Page 290 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

The drive is only a few minutes. Neither of us says much. Some silences aren't empty. Some are simply full.

When the familiar sign for Walker Rehabilitation comes into view, she smiles.

"I interviewed here once."

I glance over in surprise.

"You never told me that."

"I guess I was waiting for the right day."

I grin. "I think today qualifies."

***

As soon as we enter, Carol comes around the counter and gives me a careful hug. "I swear you look better every time I see you."

"I'm trying."

"I can tell."

Her eyes shift to Annette. "This must be Annette."

Annette smiles and offers her hand. "It's nice to finally meet you."

Carol ignores the hand entirely and pulls her into a hug instead. "Oh, honey, around here we hug."

Annette laughs as she hugs her back. "I'll remember that."

Carol steps back and looks between us with unmistakable satisfaction.

"I've been waiting to meet the woman who finally convinced this stubborn man to listen."

"I did not—"

She raises an eyebrow. "Jamie."

"...Okay, eventually."

"That's what I thought."

Annette grins. "I like her."

"You will," I say. "Everybody does."

Carol glances toward the hallway. "Your parents are just finishing up with their last patients. Susan's saying goodbye, and Richard's probably still finishing his notes."

"Some things never change."

"They certainly don't."

Almost on cue, a door opens farther down the hall.

Mom steps out first, carrying a patient file tucked against her chest. She's smiling as she walks beside an elderly gentleman using a cane. "You keep doing those exercises," she says gently. "I expect a full report next week."

"I will."

"And don't carry the groceries."