After the show, we all milled around and had hot cider and cookies with the kids, who put on a great show. The new music teacher really hit the mark with this one. Not only were the kids excited to sing and dance to new songs, but it was a refreshing change for us adults too. You could easily see how much fun the kids had, and that’s what mattered the most.
I wished desperately for a few minutes alone with Samantha, but that prospect wasn’t looking good. The night was winding down, and people were starting to head home. I knew that I’d see her the next night for the big surprise, but I had to find a way to sneak a kiss in somehow. So, I did what any man desperate for a woman’s affection would do. I made up a reason she had to walk with me for a minute.
“Samantha, have you seen the kids’ tree paintings?” It wasn’t much to see, but the display was around the corner and away from the crowd.
“Tree paintings?” she asked me.
“Yes. Tree paintings. They’re really quite spectacular. They’re just around the corner. Let me show you?” I asked, nodding my head in that direction.
“Oh, um, sure.” She turned to Robin. “Hey, we’re gonna go look at the tree paintings real quick, okay?”
I took Samantha’s hand and pulled her toward the corridor where artwork was hanging at a pretty good clip. As soon as we turned the corner, I pulled her into me for a kiss. She tasted like cinnamon and sugar, and when the surprise wore off, she melted into me, kissing me back.
“I thought we were going to look at some trees,” she said quietly, letting a little laugh escape.
Still holding her tight, I pointed down the hallway. “There’s some construction paper trees down that way. But I just wanted to get you alone for a minute.”
“Well played, sir,” she replied before initiating another kiss. Her lips were soft, and I could have stayed in that hallway just kissing her all night, but I knew our stolen moment had to come to an abrupt end before we got caught.
We shared a chuckle over the shenanigans we just pulled and returned to the group. I was feeling better, even though I wished she was leaving with me, not her sister.
“What did you think of the trees?” Robin asked, a slightly playful and sarcastic tone in her voice.
“Oh, the trees? They were breathtaking,” Samantha replied.
“Breathtaking, eh? Pretty lofty compliment for some cutouts,” Robin replied with a laugh. “Okay, I think we have everyone. Are we ready to head home?”
Everyone was ready to go, so Emily and I walked out with the Jameson family and headed to our cars.
“We’ll see you tomorrow then?” I confirmed with Robin.
“Yep, everything’s all set. We’ll catch up tomorrow. Have a good night you two,” she said to Emily and me.
“Good night, Mrs. Jameson,” Emily said, and gave Robin a hug. “Bye, Daisy … bye, Delilah.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow night. We’re expecting a clear night for our flight. I’m looking forward to showing you the lights,” I whispered to Samantha as I gave her a friendly hug good night.
“I can’t wait,” she whispered back.
Emily and I walked to my truck together hand in hand. “Really great job tonight, kiddo. I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks, Dad. This was my favorite show we’ve ever done.”
“I think it was my favorite too.” I helped her get buckled in. “You ready for tomorrow?”
“Are you kidding me? I could barely keep our secret tonight. I’m so excited to see all these flamingos.”
“I am, too, kid.”
We headed home, and Emily was already half asleep by the time we made it there. We were about fifteen minutes away, so I couldn’t blame her. What a big night. I tucked her in and checked my phone. I had a text message from Robin that said she’d secured all the hats I needed for my project. Score.
The next morning I got up bright and early and woke Emily up for breakfast. Normally, she’s quite the sleepyhead, but she bounced out of bed and got dressed faster than I’d ever seen.
“Come on, Dad, we gotta get cracking,” she said.
I laughed out loud. “Where did you hear that?”
“You say it all the time when you’re in a hurry,” she replied quite matter of factly. I didn’t even realize I said it that much, but it sure was funny coming from an eight-year-old.
