“Absolutely. And while we’re on the subject of dinners and dates, I know it’s next week and you might be busy, but do you have plans for July Fourth?”

“No.”

“You don’t have to work?”

“No,” she murmured, and smiled. “That would be un-American. What makes you ask…about the Fourth, I mean?”

“Another doctor and his wife, Bernie and Betty Miller, have a cabin on Hood Canal, and they invited me up. Would you spend the day with me?”

Marjorie closed her eyes to hold back the tears of joy. “I’d be thrilled.”

“I’ll let the Millers know, then.”

They must have talked for another half-hour before Marjorie realized that Sam’s slow responses revealed his exhaustion.

“Oh Sam, I’m sorry. You must be dead on your feet, and I’m talking your head off.”

His grin was both lazy and content. “No. Listening to you relaxes me. Normally when I get back from the hospital, especially this late, I’m too tense to sleep—too keyed up. Now I feel like I could easily drift off.”

“Good night, then,” she murmured softly, regretfully. She was falling head over heels for Sam Bretton. She knew the pitfalls and still wanted to love him.

—

“A doctor?” Jody squealed with unrestrained delight. At twenty, she was a younger version of Marjorie, the only difference being her hair, which was cut fashionably short, and her sportier and more colorful clothes.

“You behave yourself,” Marjorie warned. Now that her health was back and she didn’t have to submit to Jody’s orders, she could more fully appreciate her sibling.

Jody looked her sister full in the eye. “You mean I can’t tell Sam about the time you snuck out of the house to kiss Freddy Fletcher behind the toolshed?”

“You do, and I’ll smack you upside the head.”

The light, musical sound of Jody’s laughter filled the cozy apartment. “I have to admit, though, you look a hundred times better than the last time I was here. I wonder if your doctor friend has anything to do with that?”

“I look better because I haven’t been forced to eat your cooking, which is even worse than my own.”

Jody pretended the remark had greatly offended her, but neither of them had been blessed with talent in the kitchen, and they enjoyed teasing each other about that fact.

“So Sam was your doctor,” Jody said, as she slumped on the couch and crossed her legs beneath her. “How come you didn’t mention him before now?”

“I…He…Well, what really happened is…”

“Oh honestly, Marjie, look at your face. You’re actually blushing. I can’t believe it. My big sister is in love. Well, good grief, it took you long enough.”

Marjorie’s hands flew to her cheeks in embarrassment. They did feel hot and were no doubt as flushed as her sister claimed.