“It’s all taken care of,” Marshal says.
In the past four years, our financial status has improved.
Marshal’s old truck is replaced with a shiny, sleek sports car. My old Camry is now a midsize SUV, and my living arrangement has improved. I have an upscale condo near the river. Marshal also has his own place, high in the sky in a newer building not far from the museum. It’s all the rage with coffee shops, delis, and cafes that serve tofu.
“Let me drive you home,” he says, plucking my key fob from my hand.
“No.” I sway a bit. “I can’t leave my car here.”
“I’ll leave my car. I’ll drive you home and Uber back for my car.” Marshal lifts his chin toward Jane. “I’ll get her home. I promise.”
“Thanks, Marsh.”
I lower my brow and attempt a scowl. “Did she tell you to come because I was drunk?”
“She mentioned you were celebrating and not eating.”
My fist goes to my hip. “Are you, Marshal Michaels, teaming up with Bossy Jane?” It was what we called her when we were kids. Being four years older than us, she felt it was her right to be Mom whenever Mom wasn’t about.
Marshal pulls me close, tucking me against him. “The only Anderson on my team is and will always be you, Samantha Ann.”
I lean back and stare at his blurry profile. “You used my whole name. I’m in trouble.”
“No, you’re not in trouble.”
It isn’t until Marshal has me back in my condo that I ask him what’s been on my mind since he didn’t return my text message. “You don’t like Jack, do you?”
“He’s not my forever. He’s yours.”
I reach out and take Marshal’s hand. “I don’t want to lose you. I still love you.”
“Always and forever?”
I nod. “I just want the other kind of love too. You know the one that takes your breath away and twists your stomach, the one that makes you fall asleep with a smile and wake with one?”
“Honey, if you found that, I will never stand in your way. Just know that whether you’re celebrating your fiftieth anniversary or you need a shoulder, I’m here.”
“I know that. I’m here for you too.”
I slowly fall to my side and close my eyes, thinking of Jackson, of my friends, of my engagement ring, and how he proposed in front of the entire dining room full of patrons at Sheffield’s. My world warms as a blanket comes down over me and firm lips leave a soft kiss on my forehead.
“Do you need an alarm?” Marshal asks.
“My phone—it’s always...”
“Let me know when we’re going bridesmaid-dress shopping.”
I don’t see him with my eyes closed, but my cheeks rise as I curl my lips into a smile, and I drift off to sleep.
Sami
Present
“Oh.” My mom’s hands go to her lips as her eyes glisten. “It’s beautiful, sweetheart.You’rebeautiful.”
I loved the dress as I slipped it on in the dressing room, but seeing Mom’s reaction tugs at my heart. I spin toward the three-way mirror.
“Come up on the platform,” the saleslady says as she fluffs the skirt around me. “You look stunning, Sami. Your mom is right.”