“And myself,” she said. Grinning broadly she got to her feet and dusted off her clothing. “I don’t intend to walk down the aisle at our wedding covered with spots from bug bites.”
“I’d marry you even if you had the measles,” John said. He started to reach for the frayed end of the cord, then realized how unnecessary that would be. There was no way Brutus was going to leave Sam. Not now. Not after all he’d obviously had to endure to drag himself back to her.
Judging by the old dog’s fatigue and the ratty condition of his usually shiny coat, he’d made a long, difficult trek. But he had persevered. And he had made it.
The comparison to their human lives could not have been more crystal clear if Brother Malloy had preached a sermon about it, John thought. He and Samantha had come a long way, too, had endured many trials and had finally found peace, love and forgiveness when they’d been reunited.
Someday he’d share that profound insight with her, John promised himself. Perhaps on their fiftieth anniversary. Right now, they had a dog to wash and plans to make for their future.
* * *
The case of Danny Southerland being returned to his mother’s custody was easy to bring to a close. Samantha’s personal involvement with the family had caused her to be replaced by an unbiased CASA volunteer but their reports had agreed. Since Lindy was now a widow there was no longer a threat of abuse. Therefore, the child would be safe in the family home and a judge had so ruled.
Lindy held her son’s hand and grinned at Sam as they exited the courtroom. “Thank you so much.”
“I was glad to be able to help. Is there anything else I can do for you? I know it has to be difficult right now.”
“Not as bad as I thought it might be,” the young mother said. “Ben had some life insurance that paid double for an accidental death, and the people at his firm have been very helpful—in spite of his foolishness.” She cast a sidelong glance at her son. “We’re adjusting well, I think.”
“I’m glad.”
“I heard at church that you and John Waltham are planning a wedding. Congratulations. When’s the big day?”
“Next month.” Sam felt a smile lift one corner of her mouth higher than the other and had to laugh at herself. “I can’t believe how nervous I am. I grew up in a dysfunctional family and there are times when the idea of getting married terrifies me.”
“Don’t be scared,” Lindy said. “I know there must be many couples who are blessed to be together.”
They fell into step and headed down the hallway of the courthouse. “What about you?” Sam asked. “Do you think you might ever remarry?” The astonished expression on Lindy’s face made her chuckle.
“Okay,” Sam said, “maybe it’s a little too soon for that question. Sorry.”
“My first and only duty now is as Danny’s mother,” Lindy vowed. “He’s been through enough trauma to last a lifetime. I’m certainly not planning to shake up his world, or mine, by getting involved in a romance.” She smiled. “I think that kind of thing is overrated anyway.”
Samantha laughed lightly. “I sure hope not. I’ve waited a long time to see my dreams come true.”
“Then I wish you the best.”
Lindy offered her hand and Samantha took it. “You, too. God bless you.”
“He already has,” Lindy said, turning an adoring gaze on her son. “Thank you for getting my son back for me.”
When Sam replied, “My pleasure,” she meant it with all her heart.
* * *
The wedding had been planned as a small, informal affair and had rapidly grown to include the entire congregation of Serenity Chapel and many of the law enforcement officers John had worked with over the years, as well as a small group of representatives from CASA.
Finally, the bride and groom had simply given up and had thrown the event open to all by extending a blanket invitation the way so many country folks did.
John’s biggest concern was whether or not Sam’s parents would attend and if they did, what her reaction might be. He wanted the day to create the kinds of memories she would cherish, not be something she hated to recall.
He needn’t have worried. By the time of the service, Brother Logan Malloy and his wife, Becky, had taken care of everything. The flowers were arranged perfectly. Candles graced the altar. The main aisle was covered in a white runner and the organist had a list of the special music Samantha had selected.