o O o

"I TOLD you he was overdue," Granddad fussed as Sam moved back to the stove.

"Yeah. This happens. Not to worry – the fire marshal got tired of the calls and finally ran us all through auxiliary training in fire suppression. And this isn't even technically on fire. It's just out of water," she soothed.

Spencer looked over her shoulder to inspect the damage and sighed. "One of these days…"

"Think how dull life would be if everything always went AS PLANNED," Sam teased.

"True," he allowed, "But at least we wouldn't be hungry."

"You know what? I can fix this. Give me a minute."

"Oh no Sam, I know well done is fine with you, but we're not serving thi-"

She shook her head. "I know. I'm not going to fix THIS specifically; I'm going to fix this in general. Hold down the fort." Turning to their guests she continued, "Umm…please excuse me for a few moments while I make some alternate dinner arrangements." She backed away with a smile. Carly stared after her. Who was this polite and capable Sam?

o O o

Away from eavesdropping ears, Sam hesitated with her finger over the call button. She really hated owing people, but today was important to Spencer. By extension, it was important to her. The phone rang five times before being picked up on the other end.

"What's wrong?" Pam asked immediately. "You were just here. Two times in one day? There must be something wrong."

"Hi Mom. Does there have to be something wrong for me to call you?"

A short laugh. "Don't know kid. You tell me."

"Yeah well, nothing's WRONG exactly; we just have a little culinary emergency. Spencer's dad dropped in unexpectedly and we need to hustle up a presentable meal. With the buffet going on, I was hoping Stanley could spare me a tray."

"How about you ask him then?"

"Wait, Mom – I thought YOU could ask him. I'm not always good at making nice."

"Sure, I could ask him. But you should. He's right here –" There was a shuffle as she handed the phone over. "It's Sam," she whispered. "She's gotta ask you something."

"Hello?"

"Umm…Hi Stanley, I mean, Mr. Armistead –"

"How about Dad? Could we try Dad?" The voice was hopeful. "You know Sam, I never had any children, but I always wanted them. It meant a lot to your mom, you coming to see her for Mother's Day. I'm looking forward to Father's Day this year – it will be the first year I get to be a father. I hope you'll give me a chance."

Sam pulled the phone away from her ear and stared at it. Dad? He was still talking so she tuned back in to see what she'd missed. "- yet and maybe it's a bit soon, but I feel like I have a lot of time to make up for, you see?"

"I….guess we can maybe try that," she started cautiously, "I should probably warn you that I'm not exactly a model daughter, but… I always WANTED to be. " Maybe this was her chance… "So Sta-, I mean, er, Dad, like many teenage daughters before me, I'm calling because I need something."

"Sam, what is it that you need?" he asked enthusiastically. She visualized him on the other end of the call, preparing for his Father of the Year award.

"Short version, I need a catering tray – dinner for five, preferably within the next two hours. And I can't exactly afford to pay for it right now, but I was hoping that you might let me work it off, you know, bussing tables or something."

"Is that all? Food I got, Sam. Lots of food. I'll get it for you, no problem, no charge."

"No really, I want to pay for it."

"NO," he said firmly. "Not necessary. But if you really want to work- FOR PAY mind you, you stop in when you have time and we'll talk about it."

"Really? Thanks… Dad, that's actually…a really timely offer and…I appreciate it."

"I'm delighted to be able to help. About the tray, do you want to pick it up, or, I know, your mom can drop it off! She's going home in about half an hour anyway."

Sam paled. "Oh no!" she protested hastily. "I don't want to put Mom to all that trouble. I'm sure one of us can run over and pick it up. "

"Nonsense! You have guests! It's no trouble at all. Here, you talk to your mom. I'm going to go get your tray ready."

"Thanks," Sam whispered faintly.

"See kid? I told you to just ask him. That worked out fine, right?"

"Mom, seriously, you don't have to drop the tray off. I'll send…Freddie. He never has anything important to do anyway. "

"Ha! You're funny. You think that neurotic mama of his is going to let her precious baby out of her sight on Mother's Day? That boy's not going anywhere. Besides, I got nothing else planned for the afternoon. Stanley's working until 6 and your sister is unavailable until at least 4:00. She's BABYSITTING for the married with child. Like I said, there's nothing else going on."

"Are you sure? I mean, it's out of your way and all," Sam tried desperately.

"Girl, it's starting to sound like you don't WANT me to drop off the tray," Pam replied peevishly. "I'm not trying to horn in on your dinner. Stanley just wants to HELP you. It makes him HAPPY. I like it when Stanley's happy. What's the big deal?"

Sam let out a breath in defeat. "It's fine Mom. It's great that Stanley's giving me the tray. It's cool that you're dropping it off. All around good day, right? Sounds like I might even be getting a job out of the deal. What more could a girl want?"

"Exactly," Pam harrumphed.

Sam twisted the ring on her finger. "And Mom?"

"Yeah kid?"

"There was one other thing I wanted to tell you."

"Oh God, I knew it. What happened?"

Sam smiled even as she rolled her eyes. "Don't be so dramatic Mom!"

"Well, then don't be so cryptic!"

"Spencer gave me a ring – it's not really an engagement ring," she clarified hastily, "but I…think it will be. Someday. If that's what I want. It was his mother's," she added quietly.

Pam was silent for a moment, unusual for a woman with normally loud opinions.

"Mom?"

"I'm happy for you Baby. I am. It IS a good day. Now I have an even better reason to stop by. Gotta see the ring don't I? Your sister will want to hear all about it. Actually" Pam chortled, "your sister will be absolutely GREEN. I'll be there within the hour – polish it up right, ok?"

"It's not really the ring that's important though Mom; it's what comes with it."

"Believe me Sam – that's one lesson I learned well and good. Look how far ahead of the game you are, knowing it already. I told you before that you did good – you've got a winner there girl. You hold onto him."

"Mom, I believe I'll take your advice on that one."

"It's about time someone did!" Pam laughed again. "See you soon kid."

"Ciao Mom."

Sam fell back on the bed. Dinner was coming. But so was her mother.