Page 22

“Thank you, Sammy. That sounds quite lovely, but I think I’ll pass for now,” she replied. She turned and smiled at Seth. He returned her smile and then looked at his son.

“Sammy, bring your hot chocolate into the kitchen. It’s time for your lessons with Mrs. Michaels.”

He gestured her into the kitchen. As usual on these nights the table was empty and ready for her to work with Sammy. This night she worked with him for about an hour and then told Sammy and Seth the good news.

“It’s a night to celebrate. Tonight was the last night for tutoring,” she said. “I’m happy to tell you both that Sammy is all caught up and working at grade level, so there is no more need for me to continue to tutor him.”

She’d expected Sammy to be happy at the news, but his lower lip began to tremble ominously, and his eyes shone extra bright with impending tears. “So you won’t be coming here no more?” he asked.

“I won’t be, but why are you so sad?” She bent down to be on his level. He was such a handsome little boy with his slightly shaggy black hair and his expressive blue eyes. He was definitely the spitting image of his father.

“I like it when you are here,” he replied with a small sniffle. “Sometimes I pretend like you’re my mommy, and you’re just helping me with my homework like other mommies do with their kids.”

He sidled up closer to her. “You don’t have any kids, so why can’t you have just one? Why can’t you just stay here and be my mommy?”

“Oh, Sammy. Honey, it just doesn’t work like that,” Suzanna replied as once again her heart squeezed tight for the motherless little boy. She swept a strand of his hair off his forehead and then stood. “In the meantime, I’ll see you every day in school.”

“But it won’t be the same,” Sammy replied as several tears spilled down on his cheeks.

“Buddy, it’s time to go get ready for bed,” Seth said.

The minute Sammy disappeared down the hallway, Seth gestured her back into the kitchen. “I’m so sorry about that,” he said as he began making coffee.

“There’s nothing to apologize for,” she replied and sank down in a chair at the table. She wished he would change his mind about remarrying. His son desperately needed a stepmother who would love him. But she reminded herself that it was none of her business. A moment later he had coffee for them both, and he joined her at the table.

“So, tonight is the last night for tutoring,” he said.

“Yes, Sammy has done a great job and is now all caught up with his peers.”

“That’s great to hear, although I have to confess, I’m going to miss these evening visits with you.” His eyes held a warmth she could have easily fallen into, but she broke the gaze and instead looked down into her coffee cup.

“I’m going to miss visiting with you,” she replied and then gazed back up at him. “But the mission has been accomplished, and that’s what’s most important.”

“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you taking the extra time out of your life to help Sammy.”

She smiled. “It’s been a real pleasure. He’s a very bright child and fun to be around.”

“Thanks, I think so. But I might be a little bit partial,” he said with his charming grin.

“Before I leave here tonight, I have a burning question for you to answer,” she said.

“What’s that?” he asked curiously.

“I know Sammy’s birthday party is next Saturday. So, is he going to get a dog or not?”

Once again, he grinned at her. “You’ll need to come to the party to find out.”

She laughed. “Actually, I do plan to show up for a little while, especially since Sammy has invited the entire class to come.”

“I found some doggy-decorated party supplies online, and so I ordered them. They’re supposed to arrive tomorrow.”

“That will make Sammy happy,” she replied.

“And shortly after his party, Thanksgiving will be here. Do you have special plans for that day?” he asked.

“For the past few years, a couple of the teachers who don’t have families have met up to cook and spend the day together,” she replied. “What about you and Sammy? Any big plans for the day?”

“Not really. But even though it’s just the two of us, I’ll bake the traditional turkey with all the trimmings. Heck, I might even try my hand at fixing a pie.”