It’s actually something of a shock to realize here I am, thirty-five and still single. I don’t mind the single part as much as I mind not being a mom. That’s so important to me.”

Rory could picture her pregnant, glowing. She’d be so bright and beautiful. He swallowed hard to chase the vision away. “Your mom didn’t put pressure on you to settle down?”

“Never. She only ever wanted me happy. And, yes, she wanted grandkids, and I wanted to make her a grandmother. I thought there would be time.” Her voice quavered, and she drew a quick tremulous breath. “She was a wonderful mom. She would have been a doting grandmother.”

“Any brothers or sisters?”

“No, just the two of us. My father died when I was a baby—he was a trucker—killed during a winter storm in Wyoming during one of those infamous whiteouts. I don’t remember him, so I’ve never really missed him, but I know Mom did.”

“She never remarried?”

“She never even dated again. Said she loved Dad too much.” Sadie paused, remembering. “Growing up, we had our moments, but by the time I graduated from high school, she really was my best friend.”

“No wonder you’re missing her so much.”

“Yeah.” She rubbed her fingers in the moisture beading her water glass. “There were certain things we always did together. Holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, as well as things like tonight’s Marietta Stroll. We went every year together. It was our annual tradition.”

“Is that why you’re not going tonight?”

“No. I need to work. I really am behind.”

“Are you behind, or are you just pushing yourself too hard?”

“I need to make money while I can.”

“You need to honor her memory.”

Suddenly her eyes shimmered with tears. She dashed them away before they could fall. “I’m afraid if I go, it will just make me sad.”

That soft, tearful confession felt like a vise around his heart. He didn’t know how she did it, but it felt as if she’d climbed into his chest and taken up residence there. “What if I took you?”

Her head dipped, hiding her face. “You don’t want to do that.”

“You should know by now that I’m not easily manipulated, or guilted into doing things just because someone thinks I should. I do what I want, because it’s what I want, and I want to take you tonight. I think it’s important you celebrate your mom’s memory.” His voice dropped, deepening. “When I lost my mom, I didn’t do enough to celebrate her. It was a mistake.