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person who won’t let herself ever expect anything but the happy ending.”
    â€œIt’s the exact way Dad was—” she said quickly, her face softening at the memory. “He always found the good side of things.”
    Their conversation lulled. Someone flipped a TV on over in the corner and sports scores blared into the restaurant.
    â€œThe city council voted down funding for the swim team again,” Mark commented offhandedly.
    â€œOh, Mark, I’m sorry.” She leveled her dark eyes on his. What a tremendous blow to him. He’d been working on a proposal for funding for months.
    â€œWe’ll keep going, I’m sure. The YMCA’s said we can use this pool for at least another six months. We need to build a therapy pool that isn’t so deep, though.”
    â€œI don’t know what to say, Mark. You’ve worked so hard.”
    â€œI can get by without new water wings for the kids. The kickboards are disintegrating but those will have to be a second priority, too. I’m going to try to keep the bathing suit fund ready in case I get more kids who can’t afford a bathing suit.”
    â€œI wish I could do something to help,” Andy said, her words heartfelt. The swim team meant everything to Mark. “Maybe I could take up a collection at the hospital. Or maybe someone would like to donate bathing suits….”
    Just as the waitress brought their burgers to the table the TV blared out: “In Major League Soccer action last night, the Dallas Burn lost to the L.A. Galaxy. Even though striker Marshall Townsend found several openings and left forward Chuck Kirkland…”
    Someone switched it off.
    Great , Mark thought. Just great. Talk about perfect timing .
    Andy stared at the dark screen, acting as if she hadn’t heard the soccer score. But Mark knew she had.
    â€œSo,” he said, knowing he had to mention Buddy now. “Do you ever hear from him, Andy?”
    â€œNo.” She turned away from the television to stare down at her hamburger. “He doesn’t call.”
    â€œThe man’s a fool.”
    â€œNo, he isn’t. Buddy has his own problems to work through.”
    â€œAhh…and even now you defend him.”
    She still stared at her hamburger. “Yes. I guess I do.”
    â€œDoes he deserve that, Andy?”
    â€œI was pretty hard on him, Mark.” She met her brother’s gaze at last. “It’s tough reasoning with a therapy patient when you’re emotionally involved. A lot of it was my fault.”
    â€œWhat did you say to him?” Mark asked.
    Andy sat back in her chair and let her mind wander. What did I say to Buddy? What didn’t I say to Buddy?

    During the past year, she’d gotten used to the thought that she’d always be a part of Buddy Draper’s life. They’d met at a New Year’s Eve party, laughing and throwing confetti and cheering as the clock struck midnight.
    â€œYou’ve got stuff in your hair,” he’d told her as he picked a swirl of paper off the top of her head. Everyone around them was kissing and singing “Auld Lang Syne.” It was the first time she’d ever laid eyes on him. Yet, still, he seemed vaguely familiar.
    â€œEverybody has stuff in their hair,” she’d said, trying unsuccessfully to come up with something witty to say. “It’s midnight on New Year’s Eve.”
    She extended her hand gracefully. “Happy New Year, Mr.—”
    â€œDraper. Buddy Draper.”
    A slight pause. She’d figured out later he’d been waiting for her to recognize his name. But she hadn’t.
    She introduced herself, too, and they’d shaken hands. Then they’d laughed and exchanged pleasantries for another half hour, he’d said several things about this “calling” that led her to believe he might be a Christian. Oh, how she’d hoped he was, as she’d gathered her