The love in his parents’ gaze was so intense, Marion had to look away. She faced Sassy instead, tears welling up in her eyes. “What did you do? He hasn’t seen his parents since he shipped out. He’s been afraid to call them.”
“Yeah, his mom told me he probably felt that way. She’s cool, Marion. She totally wanted to come, but I didn’t think they’d make it. Flights aren’t cheap. This is out of sight, meeting them in person.”
“Marion?” Daniel took her arm and faced her toward his parents. “I’d like you to meet my parents, Adam and Grace Neumann. They flew in from Halifax. Mom, Dad, this is Marion Hart.” He met her gaze, and she blushed, wondering what he was about to say. “She was my doctor. Now she’s the love of my life.”
“I’m very happy to meet you both,” she said, “You have a wonderful son.”
His mother, Grace, was beautiful, with pitch-black hair and eyes like her son’s. She gave Marion a warm embrace. “It’s wonderful to meet you, Marion. I hear you did some heroic things over there. You’ll have to tell us all about it.”
“I think a few family nights will have to be arranged before you fly back. Mrs. Neumann, these are my parents, Marcus and Cindy Hart, and my sister, Pat.”
Sassy seemed glued to Joey’s side. “Your face is going to hurt tomorrow,” Marion teased. “So much smiling.”
“I can’t believe you brought him back. That’s some kinda miracle,” Sassy replied.
Tom gave Sassy a nudge. “Time?”
“Yeah. I think so.”
Marion grinned, seeing Tom take her friend’s hand, then Sassy caught her attention again. She looked like she was ready to burst. “Everyone, may I have your attention, please?”
fifty-oneSASSY
Four cars drove from the airport toward downtown Toronto, and Sassy kept twisting in her seat, checking that everyone was still behind them. Tom’s car was full, with Joey, Marion, Daniel, and her. The Levins and Romanos had come together, and they were driving Mr. Roy. The Moores had their own vehicle, which was tight with the wheelchair. Daniel’s parents had a rental car, and they offered to drive Stu and Hal to Sassy’s secret destination.
“What’s with the mystery?” Joey asked. “Come on, Sass. I’m tired.”
“I know!” she said with a little squeal. “But you’re gonna love this.”
“It’s a fair question,” Marion said. “Where are we going?”
“Nope,” Sassy replied.
Joey groaned. “At least turn up the radio.”
“?‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash,’?” Tom said, in case Joey hadn’t heard it before. “Rolling Stones’ latest.”
“Yeah. We got all the music out there,” Joey said. “But it sounds different here.”
Sensing Sassy’s eyes on him, Tom slipped his hand onto her thigh and gave her an encouraging squeeze. Ever since he’d slid that ring onto her finger, she’d felt like a different person. Her dad had been so right in his journal:she didn’t have to protest for women’s rights. All she had to do was believe in herself and stay on track. And she’d chosen the track Tom was on.
“Oh! I almost forgot.” She grabbed the bag at her feet and dug out the treats she’d brought. “I have a Hershey’s bar, Peanut M&M’s, Mini Eggs, some Lay’s—”
“Oh my God, Sass,” Joey exclaimed, then she heard him laugh for the first time. She felt a sharp pain in her heart, registering its new sound. Laughter no longer rolled from his belly like a baby’s. It sounded weak and unsure. But it was laughter. It was freedom. He shoved his open hands into the front-seat area. “You have Doritos?”
It felt like forever before they pulled up in front of the old red-stone house. Tom parked in the circular driveway, then everyone climbed out.
Joey stood a while, gazing up at what had been his bedroom window. “I wondered if I’d ever see this place again,” he admitted.
“Don’t go in yet,” Sassy said. “We have to wait for everyone to park. Here they come.”
“The house is the surprise?” Joey asked dryly.
“Well, kind of,” she said, praying he wouldn’t ask about their dad. Not yet. “But there’s a bit more to it.”
Joey rolled his eyes. “Please tell me you didn’t plan a surprise party. I hate those.”
“I promise we did not plan a surprise party.” She winked at Tom, who went on ahead, stopping at the front door.
