A/N: This chapter's a little different, as it focuses more on Sam than Evy. Evy needs oral surgery, and Sam is worried about how to pay for it. When he gets thrown a lifeline, he realizes he needs to make a change in his life.

This chapter takes place right before the events of New Life, New Family, Chapter 22, The Parent Trap.

"Sam?"

Sam was so wrapped up in his thoughts that he didn't hear anything.

"Sam!"

Sam jumped but relaxed when he saw his boss standing in the doorway.

"Oh, hey, Sarah. Sorry, got my mind somewhere else right now."
"I saw that. Are you okay?" Sarah asked.

"Yeah. It's just…" Sam trailed off, the bill in front of him making his stomach twist in knots again.

"Sam? What is it?"

Sam sighed. "I need a huge favor."

"Okay. What is it?"

"Evy needs a couple teeth pulled. This bill is…I need help. I was wondering if I could get an advance on my pay for it." Sam asked.

Sarah eyed Sam carefully. "No."

Sam nodded, disappointed and back to the clawing worry he was feeling before. He'd known that the advance was a lot to hope for, but he felt he'd had to ask. The surgery was necessary. He had caught Evy crying because her teeth were hurting so badly. She could barely eat or talk. He'd do whatever he had to, but right now he had no idea what exactly that would be. He started to say 'thanks, anyway', until Sarah said something that blew Sam away.

"But what I can do," Sarah said, walking inside as Sam looked up, "is cover the bill for you until you get the reimbursement check back from the dental plan that got added to everyone's benefits today."

Stunned, Sam asked, "What?"

Sarah smiled. "Yeah. I was going to tell everyone tomorrow. It's supposed to not start until next week, but give me a copy of the bill and I'll make sure it's covered."

"I can't ask you to do that…" Sam said.

"Sam, stop. Listen to me for a second, okay?" Sarah said. "Look, I was a single mom for a long time. I remember the days of wondering whether I was going to be able to pay for something he needed for school or a field trip or even our next meal. I remember that and when I think about it, I thank God every day I'm not in that position anymore. But the reason I did get through it is that when I did need help, really need it, they didn't let me be too proud to accept it. Now, this is not a gift, it's a loan. This is a reimbursement plan, so I'll give you a check before you leave to cover the dentist's bill. It'll take about four weeks to get paid back. When you get the reimbursement check, just hand it over to me, and we're square. Deal?"

"Deal." Sam said. "Thank you. Thank you so much."

"I'm glad to do it, Sam. I mean that." Sarah said. "I know it's hard seeing your kid in pain. Go take care of her."

"I will." Sam checked the clock and realized he had another few minutes before he had to leave. "Did you need me for something?"
"Nothing that can't wait." Sarah said. "Go take care of Evy."

"Thanks." Sam said again, his heart much lighter than it had been. "I'll be back in the morning."
"No, you won't." Sarah said. "Stay home with Evy until she recovers."

Sam smiled.

"And Sam? Don't let this job be more important than she is. You're the best paralegal I've ever had. This job'll be here for you as long as you want it. Evy'll be gone out of the house before you know it. Take the time you need with your kid."

"I'll remember that. Thanks, Sarah."
Sam left the office, picked up Evy, and took her to her appointment. She was a little scared at having to go under for surgery, but Sam took her hand and sang to her, grateful he was able to concentrate on making her feel better instead of how in the world he'd be able to pay for this. He thought about what Sarah had said. Evy'll be gone out of the house before you know it. Take the time you need with your kid. Evy was fifteen. In two years, she'd be knee deep in college searches, and a year after that, she was likely to be living away from home. With Dean working more hours at the garage, Sam realized there was no need to keep working so much. He felt guilty about it, especially with the help Sarah had given him that day, but he had a feeling that she would understand. Evy came through surgery fine, and as he helped her into bed that night, he made his decision. He rubbed the stomach of a very worried Squish, who was curled up next to Evy's feet, then kissed Evy's hand.

"Daddy's coming back home, baby. I love you. Goodnight."

Sam had his conversation with Sarah when he returned to work, who walked him through the process of changing from full-time to part-time. He had to fill out a couple of forms and turn them in, and then he was down from working six days to three. Sarah explained to him the loss in his benefits (half the paid vacation time of a full-time employee and less sick days), but everything else remained the same. Once business was over and Sam caught her up on how Evy was doing, Sarah told him,

"You did the right thing, Sam. You won't regret it."

Later that day, as Sam turned in the paperwork, he couldn't help but take notice of the woman behind the desk. She was stunning-long, curly, perfectly kept black hair; brown eyes; and a smile that seemed to be permanent. He waited for her to hang up the phone, unintentionally staring the whole time.

"Can I help you?" She asked as the phone went into the receiver.

"Um, yes." Sam said. "I need to turn these in."

The woman took the forms from him and nodded. "Okay. I'll process them for you. They become effective at the end of the week."
"Thanks." Sam said, turning to leave. He decided to take a chance and turned back around. "I'm Sam, by the way."

"Hi, Sam. I'm Meredith."