Page 63 of Johnathan

“When was the last time you were at the doctor’s?”

“Abby.”

“Sam, I’m so freaking serious right now. You better make an appointment for some time this week, or I am going to be out here everyday after work hounding you until you do.”

“I seem to remember you reminding me that I wasn’t your father or husband. Looks like you could use the same reminder.”

“You’re never going to get to have a wife if something is wrong with your heart and you ignore it until you fall over dead like dad.” Her voice hitched and she felt the burn of tears trying to make their way to the surface. “Please. I want to be an aunt one day. I want to see you get to be a husband and a dad.”

“Shit, I want that too. You don’t have to worry. Jake just came out to the ranch and did all our physicals.”

The worry in her chest eased a little. “I guess that his mobile doctor business is doing well?”

“Yeah, he seems to be enjoying it. More than being stuck working in the ER.”

A shiver rolled through Abby. Shit. She hated thinking about the hospital.

“So, now that you’ve completely eviscerated me and made me feel like a small child, let’s focus on you. What have you been up to? Mom and I hardly see you any more.”

“Nice subject change.”

“So?”

“I’m sorry. I know I should come out here more often. I’m just busy.”

“With what?” His eyes squeezed shut. “Are you seeing someone?”

“That’s not any of your business.”

“Says the little sister who just tried to bully me about going to the doctor because she wants me to get married and have babies. Maybe I want the same for you.”

“The way you’re grasping your desk so hard that your knuckles have turned white is telling me otherwise.”

Sam sighed and slumped down into his chair.

“I’m just busy with teacher duties. I’m trying to put together a winter carnival for the kids right after Thanksgiving and there are just so many more moving parts than I thought there would be.”

“Already an overachiever and it’s only your first year teaching.”

“A love of school starts at a young age. I’m responsible for that. I can’t fail my kiddos.”

Sam laughed. “I loved Mrs. Lancole. You remember her? I think we both had her for kindergarten.”

“Of course I remember her. She took my class for a picnic at her house and she read us a bunch of stories while we ate.”

“Right. Well, even as amazing as she was, Mr. Westwood’s calculus class came along, kicked my ass, and forever made me hate going.”

“Your point?”

“Don’t worry about doing everything perfectly. You’re an amazing teacher. Those kids are lucky to be in your class.”

“Thanks, Sam.”

“That’s what big brothers are for. Now, did you just stop by to rip me a new one and then get a pep talk, or did you actually need something?”

“Oh, I wanted to ask mom if she still had our toys up in the attic.”

“Going to scare your classroom kids with all those dolls you gave haircuts to? Aren’t we past Halloween?”

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