Just when you thought Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith, formerly of “FBI”)

and Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) couldn’t get any closer, something major happens

to change the connection between them — for better or for worse.

Hookups have become a regular thing for these two, so when they oversleep and have to do a walk of shame in front of their colleagues, their friends find the situation almost cute. But on his way out the door of Violet’s apartment, Sam spies something that upsets him — a framed picture of Violet’s late former beau, Evan Hawkins (Jimmy Nicholas), who died in the line of duty.

His expression suggests he’s less than pleased, and considering the amount of emotion he’s invested in the relationship, one can’t blame him. Then he loses his temper on a call and helps deliver a beating to an abusive brother and father who have been hurting the youngest member of their household. Though even she recognizes this altruistic move for what it is, Carver’s actions may still get him kicked off of Stella Kidd’s (Miranda Rae Mayo) truck. But the worst thing happens when he and Violet confront one another at the station — even though it forces Sam to blurt out something important that changes the makeup of their union.

Sam tells Violet he loves her

Violet is horrified by the level of physical violence that Sam allegedly was involved in, and it leads the two of them to a surprising conclusion about their relationship — they decide to separate. But not before Sam takes the ultimate leap and admits one simple truth – he loves Violet. The confession leaves Violet in tears, but she doesn’t pursue him.

It looks like the problems Sam and Violet have are twofold — Violet can’t let go of the ghost of her lover, and Sam can’t sit in second place and allow her to put another man over him. It’s pretty clear that Violet won’t be able to find love with Sam until she puts Hawkins firmly behind her. But since his death was so tragic and it happened while they were on a call together and the danger factor hasn’t changed now she’s dating another fireperson, expect the road to be extremely rocky when Season 13 begins in September. Until then, the tragedy between Violet Mikami and Sam Carver continues.