“It’s what they used to call women who never got married, sweetie.”
Bridge glanced up at me. “Meghan, are you an old maid?”
I held back a giggle at the horrified look on her mother’s face. “Bridget! No, Meghan is not an old maid. And it’s not a very nice thing to say.”
I decided this was an opportunity to educate her. “Bridge, when this game was made up, women felt like they had to be married to amount to anything. But now women can do whatever they want. They can get married or not, they can have any career ... so that’s why we don’t say old maid anymore.”
She nodded, but I wasn’t sure she understood. “I want to get married when I grow up. I’m going to marry Parker Smith, and we’re going to live on his farm because it has horses and pigs, and we’re going to have lots of babies.”
Ali rolled her eyes, but I hurried to answer Bridget. “That’s great, honey, if that’s what you want to do. But there’s a ton of other things out in the world, and you might decide you want to do them, too.”
“Don’t you want to get married, Meghan?” The little girl picked up her cards and scanned them.
The room was silent, and I felt as though everyone was waiting for my answer. “Um, probably. Some day. When the right person comes along, and when I’m ready. But right now I’m too young.”
She cast me a skeptical look. “You’re not too young. Mama was younger than you when she got married.” She laid down a pair of cards and gazed pointedly at Sam. “You’re not too young, Uncle Sam. Are you going to get married ever?”
Silence fell again, and I saw Sam’s throat work as he swallowed. “Maybe someday, peanut, but for now, you and your mom are plenty of women for me.”
“And Meghan,” Bridge added.
Sam glanced up at me, his eyes unreadable. “Yep. And Meghan, for sure.”
That same mixed feeling settled in my stomach, and I took a deep breath, wiping my suddenly-damp palms on my jeans. Just for now, I reminded myself.
Sam made it through two hands of Old Maid before he stood up, announcing that he had to get some things ready outside. Before Bridget could ask what he was doing, Ali interrupted and reminded her that it was time for a bath and reading.
“Have fun tonight,” she whispered as her daughter dragged her toward the steps. “But don’t tell me about it. I’d like to stay blissfully ignorant if you don’t mind.”
I wiped off the table and stood uncertain in the middle of the kitchen. It was nearly eight, but I wasn’t sure whether or not Sam wanted me outside. I heard him around the truck, and my curiosity was running high.
Before I could peek out the window, the screen door opened, and he stuck his head inside. “Okay, I’m ready. C’mon.”
“Do I need to bring anything?” I rubbed my arms, wondering if I needed a sweatshirt.
“Nope, just yourself.” He held out a hand, and I took it.
The pick-up truck was just outside the door, and two fishing poles leaned against the bed. Sam squeezed my hand and looked down at me with questioning eyes.
“Okay, so if I’m way off base here and you don’t want to do this, I’ve got a plan B. But tell me the truth: are you all right with some night fishing?”
“Are you kidding me?” I reached for the pole nearest me and ran my hand over it. “I’m a beach girl. I love to fish.”
The relief on his face was adorable. “Good. I thought it would be fun. I’ve got a special place picked out, and I think you’ll like it.” He pulled me around to the other side of the truck, tossing the fishing stuff into the back over a tarp as we rounded the tailgate.
Sam started up the engine and within a few minutes, we were bumping along a rough dirt road, heading into the woods. He’d taken my hand again when he started driving, and now he pressed it to his thigh.
“In case I forget to say it later, you look gorgeous tonight. I couldn’t stop looking at you when we were eating dinner.”
I tightened my fingers around his. “I’ve been rushing through this whole day, just to get to tonight. I don’t even remember eating dinner.”
He turned sharply, and we were deeper into the trees. The canopy of branches hid the stars and moon, and the night was full-on black. I closed my eyes and leaned my head back against the seat.
“Are you tired?” Sam’s thumb rubbed the top of my hand.
“No.” I turned my head and smiled at him. “Just enjoying the present. The quiet and the dark.”
“Well, look ahead now, just for a minute.” He took a left, and suddenly we were in a clearing. The sky stretched over us with a million stars, and before us, moonlight gleamed on a beautiful expanse of blue water. I caught my breath.