtoforgetaboutthat?”Carriefeltherownanger

stiragainathisreminderofthehurtfulexchangethathadstartedallthis.“MaybeIshouldcomealong,”shesuggested.“Nottokeepyouincheck,butsothatIcanthrowapunch.There’snotasoulinthistownwho

wouldn’tbackmeup.”Sammovedtositbeside

heranddrapedanarmoverhershoulders.“AndthatiswhyIknowyouandIbelongtogether.We’reofonemind.”Hegaveherasidewaysglance.“Andmaybewe’remeanttokeepeachother’stempersincheck.”“Toobad.Idohavered

hairandthoseIrishgenes,youknow,andIhaven’tbeen

inagoodbrawlinyears,”shesaid,thenrestedherheadonhisshoulder.Sittingjustlikethat,with

thememoryofthepreviousnight’sglorioussunsetandpoignantbirthdaycelebrationstillverymuchonhermind,shefeltcontentmentstealoverher.SheglancedatSamandsawthatthetensioninhisjawhadeased,aswell.This,shethought,was

whatrealcouplesdid.Theyfacedproblemstogether,workedthroughthem,andtheirfamilieswerestrongerbecauseofit.TheonlyissuessheandMarceverresolvedtogetherwereworkrelated.Anytimeshe’dtriedtobringuphisneglectoranythingelsepersonal,he’dtunedherout.Sheshouldhaverecognizedtheyweremissingoutonakeyaspectofany

goodrelationship.Shehadherowncrazy

familywithallofitsupsanddownstolooktoasprimeexamplesofthewayitshouldbedone.Noteverydaywassunshineandroses.Thosehurdles,facedtogether,werethestrengthbehindeveryO’Brienfamily.

SamrequestedameetingwithBobby’steacher,AmyPennington,andPatsy’smother,AllisonRogers.Thethreeofthemmetinthefirst-gradeclassroomafterschoolthedayafterthefightthathadsentBobbytoNoah’soffice.

AllisonRogersappearedtobeaniceenoughwoman,alittleharriedandabitindignantaboutbeingdraggedawayfromworkinthemiddleoftheafternoon,butotherwisereasonablypleasant.Sheseemedgenuinelymystifiedaboutwhyshewasthere.Bobby’steacher,whodid,

indeed,lookalittlelikeMrs.Clauswithherwhitehairand

framelessglasses,tookchargeofthemeeting.“Allison,I’mnotsureif

you’reawarethatwehadaproblemontheplaygroundyesterday.Ididleaveyouamessage,butsinceyoudidn’tcallback,Ican’tbesureifyougotit,”Mrs.Penningtonsaid.“Lastnightwasinsane.I

nevercheckedformessages,”Mrs.Rogersadmitted.“Was

itanythingserious?Ifso,theofficehasmycellnumber.”“Itriedthat,aswell.”The

teacherwavedofftheissue.“Itdoesn’tmatternow,sinceyouobviouslyreceivedtherequesttobeherethisafternoon.”“Theprincipalcalledme

thismorningatworkandmadeitseemlikeamatteroflifeordeath,”shesaid.“Icertainlyhopeit’satleastthat

important.MybosshatesitwhenIleaveearlyandIneedthisjob.”“Thenlet’saddressthis

quickly,”Mrs.Penningtonsuggestedbriskly.“YesterdayPatsywasinvolvedinafightwithSam’snephew,Bobby.Shesaidsomethingquitecruelandhe,naturally,tookoffense.Hegaveherashove,andthenshesplithislipandgavehimablackeye.”

“That’swhathegetsforshovingher,”Allisonsaiddefensively,frowningatSam.“Surelyheknowsbetter.”Samhadlefttheentire

conversationuptotheteacheruntilnow,buthecouldn’tletthatpass.“Howwouldyoureactifyouwereascaredsix-year-oldlivingwithanuncleyoubarelyknowinanewtown,attendinganewschoolandsomeonetoldyouthat

yourrecentlydeceasedparentshaddeliberatelyleftyoubecauseyouwereano-good,stupidboy?”Tohercredit,Mrs.Rogers

lookedshocked.“That’swhatPatsysaid?”“I’mafraidso,”theteacher

confirmed.“Ioverheardhermyself,butbeforeIcouldintervene,BobbyhadlashedoutandPatsyhadhithimhardenoughthatherequired

stitches.”Patsy’smomregardedSam

withwhatappearedtobegenuineregret.“Iamsosorry.Ihatetoadmitit,butIthinkIhavesomeideawherethisiscomingfrom.Patsy’sfatherrecentlyleftus.OneofhispartingshotswasthathewasgoingbecauseIwasafailureatdisciplineandthekids—Ihaveason,too—areout-of-controlbrats.Naturally

thatwasshoutedatthetopofhislungsfromthefrontlawn.Patsyandherbrotherheardeveryword.”Ofcoursewiththatpiece

ofinformationaddedin,thewholeincidentmadeperfectsensetoSam.InPatsy’shead,ifaparentwentaway,ithadtobeonpurposeandithadtobebecausethechildrenwerenogood.She’dbeentakingherownpainoutonBobby.

“I’msorry,”Samsaid.“Hey,hewasn’tavery

nicemanandwewereaterriblecouple,”shesaidbitterly.“Ithinkwe’dforgottenwhywe’dfalleninlovebythetimetheceremonywasover,butwehunginthereuntilPatsyturnedfive.Herbrother’sfour.MydelightfulhusbandfiguredbythenTeddywouldbeoldenoughforpreschool

andPatsywouldbegoingintofirstgrade,soIcouldgobacktoworktosupportthem.”“I’msorry,”Samsaid

again,realizingitwaspossibleforchildrentosufferlossesalmostasemotionallydevastatingaslosingtwoparentsinanaccident.“Ithinkwecanseevery

clearlythattherearetwosidestoeverystory,”the

teachersaid.“Thatdoesn’texcusethebehavior,butatleastitgivesussomecontext.Mr.Winslow,doyouagree?”“Absolutely,”Samsaid.“I’lltalktoPatsy,”Mrs.

Rogerspromised.“I’llmakesuresheapologizestoBobby.I’llbringhertoschoolmyselfinthemorningandstandtheretoseethatshedoesit.”“DittowithBobbyforhis

partinthefight,”Samsaid.

“I’llbeherebeforeschool,aswell.”Theteacherbeamedat

them.“Iknewwecouldworkthisout.I’llseeeachofyoubeforeclassstartstomorrowmorning.”SamwalkedPatsy’s

motherbacktotheparkinglot.“Ireallyamsorryyou’regoingthroughsuchatoughtime.”Sheshrugged.“Nomore

thanIdeservefornotlisteningtoasinglesoulwhotriedtotellmemyhusband-to-bewasajerk.”Shemanagedasmile,thoughitseemedabitforced.“I’mgettingbettereveryday.I’vealmostconcludedthatI’mnottheterriblepersonhesaidIwas,either.”SheregardedSamwithachagrinedexpression.“Godhelpher,isitanywonderPatsycan’tget

pasthispartingshot?Icertainlyhaven’tandI’msupposedtobethematuregrown-up.”“Butyouwill,”Samsaid

withconfidence.“Isawyourfightingspiritreturningbackinthatclassroom.”Sheseemedsurprisedby

hisassessment.“Youknow,itis.Thanksfornoticing.I’llseeyouinthemorning.AndItrulyregretthatPatsysaid

somethingthatcrueltoBobby,tosaynothingofthesplitlip.I’dbehappytocoverthemedicalbill.”Thelastwasobviouslyaddedonimpulse,onesheclearlyregrettedthemomentshe’dspoken.Recognizingthatfinancial

difficultieswereweighingonher,Samletheroffthehook.“Notnecessary.Myinsurancehasitcovered.”

“Ifyoueverhavetimeforacupofcoffee,”shebeganhesitantly.Samcutheroffbeforeshe

couldcompletetheinvitation.“Thanks,butI’mseeingsomeone.”Sheflushed.“You’re

singleandgood-looking.Ofcourseyouare.Iwasjustthinkingthatoursituationsmightgiveusalotincommon.SometimesI’m

afraidI’llgocrazyifIdon’thaveanotheradultaroundwhogetsit.”Beforehecouldthinkof

whattosaytosmoothovertheuncomfortablemoment,shehurriedaway,clearlyembarrassed.“Well,thatwassomething

new,”hemurmuredasheheadedforhiscar.Herealizedhe’drecentlyjoinedtheapparentlydesirable

groupofavailablesingledads.Sure,he’dbeenhitonbyplentyofwomen,butthiswasthefirsttimetheattractionhadbeenbasedonthesharedcomplexitiesofsingleparenthood.

Carrieagreedtomeethertwin,NoahandJacksonforatourofhernewday-care

centeronSundaymorningbeforetheyallheadedtoGrandpaMick’sfordinner.Asproudasshewasofthefacilityandaseagerasshewastoshowitoff,shewasanticipatingalivelycross-examinationfromCaitlynasthemainagendafortheget-together.Sureenough,assoonas

NoahwheeledJackson’sstrollerintothemainactivity

room,CaitpulledCarrieintothekitchen,wheretheyhadalittleprivacy.“Whatdoyouthinkofthe

place?”Carrieaskedcheerfully,hopingtoforestalltheinterrogation.“It’slovely.You’llbea

hugesuccess.Yada-yada.I’msureyou’veheardallthatfromeverymemberofourfamily.Nowtellmewhat’sgoingonwithyouandSam.I

thoughtIwarnedyoutostayawayfromhim.”“It’snotthefirsttimeI’ve

ignoredyouradvice,”Carrieremindedher.“Yes,Ibelievethelast

timewaswhenItoldyounottogetinvolvedwithyourboss,”Caitlynremindedher.“GivenhowthingsworkedoutwithMarcReynolds,I’dthinkmycredibilitywouldbeprettygoodrightnow.”

“Thisisnothinglikethat,”Carrieinsisted.“AtleastSamseemstobe

moresubstancethanflash—I’llgiveyouthat,”hersistersaid.“EveryoneI’vespokentoreallylikeshim.”“SotheO’Brienhotlineis

workingwell,”Carriecommenteddryly.“Goodtoknow.What’sthemethodofchoice?Stilltexting?”“Mostly,”Caitadmitted.

“AtleastfromGrandpaMick.Ourauntsprefertotalkonthephone.And,ofcourse,NoahandIareonSkypealmostdailysoIcanseehowJacksonisgrowing.”“How’sthelong-distance

thingworkingforyou?”Carrieasked,seizingonaparticularlydelicatedebatebetweenhusbandandwifeandtherestofthefamily.CaitandNoahusually

claimeditwasworkingjustfine.Nooneelsecouldquitebelieveit.Caitsighedheavily.“Ihate

beingseparatedfromthem,okay?Iadmitit.Butthisisthewayithastobe.I’mjustinBaltimoreuntilIfinishmyinternshipandresidency.ThenNoahandIwillbetogether.Icanbehereinacoupleofhours,tops,ifanythingcomesup.Noah

comesupwheneverI’moffonaweekendorIcomedownhere.It’sstressfulattimes,butwe’remakingitwork.”“Thenwhyareyouwasting

evenonesecondofthattimeinherelecturingme,whenyoucouldbealonewithyourhusband?”Carriedemanded.“I’llevenkeepJacksonforthenextcoupleofhoursandbringhimwithmetoGrandpaMick’s.”

“Atemptingoffer,tobesure,”Caitsaid,herregretplain.“ButI’monamissiontofigureoutwhetherornotyou’reabouttoruinyourlife.NoahsaidthingswereawfullytensebetweenyouandSamwhenhebroughtBobbyintheotherday.HegotthefeelingSamdidn’treallywantyouthere.”Carriegaveuptryingto

avoidthewholediscussion.

“Hehadhisreasons.We’veworkeditout.Likeyousaid,that’swhatadultsinacommittedrelationshipdo,right?Theyworkthroughthings.Noteverydayisafestivalofloveandlaughter.”Caitlaughed.“Iwish.

Okay,sothingsarefinewithSam.Howfine?Anytalkofafuture?”“Notbeyondwhetherhe

andBobbywillbeatGrandpa

Mick’stoday.I’mthinkingIshouldwarnhimtostayhome.”“Don’tyoudare.Iwantto

seehimformyselfandseeyouwithhim.”“We’renotthat

interesting.”Caitputanarmaroundher

shoulders.“Hey,you’remybabysister—”“Bytwominutes,”Carrie

remindedher.

“Itstillcounts.Ihavetolookoutforyourbestinterests.”“Don’tyouthinkIget

enoughofthatfromtheO’Briensrighthereonthescene?”Carrieaskedwearily.“Mom,TraceandGrandpaMickhavemademetheirpetprojectlately.”“ButIhavespecial

insight,”Caitclaimed,thenlinkedanarmthrough

Carrie’s.“Nowshowmearoundinhere.Istillcan’tbelieveyou’reopeningaday-carecenter.”“Believeit.Ifthereareno

morelast-minuteglitches,thedoorsopenafterThanksgiving.Theinspectorsfoundahalfdozennitstopickontheirlastvisit.”Shesighed.“Oh,well,itwastobeexpectedtheytellme.MyonlyrealregretisthatIstill

haven’tfoundtheperfectassistantmanager.I’vehiredacoupleofgreatpeoplewithexperiencewithkidsandgoodeducationalrequirements,butI’dreallylikesomeonewithasolidbackgroundataday-carecenter.”“Areyouexcited?”“Excited,terrified,allof

that,”Carrieadmitted.“Whatifthekidsaremiserableand

theparentsyankthemout?MaybeIshouldhavestucktobabysittingO’BrienbabiesonWillowBrookRoad.”“Stopthat!Thechildren

willbesafeandblissfullyhappy.You’renotgoingtofail,”Caitsaidwithtotalconfidence.“AndnotjustbecauseO’Briensdon’tfail,butbecauseyou’reyouandevenIcanseethatthisistheperfectfitforyou.Momwas

right.Weallshouldhaveseenitmuchsooner.”“Andsavedmethedisaster

thatwasmylifeinParis?”“Somethinglikethat,”Cait

said.Inanexampleofperfect

timing,ormoreprecisely,perfectlyterribletiming,Carrie’scellphonechirpedoutitsalertforanincomingtext.Sheignoredit.“You’renotgoingtocheck

that?”Caitasked,herexpressioncurious.“I’mbusywithyou.

Whateveritiscanwait.”“Andyouknowthathow?”

Caitaskedsuspiciously.“Doyouknowwho’stexting,Carrie?”“Ihavesomeidea.”Beforeshecouldreactto

preventit,hertwingrabbedthecell.Hereyeswidenedindismay.“Marc?You’rein

touchwithMarc?”“Iamnotintouchwith

Marc,”Carriereplieddefensively.“He’sbeentexting.”Shehesitated,thenadded,“Andcalling.I’vebeenignoringhim.UsuallyIjustshutoffmyphone,soIdon’thavetobebotheredlookingatthetexts.I’vedeletedthevoicemailswithoutlisteningtothem.”“Goodforyou,”Caitsaid.

ShestudiedCarriealittletoointently.“You’renotevenalittlecuriousaboutwhathewants?”“Notenoughtoopenthat

dooragain,”Carriesaidfirmly.“MylifeisfallingintoplacejustthewayIwantit,too.Marcisnotapartofit.”“Okay,then.Iwon’tfreak

outoverhimtryingtocontactyou.Now,showmejusthowfabulousthisplaceisgoingto

be.”Forthenexthalfhour,

Carrieshowedhersistereverynookandcrannyofthecenter,watchingherfaceclosely.That,ratherthanherwords,wouldtelltherealstoryaboutwhatshethoughtofCarrie’sseeminglyimpulsivecareerchoice.“Noah,isn’titfantastic?”

Caitsaidatlast,whirlingaroundinapoolofsunlight

inthemiddleofthemainroom.“It’ssuchahappyplace.”Noahchuckled.“Iimagine

youcanhearthelaughteralready.”“Well,Ican,”Caitsaid.

“Jackson’sgoingtoloveithere.And,Carrie,you’regoingtobeahugesuccess!”“Iagree,”Noahsaid.“I

checkedoutallofyourfirst-aidsuppliesandcan’tthinkof

athingyoumissed.”“Thanksfordoingthat,”

Carriesaid.“Thoughit’sabigcomfortknowingyourofficeisrightupthestreet.”“IwishIcouldstayan

extracoupleofdaystothrowabigopen-housepartyforyoutospreadtheword,”Caitsaid.“Iappreciatethethought,

butIdon’tneedaparty.Ijustwanttogetthedoorsopen

andgettowork,”Carriesaid.“Buttheentireregion

needstoknowaboutthisplace,”Caitargued.“YouwereinmarketingandPR.Youknowthat.”“Ialreadyhaveawaiting

listforplaces,”Carrietoldher.“It’skillingmetoturnpeopledown.ThelastthingIneedisevenmorepeoplewantingtogetonthatlist.”“Isupposeyouhavea

point,”Caitconceded.“There’snoreasontocreateademandyoualreadyknowyoucan’tmeet.Whataboutafamilyparty?”Carrielaughed.“Areyou

kiddingme?Yousaidityourselfjustaminuteago.Idon’tthinkthere’sasinglepersoninourfamilywhohasn’twanderedinandoutofhereonanalmost-dailybasis.Everybodywantstobethe

firsttoseehowit’scomingalong.GrandpaMickisbaskinginthegloryofbeingbothconstructionforemanandtourguide.Hemaynotentirelyagreewithmyplans,buthetakesgreatprideinhisworkmanship.”“Ofcoursehedoes,”Cait

said.“Thenjustletmeaddmystampofapproval.”Carriegavehersistera

fiercehug.“Thatmeansalot.

Youknowthat,don’tyou?”“Thesamewayitmeans

theworldtomethatwhenmysonisn’twithNoahorme,he’sinyourhands,”Caitsaid.“Loveyou.”“Rightbackatyou.”Somethingdeepinside

Carrieeasedaftertheexchange.Thoughshewouldneverhaveadmitteditaloud,hersister’sapproval—thewholefamily’sforthatmatter

—meanteverythingtoher.

OverthecourseoftheafternoonatMick’s,SamfoundhimselffascinatedbywatchingCarriewithhertwinsister.Itseemedtohimthatthetwowomencouldn’thavebeenmoredifferent.Oh,notinappearance.Therewasnomistakingthattheywere

identicaltwins.ButCaitlynlookedasifshe’ddressedinahurryandperhapsinthedark.AtthesametimeCarrie,eveninhernewday-to-daywardrobe,lookedasifshe’dsteppedoutofafashionmagazine.Apparentlyonceshe’dlearnedtheskillofdressing,shecouldachieveastylishlookwithasimpletwistofascarforawell-chosenpieceofcostume

jewelry,thoughsomethingtoldhimthatwas18-karatgoldshewaswearingandthatthestoneswererealgems,notfakes.Hewasponderingthe

differencesinstyleandpersonality,whenNoahcameoverandaskedaboutBobby.“Igotaquicklookathis

stitchesasheracedpastaminuteago,”Noahsaid.“Nosignofinfection.Bringhim

inthisweekandwe’llgetthemout.Anyafternoon’sokay.Justdropin.”“Thanks,”Samsaid.“Howdidthingsgoat

school?Problemresolved?”“Fornow,”Samsaid.“I

supposetherearealwaysgoingtobekidswhosayhatefulthings.IjustwanttobesureBobbydoesn’tbecomeoneofthem.”“Agoaleveryparent

shouldhave,”Noahagreed.“Eventhoughit’stoughtomonitorthemeverysecondoftheday.”HestudiedSammoreintently.“Youdoingokay?Youwerethrustintoparenthoodprettyunexpectedly.”“I’dliketothinkI’m

gettingbettereverydayatfiguringouthownottomessthingsup,”Samsaid.“Carrie’sbeenahugehelpon

thatfront.”“Ifyoudon’tmindme

sayingso,youdidn’tseemallthatthrilledtohaveherhelptheotherday.”“Yousawthat?”Samsaid,

chagrined.“Myinsecuritieswereinfullswing.IthoughtIshouldbetheadultdealingwiththecrisis.BobbywantedCarrie.Ihatetoadmitit,butonsomelevelIwasjealous.”Tohissurprise,Noah

laughed.“I’vebeenthereatimeortwomyself.Carriehasawaywithkids,includingmyson.Youhavenoideahowmyhearttwistswhenhe’ssobbingandthrowinghisfoodatme.Thenshewalksinandit’sasifthesun’scomeout.He’ssuddenlyallsmiles.Worse,hecooperateswithwhatevershewantsfromhim.Maybeit’sbecausesheremindshim

ofhismomormaybeshehasamagictouchwithkids.EitherwayIfeellikeafailure,andthenIfeellikeajerk.Ishouldwantmychildtobehappy,right?It’snotaboutwhoassuresthat.”“Soyou’retellingmethe

wholewounded-pridethingisprobablyabitofmachocraziness?”Samsuggested.Noahshrugged.“Pretty

much.Thereareplentyof

timeswhenJackson’sfallingasleeponmychestorwhenItrytocoaxhimtosayDa-Daandhealmostgetsitright,thatIrealizeheandIaremakingourownmemories.Whenhe’sbigger,I’mtheonewho’llteachhimtoputawormonahookandcleanafish.Trustme,Caitmaynotbesqueamishwhenitcomestopeople,butsheisn’ttouchingwormsorthe

innardsofafish.Carrie’snotfondofthat,either.”“SoIcancreatetheguy

memorieswithBobby,”Samconcluded.“You’realsohis

connectiontohisparents,”Noahsaidquietly.“Nobodyelsecanfillthatrole.”“Hedoeshave

grandparentsonhisdad’sside.I’mencouragingthemtobeapartofhislife.”

“Butyougrewupwithhismom.Whoelseistheretotellhimstoriesaboutwhatshewaslikeasalittlegirl?”“Shewasapest,”Samsaid

emphatically,butfondly.“Tellhimthat.Ibethe’ll

lovehearingallaboutit.”JustthenCarriejoined

them.“Youtwolookawfullyserious,”shesaid,thenfrownedatherbrother-in-law.“You’renot

interrogatinghim,areyou?”“Notatall,”Noahsaidat

once.“I’llleavethattomywifeandMick.”Carrierolledhereyes.

“ExactlywhyIcameoverhere,”shetoldSam,“tolureyouawaybeforeCaitormygrandfatherfindthetimetoquestionyouaboutyourintentions.Ithinkawell-timedretreatisinorder.”Noahlaughed.“Goodluck

withthat,”hesaid,wanderingoffinsearchofhiswifeandson.“Youreallywanttogo?”

SamaskedCarrie.“Don’tyou?I’dthink

you’dbetiredofbeinginthemidstofthiscrowdafterafewhoursofspeculativelooksandprobablywaytoomanyintrusivequestions.”“I’muptoit.Ithought

you’dprobablywanttospend

moretimewithyoursister.Isn’tsheheadingbacktoBaltimorethisevening?”“I’veenduredaboutas

manyofherpointedquestionsasIcanhandleforoneday.I’llbegladtoseethelastofher.”Samregardedherwith

shock.“Youdon’tmeanthat.”Carriechuckled.“Of

coursenot.We’llbeonthe

phoneatleasttwicetomorrow,butwhenwe’reonthephone,Icanalwayshangupifshegetstoonosy.Inperson,Ican’tgetaway.”“Somebodyoughttodoa

studyofthedynamicsofthisfamily.ItwouldprobablymakeagreatPhDdissertation.”“I’llmentionthattoWill,”

shesaid,takinghimseriously.“He’sstillintouch

withsomeofhispsychologyprofessors.”Shetookhishand.“Nowlet’sscootwhilewecan.”Samlookedintohereyes.

“Didyouhavesomethinginmindfortherestoftheday?”“AquietwalkalongShore

Road,thensomeicecream,”shesaid,muchtohisdisappointment.“Soundsgood,”hesaid,

tryingtomusterupsome

enthusiasmwhenhismindhadalreadywanderedtomuchmoreenjoyablepursuits.Carrietuckedanarm

throughhisandgavehimaknowinglook.“I’mthinkingallthisactivityhere,plusthesugarfromanice-creamconewillhaveBobbydownforthecountinanhour.”“Ah,”Samsaid,

understandingatlast.“And

then?”“Ibetifweuseour

imaginations,we’llbeabletothinkofsomething.”“Alreadyonit,”Samsaid.

Infact,hewasseveralwickedstepsahead.

Carrieobviouslyknewkidsprettydarnwell,Samconcludedashetucked

Bobbyintobedfiveminutesaftertheyreturnedhomeaftereatingicecream.Bobbybarelymusteredupamildprotestattheearlyhour.“Toldyou,”Carriesaid,

smilingupathimwhenhejoinedheronthedeckoutback.She’dopenedabottleof

redwineandpouredtwoglasses.Whenhepickedhisup,shetappedherstoit.

“Cheers!”Samheldhergaze.“Itwas

agoodday,wasn’tit?”Shenodded.“Itfeltright

somehow,youandBobbybeingtherewithme.”Samdrewinadeepbreath,

thenadmitted,“Itfeltthatwaytome,too.ThelasttimeIwasthereitwasalittleintimidating.”“O’Briens,cumulatively

anyway,canbeascary

bunch.They’vebeenknowntoterrifymefromtimetotime.One-on-one,though,they’rejustfamily.”Shegavehimalonglook.“Ithinkthey’reallwonderinghowlongit’sgoingtobebeforeyou’reapartofthefamily.”WhenSamopenedhismouthtospeak,sheheldupahand.“Letthemwonder,Sam.That’sonthem.YouandIhaveagreedwe’retakingone

stepatatime.”Tohissurprise,shedidn’t

seemtobebotheredbytheslow,steadypacetowardanuncertainending.Hesmiledatherdeliberatenonchalance.“Anythoughtsonhow

we’llknowwhenwegettothelaststep?”heasked,takingherhandandweavingtheirfingerstogetherastheysatsidebysidewithdarknessfalling.

“SinceI’venevergottentherewithanyonebefore,I’mnotsure,butbasedonevidenceI’veseenaroundme,Ithinkwe’llrecognizeitwhenithappens.”“Areyouokaywith

waiting?”Sheturnedtohimthen,her

expressionearnest.“Dowehaveachoice?Sam,Ilikeyou.No,morethanthat,IthinkImaybefallinginlove

withyou,butit’snotaone-sideddecision.Icanwaittillyougetthere,andthenwecandecidewhathappensnext.”“Somepeoplethinksex

comesintoplayatsomepoint,”hesaid,fightingasmileandarushofhormonesstirredjustbythesuggestion.“Don’tthinkforone

secondthatthethoughthasn’tcrossedmymind,”shesaid.

“You?”“It’sfrontandcenterright

now,asamatteroffact.”Hesawherlipscurveat

that.Thenshesighed.“Goodtoknow.”“Butit’snotgoingto

happen,isit?”hesaidwithregret.“Nottonightwiththe

possibilitythatBobbycouldwakeupandwanderinonus,”shesaid.

“Runawaywithme,”hepleadedwithsomeurgency.Carrielaughed.“MuchasI

mightwantto,Icanwait.Anticipationishalfthefun.”“It’snotthehalfI’dliketo

gettorightnow,”Samgrumbled.Heliftedherhandtohislipsandkissedherknuckles,thentookeachfingerintohismouth.Heheardherbreathhitch,evenashisbloodhummed.“You

wouldn’twanttocomeoverandsharethisloungechairwithme,wouldyou?”“Soundsdangerous,”she

said.“ExactlywhatIwas

thinking.”Asecondlater,shewas

stretchedoutbesidehim,herheadonhisshoulder,herbodyfitsnuglyagainsthis.Itwasaformofsweettorturetobesure,butitdefinitely

clarifiedthedirectioninwhichtheywereheading.

Carriewasgoingthroughthestackofrésumésonherdeskonceagain,hopingtospottheperfectcandidateforassistantmanager.Unfortunately,shekeptgettingdistractedbymemoriesofhereveningwithSam.

Themoretimetheyspenttogether,theclosertheyweregetting.And,shethoughtwryly,themorefrustratedtheywerebecoming.Despitetheirreaffirmationjustlastnightthattheywouldn’tsleeptogetherwithBobbyinthehouse,thatrulewasgettingmoreandmoredifficulttoabideby.Norweretheyinany

positiontosuddenlytakeoff

foradayortwoontheirown,eventhoughKevinandShannahadofferedmorethanoncetoletBobbyhaveasleepoverattheirhouse.Theybothhadtoomuchworkrightnowtotakeadvantageoftheoffer.Plus,ifshewerebeing

totallyhonest,Carriewasn’tsureshewasreadytodealwithallthequestionsthatwereboundtofollowifthe

familydiscoveredthey’dgoneonatriptogether.WithO’Briensthatwastantamounttoanadmissionthataweddingwasrightaroundthecorner.Inquiriesalongthatlinewouldaddwaytoomuchpressure.AndthentherewasMarc.

Asdiligentasshe’dbeenaboutignoringhistextsandcalls,hisinsistentattemptstocontactherkeptthatpartof

herlifeverymuchalive.Shedidn’twantanypartofthatoldlife,butshecouldn’tquiteforgetit—orhim—completely.WhatdidthatsayaboutherfeelingsforSam?Sincewrestlingwithallof

thiswasgettinghernowhere,shesighedandforcedherattentionbacktotherésumés.Shereachedthebottomofthepileandconcludedthattherewasnothingshe’dmissedthe

firsttimearound.Theresimplywerenogoodcandidates.Justthen,ataponthefront

doorofthecenterstartledher.Mostpeoplejustwalkedin,evenwiththeclosedsignonthedoor.Shehurriedacrosstheroom,wonderingiftherewassomeinspectionshehadn’tknownaboutorpossiblyaparentdesperatetofindchildcareandhopingnot

tobeturnedawayiftheycameinperson.Instead,shediscovered

Lucyontheporch.“Hi,”Lucysaid,shifting

nervouslyfromfoottofoot,atentativesmileonherface.“Iknowyoumustbeswampedwithdetails,butdoyouhavesometimetotalktome?”“Foryou,absolutely,”

Carriesaidwithdelight.“Whatbringsyouhere?

Comeonin.Ihavesomebottledwaterifyou’rethirsty,butnotmuchelse.”“That’sokay.I’mgood.

Well,mostlygood.ActuallyI’malittlerattled,becauseIdon’tknowhowyou’regoingtoreacttothis,butMomtoldmeIhadtotry.”Carrieledthewaytoher

crampedoffice,thenregardedhernervousguestwithconfusion.“Lucy,you’re

alwayswelcomehere.Aftereverythingyouandyourmomhavedoneforme,arestilldoingforme,Iconsideryoutobemuchmorethanmentors.You’refriends.Nowhaveaseatandtellmewhat’sonyourmind.Isyourmomintownwithyou?Shedidn’tmentionyouwereplanningavisit.”Lucyshookherhead.“No,

she’sbeenattheday-care

centersincedawnasusual.butwedidcomedownyesterday.Itwasalast-minutething.Italkedherintoit.Shedidn’twanttoadmititwhenwewereherethelasttime,butshefellinlovewithChesapeakeShoresthesamewayIdid.”Carrielaughed.

“Everybodydoes.DidyougobacktoBrady’s?”“Actuallywejustgrabbed

asandwichatSally’sCafé,andthenspentsometimewitharealestateagent,awomannamedSusieFranklin.Shesaidshe’syourcousin.”Ah,sothatexplained

Susie’sabsencefromyesterday’sdinner.CarriehadfearedshewasavoidingSamandBobby.Maybeher,aswell.“Susie’sgreat,andshe

certainlyknowseverysinglepieceofpropertyinthetown.Areyouallseriouslythinkingofrelocating?Thatwouldbefantastic!”Shefrownedasathoughtcrossedhermind.“Yourmom’snotworriedthatI’llthinkshe’swatchingovermyshoulder,isshe?”“Notatall.Iactuallythink

I’vejustaboutconvincedherthatit’stimetoretire,orwillbewhenhercurrentclients

aretoooldtoneedheranymore.That’lltakeanothertwoorthreeyears,butforthatlongshecouldcommute,justlikeyoutoldher.”“She’dclosehercenter?”

Carrieasked,startled.“She’sdonereallywell

withit,buttobehonest,she’shadnolife.I’llbegraduatingfromcollegethisyear,sothatfinancialburdenwillbebehindher.”

“Howwereyouabletopersuadeyourmomtoconsiderthismove?”Carrieasked.“Itoldhershe’snotgetting

anyyounger.”Carriewinced,butsaid

nothing.“Itoldherit’swaypast

timeforhertodosomethingforherself,”Lucycontinuedearnestly.“Ithinkthistownistheplaceforhertoreinvent

herself.She’sstartingtoagree.”Herexpressionbrightened

withthebubblyenthusiasmthatmadehersogreatwithkids.“Weactuallymadeanofferonahouseyesterday,”sherevealed.“Yourcousincalledlastnightandtheofferwasaccepted.Mymomturnedpale,butIreallythinkshe’sasexcitedasIam,justalittlescaredabouttakingsuch

ahugestep.”“Oh,mygosh,that’s

incredible!”Carriesaid.“I’msohappyyou’regoingtobecloseby.”ShestudiedLucyandsawthatshewasstillabundleofnerves.“Butyoudidn’tcomebyjusttosharethatnewswithme,didyou?”“No,”sheadmitted,then

drewinadeepbreath.“Icametoaskifyou’dconsiderhiringme,part-timetillI

graduateinthespring,andthenmaybefull-time.”Carrie’sjawdropped.

“You’reserious?You’dwanttoworkwithmehere?”“Ilikeyou.Icanalready

tellI’lllovethistown.Thisfacilityisbeautiful.You’vecreatedawonderfulenvironmentforkids.Formeit’sexactlywhereI’dwanttowindupaftergraduation.Idon’tlikewherewe’re

locatednow,evenifitwouldmeantakingoveranestablisheddaycare.”Sheshrugged.“Imightaswellseizetheopportunitynow,ifthereisone.”“Andyourmomdoesn’t

carethatyou’reabandoningher?”“LikeIsaid,she’salready

cuttingback.Prettysoonshewon’thaveaplaceforme,anyway.Shewastheonewho

suggestedthis,asamatteroffact.Doyoustillneedanyhelp?PleasetellmeI’mnottoolate.”Carriestoodupandthrew

herarmsaroundthegirl.“You,myfriend,aretheanswertomyprayers.I’vehiredacoupleofpromisingemployees,butI’ddespairedofeverfindingagoodcandidateforassistantmanager.Youhavethe

experienceandqualificationsforthat,ifyou’reinterested.Iknowitwouldn’tbefull-timeatfirst,butIthinkwecouldgetthroughthisyearokaytillyou’refinishedwithschool.Iknowhowgoodyouare,Lucy.Notjustwiththekids,butwiththebusinesssideofthings.Whenyourmomwashittingmewithtoomuchinformationthatsoundedlikeaforeignlanguage,you

turneditintoplainEnglish.Please,pleasesayyou’lldoit.”Asmilespreadacross

Lucy’sface.“Icameinherescaredtodeathtoaskyouforafavor,andnowitalmostseemsasifI’mdoingoneforyou.”“Youwouldbe.Bringing

youonboardwouldfreeupalittleofmytime.”Aknowingexpression

passedoverLucy’sface.“Sothereisaguy?Iknewit.ItoldMomyouweretoofantasticnottohaveaspecialmanhiddenaway.”AnimageofSamcameto

mind,ofthewayhiskissescontinuedtoknockhersocksoff,ofhowmuchmoreshethoughttherecouldbebetweenthem.“Yeah,thereisaman,”sheconceded.“Notthatmakingasuccessofthis

businessisn’tmytoppriorityrightnow.”“Ofcourseitis,butI’ve

beentellingMomforyearsthatherlifeshouldn’tbeallaboutmeandbusiness.IthinkwhenDadleftittooksomethingoutofher.I’mhopinglivingherewillgiveherbackthatpartofherself.”“ChesapeakeShoresdoes

haveawayofcreatingthatkindofmagic,”Carriesaid.

“So,exceptfortalkingsalaryandschedule,dowehaveadeal?”Lucynoddedeagerly.“We

haveadeal.”Fortheveryfirsttimesince

she’dsethercareerplanintomotion,Carriewastrulyfilledwithconfidencethatshewouldsucceed.And,intime,withLucy’senergy,exuberanceandexperienceonboard,she’dbeabletogetthe

sortofbalanceintoherlifethathermomandeveryotherwomanintheO’Brienclanworkedsohardtoachieve.

WhenSamwalkedintoSally’stograbanicedteaandasandwichtogo,theblackCadillacEscaladewithitsuniformeddriverandhandsome,semifamous

occupantwasthetalkofthecafé.Samoverheardjustenoughtomakehisbloodruncold.Henoddedtowardthe

gossipingtriooffemaletouristsintheclosestbooth,thenaskedSally,“What’sthatabout?”“Thatdesigner,theone

Carrieusedtoworkfor,wasinhereafewminutesagolookingforher.Obviously

thosewomendon’tknowthekindofmanheisortheywouldn’tbeactinglikefoolsoverhim.”“Anyideawhathewanted,

asidefromCarrie,thatis?”Samasked,hisheartinhisthroat.Wasthisit?Hadshefinallyrespondedtothosetextsandmessagesshe’dclaimedtobeignoring?WasthisCarrie’schancetogobacktothelifethatso

obviouslysuitedher?He’dneverunderstoodhowanysanemancouldlethergo.HadReynoldsfinallyseenthelightandcometoclaimher?He’dcharmedheronce.Couldhedoitagain?“I’mafraidhedidn’tfill

meinonhisplans,”Sallysaiddryly.“Iam,afterall,justtheownerofasmall-towncaféinthemiddleofnowhere.”

Samsmiledatherattitude.“Abitofasnob,washe?”“Morelikeanoilysnake

charmer,”shecorrected.“Irecognizethetype.Smoothassilkiftheythinkitwillget’emwhattheywant.”“Anddidhegetwhathe

wanted?”Samasked.“YoumeandidItellhim

wheretofindCarrie?”Sheshrugged.“IfIhadn’t,someoneelsewouldhave.Of

course,IdiddirecthimuptoMick’splace,nottothedaycare.LethimdoalittleexplainingtoCarrie’sgrandfather,ifhewantstogettoher.”Impulsively,Samplanteda

kissonSally’scheek.“Youtrulyareatreasure.”“Noquestionaboutit,”she

said,laughing.“Nowtakeyourlunchandgo.Ifyoudon’tmindapieceofadvice,

IsuggestyoueatitwithCarrieatthedaycare,insteadofgoingbacktoyourownofficeandstewingallafternoon.”“YousuggestingIshould

stakemyclaim?”“Itwouldn’thurt.Iputan

extrasandwichinthere,justincaseyouhavemoresensethanpride.”Samnodded.“I’ll

definitelytakethatunder

advisement.”“Seethatyoudo.”Samleftthecafé,then

drewinadeepbreath,fillinghislungswiththecleansaltyair.Thisfresh,invigoratingairwassomethingCarriewouldn’tgetifshejettedoffacrosstheglobeagain.Whowashe,though,totrytostandinherway?WhatcouldheofferthatthisMarcReynoldscouldn’tofferahundred

timesover?Reasontoldhimtolook

around.ChesapeakeShoreswaswhatsheclaimedtowant.Sheseemedtohavedeepfeelingsforhim,too.AndshecertainlyhadfeelingsforBobby.Family,sheclaimedwashertoppriority,andhernewday-carecenterpromisedadeepsenseofprofessionalfulfillment.Wasthatenough?Itwould

beforthewomanhethoughthe’dcometoknow.Justincaseyouhavemore

sensethanpride.Sally’swordsranginhishead,tauntinghim.Hewantedtobelievehedid,buthealsohadahealthyrespectforbeingrealistic.ThismightbeCarrie’schancetograbeverythingshe’dlost.Andifthat’swhatsheneeded,whatshewanted,hewasn’tgoing

tobetheonetotrytostopher,eventhoughinhisopinionMarcReynoldshadalreadyshownhimselftobeunworthyofawomanwithCarrie’skindnessandgenerosity.Ifhehadthechance,he’dtellherthat,too.Hetookyetanotherdeep,

cleansingbreathandturnedtowardthenewspaperoffice.Iftheyweregoingtomakeit,hehadtotrustCarrietomake

therightchoice.Hehadtohavefaiththatshewouldchoosehim—andfamilyandhome—overflashandglamour.Butasstrongashisfaithin

hermightbe,itwasgoingtobeaverylongafternoon.

Mickhadgoneoutsidewithhisfather’spipeandwas

enjoyingthefallafternoon,whenthebigblackSUVdroveup.Hisgazenarrowedasherecognizedtheperfectlygroomedmanwhoclimbedoutoftheback,everyhairinplace,hisclothesimpeccable.Mick’sbloodpromptlycametoaboil,buthecouldhearMegan’svoiceinhisheadtellinghimtowaitandseewhatthedesignerwantedbeforekickinghimoffhis

landandoutoftown.“Mr.O’Brien?”“That’sme,”Mick

confirmed.“WhatcanIdoforyou,Mr.Reynolds?”Theman’sexpression

didn’tregistersomuchasahintofsurprise.Clearlyheexpectedtoberecognizedwhereverhewent.Anotherblackmark,inMick’sopinion.“I’mlookingforCarrie.”

“Oh?Alittlelateforthat,isn’tit?”Thedirectremarkhitits

target.Reynoldslookedtakenaback.“Lettingherleavewasa

foolishdecisiononmypart,”heconceded.“I’mafraidIunderestimatedhervaluetomybusiness.”“Butnottoyou?”Themanlooked

completelybefuddledbythe

question,whichtoldMickallheneededtoknow.MarcReynoldshadn’tshownupherebecausehe’ddiscoveredsomedeep,abidingloveforCarrie.Hewasherebecauseofwhatshecoulddoforhim.Well,notifMickhadanythingtosayaboutit.Nomanwasgoingtogetasecondchancetobreakhisgirl’sheart.“Idoubtshe’sinterestedin

anythingyou’reoffering,”Micktoldhim.“Shouldn’tyoulether

decidethatforherself?”“Morethanlikely,”Mick

said,takingalongdrawonhispipeandreleasingthefragrantsmokeintotheair.“ButI’mcomfortablewithtellingyoutogetoutofmytownandoutofmygirl’slife.”“MickO’Brien!”

Mickwinced.Unfortunatelyhehadn’ttakenintoaccountthatMawasinside.Apparentlyshe’doverheardenoughtoguesstheidentityoftheirunwantedguestandtofigureoutwhatMickwasupto.MarcReynolds’sgaze

immediatelywenttoNell,whoemergedfromthehouseandwasregardingbothofthemwithdispleasure.

“YoumustbeCarrie’sgreat-grandmother.Nell,isn’tthatright?”“Iam.”“I’veheardalotaboutyou,

aboutallofyou.FamilymeanstheworldtoCarrie.”“Nowthat’sthefirstthing

we’veagreedon,”Micksaid.“WhichiswhyshebelongsrighthereinChesapeakeShores.”Maputahandonhis

shoulder.“Sheknowsthat,Mick.ButsheneedstobetheonetoexplainittoMr.Reynolds.I’dsaythetwoofthemhavesomeunfinishedbusiness.”Mickfrownedatthat.“If

themanwereherebecausehewantedtotellherhewasinlovewithher,Imightagree,butthat’snotit,isit,Mr.Reynolds?Hewantshertocomebackandbehis

workhorseagain,thewayshewasbefore.”“IimagineCarriewillbe

smartenoughtounderstandthedistinction,”Nellsaid.“Andifit’sajobshewantstogobackto,we’llhavetolivewiththat.”“Ma!”Nellignoredhim.“Mr.

Reynolds,IthinkifyoutrulywantourCarriebackworkingforyou,you’llneedto

improveyourpresentation.She’snotasgullibleassheoncewas.IsuggestyouspendthenightattheInnatEaglePointandputyourbestproposalonpaper.We’llletCarrieknowyou’reintownand,ifshe’sinterested,she’llmeetyouinthediningroomtherefirstthingtomorrowmorning.”“Idon’thavetimefor

this,”thedesignersnapped

impatiently.“I’vecomeallthewayfromNewYorkasitis.I’mscheduledtoflytoMilantomorrow.”“I’msureyouhavean

assistantwhocanchangeyourtravelarrangements,”Nellsaidmildly.“Idon’t,”hegrumbled.

“That’sthesortofthingthatCarriehandled.Thelasttwopeopleinthatpositionquit.”“It’ssodifficulttofind

competenthelpthesedays,isn’tit?”Nellsaidsympathetically.“Littlewonderyou’dlikeourCarrieback.Makesureyoutellherhowvaluableshewastoyou.I’msurethatwillmakeanimpression.”Seeminglyresignedto

followingNell’ssuggestion,Reynoldsasked,“Where’sthisinnyoumentioned?”Mickgavehimdirections,

thenwatchedhimleavebeforeturninghisgazeonhismother.“You’realotsneakierthan

Igaveyoucreditforbeing.Youknowifhestartslistingallthelittlemenialtaskshewantshertodo,Carriewillthrowhisofferbackinhisface.”“Ithinkshe’ssmartenough

toseethathe’slookingforoneofthosegoferpeople,”

Nellagreed.“He’snotinterestedinthekindofrelationshipCarriethoughtshewantedwithhim.Ialsothinkshe’ssmartenoughtorecognizethatSamistwicethemanMarcReynoldsis,thatshe’llhavearealpartnershipwithhim.Andthatherworkhere—abusinessshe’sbuildingonherownfromthegroundup—willfulfillherinwaysthat

jobwithMarcReynoldsneverdid.”“It’sabigrisk,”Micksaid.

“Lettinghimdanglemoneyandafancylifestyleinfrontofher.”“Shehadallthatonceand

shestillcamehome,”Nellremindedhim.“Becausethatjerkbroke

herheart,”Mickcountered.“No,becausesheknewit

waswhereshebelonged.If

she’donlycometolickherwoundsforabit,wouldshebeopeningaday-carecenter?No,she’dhavebeenonaplanebacktoEuropewithinamonth.Therewereotherdesignersshecouldhaveworkedfor,ifthat’swhatshetrulywanted.”“Ihopeyou’reright,”Mick

said.“Otherthanyou,doyou

knowofasinglepersonin

thisfamilywhoknowswhat’sintheheartsofouryoungonesbetterthanIdo?”Micksmiled.“Nowthat

youmentionit,no.”“Thentrustme.Carriewill

sendhimonhisway,thatisifsheshowsupforthatmeetingatall.”“Yougoingtotellherhe’s

attheinnwaitingtohearfromher?”Nellseemedtogivethe

questionasurprisingamountofthought,thenshrugged.“CouldbeI’lljustleaveittofate.Youdothesame.Wecanconsideritatestofthatgrapevinethistownisreputedtohave.”Withthatshewalkeddown

thestepsandheadedacrossthelawntowardherowncottage.Fate?Mickstaredafterher.

OrtheChesapeakeShores

grapevine?Ma’ssneakinessquotientjusttickedupanothernotch.

“So,haveyoumadeyourdecision?Areyouleaving?”SamaskedCarriewhenhesawherinfrontofherhouseashewasheadinghomefromwork.Shewasonherkneespullingweeds,astreakofdirt

onherface.Hewantedtodragherintohisarmsandbeghertostay.Instead,hewaitedforherreply.Sheregardedhim

curiously.“Leaving?Ihavenoideawhatyou’retalkingabout.I’mnotplanningatrip.”“Imeantforgood.That’s

whyMarcReynoldswasheretoday,wasn’tit?Tolureyouintocomingbacktohim?”

Shesatbackonherheelsandstared,clearlystartled.“Sam,IneversawMarc,andevenifIhad,Icertainlywouldn’tbegoinganywherewithhim.Thatpartofmylifeisoveranddonewith.I’mexactlywhereIwanttobe.”Hergazenarrowed.“IthoughtyouunderstoodhowimportantyouandBobbyarebecominginmylife,howdeterminedIamtomakethis

day-carecenterasuccess.”ReliefwashedoverSam,

buthestillhadthistiny,nigglingdoubttormentinghim.“Howcanyousaythatwithsuchcertainty,ifyoudon’tknowwhathewasoffering?”heasked,thoughitdidstrikehimasoddthatthedesignerapparentlyhadn’tevenspokentoher.WasthatMick’sdoing?“Icansayitbecauseit

doesn’tmatterwhatheoffers.I’mnotgoinganywhere.”Shestudiedhimcuriously.“Sam,howdoyouevenknowthatMarcwasintown?Didyourunintohim?DidhesaysomethingtomakeyouthinkI’dbejettingoffwithhim?”Regrettingthathe’d

openedawholecanofwormsthathadsomehowbeenleftontheshelfbyeveryoneelseinvolved,Samexplained

aboutMarc’svisittoSally’sandtheensuingexcitement.“That’swhenIwalkedin.I

neverseteyesonhimmyself.Sallysaidshepointedhiminyourgrandfather’sdirection.”Carrieappearedtaken

abackyetagain,butthenherlipscurved.Nextthingheknew,shewaslaughing.“I’llbetthatmeetingwentwell.NowonderIhaven’tseenMarc.Iprobablyneedto

investigatetomakesurehe’sstillinonepiece.”“Youdon’tseemoverly

concernedaboutwhetherheisornot,”Samsaid.Thistimehewasabletobaskinthereliefthatwashedoverhim.“There’salmostnothing

mygrandfathercoulddo,shortofmurder,thatMarcdoesn’tdeserve,”shesaid,asurprisinglybloodthirstynote

inhervoice.Thenshesighed.“ButIreallyshouldchecktoseewhat’sgoingon.”Justthenhercellphone

rang.SheglancedatcallerID,thentookthecall.“Hey,Jess.What’sgoingon?”Shelistenedtoheraunt,

anothersmilespreadingacrossherface.“Yes,youcanshort-sheethisbed,andno,Iwon’tbeinit.”Shedisconnectedthecall

andgrinnedatSam.“Mysterysolved.Gramdispatchedhimtotheinntoworkonaproperpresentationtomaketomeinthemorning.Jesssayshe’sexpectingmeatnine.”“Yougoingtobethere?”Shesteppedcloser,

strippedoffhergardeningglovesandframedhisfacewithbothhands.“Yes,”shesaid,causinghishearttosink.“Okay,Iguessyouneedto

hearhimout,”Samsaid,deflated.“I’mnotgoingtohearhim

out,”Carriecorrected.“I’mgoingtotellhimgoodbyeonceandforall.ThenI’mgoingtofindyouandkissyousenseless,tillyourealizeyou’retheonlymanIwantinmylifenow.”Samsmiledatlast.Now

therewasaplanhecoulddefinitelygetbehind.

“Sticktoyourguns,okay?I’dhatetohavetofindhimandbeatthetaroutofhimforhurtingyouagain.”“You’dprobablyhaveto

getinlinetodothat,”shesaid.“ButIlovethatyou’rewillingtogothatfartoprotectme.”“I’llgoasfarasIhaveto,”

hepromisedherquietly.SheandBobbywerehislife.Asmuchasitsurprisedhim,he

knewhe’ddowhateverittooktokeepthembothsafeandhappy.

Carriestoodinthedoorwaytotheinn’sdiningroomandstudiedthemanshe’doncethoughtsheloved.ThesightofMarcnolongermovedherasitoncehad.Itseemedshe’drecentlyfallenforaguywhoseshirtwasrarelytucked

in,whoseideaoffashionwasaformfittingT-shirtthatthesedayswasmostoftensmearedwithjellyandwhosehairwasusuallyinneedofatrim.Samwasamanwhoseworldhadbeenshakenbyloss,andthenturnedupsidedownbyinstantparenthood,andyethe’dfoundawaytocope.Marccouldn’tcopewithmakinghisownairlinereservations.

Infact,Samwasquiteacontrasttothemansittingatatablebythewindow,hisattentionfocusedonhistablet,ratherthanthespectacularviewoutside.Marcapparentlycouldn’tevendealwiththelossofanassistantwithpublic-relationsskills,thoughCarriehadtowonderifitwasthoseskillshemissedorherall-aroundadorationandtwenty-four-

houravailabilityforanyandalltasksthatmadehislifeeasier.Nowhewastapping

impatientlyonthetabletscreen,hisbrowknitwithafrown.Hewastooabsorbedtonoticeherapproach.“Iheardyouwantedtosee

me,”shesaid,pullingoutachairandsittingacrossfromhim.Heglancedupatthat,

delightspreadingacrosshisface.Shehadnodoubtthatmuchatleastwasgenuine.Ifheneededher,whichwastheonlyexplanationforhisarrivalinChesapeakeShores,thenhe’dbeallbutcertainshe’drespondtohisdistresscallandturnherlifeinsideouttoaccommodatehim.He’dnodoubtdismissedhercontinuedavoidanceofhiscalls,consideringthattobe

nomorethananinsignificantfitofpique.“Youlookgreat!”hesaid,

hisgazeintent.“Idon’trecognizethedesigner,though.Whoselineareyouwearing?”“Noidea,”shesaidwitha

disinterestedshrug.“Iboughttheclothesbecausethey’repracticalforwork.”Helookedstartled.“You

haveanotherjob?Ihadn’t

heard.”“I’mnotsurprised.News

ofmyopeningaday-carecenterwouldn’tlikelybeonyourradar.”Hefrownedatthat.“A

day-carecenter?Youmeanforchildren?”“That’susuallywho

they’remeantfor,”shesaid,smilingathisreaction.“Holdon,you’regoingto

beapaidbabysitter?”he

askedincredulously.Shedidn’tbothertaking

offense.“It’salittlemoremeaningfulthanthat,butbasically,yes.Ishouldthankyou.Haditnotbeenforthewholefiascowithyou,IneverwouldhaverecognizedwhatIwasmeanttodo.”“Takingcareofother

people’schildrenisnotyourcalling,”hescoffed.“Ifyouthinkthat,you’rejustsettling.

Youweremeantformuchmore.”“Suchasmakingyour

airlinereservations,dealingwiththemedia,plantinglittleitemsinthegossipcolumnstokeepyournameoutthere?”“Ofcourse.Allofthatis

almostasessentialinthefashionindustryasthedesignsthemselves.”“Andnoone’sbeenableto

fillthatnicheforyoutheway

Idid?Iassumethat’swhyyou’rehere.YoudiscoveredI’mindispensable?Orweremyreplacementstoodemanding?Maybetheyexpectedtimeoff?Orweren’twillingtogoalongwiththebedroomperks?”Helookedstartledbyher

sarcastictone.“Ithoughtyoulovedyourjob.”“Ilovedyou,youidiot!

AndIdidthejobexceedingly

welltotrytogetyourattention.”“Well,youhaveitnow.I

wantyoutocomebacktoworkforme,Carrie.Ineedyou.There,Isaidit.Doesthatmakeyouhappy,knowingIcan’tfunctionwithoutyou?Iwasfoolishtoletyouleave,especiallyoversomeschoolgirlcrushyouthoughtyouhadonme.”Sheregardedhimwith

shock.“That’swhatyouthinkitwas,aschoolgirlcrush?”Shesighedandshookherhead.“Thatcertainlyexplainsalot.”“Meaning?”“Ittellsmethekindofman

youare.Youtookadvantageofawomanyouthoughthadasilly,meaninglesscrushsimplytomakeyourlifeeasier.”Sheshookherhead.“HowcouldIpossiblyhave

beensoblind?”Hewincedatthescathing

noteinhervoice.Hefinallyseemedtorealizeshewasn’tgoingtofallintolinequitesoreadilyandchangedtactics.“Okay,Iadmitit.Ididn’ttreatyouwell.Iwascarelesswithyourfeelings.Itwon’thappenagain,Carrie.”Shesighedathispitiful

attempttoappearcontrite.“Asapologiesgo,thatone

lackedacertainamountofsincerity,”shesaid.“Butyouarerightaboutonething.Itwon’thappenagain,becauseI’mnotcomingback,Marc.”Hewavedoffthe

statement.“Ofcourseyouare.I’mpreparedtomakeaverygenerousoffer,muchmorethanyouweremakingbefore.It’scertainlymorethanyou’llevermakeasababysitter.”

“Marc,there’snotenoughmoneyintheworldtopersuademetocomebackandbeoneoftheminorplanetsorbitingaroundyou,”shesaid,standing.“Ihopeyoutakethetimetolookaroundtownwhileyou’rehere.It’sagreatplaceandit’sfilledwithpeoplewhoknowwhat’simportantinlife.Goodbye,Marc.”Sheturnedonherheeland

walkedaway.Thistimeshedidn’tlookback.Nordidshehaveasingleregret.ShecouldhardlywaittofindSamandmakegoodonherpromise.Kissinghimsenselesswouldwipethisdepressingencounterrightoutofherhead.

“Thanksformeetingme

here,”ConnortoldMackastheysatonthedeckatBrady’s.Thefirstcrisphintoffallwasintheairandthewarmthofthesunfeltgood.“Whyarewehereinstead

ofinyouroffice?”Mackasked.“OratthepuborSally’s?”“BecauseIwantedthis

conversationtobeprivate.Ifyou’dstoppedbytheoffice,someonemighthavegotten

windofit,andifwe’dmetatthepuborthecafé,wordwouldhavespreadinananosecond.Evenmorelikely,someoneinthefamilywouldhavejoinedus.”Mackstudiedhimintently.

“You’resoundingawfullymysterious.What’sgoingon?”“Ihavenews,”Connor

said.“AndI’mnotsurehowyou’regoingtofeelaboutit,

muchlesshowSusiewillreact.”Macksawexactlywhere

thiswasheading.“Anotheradoption?Susie’sdefinitelynotreadytoconsiderthat,Connor.She’sbetter,butshe’sstillreelingfromlasttime.”“It’snotexactlyanother

adoption,”Connorsaid.Hedrewinadeepbreath.“Letmejustgetthisout.The

motherchangedhermindagain.Thingsdidn’tworkoutwiththeboyfriend,andonceagain,she’sdecidedshe’snotcutoutformotherhood.Shecalledmyformerlawofficeandsaidshewantedtogothroughwiththeadoption.”Jawdropping,Mack

simplystaredathim.Whenhecouldfinallygatherhisthoughts,histemperkickedin.“Areyoukiddingme?

Whyinheaven’snamewouldwetakeanotherchancewithher?Sheclearlyhasnoideawhatshewants.Ican’taskSusietoagreetothis,maybeeventobringthatbabygirlhome,andhavethiswomanchangehermindyetagain.HavingthatbabyliterallyrippedoutofherarmsthistimewouldbethefinalstrawforSusie.”“Iknow,”Connoragreed,

histonequietlyreasonable,asharpcontrasttoMack’sincensedreaction.“It’saterriblerisk,andtherearenoguarantees.Therecouldverywellbemaneuveringroominthelawforhertodecideagainthatshewantstokeepherbaby.”HeleveledalookintoMack’seyes.“Buthere’sthething—thisbabyisreal.It’savailable.ItneedsthesortoflovinghomeyouandSusie

couldprovide.”“Forthemoment,”Mack

saiddirely.“Yes,forthemoment,”

Connoragreed.“Letsomebodyelseface

theprospectofheartbreak,”Macksaidheatedly.“Wecan’tdothattoSusieagain.”“Areyousure?Areyou

100percentcertaintheriskisn’tworthit?”Connorsighed.“I’mreallynottrying

tosellyouonthis.Ithastobeyourdecision,Mack.YouknowSusiebetterthananyofus.”Mackrakedahandthrough

hishairandregardedConnorwithdismay.“WhatamIsupposedtodo?Ican’tbearthethoughtofSusiehurtinglikethiseveragain.”“Orthiscouldbethebest

thingthateverhappened,”Connorsaidandreachedinto

hispocket.HepushedasmallsquareofpaperinMack’sdirection.Mackflippeditoverand

sawasweetlittlefacewithatinybowofamouth,hugebrowneyesandafluffofdarkhairwithapinkbowonanelasticribbon.Hedrewinasharpbreathandsomethinginhisheartturnedover.“Thisisher?”Connornodded.

“She’sbeautiful,”Mackwhispered,awedbythepossibilitythatshecouldbehisdaughter.Ifhewasthistakenwithherafteronlyaglimpse,howwouldSusiefeel?Couldhedenyhertherighttomakethisdecisionforherself,eventhoughitcamefraughtwithperil?“Connor,whatamIsupposedtodo?”“Takethatpicturehome

andtalktoyourwife,”

Connorsaidquietly.“Youknowthat’stheonlyrealchoiceyouhave.”“Isthereanywaywecan

protectourselvesthistime?”Mackasked.“Anywaytomakethisdecisionbindingandscrapthewaitingperiodwhenthemomcansuddenlytakeherfromus?”“Icantry,giventhe

circumstances.Icanmakeastrongcasefornotallowing

youtogetburnedtwice,butthelawreallydoesgivethebirthmotherafairamountofprotection.”“Evenaftershe’sproved

herimmaturity?”Macksaid.“LikeIsaid,Icantry.”Macktouchedafingerto

thattiny,preciousface,thenpickedupthephotoandtuckeditintohispocket.Hestoodup.“I’llletyouknow.”“Don’twaittoolong,”

Connorwarned.“Herattorneywantstomoveonthis,getthebabysettledintoagoodhome.”Mackcouldn’tseemto

preventahintofbitternessfromcreepingintohisvoice.“Anyhomewouldhavetobebetterthanwheresheisrightnow.”“Beforeyoujudgethe

momtooharshly,thinkaboutthis.Shereallyistryingtodo

rightbyherbaby.AndyouandSusiecouldbethebeneficiaryofthat.”Macksighed.“You’re

right.I’lltrytokeepthatinmind.”

Athome,whilehewaitedforSusietogetthere,MackopenedthedoortothenurserySusiehaddecorated

withsomuchjoyandhopejustafewmonthsearlier.Unlessshe’dgoneintherewhenhewasn’taround,ithadstoodemptyeversinceshe’dslammedthedoorshutonthedaythey’dgottenthenewsthatthebabywouldn’tbecominghomewiththem.Andnowhewasaboutto

askhertogetbackontothatemotionalrollercoaster,evenknowinghowfragileher

recoverywas.Heheardthefrontdoor

openandclose,thenheardhercallinghisname.“Backhere,”hecalledout.HeheardSusie’sfootsteps

gettingcloser,thennothing.Heturnedandsawherattheendofthehall,unableorunwillingtocomeintotheroomthey’ddecoratedasanursery.“Whyareyouthere?”she

asked.“Pleasedonottellmeit’stimetodismantlethenursery,Mack.IknowI’vebeenstruggling,butI’mdoingthebestIcan.Ican’tfacethatroomyet.”“Please,”hesaid,andheld

outhishand.“Please,Suze.That’snotwhatI’masking,butwedoneedtotalk.Ithinkweneedtodoithere.”Shehesitatedforwhat

seemedlikeaneternitybefore

finallyapproaching.Evenaftershejoinedhim,shekeptherbacktotheroom.“IspoketoConnor

earlier,”hesaid,holdinghergaze.“Themomhasdecidedtogiveherbabyupforadoption,afterall.”Susiestaredathim,clearly

notcomprehending.“Whatdoesthatmean?”“Thebabycouldbeours,

Susie.”Heletthethought

hangintheair,triedtogaugeherreaction,butherexpressiongaveawaynothing.“Butwehavetobewillingtotakeanotherchance.Itdoesn’tcomewithguarantees,thoughConnorsayshe’lltrytomakeitassolidashecan.”Hedrewthepictureoutofhispocketandhandedittoher.Shereactedthen.Tears

filledhereyesandspilled

downhercheeks.“Oh,myGod,”shewhispered,thenliftedhereyestolookintohis.“Shereallycouldbeours,afterall?When?”“Assoonasweagree,I

think.ConnorandIdidn’ttalkaboutthat.Iwasn’teven100percentsureIshouldtellyou.Idon’tthinkIcouldbearitifyougotyourheartbrokenagain.”Shestudiedthepicture

intently,thenasked,“Howcanwesayno,Mack?”Whenshelookedupfromthepicture,hereyeswereshining.“Thislittlegirlcouldbeours.Fate’sgivingusasecondchance.”Hestudiedherfaceand

sawtheSusiehe’dfalleninlovewith,theonewhoalmostalwayslethopeandoptimismoutshinedespair.“Areyousurethisiswhatyouwant,

evenafterwhatyou’vebeenthrough?IknowI’vebeenencouragingyoutoconsideradoptionagain,butthismom,youknowshecouldbeabadriskwhenitcomestostickingwithherdecision.”“Mack,Iwantsobadlyto

holdababyinmyarms.Iwantustohaveafamilyandthisisourchance.Ithinkthiswasmeanttobe.Ihavetobelievethat.”

“Andyou’restrongenoughtodealwithit,ifitturnsoutyou’rewrong?”Hepulledherclose,restedhischinonherhead.“BecauseIcan’tloseyouoverthis,Suze.You’remyworld.”“Andyou’remine.You

alwayshavebeen.Ithinkwecanmakeroominitforonemore.”Macksawnowayaround

it.Asterrifiedashewasofa

repeatofthelasttime,ifthisbabywaswhatSusieneeded,he’dputhisownfearsasideandmoveheavenandearthtoseethatithappened.Hethoughtofthefaceinthattinyphotographandthepowerfulpullhe’dfeltashe’dstaredintothosesolemnbrowneyes.“I’llcallConnor,”hesaid.

“Whydon’tyouopenthewindowsandgetalittlefresh

airintothisroom?”Whilehemadethecall,he

watchedasSusieopenedwindows,thenmovedaroundtheroom,touchingthemobileoverthecribtosetthelittlebunniesintomotion,thentakingaruffledpinkdressfromtherackinsideawhitewardrobeandholdingittoherface.Shepickedupapaleyellowonesienext,thenastuffedbunny,allthewhile

withtearsstreaming.Mackdisconnectedthecall

andwenttohiswife.“Connorthinkshecanmakethearrangementsfortomorrow.”Hergazeshotup.“That

soon?”“Soon?”hesaid.“Itfeels

asifwe’vebeenwaitingforever.”“You’reright,butanhour

agowedidn’tthinkitwaspossible.Nowwehavetobe

readybytomorrow.”Macklookedaroundthe

perfectnursery.“Ithinkwehaveprettymucheverythingweneed.”“ButIneedtocall

everyone.We’llwanttohavethefamilyheretomeether,”shesaidexcitedly.Thenherfacefell.“Ormaybenot.”Mackknewexactlywhat

shewasthinking.“Itwon’tbelikelasttime,Suze.”No

matterwhathehadtodo,hewouldmakesureofthat.Thistimetheywouldbringababyhome.“StillIthinkwe’dbetter

waitbeforeplanninganything,”shesaid,herapprehensionplain.Herexpressionhadlosta

littleofitsspark.Mackcouldunderstandthat.Hisownstomachwasinturmoil.Ifitwaspossibleforhopeand

dreadtocoexist,that’swhatwasgoingoninsidehimrightnow.Andifhefeltthisway,itwouldbequadrupledforSusie.Please,God,letitworkout

thistime,heprayedsilently.SincehiscommunicationswithGodwereprettyrare,hewastemptedtocallNellandgetheronthecase,butthey’djustagreedtokeepthisnewstothemselvesalittlelonger.

Hopefullyhisheartfeltpleawouldbeenoughjustthisonce.

SamwatchedwarilyasCarriewanderedaroundhislivingroom,straighteningthis,examiningthat.Shewasclearlyonedge,thoughhehadnoideawhy.She’dalreadytoldhimshe’dsent

MarcReynoldsonhiswayacouplehoursearlier,sothatwasbehindher.Wasshehavingsecondthoughtsalready?“Bobby’sinschool?”she

askedeventually.“Heleftacoupleofhours

ago,”Samsaid.Surelyshealreadyknewthat,givenitwasmidmorning.“Thenwe’realone?”Suddenlyheunderstood

hernerves.Theywerealonewithnolikelyinterruptions.“Wearealone,”hesaid,walkingacrosstheroomtojoinher.“Andyoudon’thavetobe

atworkrightaway?”“Nottillmuch,much

later,”heconfirmed.“You?”“IfIspendanotherminute

goingoverthesamepapersforthehundredthtimeorcheckingthesupplies,Imight

losemymind,”sheadmitted.“I’masreadytoopenasI’mgoingtobe.”“Interesting,”hesaid,

runninghisfingeralongthecurveofherjaw.“Herewebothare,allalone,atlooseends.Whatdoyousupposeweshoulddo?”Hergazeheldhis.“Ifyou

don’tcomeupwithanideaprettydarnquickly,you’renotthemanIthoughtyou

were.”Samlaughedandscooped

herintohisarms,butinsteadofheadingforabedroom,hesatonthesofa,Carriesnuggledinhislap.Sheregardedhimwith

obviousdisappointment.“Seriously?”“Iamnotgoingtodrag

youofftomyroomtomakelovefortheveryfirsttimejustbecausewebothhave

sometimetokill,”hesaid.“That’snowaytotreatalady.”“Areyousure?Theidea

holdsalotofappealtome.IthoughtyouwereasfrustratedasIam.”“Believeme,I’mplenty

frustrated,”Samsaidwithheartfeltemotion.Infact,ifshekeptwigglingaround,shewasgoingtodiscoverjusthowreadyhewastotakethe

nextstep.“I’mtryingtoplayfair.You’renotthekindofwomanamanjustravisheswithoutthinkingoftheconsequences.”Hereyesnarrowed.“Are

wetalkingaboutcondoms?”Thistimeherexpression

wassofilledwithdisbeliefthatSamresistedthedesiretolaugh.“No,we’reokayonthecondomfront.”“Thenwhat

consequences?”“Carrie,whatdoessleeping

withmemeantoyou?”“Itmeanswhatitwouldto

anywoman,”shesaidimpatiently,“thatwe’regettingcloser,ascloseastwopeoplecanbe.And,believeme,I’mawarethatitdoesn’talwaysmeanthesamethingtomen.Ilearnedthatthehardwayfromtheverymanwhotriedtoenticemebackinto

hislifeearlierthismorning.”“Andthat’swhyIwantto

besureyouandIareonthesamepagebeforewetakethatstep.ItwouldkillmetothinkthatI’dhurtyouthewayMarcReynoldsdid.”“Youcouldn’tpossiblydo

that,unlessyou’vebeensecretlyseeingsomemodelIdon’tknowabout.”“You’retheonlywoman

I’mseeing,theonlywomanI

wantinmylife,”hesaidwithcompletesincerity.“Thenyou’remakingthisa

lotmorecomplicatedthanitneedstobe,”shesaid.Samknewwhathewas

abouttosaywaslikelygoingtogetthissexy,wonderfulwomannotonlyoutofhisarms,butlikelyoutthedoor.Still,hehadtobehonestwithher.Cardsonthetable,andallthat.

“IfIwereremotelyreadytotakethenextstep,”hesaid.“Youmeansex?”“Imeanmarriage.”Hereyeswidened.“When

didmarriageenterintothis?”“Rightnow,oratleastit

shouldhave.You’rethekindofwomanwhodeservestowalkdowntheaisleinagorgeouswhitegownwithyourwholefamilylookingon.Iwantthatforyou.”

“Okay,”shesaidslowly.“But?”“I’mnotsureIcanbethe

guywho’swaitingforyouatthefrontofthechapel.”Shewasonherfeetina

heartbeat,justashe’dpredicted,lookinggloriousinheranger.“HaveIsaidonesingle

wordaboutmarriage?HaveIhintedthatIneedaringonmyfinger?Orthatyou’dbe

themanIwanttoputitthere?No,Ihavenot!I’mnomorereadyforthatthanyouare.”Shestartedtopace.“How

couldIhavedonethistwice?”sheaskedofnooneinparticular.“Donewhattwice?”Sam

asked,confused.“Falleninlovewitha

completeidiot.”Whenhestaredatherin

shock,shewavedhimoff

withanimpatientgesture.“Oh,don’tgogettingyourselfallworkedup.Imightloveyou,butI’mnotsomeclingingvinewhoneedsheartsandflowersandromanceeveryminuteofeveryday.Ineedapartnerwhovaluesme.IneedamanwhowantswhatIwant,whoknowstheimportanceoffamily.Ithoughtthatmightbeyou.Maybeyou’renotthe

onewho’sanidiot.Maybeit’sme,afterall.”“Youarenotanidiot,”

Samsaidforcefully.“Thejury’sprobablystilloutonme.I’mjusttryingtodotherightthing.”“Yeah,youwanttobefair.

Youdon’twanttotakeadvantageofmeunderfalsepretenses.Igetit.You’renoble.”Shemadeitsoundasifthat

wastheworstthingintheworldhecouldpossiblybe.Since,atthemoment,itwaskeepingheroutofhisbed,wheretheybothwantedtobe,maybeshewasright.Chinheldhigh,sheleveled

alookathim.“Callmewhenyoudecideyou’rereadytotakethenextstep.Ifyou’revery,verylucky,maybeI’llstillbeavailable.”Andthenshewasgone,

justasSamhadalsopredicted.He’ddonetherightthingjustnow.Heknewinhisheartthathehad.He’dbeenhonest.Sowhydiditfeelasifit

hadcosthimeverythinghe’deverwanted?

Carrieopenedherkitchencupboards,whichwerefilledwithfamilycastoffs,andtriedtochooseadishshewasn’toverlyfondof,somethingdispensable,somethingshewouldn’tregretsmashingintoathousandpieces.

Hergazefellonagravyboat.Whoneededagravyboat?Nother,sinceshehadn’tcookedamealrequiringgravyevenonceinherentirelife.GravywasNell’sdomain,aswerethemashedpotatoesandeverythingelsethattastedbetterwhencoveredwithrich,flavorfulgravy.HerattempttomakegravyunderNell’stutelagehadn’tgone

allthatwell.Shedoubtedshe’drepeatit.Sheyankedthepieceoff

theshelfandtestedtheweightinherhand,delightedtodiscoveritwasn’tsomekindofdelicateporcelain,butrathersomethingsubstantialthatwouldmakeasatisfyingcrashagainstthewall.Toobadshecouldn’ttossitstraightatSam’shardhead.Wasn’titenoughthatshe’d

hadtodealwithMarcagainfirstthingthismorningandsendhimonhisway?HadshereallyneededSamgoingallnobleonherandrefusingtosleepwithherbecausehewasn’treadyformarriage,wasn’tsureheeverwouldbe?Really?Whatmanrefused

whenawillingwomanwasstretchedacrosshislap?Itwasn’tasifhe’dbeen

immunetoher,either.Thatwouldhaveopenedawholeotherkettleoffish,butsheknewhewantedherjustasbadlyasshe’dwantedhim.There’dbeennomistakingtheevidenceofthat.So,hewasanidiotora

saint.Becauseitsuitedhermood,shewasgoingwithidiot!Sayingamentalgoodbyetothegravyboat,shehurleditatthewall,

whereitshatteredsothoroughly,gavehersuchsatisfactionthatshegrabbedblindlyforsomethingelse,anythingelsethatmightgetthisfitoftemperoutofhersystem.Shepulledbackherarmto

throwasillysouvenirmugfromParis—twobirdswithonemug,sotospeak,sinceMarchadboughtthestupidthingforher—whenshe

heardhermom’svoice.“Sothisiswhyyoudidn’t

answerthedoorwhenIknocked,”Abbysaid,lookingattheshardsofpotteryonthefloorandthemugstillgrippedtightlyinCarrie’shand.“Havingabadday?”Abbypluckedthemugout

ofdanger,thenwalkedtothepotofcoffeethatwasstillwarmonthekitchencounterandfilledthemug.“Thinkof

thisasgivingitonelastusefulmomentbeforeyoudestroyit,”shesaid.Carriestudiedhermother

withasuspiciousgaze.“Mom,whatareyoudoinghere?Idon’timagineyoucametorescuemydishes.”“IheardMarcwasintown.

Jesssaidyouhadquitethemeetingattheinn.Ithoughtyoumightneedtotalk.”Carriewavedofftheentire

confrontationwithMarc.“Itdoesn’tmatter.Hedoesn’tmatter.”“Goodtoknow,”Abby

saidwithsatisfaction,studyingCarrieovertherimofthemugasshetookaleisurelysipofcoffee.“So,”sheaskedeventually,“theshatteredpotteryhasnothingtodowithMarc?”“Nope.”“Nomoreunresolved

feelings,nomorelongingforwhatyouoncehad?”Carrieactuallyshuddered.

“Notevenatinybit.”“I’mgladtohearit,”Abby

said.“Hewasn’tworthyofyou.”ShestudiedCarrieforanotherminute,thensaidoh-so-innocently,“So,thismustbeaboutSam.”Carriefrowned.“Why

mustitbeaboutSam?Whydoesithavetobeaboutany

man?MaybeI’mjusthavingalousyday.MaybeIfailedaninspectionattheday-carecenter.MaybeGrandpaMickmademecrazierthanusual.”Hermothermadeavaliant

efforttohideasmile,butfailedmiserably.“Okay,that’sfairenough.Ijumpedtoaconclusion.I’llrephrase.Whatbroughtonthismood?”Carriedidn’tappreciatethe

oh-so-patient,patronizing

tone,especiallysincetheybothknewwhatherresponsewasgoingtobe.“Sam,ofcourse.”Beforehermomcouldgloat,sheadded,“ButIdon’twantittobeaboutSam.Idon’twantittobeaboutmefallingforyetanothermanI’veapparentlybeenreadingallwrong.Marcaccusedmeofhavingalittleschoolgirlcrushonhim,somethingofnoconsequence.Maybe

that’sallitiswithSam,too.Hecertainlydoesn’tseeitgoinganywhere.”“Haveyoustoppedto

considerthepossibilitythathe’sscared?Thisisamanwho,byhisownadmission,neverreallythoughtmuchaboutsettlingdown,muchlesshavingafamily.Now,outoftheblue,he’sadad.And,alsooutoftheblue,hediscovershehasfeelingsfor

you.That’salotforacarefreeguytotrytoabsorbinamatterofafewmonths.”“I’mnottryingtorushhim

downtheaisle,forheaven’ssake.Ijustwanttosleepwithhim.”Abbydidn’teventryto

containherlaughatthat.“Toomuchinformation,sweetie.NotthatI’measilyshocked.We’veallseenthiscoming.Andweallknow

thatyouhaveverylittlepatience.Youwantwhatyouwantwhenyouwantit.Iblameyourgrandfatherforthat.Healwayssawthatyouandyoursistergoteverythingyoueveraskedfor.I’msureifyouweretotellhimyouwanttojumpintobedwithSam,he’ddohislevelbesttomakethathappen,too.”“Mom!”Carrieprotested,

thoughshe,too,laughed.“He

probablywould,wouldn’the?”“Itmightmakehimalittle

crazy,becauseyouareoneofhisinnocentlittleangels,butyes,heprobablywould.Doyouwantthat?”“Heavens,no!”shesaid

fervently.“IfGrandpaMickinterferes,itwouldprobablysendSampacking.”“Andyoudon’twant

that?”

“No,ofcoursenot.Idon’twantmarriage,either.Notrightaway,anyway.”“Butyouareinlovewith

Sam?Andyouseemarriagetohiminyourfuture?”Carriesighed.“I’mscared

to,”sheadmitted.“Hemightneverchangehismind.”“Oh,Ithinkhewill,once

hisnerveshaveachancetosettle.”“Sowe’rebackto

patience,”Carriesaid,resigned.“AndthatopenheartNell

talksaboutsomuch.”AbbysethermuginthesinkandpulledCarrieintoanembrace.“Focusontheday-carecenterfornow.We’regoingtocelebratethatatSundaydinner.Nellhasallyourfavoritesonthemenu.Enjoyyourbigmoment.Focusonthegrandopening

that’scomingupinjustafewmoreweeks.Everythingelsewillfallintoplace.”“Promise?”Carriesaid

wistfully.O’Brienpromiseswerealwayskept.“Asmuchasit’sinmy

power,”Abbysaid,thensmiled.“Andwealwayshaveyourgrandfatherinreserveforbackup.”Carriechuckled,justasher

momhadintended.Shehad

towonder,though—ifitcamerightdowntoit,she’dresorttowhateverdeviousmeanswerenecessarytoconvinceSamthefuturewasn’tasscaryashewasimaginingittobe...aslongastheyfacedittogether.

SamspenttherestofthemorningafterCarrie’s

departurepacingaroundhishouseandtryingtoconvincehimselfhe’ddonetherightthing.Somehow,though,hecouldn’tshakethelookonherfaceasshe’dleft,asifhe’dturnedhisbackonsomethingimportant.Notjustsex,butonthetwoofthem.Sincethehousewasn’tbig

enoughtocontainhisfrustratedpacing,hesteppedoutsidejustintimeforthe

arrivalofthemailcarrier,whohandedhimanexpressenvelope.Glancingatthereturnaddress,hesawitwasfromRobert’sparents.Insidetherewasasealed

envelopeherecognizedatonceasbeingLaurel’sfavoritelavenderstationary.AnotefromRobert’smotherhadbeenpaper-clippedtoit.

DearSam,

Ifoundthisaddressedtoyouwhenwewerecleaning out thehouse. I’m sorry Ididn’t spot it sooner,but I wanted to get ittoyouasquicklyas Icould. IhopeyouandBobby are doingwellandthatwecanallgettogether soon. Weloved the picturesfrom the birthday

party. Thanks somuchfordoingthat.Sincerely,Delores

Sam’shandtrembledasheheldtheenvelopefromhissister.Whyhadshetuckeditawaysomewhereandnevermailedit?Hesighed.Onlyonewaytofindout.Hetoreopentheenvelope

andremovedtwosheetsoffaintlyscentedstationary.

MydearestSam,As I write this, I’mhoping you’ll neverreadit,but ifyouare,then something hashappened to me andRobert.Iknowitmustbe hard for you toimagine that I hadenough foresight toprepare for theworst,but that’s whatmaturity andhavinga

family does to acarefree spirit likemine.I suspect you’re

pretty angry withRobert and me forpicking you asBobby’sguardian,buthe and I agreed thatyou’re the absolutebest choice. I think Iknow you even betterthan you know

yourself. For yearsyou’ve been runningfrom the past—ourpast—but that’s noway to findwhat youtrulyneed.Todo thatyou need to falldeeply in love andcreate the kind offamily we never had.I’ve done that withRobert andour boy. Ithink Bobby will be

that blessing in yourlife,too.You can do this,

Sam. You’re a betterman than our dad.You’re a forever guy.IfIdidn’tbelievethatwith my whole heart,I’d have let Robert’sparents take Bobby.But our son needsexactly what you canprovide ifyoubelieve

in yourself. You’llgive him a home andstability—I’ll bet youalready have, haven’tyou?—andyou’llgivehim the taste ofadventure every littleboy needs to thrive,too.We love you, Sam.

We’re trusting youwiththemostvaluablepartofus.Iknowyou

won’t let us down.Don’t let yourselfdown,either,andgrabevery ounce ofhappiness that’s outthereforyourself.Love, Laurel andRobert

Thepages,dampenedwithSam’stears,flutteredtotheground.Hethoughtofhissisterandthefaithshehadin

him,ofCarrieandthetrustshe’dplacedinhim.AndhethoughtofBobby,whobelievedthatSamcouldmakeeverythinginhislifeokay.“Carriewasright,”he

murmured.“Iamanidiot.”Andattheveryfirst

opportunity,hewasgoingtoclaimthehappinessthatjustafewshorthoursagohehadn’tfelthedeserved.Hejustprayedhewasn’ttoolate.

SusiewasclingingsotightlytoMack’shand,she’dalmostcutoffthecirculation.“What’stakingsolong?”

sheaskedforwhathadtobethetenthtime.“It’snotasifwe’repicking

upproduceatafarmstand,”Macksoothed.“I’msurethere’salotofpaperworkandConnor’sprobablydoing

everythinghecantomakesurewe’reprotected.”Theyweresittingina

conferenceroomatConnor’soldlawofficesinBaltimore,waitingforthemomentwhentheywouldfinallyholdtheirbaby.“Doyousupposewe’ll

havetoseethemom?”Susieasked.“Doyouwantto?”“IdoandIdon’t.Iwantto

thankherfordoingthis,forgivingusthisamazinggift.ThenIthinkaboutalltheheartacheandIwanttosnatchthehairrightoffherhead.”Mackknewshewasn’t

entirelyjoking.Hewasprettymuchfilledwithmixedemotions,too.“Let’sjustfocusonthegratitude,”hesuggested.Justthenthedooropened

andConnorwalkedin,ababygirl—theirbabygirl—cradledinhisarms.“Susie,Mack,I’dlikeyou

tomeetyourdaughter.Hermom’sgivenheraname,butyou’refreetochangeit.I’mthinkingyoumightnotwantto.”Mackwatchedashiswife

tookahesitantstepforward,thenreachedoutandgentlybrushedafingeralongthe

baby’scheek.TearswerestreamingdownSusie’sface.Hisowneyeswerewellingup—atthisincredible,long-awaitedmomentandatthejoyshininginSusie’seyesrightalongwiththosetears.Susieheldoutherarmsand

Connorcarefullyplacedthebabyintothem.“I’mshaking,”Susiewhispered.“You’redoingfine,”

Connorassuredher.Hiseyes

lookedalittledamp,too.“Whatdidthemomname

her?”Susieasked.“Josephine,”Connorsaid.

“She’sbeencallingherJo.”Susie’sgazeliftedin

shock.“Mymom’sname?”Connornodded.“Ithinkit’sperfect,”Mack

said.“Whatdoyouthink,Suze?”Blinkingbacktears,she

lookedintohiseyes.“Ithink

thiswasmeanttobe,don’tyou?”Histhroattightenedatthe

purejoyonherface.“Ithinkit’sthemiraclewe’veallbeenprayingfor.”HecastaquicklookinConnor’sdirection.“Itis,isn’tit?”“It’sasairtightasIcan

possiblymakeit,”Connorpromised.“She’syours.”Mackmovedtohiswife’s

sideandgazeddownintothat

sweet,preciouslittlefacethathadcaptivatedhimfromtheinstanthe’dseteyesonhertinypicture.Heputanarmaroundhiswife,thentuckedhisotherhandbeneaththebaby,feelingtheweightofher,closeenoughnowtodrawinthatbabysmellthatwomenalwaysgrewsonostalgicabout.Susielookedupintohiseyes,thendownintothefaceoftheir

daughter.“Jo,I’myourmomandthis

isyourdad.We’regoingtoloveyousomuchit’llprobablymakeyoucrazy,butyouareourgiftfromGod,andwe’llneverforgetthat.”“Never,”Macksaid,his

heartsuddenlysofullhecouldn’thelpwonderinghowhe’deverthoughttheirlifewouldbecompletewithoutthistinylittleprincessinhis

wife’sarms.Now,atlonglast,theyhad

theirfamily.

OnSunday,SamonceagainfoundhimselfatthebigfamilydinneratMickO’Brien’s,thoughthistimeitwasMackwho’dinsistedhecome.“We’recelebratingthe

openingofCarrie’sday-carecenter.Youshouldbethere,”Mackhadsaid.“Idon’tcarewhatsortofdisagreementthetwoofyouhad.Today’sadayforshowingthatwesupporther.”“Shouldn’tthefocusbeon

youandSusieandyournewbaby?”Samhadasked.ThoughhewaseagertomakethingsrightwithCarrie,hewasn’tsurethiswasthe

occasionforit.“Thiswillbeherintroductiontothefamily,right?”Thebemusedlookofanew

dadpassedacrossMack’sface.“Believeme,everybodyinthefamilyhasbeenbythehouseatleastoncetogetapeekather.Thechristeningiscomingupinacoupleofmonths,oncewe’recertaintheadoptionisgoingtobefinalized.Iimagineshe’s

goingtogetpassedaroundtoeveryfemalepresentonSunday,butthedayisreallyaboutCarrie.Iknowyoucareabouther.Betheretosharethiswithher.”Samhadbeenjust

desperateenoughforaglimpseofCarrietoagree.She’dbeensurprisinglyelusiveeversinceshe’dwalkedoutofhishouseafewdaysearlier.Noquestionthat

she’dbeendeliberatelyavoidinghim.Whatelsehadheexpectedsincehe’dallbuttoldherthathedidn’tintendtogetinvolvedinanythingserious.Nowthathe’dcometohis

senses,inpartbecauseofhissister’sreassurancesfrombeyondthegrave,hewasreadytotakeitallback.HewantedCarrietoknowthathewascrazyinlovewithher.

Bobbyclearlyadoredher,too.Infact,thesecondthey’darrivedatMick’sandhe’dspottedCarrieintheyard,he’dgonerunningofftothrowhisarmsaroundher.She’dglancedSam’sway,then,justasquickly,lookedaway.Withhercheekspink,herhairtousledandkidsswarmingaroundher,shewaseverythingtheperfectmothershouldbe,notathing

intheworldlikethesad,brokenwomanwithwhomhe’dgrownup.Howhadheeverthought

hecouldturnawayfromthat,heaskedhimself.Evenasix-year-oldhadsenseenoughtogravitatestraighttoher.Ashissisterhadessentiallytoldhim,itwastimeforhimtostartrunningtowardsomething,ratherthanawayfromit.Peoplewholoved

deeplygothurt.Theysufferedterriblelosses.Itwasunavoidable.Butlovingdeeplywastheonlywaytotrulylive.Gatheringuphiscourage

andallthestrengththatcamefromknowingthiswastherightthingtodo—forhimandforBobby—Samwalkedslowlyacrosstheyard.HewashalfwaytoCarrie,whenshenoticedhisapproach.

Gazeslocked,sheextricatedherselffromthekidsandtookahalfstepinhisdirection,thenstoppedandwaited.Clearly,shewasleavingwhateverhappenednextuptohim.Hegotthat.He’drebuffedhertoomanytimesbefore.“Hi,”hesaidinanelywhen

hereachedher.Asmiletuggedatherlips.

“Hi.”

“I’msorry.”“For?”“Beinganidiot.”“Ihaveitongood

authority,you’renotthefirstmantoexcelatit.”“Howareyouatforgiving

itandmovingon?”“I’mnotsure,”shesaid.“I

haven’tbeentestedthatoften.”“Iloveyou,Carrie.”Shockregisteredinher

eyes.Clearlyshehadn’texpectedthewordstocomeouthere,maybeever.“Seriously?”“Don’ttellmeI’vefinally

surprisedyou.”“Yousaidsomethingabout

movingon.Thelovethingisprettymuchoutoftheblue.”Heheldhergaze.“Isit?”“Foryou,Imeant.Notfor

me.Isawthehandwritingonthewallforusweeksago.”

“Yeah,aboutthathandwriting.IttookmeawhiletotranslateitintoalanguageIcouldunderstand.”“English?”“No,thelanguageofthe

heart.I’lladmitIhadalittlehelp.”“From?”Ahorrifiedlook

crossedherface.“Pleasetellmemygrandfatherdidn’thaveanythingtodowiththis?”

“No.Ihadaletterfrommysister.”Hereyeswidened.

“Seriously?”“ApparentlyRobert’s

parentsfounditastheywerecleaningoutthehouse.ShetoldmewhyshewantedBobbytobewithme.ShehadsomuchfaiththatIcouldgetthisright,andsheencouragedmetotakeachanceonhappinesswhenIfoundit,so

that’swhatI’mdoing.I’mgoingforbrokehere.I’mwillingtochooseloveoverfear.”“Fear?”“ThatIcouldloseyou.”Shetuckedherhandinto

his.“I’mnotgoinganywhere,Sam.”Henodded,choosingto

havefaith.Heswallowedhard.“Okay,then.Ifyou’renotafraidtotakeachanceon

aguywhoneverimaginedhe’dsettledowninoneplacewithawifeandahousefulofkids,thenI’mnotafraidofthatanymore,either.”Shesearchedhisface.

“You’resure,Sam?Reallysure?Becauseoncewegoinsideandpeoplefindoutwe’retogether,therewillbehelltopayifyoudecidelatertobailonme.”“Nobailing,”heswore.

“Notonmyside.”Afull-fledgedsmilebroke

acrossherfacethen.“Notonmine,either.”“ThenIguessit’ssafeto

tellBobby,yourparentsandyourgrandfather,”hesaid,pullingherintohisarms,thenmurmuringagainstherlips,“Maybenotrightthisminute,though.”Butbythetimehe’dkissed

herthoroughlyinfrontof

whatgrewtobeacheeringthrongofO’Briens,hefiguredtherewasnoneedtomakeanysortofannouncement.Thenewsthathe’dcometohissenseswasclearlyout!Bobbydancedaround

them,hisexcitementcontagious.“We’regettingmarried,”heannouncedtoanyonewho’dlisten.“Hey,pal,thatnewsis

supposedtocomefrommeandCarrie,”Samtoldhim,thoughhecouldn’thelpbeinggratefulforthehelpinmakingthatfinalleap.AbbyandTracewere

quicktooffertheircongratulations,thenMickO’Brienheadedtheirway.Hehuggedhisgranddaughter,thengaveSamaheartyslapontheback.“Welcometothefamily,son!”

“Thankyou,sir.You’vesetthebarforthisfamilyprettyhigh.I’lldomybesttodeservetobeapartofit.”“Youjustlovemygirlhere

withyourwholeheartandyou’llhavedoneeverythingI’veeveraskedofanyone.”Micklookedaround,abeamingsmileonhisface.“Masentmeoutheretogetallyourhooligansinsideandaroundthetable.Dinner’s

ready.Waittillshehearsthisnews.Iimagineshe’llberaidingmyfancywinecellarformybestchampagne.”HecastameaningfullooktowardMack,Susieandtheirbabygirl.“O’Brienshavealottocelebratetodayandmoreblessingsthananymanhasarighttoaskfor.”“Amentothat,”Megan

said,linkingherarmthroughhis.

AsSam,CarrieandBobbyjoinedtheothersheadinginside,SamstoppedforamomenttolookintoCarrie’seyes.Heneededtobesuresheunderstoodexactlyhowhewasfeeling.“Justsoyouknow,

marriagewaspartofthatwholespeechofmineawhileago,evenifBobbykindofstolemythunderbygettingtheactualwordsoutbeforeI

could.Iloveyou,Carrie.”“Iloveyou,too,withall

myheart.”ShereachedforBobby’shand,too,andwinkedathim.“We’regettingmarried!”“Awesome!”Bobby

declared.SamcaughtCarrie’sgaze

andheldit.“Itisprettydarnawesome.”Infact,hecouldn’tthinkof

asinglethingtotopit.Then

heglancedatSusieandMackstaringdownintothefaceoftheirdaughter,theirexpressionsfilledwithawe.Except,perhaps,that,Samthought.Ababywouldcompletethings.Evenasthethoughtstruck,

hewaitedforpanictofollow.Whenitdidn’tcome,whentheonlythingstirringinsidehimwasanticipation,heknewalltheadventureshe’d

everneedwererighthere.

Epilogue

MicksatattheheadofthemassivetableinhisdiningroomforSundaydinnerandlookedaroundwithsatisfaction.Smallertableshadbeenaddedhereandthere,squeezedintocorners,forhisgrandchildren.So

manyleaveshadbeenaddedtothemaintable,itactuallystuckoutoftheroomandintothefoyer.Evenso,hecouldseeeveryonewhomatteredtohiminthislife.Meganwasrightnextto

him.Whenitcametohisgreatestblessings,shewasrightupthere.Hewasthankfuleverydaythatthey’dmadetheirpeace.Theirmarriagewasonamoresolid

foundationtodaythanithadbeenatanytimesincethey’dfirstwedsomanyyearsago.Mawasattheoppositeend

ofthetable,reunitedwithDillon,theIrishmanwho’dbeenherfirstloveandwho’dcomebackintoherlifejustafewyearsago,atimelyifunexpectedreunionthatallowedthemtoliveouttheirdaystogether.Inbetween,hisbrothers

andtheirspousesandtheirgrownchildren,allmarriednow.Hisownchildrenwerethere,too,mostofthemparentsthemselvesnow.Abby’stwinswerethefirstofhisgrandchildrentomarryandCaitlynhadevengivenhimhisfirstgreat-grandchild,littleJacksonMcIlroy.ToobadaboutthatScottishheritage,butMickcouldlivewithitaslongashisgirlwas

happy.Hehadafeelingitwouldn’tbelongbeforeCaitlyn’ssister,Carrie,addedyetanotherbabytothemix.SheandSamhadthelookoftwopeoplewhocouldn’twaittogetstartedonaddingtotheirfamily.Hewasblessed,tobesure!

Everyonealwaysthoughtthatthistownthathe’ddesignedandbuiltfromscratch,buttingheadswithhis

brothersalltheway,washisprideandjoy.Tobesure,ChesapeakeShoreswasthecrowningachievementofhiscareer.Itwasacommunitythewayacommunitywasmeanttobe,filledwithgoodpeoplewhocaredaboutoneanother.Butthecrowning

achievementofhislifewasrighthereinthisroom,astrongfamilywithasolid

foundationofvaluesandlove.They’dmadetheirshareofmistakes,himmostofall—notthathe’deveradmititaloud—butthey’dlearnedfromthosemistakes.Theywerestrongerforhavingweatheredtoughtimes.Theywerestrongerforhavingeachother.Asifshesensedhis

thoughts,Meganreachedoverandtookhishandin

hers.Heliftedtheirclaspedhandsandbrushedakissacrossherknuckles.“It’salittleoverwhelming

sometimes,isn’tit?”shesaidquietly.“Lookingaroundandseeingthisfamilygatheredtogether,thinkingofeverythingwe’vebeenthrough.”“Itis,indeed,”Micksaid.Formostmenthesight

wouldhavebeensatisfaction

enough,evidenceofalifewell-lived,buthisglancestrayedtothelittleonesatthosetablesMahadtuckedintocornersoftheroom.TheywerethefutureoftheO’Briens,anduntiltheyweregrownandsettled,hisworkherewasfarfromdone.Megansmiled.“Youknow,

Mick,therearealwaysgoingtobemoreO’Brienbabiesinthisworld,”shesaid,asif

oncemoreshe’dbeenreadinghismind.“Wecan’tstickaroundtoguidethemall.Soonerorlaterwe’lljusthavetotrustthatthelessonsyou’vepassedon,thevaluesyourmothertaughtyouandyourbrothersareintheirhands.”Micknodded,suddenly

awareofhisownmortality.Hesqueezedhiswife’shand.“Butnotjustyet,”hesaid

softly.“Notjustyet.”

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DogwoodHillbySherrylWoods

StandingoutsideChesapeakeShoresHighSchoolonhisfirstvisittothisquaintsmalltownontheChesapeakeBay,

Aidanconcludedhe’dneverseenamorebeautifulsightinhislife.Notthehillsidecovered

withaforestoffloweringpinkandwhitedogwoodtrees,thoughthatwasspectacularandunexpectedinthemiddleoftown.Notthenearbybay,whichwassparklinginthespringsun,thoughitmadehimyearntogofishingdespitethefactit

wassomethinghe’ddoneonlyoncebeforeinhislife.Noteventhestate-of-the-artfootballstadiumwithitspro-levelelectronicscoreboard,itslushgrassandimpressivepermanentbleachers,allofwhichshouldhaveknockedhissocksoffastheschool’sprospectivecoach.Nope,whatcaughthiseye

wastheslenderwomanwithherblondhairtousled,her

laughcarryingonthebreezeasshechasedapuppythatwastryingvaliantlytoherdaflockofunhappyCanadageese.Justthenthedog,some

sortofblack,whiteandbrownAussieshepherdmixfromthelooksofhim,spottedAidan,boundedoverandtriedtocorralhimintojoiningthegeeseinthenicetightgrouphewasapparently

envisioninginhisinstinctivepuppybrain.Withablackpatchoffuraroundoneeye,heboreastrikingresemblancetoapirate,causingAidan’ssmiletospread.“Stopit!Archie,that’s

enough,”thewomancommanded,fightinghard,butunsuccessfully,toswallowanotherlaugh.“Sit.Benice.”

Archieobedientlysat,tonguelolling,andgaveAidanahopefullook.“I’msosorry,”shesaid.

“Hegotawayfromme.”“Noproblem,”Aidan

replied.“Actuallyitisaproblem.

Thetownhasverystrictleashlaws,”sheexplainedasshesnappedArchie’sleashtohiscollar,“exceptforthedogparkontheothersideofthe

hill.It’sfencedin,sothedogsareallowedtorunfree,butArchieherespottedthegeese,instinctkickedinandthesecondsomeoneopenedthegate,hetookoffonamissiontoroundthemup.Hethinksit’shisjob.”“He’sverygoodatit.

WheredoIfitin?Notbeingagoose,thatis.”Whenshesmiled,

amusementsettingoffsparks

inherdeepblueeyes,itquitesimplytookhisbreathaway.“Oh,hethinksanything

thatmovesisfairgame,”sheconfided.“He’sverydiligent.”Aidan,who’dneverowned

apet,regardedthedogwarily.“Whathappensnow?IfImove,doeshetrytosnagmebythehandtodragmeback?”“Ithinkyou’resafeforthe

moment,thoughifyouhappentohaveadogtreatinyourpocket,you’llmakeafriendforlife.”“Sorry.Notreats.”Asifheunderstood,Archie

staredathimdolefully,theninchedcloser,finallybuttingAidan’shand.“He’lltakeagoodhead

rub,instead,”shetoldhim.“Don’tworry.Hereallyisharmless.I’veonlyhadhim

foracoupleofweeks,buthe’sbeenarealgentleman.Hisownerhadtogivehimupbecausehewastooenergeticforher,sohe’slookingforanewpersonandanewpurpose.”“Thusthegeese,”Aidan

guessed.“Exactly.”“Areyouhisnewperson?”“Oh,no,”shesaidatonce.

“Ialreadyhavetwodogsand

acat,noneofwhichIintendedtohave,butpeopleknowItakeinstraysandtrytofindnewhomesforthem.Whensomethinglikethiscomesup,theybringtheirpetstome.Cordelia’sgrandchildrenmeantwellwhentheygaveherapetforherbirthday,buttheydidn’treallythinkaboutherbeingclosetoeighty.Ithappensalot.Peoplethinktheelderly

needcompanionship,buttheyreallyhavenoideawhichanimalmightbebestsuitedforthejob.”“Andyoudo?”“I’dliketothinkso.

Cordelianowhasabeautifulcatwhoseownerdied.Fluffysitsinherlapandpurrs.They’rebothcontentwiththeirnewarrangement.”“Whataboutthethree

animalsstillwithyou?”he

asked,sensingthatshewasawomanforwhomcompassionprobablyoverruledgoodsenseonmanyoccasions.“I’mafraidIgotattached,”

sheadmittedwitharuefulexpression.“I’mElizabethMarch,bytheway.MostpeoplecallmeLiz.IownPetStyleonMainStreetafewdoorsupthestreetfromSally’sCafé.IopenedjustbeforeChristmaslastyear.”

Aidancouldn’tstopthegrinthatthreatened.“PetStyle?”herepeated.“Ihadnoideapetswerefashionconscious.”HeglancedpointedlyatArchieashespoke.Thedogwashappilysniffingabuttercup.Hisleathercollarlookedasifithadbeengivenagoodchewonmorethanoneoccasion.Theserviceable,butunremarkable,leashwas

equallyworn.“They’renot,buttheir

ownerssureare,”Lizsaid.“You’dbeamazed.JustlastweekIsoldafancyrhinestone-studdeddesignerdogcollarfor$150.I’dexpectedtobestuckwithit,butthoughtIshouldgiveacoupleofhigh-enditemsatry.Sureenough,atouristgrabbeditupanhourafterIputitondisplay.”

Aidanshookhisheadinastonishment.Onabeginningcoach’ssalary,he’dbeluckytobuydogfoodandpayvetbills.Thankfully,he’dspentfrugallyandinvestedwiselyduringhiscoupleofyearsasaprofootballplayer.WhenheglancedbackatLiz,shewasregardinghimspeculatively.“Youwouldn’t,byany

chance,belookingfora

dog?”sheinquired,turningthosebrightblueeyesonhiminawaythatwouldprobablygetmostmentoagreetodojustaboutanythingsherequested.“He’suptodateonallhisshotsandhe’shousebroken.Bestofall,Archiealreadylikesyou.”Archiewas,indeed,

happilysprawledacrosshisfeet,apparentlyhavingconcludedthathewasno

longergoingtobeallowedtorunfree,soAidanshouldn’tbeallowedtobudge,either.Hepromptlyperkedupatthementionofhisname.Forhalfaninstant,Aidanwasactuallytemptedtosayyes,ifonlytomakethiswomanhappy.Fortunately,givenhiscircumstances,commonsensekickedin.“You’reverygoodat

findingnewhomesforyour

strays,aren’tyou?”hesaid.“Soitseems,”shesaid,

beaming.“Sorry.Notthistime.I

don’thaveroominmyapartmentforadogthissize,andifthosepawsaretheindicatorsthey’resupposedtobe,Archiehereisboundtogetbigger.Imaybemovingsoon,anyway.”“ToChesapeakeShores,

notaway,”shesaid,asifit

wasafacthe’dalreadyrevealed.“You’regoingtobethenewfootballcoach.”Aidanjuststaredather.

“Areyoupsychic,too?”“Nope,butthetownloves

itsteam,andthewordonthestreetisthatanex-proplayerisgoingtobecoachingnextseason.Everyonehashighhopeswe’llstopbeingthelaughingstockoftheregion.Sinceyoulooklikeajock

andyouwerestandingouthereadmiringthestadium,Ijustputtwoandtwotogether.”Hegaveheranamused

look.“Howdoesajocklook?”Colortintedhercheeks.

“Youknow,fit,welltoned.”Helaughed.“Isee.Well,I

amAidanMitchell,”heconfirmed.“AndI’minterviewingforthejob,butI

don’thaveityet.”“Oh,you’llgetit,”shesaid

confidently.“Everyone’sveryexcited.You’llbethesecondproplayerintown.Ofcourse,MackFranklingrewuphere,andheonlyplayedprofessionallyforaseasonbeforebecomingasportscolumnist,butthetownloveshim.Hestartedalocalweeklynewspaperacoupleofyearsback.It’savery

toughbusiness,ifyouknowanythingaboutnewspapersthesedays,buthe’sbeatentheoddsbecauseit’sthebestwaytofindoutwhat’sgoingonintown.”Shepausedforbreath,thenamended,“AsidefromsittinginSally’sandlisteningtothegossip,anyway.AtleastMacktriestobringsomejournalisticcredibilityintoplay.”AftergrowingupinNew

York,Aidanwasastonishedbythisinsightintosmall-townways.OrperhapsitwasjustLizMarch,whochatteredlikeamagpie.“DoesMackknowthathiscompetitionisalocalcafé?”“Ofcoursehedoes.Sally’s

hisbestsource.Butmostlyhe’dbethefirsttofindoutwhat’sgoingon,anyway.He’smarriedtoanO’Brien,whichmakeshimpractically

royaltyinChesapeakeShores.”Aidaninstinctively

stiffenedatthecomment,thoughhehopedshehadn’tnoticed.“Whyisthat?”“Youdon’tknowthe

town’shistory?”sheasked,lookingstartled.“Isitacriteriaforliving

here?”heasked,mostlyinjest.“DotheygiveatestattheRealtor’soffice?”

“Notreally,”shesaid,apparentlytakinghimseriously.“It’sjustalocallegend,sopeopletendtoknowit.AsIunderstandit,thelandoriginallybelongedtoanO’BrienwhocameherestraightfromIreland.Hisfamilyfarmeditforyears.Acoupleofdecadesago,threeofhisdescendants—Mick,JeffandThomasO’Brien—builtChesapeakeShoresfrom

scratchonthatland.”Shepausedforbreath,then

added,“Mick’sthefamousarchitectwhodesignedthetown.Hemightnotbeanelectedofficial,buthiswordstillcarriesalotofweightaroundhere.Jeffmanagespropertiesandsellsrealestate.”Eyestwinkling,shegaveAidanapointedlook.“Soitwouldn’treallysurprisemeifhedoesspread

thestoryhimself,thoughIimaginehe’dconsidertestingpotentialresidentstobeill-mannered.”Aidanchuckled.“Touché.”“There’sanotherbrother,

too.Thomasisawell-respectedenvironmentalistwhorunsafoundationthatfightstoprotectthebay.”Aidan’sbrainseemedto

shutdownatthecasualmentionofThomasO’Brien.

MaybecomingtoChesapeakeShoreshadbeenahugemistake,afterall,ifjusthearingthatnamemadehimflinch.He’dgottenatipaboutthecoachingjobandbeendrawnhereasiffateweresteppingin,butnowallhefeltwasthefamiliarbitternessandangercrawlingupthebackofhisthroat.Thatitmightbeunwarrantedwasaconcepthestruggledwith

fromtimetotime.Hesuddenlyrealizedthat

Lizwasstudyinghimwithaworriedexpression.“Areyouokay?DidIsay

somethingthatupsetyou?”“No,notathing,I’mfine,”

Aidanassuredher.“Thanksforthebackgroundinformation.”Hedeliberatelytookaquickglanceathiswatch,thenadded,“Ineedtogetgoing.”

Heturnedandquicklywalkedoffinthedirectionofhiscar.“Aidan!”Liz’sconcerned

voicecarriedonthebreeze.“Theschoolofficeistheotherway.”Hegaveherawaveof

acknowledgmentandkeptrightongoing,thankfultherewasnosettimeforhisinterview.He’dintentionallyscheduleditthatway,

promisingtocalloncehearrivedintownandgotsettledintotheroomtheschoolhadreservedforhimatTheInnatEaglePoint.Maybeafterashowerandsomefoodandalittlemoretimetothinkaboutwhathewasdoing,he’dbereadytomakethatcall.Ormaybenot.Itwasabigdecision,

decidingwhethertostayandtakearisk,orgo.Ifhis

friendscouldseehimnow,they’dbestunnedbyhisindecisiveness.Onthefield,he’dbeena

quick-thinkingquarterback,readingadefenseandmakingsplit-secondadjustmentsthatdeterminedwhetheraplaysucceededorfailed.Hehadn’tstruggledforevenaminutewithhisdecisiontoretirewhenhe’drealizedthataninjuryhadslowedhim

down,ruininghiseffectivenessonthefield.He’dalwayswantedtocoachatthehighschoollevel.He’dgottenhisteachingcredentialsincollegeinanticipationthatthisdaywouldeventuallycome.AttheendofhisseasonlastNovemberfollowingasecondkneeinjurythathadtakenhimoutfortheyear,he’dmadethecall.Sure,ithad

comealotsoonerthanhe’danticipated,butfatewasfunnythatway.Hewouldn’tbeoneofthoseplayerswhohungonpasthisexpirationdate.Butthisdecision?Thiswas

different.Thiswasatwenty-eight-year-oldmantryingtodecidenotonlywhetherajobandtownmightbeagoodfitbutifthetimewasrighttomeethisbiologicalfather—

ThomasO’Brien—fortheveryfirsttime.

LizheldacupofcoffeeinherhandstowarmthemasshesatinaboothatSally’swithBreeO’BrienCollins,whoownedFlowersonMain,thestorenextdoortohers.Breewasalsoaplaywrightwhoranalocaltheater,butshe

stilllovedspendingtheoccasionaldaymakingflowerarrangements,especiallyforspecialoccasions.Todayshe’dbeensobusywiththedecorationsforababyshowerthatthey’dpostponedtheirmorningcoffeebreakuntilafternoonwhenLiz’shighschoolhelpercouldcoverforher.“I’mtellingyou,itwas

verystrange,”shetoldBree.

“Wewerejusttalking.IshouldsayIwaschatteringaway,fillinghiminonthisandthat.”SheregardedBreewitharuefulexpression.“Ireallydohavetostopdoingthat,goingonandon,Imean.”Bree’sgrinsuggestedshe

wasdoingitagain.“Okay.Sorry.I’llgettothe

point.Ipromise.I’dtriedtoconvincehimtotakeArchie,

buthewasn’tinterested.ThenIadmittedthatI’dguessedwhohewas.Wetalkedaboutthejobforacoupleofminutes,ormaybeIdidallthetalking.Anyway,hetookoff,andnottowardtheschool,asifhe’drealizedhewaslateforameetingorsomething.Heheadedintheoppositedirection.”“Well,thatisweird,”Bree

said.“Maybehedoesn’tlike

dogs.Archieisasweetheart,butnoteverybodynoticesthatwhenhe’stryingtoherdthem.”Lizchuckled.“Yes,I’m

familiarwiththereaction.Thepoorthingcan’thelphimself,though.ButtheArchieissuewasresolved.Aidanwasn’tinterested,andthatwasthatforme.Petsbelongwithpeoplewho’llloveandappreciatethem.

ActuallyIwasfillinghiminonlocalhistory,howO’Briensbuiltthetown,whenhegotthiskindofglazedlookonhisface,thentookoff.”“Soyouthinkhisreaction

hadsomethingtodowiththeO’Briens?”Breeasked,frowning.“Itfeltthatway,buthow

couldthatbeit?Everybodylovesyourfamily.”

Breemadeaface.“That’saslightexaggeration.Dad’smadehisshareofenemiesovertheyears.Heck,foralongtime,hedidn’tevengetalongallthatwellwithhisownbrothers.He,JeffandThomasclashedovereverydetailwhentheywerebuildingthetown.It’sonlyrecently,thankstomygrandmother’sdetermination,thatpeaceandfamily

harmonyhavebeenmostlyrestored.IfyouforcepeopletositaroundthesametableonSundaylongenough,soonerorlatertheyhavetostarttalkingcivilly.IdoubtNellenvisionedjusthowlongthatprocesswouldtake,though.”Liznoddeddistractedly.

ShewasstillperplexedbyAidan’sbehavior.“ThenImusthavemisreadhis

reaction,”shesaideventually.“Iguesswe’llseewhenwordspreadsaboutwhetherhe’stakenthejobatthehighschool.”“Well,whateverAidan

feelsabouttheO’Briens,it’sone-sided,”Breesaid.“Dadisdeterminedtogethimhiredasthecoach.Hepracticallyhandpickedhimfromthelistofcandidates,sothere’snobadbloodthere,atleaston

hisside.AndyouknowMickO’Brien.Whenhewantssomething,heusuallygetsit.”Breesatbackandstudied

Lizwithaspeculativeexpression.“So,whatwashelike?Aidan,Imean.”Lizblushedunderthe

friendlyscrutiny.“Isupposehewasgood-lookinginthatwell-built,jockway.”Shewishedshehadn’tnoticed

justhowtonedandfitheseemedtobe,orthewayhiseyeshadsparkedwithwit,orthedimplethatoccasionallyappearedinhischeekwhenhewasteasingher.“Inotherwords,you

wouldn’tkickhimoutofbed,”Breeconcluded.Lizfrownedatthe

lightheartedremark.“Iwouldn’tlethiminmybed,”shecorrected,thoughshe

hopedhewouldn’tmakealiarofher.Shehadafeelinghecould.Tobolsterherresolvesheremindedbothofthem,“It’swaytoosoonformetobeeventhinkinglikethat.”Truthfully,shehopedshe

neverthoughtthatwayeveragain.Herpasthadleftherbeyondskittishwhenitcametorelationships.Shewasfiercelyindependentthese

daysanddeterminedtostaythatway.Onceburned—especiallyasbadlyasshehadbeen—twiceshy.Bree’sexpression

immediatelysobered.“Liz,sweetie,it’sbeenayearsincetheaccident.Iknowyoulovedyourhusband.Ialsoknowyoumovedheretogetawayfromthememoriesandtostartover.It’stimetodothat.Meetingsomeonenewis

partoftheprocess.Youdon’thavetofeelguiltyifyoufindAidanMitchellattractive.”“It’snotaboutguilt,”Liz

saiddefensively.“Itsoundedthatwayto

me.”“It’sabouttime.Ihavea

newbusiness.Ineedtofocusonthat.Ihavenewfriends,tosaynothingofahousefulofpets.TherearebarelyenoughhoursinthedayforallIhave

todo.Arelationshipisoutofthequestionrightnow.”Breeclearlydidn’tagree.

“Archieandalltherestarenosubstituteforlettinganotherhumanintoyourlife,”shescolded.“Ihaveplentyofhumans

inmylife,”Lizretorted.“RightthissecondI’mthinkingtheremightbeonetoomany.”Shetriedtoforcealight,teasingnoteintoher

voice,evenassheprayedthebarbwouldstrikehomeandendtheconversation.Breeimmediatelybacked

off,herexpressionstricken.“I’msorry.Meddlingisafamilytrait.Ijustcareaboutyou.Wealldo.EvenDad’sstartedaskingquestionsaboutwhynoone’scomeupwithagoodmatchforyouyet.Nowthatallofhischildren,niecesandnephewsandevenone

granddaughteraremarried,heseemstohavegottenthiscrazyideathatit’shiscivicdutytoworkonmarryingoffeverysinglepersonintown.”“I’vebarelybeenintown

sixmonths,”Lizprotested.Breegrinned.“Inhis

opinion,that’splentylongenough.Trustme,youdonotwantMickdecidingtofindamanforyou.”“Heavenforbid,”Liz

repliedwithheartfeltemotion.“I’veheardthestories.Nexttimethesubjectcomesup,youtellyourfatherthathecanfindmeadaterightafterheagreestotakeinArchie.Thatoughttoshuthimdown.”Thatearnedachucklefrom

Bree.“Now,whydidn’ttherestofuscomeupwithathreatlikethat?”“Maybeyouweren’tas

eagertoevadehismatchmakingasIam,”Lizsaid,standingup.Shehatedlyingtoherfriend,toanyone,infact,butshedidn’tthinkshe’deverbereadytosharetherealstorybehindthenightshe’dlostherhusband.BettertoescapenowbeforeBreecoaxedherintorevealingsomethingshedidn’twanttoremember,muchlesstalkabout.

Shereachedintoherpurseformoneytopayforhercoffeeandraspberrycroissant,treatssheallowedherselfonlyafterstrenuousoutingswithheranimals.ChasingArchiealloverDogwoodHilltodaydefinitelyqualified.“No.It’sonmetoday,”

Breeprotested.“It’sthepriceIpayforstickingmynosewhereitdoesn’tbelong.”She

stoodupandhuggedLiz.“Wemaybewell-meaning,butdon’tyoudarehesitatetotellanyofustobuttout,okay?”Unexpectedtearsstung

Liz’seyes.“Iwon’t,buttobehonest,knowingthatyoucareenoughtobuttinmeanstheworldtome.”Itwasalmostasifshe’d

foundawholenewfamilyafterlosingherhusbandona

rain-slickedroadoneterriblenightayearago.Thepitifultruthwas,though,thatshe’dapparentlylosthimlongbeforethatandneverknownit.

AfterhisdisconcertingconversationwithLiz,Aidandrovearoundtowntryingtoconvincehimselfthat

ChesapeakeShoreswasn’ttheplaceforhim.Hediligentlyfocusedonthedownside.Itonlyhadatinydistrictof

shopsandrestaurants,foronething.Thereweremorebusinessesandagreaterdiversityoffancyandtake-outfoodoptionswithintwoblocksofhisapartmentinManhattan’sUpperWestSidethantherewereinthisentire

town,maybeeventhewholeregionwithoutgoingallthewaytoAnnapolisorBaltimore.Hepickedupacopyofthe

localweeklyLizhadmentionedandcomparedittothedailyNewYorknewspapers,thenshookhishead.Whenameetingofthetown’sbeautificationcommitteewasfront-pagenews,hewasdefinitelyinthe

wrongplace.Then,ofcourse,therewas

theinsightLizhadgivenhimintoatownwhereseeminglyeveryonekneweveryoneelse’sbusiness.InNewYork,thoughhehadplentyoffriendsinthecity,hewasbarelyacquaintedwithmostofhisneighbors.Thathadalwayssuitedhimjustfine.Therewereenoughrealcelebritiesaroundtownthata

professionalathletecouldeasilyavoidthelimelightifthatwashischoice.Inhiscase,ithadbeen.Howcouldthispossiblybe

thebestmatchforhim?Evenifthetowndidn’tcomewithawholeslewofemotionalbaggageattached,small-townlivingprobablywasn’trightforhim.He’dgostir-crazyinamonth,quiteprobablysooner.

Sighingheavily,hecametowhathadtobethebestdecision.He’dsetupaninterviewfortomorrow,becausehe’dmadeacommitmentandcommitmentsmeantsomethingtohim.He’deventrytolistenwithanopenheart,buthismindwasalreadymadeup.He’ddeclinethejob,wishthemwell,thentakeoffrightafter

theinterview.Therewereboundtobe

othercoachingjobs,jobsthatwouldn’tputhimanywherenearamanhe’dnowconvincedhimselfhedidn’treallyneedtoknoworevenmeet.ThomasO’Brienwasanameonapieceofpaper,animportantpieceofpapertobesure,butmeetinghimwouldn’tchangethefactthathe’dbeennothingtoAidan

hisentirelife.Atleastheknewwheretofindhimifsomegenetichealthissuecroppedupyearsfromnow.AnimageofLizcreptinto

hisheadandhefeltamoment’sregret.Notonlywasshebeautiful,shehadagoodheart.He’dfeltaninstantaneousconnectiontoher,somethingthatrarelyhappenedwiththewomenwhotendedtoflockaround

professionalathletes.Lizwasreal.Still,hecouldn’tallowa

momentaryattractiontoawomantoswayhimintomakingadecisionthatwassoobviouslyallwrong.He’dhaveanicedinner,getagoodnight’ssleep,meetwiththehighschoolprincipalandthengoonhisway.Satisfiedwithhisplan,he

checkedthedirectionsand

headedtowardTheInnatEaglePoint.Ashedrovealongthewindingroad,hecouldn’thelpnoticingthenearbybay,andoncemoreLiz’smentionofThomasO’Brien’spassionforthatbodyofwaterslippedpasthisdefenses.Hepiecedherwordstogetherwithwhatlittlehismotherhadtoldhimovertheyearsandwonderedwhatitmustbeliketobeso

idealisticthatacausematteredmorethanpeople,morethanason.Ifheleft,he’dneverknowtheanswertothat.“Stopit!”hemuttered,as

emphaticwithhimselfasLizhadbeenwithArchieearlier.Thedecisionwasmade.Somehow,though,itdidn’t

seemquiteasvalidaswhenhe’dfirstreachedit.

WhenLizgothomethatnight,Archie,SashaandDominiquemetheratthedoorofherlittlebungalowacrossthestreetfromDogwoodHill.Thetwoterriermixesthatshe’drescuedsoonaftercomingtoChesapeakeShoresmightbesmallcomparedtoArchie,buttherewaslittlequestion

aboutwhothealphadogswereinherhome.Girlsruled!Afterafewfailedattemptstoherdthem,Archiehadacquiescedtotheirdominance.Nowhesatquietlybyand

waitedforhisturntogetLiz’sattention.Thenallthreedogstrailedherintothekitchen,whereherimperialmajesty,aone-earedSiameseknownasAnastasia,regarded

themallwithasuperiorlookasshesatbesideherkittydishawaitingdinner.WhenLizonceagaintriedaless-expensivebrandofcatfood,Anastasiaregardedherwithanaccusinglookandturneduphernose.“Idon’tevenknowwhyI

try,”Lizgrumbled.“Otherthanthefactthatthisotherstuffisgoingtobankruptme.”Evenso,shedumped

therejectedfoodinthegarbageandreplaceditwiththecat’spreferredbrand.Asshelookedaroundher

small,butnicelyupdatedkitchen,themismatchedgroupofstraysbroughtasmiletoLiz’slips.“Bree’swrong,”shetold

thememphaticallyasshedoledoutmorehugsandscratchesbehindtheears,thendishedupdinnerforthe

dogs.“YouguysareallthecompanionshipIneed.”Butevenasshesaidthe

words,animageofAidanMitchellcreptintomakeherbloodpumpjustalittlefaster.Andthatwasexactlywhyshehadtostayfar,farawayfromhim.

ISBN-13:9781460390191

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