Brad said with a frown as he guided Sam toward his car, his hand at the small of her back. “Dad wasn’t overly enthusiastic about having to carry on a conversation all during dinner with someone he’s never met. He’s gotten quieter and quieter these past few months. I’m afraid this could be uncomfortable.”Sam grinned. “Don’t worry, Brad. I like a challenge,” she assured him.His features relaxed. “Thanks for being a good sport. And for agreeing to have dinner with us tonight.”“I think it will be fun,” she said optimistically.“I hope you still feel that way in a couple of hours,” he replied dubiously.They stopped beside the car, and a slight, thin man with fine gray hair climbed out of the back seat. Sam saw the resemblance immediately. Although Brad was a good four inches taller than his father, they had the same brown eyes and slightly angular nose. But while Brad’s stance was typically relaxed, his father held himself somewhat stiffly, as if he felt awkward and would rather be somewhere else.“Dad, this is Sam Reynolds,”
