Sam's intention was to leave the party with Andy before it got too late into the evening so they could get to Niagara while it was still Friday. He had the hotel reservation all set up. All he had to do was get Andy there. Unfortunately for him, Andy got stopped by almost everyone in the bar to wish congratulations her way. And, Andy being Andy, had to talk with each person for a little bit. Add that on to the couple celebratory rounds and Oliver's speech again congratulating Campbell and Andy and they didn't leave the party until after midnight.
"I'm sorry that took so long Sam, I know you had wanted to leave earlier," Andy said as they drove away.
"Ah, it's not a big deal. I just wanted more time with you to myself, just being selfish on your big day," Sam grabbed her hand in his and kissed it. "On the bright side, traffic should be a breeze." He smiled at her and she smiled back.
Traffic on the QEW was light and they were able to get in before 2. They were both tired from the long day and relished the bed and the peaceful sleep it brought.
On Saturday morning they woke up late and decided to walk the town. Andy wanted to visit the shopping and entertainment districts. Sam was wondering how anybody could afford this stuff. Over an overpriced lunch, they decided to head down to the Falls and catch the fireworks show that night. They still had a while to spare before the show would start so they got in line for a ride on Maid of the Mist.
As they slowly progressed through the line Andy told Sam that they should look into a bike tour for Sunday. She and Nick had done one when they were on leave from the Fort Erie Operation.
Sam pulled out his phone and searched the internet for options. "There's a few different wine tasting tours we could take. I know you'll enjoy those."
"That does sound like something I'd enjoy, but what about you?"
"Well McNally, as long as I'm with you, I'll enjoy it. I'm easy that way."
Sam went ahead and reserved two spots for the next day and supplied the necessary information. He had been following along through the line not really seeing what was in front of him. He looked up to see a tourist photo station. He glanced over at Andy who was smiling. "I assume you'll be wanting to do that."
"Yup."
"Well, I guess we better embrace the full tourist mindset, then. Should I start speaking Spanish and let you translate for me? You know, really complete the image," Sam teased.
Andy lightly elbowed him in the gut as they moved up in line.
Eventually they were finally up to board one of the boats. They had both donned a blue poncho and had grabbed a spot along the railing. Once inside the mist, they became completely disoriented from enveloping cloud. Sense of time and direction faded, and they let themselves be taken in by the beauty of the natural wonder.
When they disembarked back at the port, they sat down to eat dinner at a restaurant right on the walkway looking out at the Falls. The whole thing was timed out perfectly because as they had finished their dinner, the fireworks show began.
"Isn't that a sight," Sam marveled the contrasting features. The natural beauty of the falls paired with the designed wonder of the fireworks.
"We should come out here on Canada Day, I bet it's really is a special view." Andy said, her head leaning on Sam's shoulder.
"It's got to be. Good thing I can get a special view whenever I want, though. I would hate to have to wait a whole year."
Andy looked up to see Sam looking down at her.
"I love you Andy."
"I love you Sam."
They kissed for a while and then turned their eyes back to the show.
The next morning got off to a sort of late start, but that was okay. Their tour didn't start for another couple of hours so they had time to spare. When the fireworks show had finished, they took a leisurely walk back to the hotel, with a stop to ride the inclined railway. Upon their return to the hotel and some fooling around, it was fairly late in the evening and they both enjoyed the chance to sleep late one last time before returning to work the next day.
Over a late breakfast, Andy told Sam how interesting the tour she took with Nick was and that it was a real fun time. Sam had no problem hearing about Andy's time with Nick. All Sam ever wanted was Andy to be happy. If she would have been happier with Nick then so be it, he was willing to walk away. But he much preferred this outcome.
"Speaking of Collins, you hear anything from him?" Sam asked.
"No, not really, he texted me congratulations again a couple days after the wedding. I asked him how things were going and he said he was still adjusting and trying to patch things up with Juliet."
"Well, I hope things work out for him. I mean, poor kid lost the best thing going," he winked at Andy. He did actually miss Nick on the platoon. He was a great cop, solid guy, and a real steady presence. The service lost a good one when he left.
"I'm sure he'll be able to bounce back. He did say that Vancouver was beautiful," Andy said.
"You ever been?"
"No, always heard it was nice though. After Mom left, Dad had a lot on his plate. The job, finances, me. His drinking eventually. Any way we didn't really take any big vacations."
"Maybe we should go out there sometime. I know this may surprise you, but my family didn't take too many trips either," Sam said sarcastically. The only trips I took were summer ones to the country where I realized I didn't much like it."
"You're Mr. City Guy." Andy flashed back to the time her and Sam were chasing an escaped prisoner through the woods. Sam, while bandaging up her leg she injured in the process, had told her such. He also told her why he became a police officer. "You know," Andy said, back in the moment, "we go right through St. Catharines on the way back. If we get out of here after the tour early enough and call ahead, maybe we could meet up and have dinner with Sarah."
Sam stared off into the distance, perhaps not coincidentally in the direction of St. Catharines. "I don't think so McNally. Me and my sister still aren't square with each other yet, I wouldn't feel right just dropping in."
"Still mad over your father? I mean he was at you wedding, so he's moved on from whatever, he's fine with you now."
"Maybe. Either way, I didn't want him there and she know it."
"We're going to have to work that out someday Sam."
"We? You want to get in the middle of it?"
"Of course. Sam, your family is my family and vice versa."
"Your family's a bit easier to add in Andy, it's just your Dad, and your mom I guess if she ever pops up again," Sam teased.
"Maybe so, but it's the thought that counts. Sam, I want children, I know you do too."
"Definitely."
"Okay, I want them to know their Aunt. I want them to know their family."
Sam said nothing for a moment then sighed. "Beauty and brains. As usual, you're right. We'll try to work this out."
"Thank, you Sam."
"Just, not today. Today, it's just us. And a bunch of wine enthusiasts."
Andy giggled and stretched across the table to kiss Sam. He gladly reciprocated.