"I feel it in my gut, Sam. That my… that Tom had something to do with hurting Ivy." His jaw clenched hard as he spoke the name. He almost spat it out. "I don't want to start something I won't be there to finish. And if I dig—really dig—I might uncover things that change everything. Things that won't let me walk away clean. I cannot put her through that."
He leaned back, jaw trembling once before he steadied. "I also want to keep her safe."
Sam nodded slowly, tapping his cane gently on the floor. "Thank you," he said finally. "You are an honourable man. Not a perfect one—but you are honourable."
"But I need you to listen to me right now," Sam continued, leaning forward. "When you need help, I will be there for you. I can be there for you. Even if you think you're walking into fire—you will not walk into it alone."
Sam tapped his cane once—firm, decisive. "Since you are so convinced you're not the man for her right now… I guess I'll have to give her my blessings then."
