Page 37 of Daniel
I walked him back to Sierra, then gave her a hug. “Happy New Year, my dear.”
“Happy New Year, Mary.” She hesitated, then added, “Thank you for being so welcoming. This town already feels like home, and you’re a big part of that.”
My arms tightened around her in another quick hug. “We’re lucky to have you. I’m right here if you need anything while Jacob is away.”
“Thank you.”
Watching the two of them glide back out to the dance floor made my heart swell. After seeing my boys single for so long, I was so happy for each of them that I thought I might actually explode from joy.
Andrew sidled over and held out his hand. “Shall we?”
I peeked over his shoulder to give Robin a wave, then she went back to taking photos of some of the dessert trays.
“New Year’s article?” I asked as we began to dance.
“Yes, and also she likes to have interesting photos in her back pocket in case she ever needs them down the road.”
I nodded as we did a slow spin right in front of the band. “Robin’s a very smart girl. And a hard worker.”
“Definitely.”
Frowning, I shook my head. “A woman that puts her career first isn’t going to be a very good wife and mother.”
Andrew’s head fell back as he laughed. “Don’t you pull that stuff on me, Mom. I’m not falling for it.”
“Dammit,” I muttered.
He blinked in surprise. “Since when does Mrs. Mary King curse?” he asked, incredulous.
“I’ve just been informed that my new knee might possibly be evil, and I’m going to run with it,” I giggled.
He shrugged. “What the hell, you only live once, right?”
I gave his bicep a smack. “Only I may curse. You don’t have an evil knee. You still need to watch your mouth around me.”
He rolled his eyes. “Yes, Mom,” he whined.
“I really am delighted that you found Robin. I hope that you two have a great time traveling. And please be sure to tell her that whenever she’s around Holly Valley, we’d like her to park her camper on our property so that we know she’s safe.”
“She’ll love that,” Andrew said, his eyes softening. “You know how lousy her family is. It really means a lot to her that you’ve been so sweet and welcoming.”
I nodded, patting the back of his shoulder. “If she ever wants to talk it through, I’m right here. I realize it might take some time to worm its way out.”
The song finished, and I escorted him back to Robin. Giving her a huge hug, I whispered, “Thanks again for everything you’ve done for the toy factory. But also for making my son smile like that.”
Robin blinked hard, her eyes glistening. “Thank you for…well, for everything.”
My hand squeezed her arm. “Always right here if you ever need me, honey. You make sure that Andrew puts my number in your phone before you go traveling anywhere, okay? I have friends all over the place.”
“Thanks, Mary.”
Scanning the room, I saw Daniel and Prairie sitting in a corner, trying to make out without anyone seeing them. Iapproached while pretending to be looking in all directions except theirs, giving them a chance to jump a few inches apart.
“Prairie, do you mind if I steal my son away for dance?”
“Sure, go ahead.” She was so pretty when she smiled so brightly. “I’m going to go steal a few more bites of that incredible potato salad.”
Daniel had always been a bit more reserved than the other boys, but he really was an excellent dancer. He must have picked it up after years of Christmas Eve Eve Balls.
