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“Fried mushrooms,” she said.

They all continued to talk about favorite foods until Seth pulled up in the driveway. “Sammy, don’t forget to let Lady out, and I’ll get started on dinner.”

They all left the car and headed into the house. Suzanna went to her room to get into her comfy clothes and then returned to the kitchen, where Seth was heating up a pot of tomato soup. He already had what he needed to make the grilled cheese sandwiches laid out on the counter.

“How about if I set the table?” she offered.

He flashed her a grin. “That would be great.”

She got plates and bowls from the cabinet and then moved on to the silverware. She set everything on the table in the appropriate places and then got out three water glasses and added them.

By that time Sammy came in the back door, laughing as Lady danced around his feet. Sammy unfastened the leash and hung it by the door and then petted Lady behind her ears. “She misses me so much when I’m at school,” he said.

“Of course she misses you, she loves you,” Suzanna replied, also laughing at the puppy’s antics.

“I love her so much.” Sammy dropped to the floor, giggling as Lady bathed his face with doggy kisses.

“Enough of all this loving in my kitchen,” Seth said lightly. “Sammy, put Lady’s food out and then go wash your hands. Dinner will be on the table in about five minutes.”

Dinner was pleasant, and after the cleanup Sammy took Lady out once again, and then Seth made popcorn and they all settled in to watch the movie his son had picked out. It was a cute tale about a kidnapped dog and the two women who wanted to find the pooch. It was funny, and they all laughed together more than once.

When it was over, they all returned to the table, where Sammy got cookies and milk, and Seth and Suzanna had a cup of coffee.

It was times like this when Suzanna never wanted to leave. Even though they didn’t know it, Seth and Sammy were the family she’d always wanted. Holly had been right; Sammy was the teacher’s pet. She’d come to love the little boy as if he was her very own.

Each night when she tucked him into bed, she wanted to tell him that she would be his mommy forever. But of course, she couldn’t tell him that. If Seth had his way, Sammy would never have the mother he so desperately wanted, and that broke her heart for Sammy more than anything.

All these things were playing in her mind after Sammy went to bed and it was just her and Seth sitting in the living room. “I guess we’re the talk of the town,” he said in amusement.

“So it seems.” She shifted positions on the sofa, putting more distance between her and Seth. She felt particularly vulnerable tonight, her love for him simmering inside her.

“It must have been a shock when a student announced to the class your personal business.”

“Trust me, it was,” she agreed. “Sammy was totally appalled to be called a teacher’s pet. It’s a real sign of his growth that he didn’t explode and have an anger fit right then and there.”

“I’m really proud of him,” he replied.

“You should be. He’s a special little boy.” She directed her gaze back to the television, where the evening weather was playing.

“Sounds like we’re finally getting some snow later this week,” Seth said when the weather report was finished. “They’re calling for six to eight inches.”

He gazed at her with obvious affection. “It will be nice to be snuggled in with you during a snowstorm.”

“Seth, I’m in love with you.” The words exploded out of her, the simmer finally reaching a boil. She immediately wanted to take the words back as she saw the look of utter dismay on his face.

Seth stared at her, for a moment absolutely gobsmacked by her words. His brain fumbled for a reply. “I…you…you…surely you’re mistaken,” he finally managed to say.

He drew in a deep breath and slowly released it. “Suzanna, we’ve been playing house here for a little while, and it’s only natural that we’d come to care deeply about each other. Add in the fact that you view me as your protector, and it’s no wonder you believe yourself to be in love with me, but I’m sure you’re wrong about that.”

Her cheeks flushed pink. “I know what’s in my heart, Seth, and it’s a deep, abiding love for you and Sammy. I want to marry you and give you babies. Sammy needs that…he needs me and all the love I have for him. I can be the mommy he so desperately wants, and I can be the wife you deserve.”

He shifted positions, uncomfortable with the entire conversation, for the first time completely uncomfortable with her. “Suzanna, I told you my thoughts on marrying again, and nothing has changed.”

Her big blue eyes shimmered with the threat of tears. He was in love with her, and he hated that this subject had come up at all. The last thing he wanted was to be the reason for her tears. But his fear about trusting a woman again in his life—in Sammy’s life—was bigger than his love for her.

“I’m sorry,” she said and quickly swiped at her eyes. “I should have never spoken about this.” She looked at him with an expression of misery. “Now things are going to be awkward between us. Maybe it really is time for me to go back home.”

“No, it’s not time for you to leave,” he replied firmly. “Not until Dallas gets the creep who is after you behind bars. And things will only be awkward between us if we let them be. I suggest we forget this conversation ever happened, and we move on as usual.”