“Oh dear.” She wiped a finger under her eyelashes, drying the tears she hadn’t been able to hold back. “You’re too funny.”
“I’m glad to be of service.” It had been worth risking embarrassment to see her so happy. “What do you want to eat? We have to get back and do this tree today as much as I’d like to sit here and make fun of myself.”
“Stop it. You’ll have me in hysterics soon.” She reached for his hand. “You’re a very sweet man, Adam, and I’m glad my icicle is hanging in your window. I hope it brings you lots of joy.”
“I’m not sweet at all. I think it was selfish of me to keep it but I couldn’t resist. Don’t tell my mother.”
“Never. But I disagree. The soccer team thinks you’re the kindest person in the world after what you did for them. I happen to agree too considering you’re not sure if your health is at risk.”
“It was the last thing I was thinking of, believe me. And there wasn’t anything strenuous in that game. I don’t think I even broke a sweat.”
“Cory was beside himself with excitement and it’s all I’ve heard about since. He popped in with his friends yesterday and told me yet again how much he enjoyed it. You made him incredibly happy.”
“It seemed like the right thing to do.”
“I agree, it was. But you didn’t have to do as much as you did. But in saying that, I think you have a young man with a serious case of hero worship now for life.”
“Yeah, he choked up when he called to tell me how much they all got out of the day and how much money they managed to raise for the Grange. Makes them feel like they have an investment in the property which can only be a good thing.” He liked that she was keen to put her stamp on the place too. “I heard that you’ve been spending some time with Cory.”
“Tiny’s taken to walking down to visit in the mornings when I let her out. Cory and I chat and as I said, he pops in from time to time. He’s a great kid who’s feeling more than a little lost at times and Woodsie is a great grandfather. He runs that home like a well-trained marine.”
“He does and I can understand how Cory feels right now. Losing a parent is hard for anyone, regardless of their age or when it was. The kind of thing that will stay with him for a long time to come.”
Chapter Twenty
Adam called into his parents’ place before he left for the airport. His father sat at the table with a cup of coffee and the morning paper when Adam walked in looking better than he had in ages. He walked over to kiss his mother.
“Mom said you were only going for the day, Son.” His father folded up the paper and put it down in front of him.
“That’s the plan but I’m not sure what will happen so I want to be prepared just in case. If I’m not coming back tonight, I’ll give you a call. I need to speak to management and work out what the future holds for me.” He poured himself a coffee and leaned against the kitchen counter. “I’m hoping to be back for the gala in any event. Dakota and Mari have put so much work into it, I’d hate to miss it because I was too stubborn to deal with this earlier.”
“Praying that things go well, Son. Last thing I’d wish on either of my boys is a bad heart like mine.”
Adam walked over and rested a hand on his father’s shoulder. “I know that. Pretty sure things will be fine. If Ross can get a clean bill of health, then so can I. It’s my own fault I left it so long to deal with.” He squeezed gently, reinforcing his point. “Now I don’t want to hear about you stressing out. I’ll call as soon as I know but if you could keep it to yourselves, I’d appreciate it.”
“Of course, Adam. It’s your business. Now get a move on. Don’t want you missing your plane.”
On the way to the airport, he couldn’t resist seeing Dakota one more time. He walked in the back of the hotel, heard her curse and smiled to himself.
“Damn tree. Why did I ever think I could take this on?”
He ducked his head behind the curtain. “Because you’re awesome at what you do and I have faith in you, that’s why.”
She whirled around, a surprised grin on her face. Dakota threw herself into his arms, making him glad he’d made the effort to stop in. “I didn’t think I’d see you this morning.”
“Decided I couldn’t go without saying goodbye.”
A wash of pain rolled over her eyes. Poor choice of words.
“Sorry, that’s not how I meant it. I should have said, I couldn’t go without saying see you later and I’m really sorry I chose now to go and sort this out when I could have done it ages ago.” He pulled her tight against his chest. “I’m looking forward to our dance tomorrow night.”
Dakota leaned back and tilted her head. “What dance?”
Adam put an arm around her, linked fingers with one hand and started moving. “Remember when I showed you the Grange and you made me think about what it was like in its heyday when my parents were young, in love and still childless? I knew then that I wanted to dance with you and tomorrow night is our turn.”
“Adam Clement, you say the sweetest things.” She leaned into him again and together they danced out into the back foyer, lost in their own world.
A cough brought him back to the
