that was a good idea. We just try to focus on all the happy memories. Send balloons up for her on holidays, that kind of thing. It’s a lot for kids that age.”
“For any age,” Kate said.
He smiled. “Right. Anyway, it’s been a hard year, to put it mildly, and I’ve wanted to keep things as stable and smooth for the girls as possible. I’m a consultant, and I stopped traveling. I do everything remotely now over the phone and online using email or Zoom for video calls or presentations. But it’s been a lot. I’m basically home with the girls 24/7 and I love them, but I was feeling burned out. My mother has been after me to move home for years. I finally agreed that it was a good idea and so far, it’s been great. The girls get to see their grandparents more and my mother loves to babysit, which gives me a break.”
“How are your parents?” Kate had always really like them. Lucy was an extrovert, involved in all kinds of local clubs and charities, while his father was the quiet one. He was a kind, friendly man and worked as a tax and estate attorney.
“They’re great. They said to tell you hello. My mother pushed me to join a local bereavement group for people that had lost spouses or partners. I was against the idea at first. But, as usual, she was right. Everyone there knows what I’m going through, and it’s been helpful to talk about it with them.”
“Oh, that’s great. I didn’t know there was a group like that here.” An idea came to Kate, of someone else who could benefit from it. “A good friend lost her fiancé a year ago, and I know she has been struggling, though she puts up a good front. I’d like to tell her about the group.”
“Sure, I’ll message you the details.”
“So, when did you get back? Are the girls settling in? Tell me about them? Do they look alike?” The questions rushed out and Kate laughed. “Sorry to bombard you, it’s the former reporter in me.”
But Sam didn’t seem to mind. “A little over a month ago. The girls seem to love it. My parents are, of course, spoiling them rotten. And we’re staying in their rental property, a year-round cottage that is just a short walk away, so they run over there all the time. They actually look nothing alike. You almost wouldn’t even guess that they are sisters. People say that Becky looks more like me, same color hair and eyes. She’s bubbly and full of energy. Sarah takes after her mom, darker hair, same smile and she’s more quiet, introspective. She worries about me, is more of a nurturer. It’s cute.”
“They sound adorable. I’d love to meet them sometime. Jack and I usually have a cookout over Memorial Day weekend. You’ll have to come by then if you’re free.”
“We’d love to and thanks for the invite. I wanted to reach out to you sooner, but I worried that it might not be welcome, or that your fiancé would mind.”
“Jack is pretty understanding. I’d love for you to meet him.” She thought for a moment. “When you’re ready to start dating, let me know. I could introduce you to some people.”
Sam shook his head. “Thanks, but dating isn’t on my radar at all. I can’t imagine when it will be.” He paused and then his voice cracked a little. “I still think about Mary every day.”
“Of course, you do. I’m really sorry, Sam. I wish I could do something to help.”
“Just meeting me today helped. It has gotten easier as everyone said that it would. Moving home here was the best decision, though. We’ll definitely plan to come for your Memorial Day weekend cookout. I was thinking to take the girls down to the pier that day, too, to show them the Figawi madness with all the boats coming in.”
“That’s a great idea. They’ll love it.” Memorial Day weekend was like the unofficial kickoff to the summer season on Nantucket, and the Figawi race was impressive to see. Several hundred sailboats of all sizes raced from Hyannis to Nantucket and spent the weekend on the island before sailing back on Monday.
Sam glanced at his watch. “I wish I could stay longer, but I have to get back to take the kids to their dance lessons.”
Kate stood. “It was really great seeing you, Sam. I’m glad you’re back here.”
“Me, too. And I’ll send you