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He was in navy-blue pajamas with dancing dogs all over them, and he smelled of soap and shampoo. He sidled up next to Suzanna. “Will you tuck me in, Mrs. Michaels?”

“Sammy,” Seth began.

“No, it’s fine,” Suzanna assured him. “Sammy, I would love to tuck you in.” She rose from her chair, and Seth did the same. All three of them headed down the hallway to Sammy’s room. Once there, Sammy got into bed, and Suzanna sat on the edge as Seth remained standing in the threshold.

She smoothed the wet hair off Sammy’s forehead. “I hope tomorrow you’ll have a good day in school and you get to wear the necklace home.”

“I will,” Sammy replied, his blue eyes gazing at her earnestly. “I promise I’ll behave better tomorrow, and I’m sorry I didn’t behave very good today.”

“I’m sure it will be a better day tomorrow, and I hope you have sweet dreams to carry you through the night.” She started to rise, but Sammy placed his small hand on her forearm to stop her.

“Will you kiss me on the forehead?” he asked.

Suzanna leaned over and kissed the little boy and then once again started to rise from the bed. And once again Sammy took hold of her arm and stopped her.

“Mrs. Michaels?”

“Yes, honey?”

“Could you be my mom? Mine went away, and I really, really need a new one.” There was a deep yearning in Sammy’s voice.

“Sammy!” Seth exclaimed in obvious surprise.

The plea of the motherless child broke her heart. “Sammy, I’m your teacher, but I can’t be your mom,” Suzanna answered softly.

“That’s enough now, Sammy. It’s time for Mrs. Michaels to go home, and it’s time for you to go to sleep.”

This time when she stood up, Sammy didn’t stop her. “Good night, Sammy.”

“Good night, Mrs. Michaels, but I still think you would make me an awesome mom.”

“Good night, Sammy,” Seth said and quickly ushered Suzanna out of the room.

He didn’t speak until they were back in the kitchen, then he turned to her, deep embarrassment evident on his handsome features. “I’m so sorry,” he said. “Sometimes I just don’t know what gets into that boy.”

“Please, there’s no need to apologize.” She carried her empty coffee cup and pie plate to the sink and then turned to look at him once again. “Have you ever thought about remarrying?”

“That’s definitely not in my plans,” he replied firmly. “I have no intention of ever marrying again. Once was quite enough for me. In fact, I have no intention of dating again.”

“That’s the way I feel, too. Although for me it’s the love I had for my husband that keeps me from ever wanting to marry again. And on that note, it’s time for me to head home,” she said.

It was really a shame he had no intention of remarrying and giving his son a loving stepmother. Sammy obviously wanted a new mommy, but it was all really none of her business.

They walked back into the living room, where she pulled her coat on. “Thank you for the delicious dinner,” she said as they walked out the front door.

Despite the darkness that had fallen, the nearly full moon shone down a silvery illumination that made it relatively easy to see.

“Thank you for being such good company and for bringing me a peach pie. I have to say, you’re very easy to talk to.”

She smiled up at him. “I can say the same about you. I enjoy spending time with Sammy, but I’m also really enjoying our coffee time together.”

“Would you be interested in going to the café for dinner one night?” His eyes glowed with warmth in the moonlight, and the warmth rushed through her.

“I would love to have dinner at the café,” she replied.

“Good, then how about tomorrow night? I could pick you up around six.”

She opened the car door. “That sounds perfect.” She slid into the driver seat. “So, I’ll see you tomorrow.”