Trusting His Promise (Love on Sanctuary Shores #5)

Chapter 35

Beckett readjusted the flowers behind his back, gulped in a breath, and rang the doorbell. In a few hours, he’d be on his way back to Nashville. But he couldn’t leave without saying goodbye.

The door opened, and a flailing bundle of arms and legs launched itself at him. “Mr. Beckett!”

“Hey, Sammycakes.” Beckett’s throat closed, and he squeezed her tight. This little girl had stolen his heart as thoroughly and irrevocably as her mother had. “I have something for you.”

He pulled the flowers from behind his back and held them out to her.

“For me?” Her eyes widened.

“For you,” he confirmed.

“Is this because you’re leaving and you don’t want me to forget about you?”

Beckett laughed. “ Would you forget about me?”

“Nope,” Sam said confidently. “Not in a million years. Mommy said you’re not going to come over anymore, but I told her she was wrong because you said you’re coming back.”

“I did say that.” Beckett tapped her nose. “And I meant it. Your mommy must have a bad memory.”

“Or a bad stubborn streak, is more like it.” Mr. Fletcher came into the foyer and held out a hand to Beckett. “But if I’m not mistaken, you may be more stubborn yet.”

Beckett laughed, shaking his hand. “I sure hope so.”

“Good.” Mr. Fletcher nodded as if Beckett had just passed some sort of test.

“We’re working on our trunk-or-treat project today,” Sam announced. “Do you want to help?”

“I wish I could. But I have to finish packing. We’re leaving on the afternoon ferry.”

“But you’ll miss Mommy.” Sam’s eyes welled. “She’s on the boat all day.”

“I know.” Beckett clenched his jaw to hold back his own emotion. He had texted Jo last night to ask if he could see her one more time, and she’d replied that she’d be gone all day. He’d hoped it was only an excuse. “But I’ll see her next time I’m back.”

“For trunk-or-treat?” Sam asked hopefully.

Beckett let out a breath. He wasn’t sure he could promise that. “I hope so. But just in case I’m not there, can you do me a favor?”

“Yes,” Sam said without hesitation.

Beckett ruffled her hair. “I knew I could count on you.”