Samantha walked into the Rescue Haven barn with Corbin’s arm around her. Mikey ran in front of them.
“I still can’t believe they don’t want me to do something. I feel like I should’ve helped set up, made some food.”
“They want to celebrate you, not work you to death,” Corbin said. “Besides, your aunt Becky was thrilled to do the food. Between them, Gabby and Sheniqua and Hannah are pretty well organized, and Mrs. Markowski ruled over the whole thing. Just relax and enjoy it. His arm tightened around her.
Samantha’s heart still pounded a little when she stood close to her new husband. They had gotten married at Christmastime, a little over four months ago, and being a married woman still felt new.
Mrs. Markowski swept over to them, dressed in her usual classy clothes, a maroon-colored blazer and slacks. “We’ve been waiting for you,” she said.
“Sorry. I wasn’t feeling well.” She glanced at Corbin.
Corbin looked at his watch. “I thought they were supposed to start at three,” he said, raising an eyebrow. “I believe we’re actually two minutes early.”
“Oh yes, yes, it’s fine.” Mrs. Markowski drew them over to the table where a punch bowl full of something pink—nonalcoholic, of course—stood waiting. She filled punch glasses for both of them.
Gabby and Reese were giving tours of the barn to the guests and benefactors, many of them from the church. Gabby’s grandmother handed out flyers about the various programs Rescue Haven now offered, assisted by a wealthy church board member, Mr. Romano. Some of the louder dogs had been moved to their new second kennel, but the best-behaved ones had remained, and the boys were putting them through their paces for the entertainment of the guests. Mrs. Markowski had even brought her poodle, who was learning better socialization skills by spending a little time at Rescue Haven each week.
Sheniqua sat on the floor, a handsome, dark-haired man with a touch of gray in his beard beside her. They had a collection of toys, and Mikey, Izzy and three other toddlers were already playing, making exuberant noise.
Hannah came up beside Samantha as Corbin went off to talk with Cheryl. They both watched him approach his mother. “How is Cheryl doing?” Hannah asked.
“Better and better. It was tough on her losing her husband, but she didn’t fall off the wagon. I think she’s going to love living on the same street as me and Corbin and Mikey.”
“And you’re going to love having your mother-in-law there?” Hannah raised a skeptical eyebrow.
“I really will. She’s been a wonderful help with Mikey already.” She paused, then added, “I’m just so glad that Corbin was able to mend fences with his parents before his dad passed.”
“For sure.”
They stood watching the children. Hannah let out a sigh, and Samantha looked over at her cousin. “Something wrong?”
“No. Yes.” She ran a hand through her hair. “I’m so happy for you and Corbin. I really am. And I’m happy that Sheniqua has found someone she cares about, too.”
“But you’re lonely?” Samantha asked bluntly. She and Hannah had gotten closer in the past year, and Samantha tried to include her in lots of activities. Moreover, Aunt Becky had been dealing with problems with Hannah’s sister, so Hannah was spending a lot of time helping her mother at her bakery and generally calming her down.
Between that and her dog training business, Hannah was plenty busy. But it would be nice for her to find love, too. “You know,” she began, “you could—”
“Don’t say it.” Hannah held up a hand. “I’m totally fine. Don’t go suggesting that I do online dating or some ridiculous thing like that. No way. I just…” She smiled a little crookedly. “I sure do like those kids. Wish I could take them all home.”
Mrs. Markowski clapped her hands, calling everyone to order. “No big speeches,” she said, “but I think we should all give our thanks to Samantha, who has worked tirelessly to get the Rescue Haven Learn-and-Play up to full capacity.”
They had started with a pilot preschool throughout the winter and spring, two days a week. Now, they would have the children every morning during the summer. The children got a farm experience, and learned about animals, and still fit in plenty of active play. Samantha loved planning the curriculum as well as working hands-on with the kids.
“In fact,” Mrs. Markowski was finishing up, “we may need to hire more staff and go to a full-day program come fall.”
Samantha raised her eyebrows and looked at Corbin, who’d returned to stand beside her. “News to me, but I guess I’m game,” she said.
“A full-day program for little ones will be just in time,” he said, smiling and brushing back a lock of her hair.
“Shh! Don’t tell anyone yet!” But she couldn’t restrain her own smile.
“I know. I’m just happy,” he said. “Mikey will have a little brother. Or sister. Whatever. It doesn’t matter.”
That was true, Samantha thought, putting a hand on her belly where new life was just starting to grow. Boy or girl, their new baby would be deeply loved, a wonderful addition to the family they had formed together.
She leaned into her husband and shot up a silent prayer of thanks.
If you enjoyed this story, be sure to check out Lee Tobin McClain’s The Off Season miniseries! Keep reading for an excerpt from Christmas on the Coast,
Available now from HQN!