by Karen Legasy
“Actually, I already have a plan.” Sam eyed the kindling, hoping it would work. “I’ll just have to sneak into her yard without being noticed. Maybe you can help with that.”
“Sure.” Mollie’s squeaky toy sounded in the background. “I’m meeting Aunt Jo at her place right after work around four thirty. I can distract her if you want.”
“That’d be great.” Sam thrust her fist up in the air. “Wahoo! I’ll leave here around five in the morning so I should get there in good time. Let’s keep in touch.”
Sam finished the call and got ready to head into her office. She had some files on her desk to clear up then wanted to get things prepared to work remotely while in Timmins. She also needed to draft her letter of resignation. Not that it would be a surprise to her firm, but she’d been with them for ten years and it had almost become like home to her. Yes, it was definitely time to move on. Her idea of a home now meant so much more than a job or a house. It meant being with Jo, and her heart fluttered at what this year’s Valentine’s Day would bring.
Jo sat in the Toronto airport after a long flight from Punta Cana. She was tired, anxious to see Mollie, and once again brooding over Sam. The trip had helped with the pain, but being back in Toronto brought it all crashing back.
Anna had seemed agitated ever since Monday and was certainly anxious to get out of Toronto. She paced near the gate and studied the crowd, as though expecting to see a familiar face. Her constant frown and the fact that she kept to herself gave Jo concern that something had happened. She approached Anna.
“Is everything okay with Mollie?”
Anna swung around to face Jo. “Of course it is. Why ask?”
“I don’t know. You seem uptight and had me scared that maybe something happened to Mollie.”
“It’s been a long day and I just want to leave Toronto and get home.” Anna sighed. “Besides, being here is like bad karma.”
“What do you mean?” Jo frowned at her sister, taken aback by the comment.
“You even have to ask? Sam had us all fooled, you know. This is her city and I just want to get the hell out of it.”
“What’s going on?”
“Nothing, but it just makes me so mad to think of her weaseling her way around all of us. I was conned by her, and I don’t like it.”
Jo sensed there was more to Anna’s anger. “Did she try to contact you?”
“No.” Anna led the way back to their seats. “They’re just about to board and I want to visit the bathroom one last time. I’ll leave my bag with you and Mom if that’s okay.”
“Give it to me.” Their mother took Anna’s carry-on. “I’ll go when you get back.”
Jo sat beside her mother. “What’s wrong with Anna?”
Her mother drank the last of her coffee. “I was hoping you’d find out. I thought maybe she was mad at me for something.”
“That’s not it.” Jo put her mother’s empty cup in the garbage bin next to her seat. “Did she say anything to you about Sam?”
“No. Why? Did she talk to her?”
“She says no.” Jo paused, unsure of what to think. “Something must have happened to get her all worked up about Sam, especially since she’s been desperately trying to get me to forget about the woman.”
“Well, Sam hasn’t contacted me.” Her mother stood up. “Here comes Anna. They’re starting to board, so I have to hurry in the washroom.”
“Aren’t you going to go, too?” Anna grabbed her bag.
“I’m good,” Jo said. “Go ahead and get in line if you want. I’ll wait here for Mom.”
“Okay, I will.” Anna headed to the queue at the gate.
Jo checked her phone, knowing there was nothing new. Had Sam sent an email to Anna? Was that why her sister was so agitated?
By the time Jo got to her seat on the plane, most everyone else had boarded. She was relieved to have the seat beside her empty and curled up against the window as the aircraft taxied for takeoff. She watched the city lights grow smaller then disappear as they ascended into the clouds of the night sky. A tear slid down her cheek as she said a silent goodbye to Sam.
It was dark and cold when they landed in Timmins. Robert had Jo’s truck warmed up and waiting for them. He drove as they first dropped off her mother, then Anna. Everyone was tired and conversation was strained with the letdown of returning to reality from a vacation in paradise.
“I’m anxious for Tuesday,” Robert said as he turned into her driveway. “The fire pit is ready, and I even got some red roses to decorate your table.”
“Sounds nice.” Jo forced a smile, happy to be home and anxious to be by herself. “I’m glad you’re still game to spend Valentine’s Day with me.”
“Of course I am. It’s going to be one to remember.” Robert turned off the truck. “I know there’s someone anxious to see you.”
“I can’t wait to see Mollie too.” Jo rushed inside to greet her excited dog.
Chapter Forty-Six
Sam had been on the road for nine hours when she pulled into a restaurant parking lot in Timmins and let out a sigh of relief. The drive had been long, the roads icy, and her hands clenched the wheel for the last four hours. She was finally here, and her stomach danced with excitement as she rehearsed words for Jo.
It was two in the afternoon. Robert had agreed to meet with her before heading to Jo’s. She sent a message to him then ordered a late lunch of a light salad and grilled cheese sandwich. By the time Robert got there, she was sipping on her second coffee.
“It’s so good to see you.” Sam jumped to her feet and squeezed Robert in a heartfelt hug. “Thank you so much for meeting me.”
“Hey, no problem. I’d do anything for Aunt Jo and she’s going to be thrilled by the end of today.” Robert smiled as he sat and signaled for the waitress to bring him a coffee.
“You think so?” Sam’s hands fidgeted with her coffee mug. The lunch hour rush was over and other customers were thinning out.
“I know so with the way she’s been moping around the last few days.” Robert stirred his coffee. There was a clatter of dishes in the background. “As much as she’s trying to let on it’s going to be a fun Valentine’s Day with me, I know she’d rather be spending it with you. If things were different, of course.”
“Which they are. I just have to prove it to her.”
“Yes, you do, because she’s still really pissed at you and so is my Mom.” His smile warmed Sam. “I know you can do it.”
“I’m glad you’re here.” Sam touched his hand in appreciation, her heart still so jittery. “Now let’s talk about my plan.”
Jo stood at the kitchen sink, peeling an orange and staring at the snow along her cedar hedge. She’d skipped lunch and decided to snack on fruit when she really felt like eating crap to console her heart on this Valentine’s Day. What was Sam up to on the day for sweethearts? Was she charming someone else or lavishing her ex with sweet nothings? Not that it mattered to Jo, but still.
If ever there was any doubt about what really happened in front of the Eaton Centre that dreadful day in Toronto, Jo believed Sam would be longing for her on this day. No, she had to stop thinking like that. It really was time to move on. Spending this Valentine’s Day with Robert was going to be her savior.
He’d called a few minutes ago to say her entertainment system in the basement was a bit flaky last week and he wanted to check it out with her before the fire. When he pulled up, Jo let Mollie scurry outside to greet him.
“Hey, Robert.” Jo held the door open for him, the cold breeze not as bad as she expected with the shining sun. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
“Happy Valentine’s Day to you too, Aunt Jo.” She fell into Robert’s open arms, his coat still on and cool against her cheek. “Mmmm, it smells good in here.”
Jo shivered as she got a whiff of Sam’s peach shampoo from Robert’s hug. Longing for the woman was really getting to her as she stumbled out of the embrace. “I’ve put a pot of chili on for dinner.”
“You okay?” Robert pulled off his scarf.
“Yeah, why?”
“Nothing.” Robert turned his focus to Mollie, grabbing onto her collar. “I miss you, girl. Come on downstairs with us.”
Sam slowly steered into Jo’s driveway and parked her vehicle behind Robert’s truck. She carefully gathered the roses and small bundle of kindling. Knees buckling, she left the security of her SUV and trudged to the front of Jo’s cedar hedge. She took a deep breath and held it while drawing a large heart in the snow. She lay the kindling in the center, put a single rose on top and began to complete her creation.
Peeling petals from a second red rose was like unraveling the layers she’d built around her heart through years of reckless relationships and unfulfilled love. She began to outline her valentine in the snow with the petals. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she rushed to finish her masterpiece that was sure to impress Jo. It had to.
“What the hell are you doing?” Anna’s shout shattered the silence and Sam almost toppled onto the heart.
“Anna. Julia. Hi.” She swung around, the stem of her unraveled rose dropping into the snow.
“Does Jo know you’re here?” Anna glared at the almost complete heart.
“No, but Robert does.” Hands trembling, Sam reached for the fallen rose and put the last petal in place.
“That’s quite the valentine.” Julia moved closer as she studied it, her voice soft. “And to come all the way back to Timmins to deliver it. It must be for someone special.”
“Oh, Julia.” Sam stood and fell into Julia’s arms, clutching the soft puffy pink parka. “I love your daughter and will do anything to get her to understand that.”
“Long-distance relationships are too hard,” Anna said.
“I’m moving to Timmins.” Sam spoke into Julia’s shoulder, unable to let go quite yet. “I just got offered a position with Maxwell and Associates.”
“So you applied after all.” Julia gave a squeeze and patted her back. “Good for you. Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” Sam stepped away, tears wetting her cheeks as she looked at Anna. “I’m so sorry if I hurt your sister, but I never meant to, and she wouldn’t give me a chance to explain.”
“She can be stubborn sometimes.”
“It’s getting cold standing here,” Julia said. “Let’s go inside.”
“You and Anna go on, but please don’t tell Jo I’m here.” Sam’s breathing hastened, adrenaline taking over as she prepared for the argument of her life. “I want it to be a surprise and Robert’s trying to help me.” She tapped Anna’s arm. “Thank God your son listened to me when I was here last week.”
“I didn’t know you were here last week,” Julia said.
“Let’s get inside Mom before Jo sees us.” Anna nudged her mother toward the door. “We can fill each other in later.”
“Our moms must be here,” Jo said as Mollie started to bark. They were still in the basement, testing the sound system with loud music.
“I thought it was just going to be the two of us.” Robert’s head jerked toward the basement stairs.
“Me too, but when your mother found out we were having chili and a bonfire she insisted on coming over. She is, after all, single and somewhat of a Valentine’s Day reject like us. And of course, I had to invite Grandma.”
“Hello,” her mother called out as she stomped snow off her feet at the door. “We’re here.”
Her mother and Anna were petting Mollie when Jo and Robert got upstairs. They were still by the entry and hadn’t removed their coats.
“Let me take your jackets.” Jo grabbed hangers. “I know it’s cold outside, but there’s something wrong if you need to keep these on in here.”
“How is it out there anyway?” Robert looked through the kitchen window.
“All’s good,” Anna said as she pulled on a pair of gray ballet-type slippers she’d taken out of her purse. “Everything’s ready.”
“What do you think of the fire pit?” Jo asked as she took her mother’s jacket.
“There should be a raging inferno tonight,” her mother said as she pulled on a colorful pair of her knitted slippers. “Your chili sure smells good.”
“If everyone’s hungry,” Jo said, “we could have an early dinner because the chili’s ready.”
“Are you sure?” Anna hugged her son. “Maybe you should check it.”
“It’s hot all right.” Jo stirred the bubbling pot then turned to the sink for a glass of water. A flash of red against the fresh snow caught her eye. She leaned into the window for a better look. “What the heck?”
A large heart outlined with rose-petals adorned the snow at the base of her hedge. A small bundle of cedar kindling tied together with red ribbon lay in the center, and a single red rose draped across it.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Aunt Jo,” Robert squeezed her shoulder, a big smile on his face.
“You did this?” Jo squinted at her nephew, confused.
“No.” Robert gave a thumbs-up toward the window.
Jo gasped as Sam stepped out from behind the cedar hedge. Robert grabbed her arm as she almost lost her balance with shock. “Why is she here?”
“Go ask her,” her mother said.
Jo’s heart pounding and her breathing uneven, she slipped into her heavy boots then pulled on a parka. “Stay here, Mollie.” She stepped outside, knees wobbling with uncertainty as she stayed by the house.
“Hey.” Sam stood by the heart of rose petals in the snow, the image surreal as Jo tried to make sense of things. “I hear you’re having a bonfire tonight and thought you could use some kindling to light it.”
Jo let go of the doorknob and shuffled toward Sam, dragging her heels with each step as her legs barely moved. “What’s this all about?”
“You.” Sam’s eyes locked with hers, pleading. “And me.” Her voice cracked and she took a deep breath before continuing. “What happened in Toronto was one big misunderstanding. I love you, Jo, and want us to be together.”
Jo’s heart thumped. “What about your ex? How does she fit into this?”
“She doesn’t.” Sam took a step toward Jo. “I know it sounds crazy, but there’s been one big screw-up after another with Trish. I can explain everything. I’ve never cheated on you, Jo. I can’t even conceive of ever sleeping with someone else after you.”
“I’m not moving to Toronto.” Jo could hardly breathe, Sam’s eyes glistening as she spoke.
“I’m moving to Timmins.” Sam smiled, tears flowing over expanded dimples. “I’ve just been offered a position with Maxwell and Associates.”
“Really?” Jo just stood there and gaped at Sam, numb with shock.
“I can start in a few weeks.” Sam continued to approach her, small steps at first then one giant leap as Jo leaned forward.
Chapter Forty-Seven
Sam’s lips found Jo’s and their tongues met with passionate urgency. The frigid winter air suddenly warmed and the bed of snow beckoned. It was as though nothing else mattered. Their lives were finally entwining.
“I think we’re being watched.” Sam spoke into Jo’s lips, afraid to let go.
Jo leaned back; her blue eyes so warm, comforting, and full of sparkles as they locked onto Sam’s. “I don’t care. My mother and sister have been keeping an eye on me ever since you left. I missed you so much, Sam.” She trembled, her words choppy with tears. “I can’t believe this is happening.”
“Let’s go inside.” Sam rubbed her nose against Jo’s, overwhelmed with relief. “I want to go home.”
Mollie was the first to greet Sam when she stepped into the familiar warmth of Jo’s home, the savory aroma of chili cooking and reminding her of that first day at the cottage. The jumping golden retriever almost knocked her over with excitement. Sam toppled onto the dog, burying her face in the fur and shedding more tears of relief. “I’ve missed you so much.” Mollie’s tail flapped against the floor as she wriggled against Sam.
&nbs
p; “I’m so happy for you, Aunt Jo!” Sam looked up to see Robert smiling as he gave Jo a big hug. She wanted to kiss him, her hero for helping make this happen, and would forever be indebted to him for listening when all seemed lost.
Sam felt Julia tapping her shoulder. “I’m so glad you’re back.”
“Oh, Julia.” Sam stood and embraced her. “I love your daughter with all my heart.”
“I know you do.” Julia squeezed Sam, her warm embrace and familiar sweet lavender scent so comforting. “I can see how happy you make her. I’m so glad the two of you worked things out.” She gave Sam a pat on the back as they stepped apart. “She needs someone to share this house with besides Mollie.”
“Hey.” Anna gave Sam a hug, her face relaxed with a warm smile. “It’s nice to find out we were wrong about you. You and Jo both look so happy together. And just look at Mollie!”
Sam laughed as the dog danced around her feet, tags clinking as she looked up, teeth showing and jowls wagging as though smiling, too.
“I think it’s my turn for a hug.” Robert put his arms around Sam.
“Oh Robert.” Sam buried her face in his shoulder and fought back more tears. “If it weren’t for you, none of this would be happening right now. Thank you so much.”
“He’s a good guy, isn’t he?” Jo wrapped her arms around the two of them and kissed both of their cheeks.
“We should let you two have some time on your own now,” Julia said. “Come on, let’s find a restaurant for dinner. I’m getting hungry after all this.”
“It’s Valentine’s Day today, Mom,” Jo said. “Most restaurants will be filled by now, and besides, you have to help us eat this chili and celebrate.”
“I brought some wine,” Sam said, so happy to be with Jo and her family. “I’ll get it out of my vehicle.”
“Did you drive all the way from Toronto today?” Jo asked as her head dipped toward Sam.
“Yes.” Sam smiled as Jo gasped. She grabbed Jo’s hands and pulled her closer. “And I’d do it again and again for you. I hope you’ll be with me the next time I make the drive. Like next weekend. Maybe you can work remotely from Toronto while I wrap things up at the office.”