Epilogue
Sam double and triple checked the fishing poles and the supplies in his tackle box. He hadn't been out fishing in a little while, but he'd been promising Jon he'd take him. He wasn't sure if the boys would be into the fishing itself, but it would be some nice, quiet time for them—and some nice grilling afterwards.
His phone rang—he'd just been waiting on a phone call from Lois to hear whether it would be both boys or just Jon. "Hello."
"Hey, Granddad."
Sam blinked. "Jon."
"Um, so, I'm sorry this is really last minute, but... Dad got tickets to a football game in Metropolis, and he was gonna take Jordan and me, and it's tonight..."
"Go."
"Yeah?"
"Have fun."
"Thanks, Granddad." The smile was clear in his voice. "Next week?"
"Of course. I'll have the fishing gear ready."
"Awesome! Love you, Granddad."
"Love you too, kiddo."
Sam was surprised by the disappointment he felt when he hung up, but he pushed it aside. Jon's voice sounded so easy, so casual. He was doing well now. Sam wouldn't be needed every week anymore, and that was okay. It was what he'd been hoping for all along. And Jon would be back. He'd probably still visit a lot more often than he ever had in the past. Heck, Sam would go visit them more. It felt better, now that he knew he wasn't gonna have to chew Clark's head off every time. Or Lois's, for that matter.
It was awfully quiet in the house now, though. Maybe he could get Lieutenant back, have him live at the cabin full time, now that Sam was officially retired. The boys would love it.
Either way, there would be more to do for his family. For now, though, he'd done what he needed to. He grabbed himself a beer, kicked back in front of the TV, and enjoyed the solitude while it lasted.
A/N: This series is now complete. It has been an AMAZING journey, thanks for being along for the ride with me!