“We figured you and B.J. or Brett and Anna might’ve gone over to visit a few times,” Janie said.
“We thought they might enjoy being alone. Anna checked during the day. Red and Mildred kept them supplied with food. Megan took by some fresh flowers. B.J. checked on a mare due to foal. We took care of them. But we didn’t crowd them.”
“Well, we appreciate the effort, Jake,” Pete said, grinning.
“By the way, brother,” Jake added, “we’ll take care of the Sunday chores. Consider yourself still on vacation until Monday morning.”
“Thanks. This time-change stuff is hard.”
Jake laughed. “Yeah, that’s the way it is for you jet-setters!” With a chuckle, he went back inside.
“He’s matchmaking, isn’t he?” Janie asked.
“You know he is. But so are you.”
“I am not! That is, I’d be happy if Rich married Sam, but I’m not forcing him into anything.”
“Neither is Jake.”
“Ha! I know how Jake Randall works, Pete. And so do you. You make sure he doesn’t play any tricks.”
“Jake’s got a good heart,” Pete said, wrapping his arms about his wife, pulling her back to lean on his chest. They stood there in contentment.
“You know,” Pete finally said softly, “Hawaii is beautiful, and I loved every minute we had together, but I sure am glad to be home. Those mountains look pretty good tonight.”
Janie sighed. “You’re right. Hawaii is a good place for a visit, but nothing is better than home…and family. We’re spoiled.”
“Nope. We’re blessed. And I hope our children are, too.”
“They will be. Abby looked so happy tonight. Russ, too. He held her hand the entire evening. I think Rich wanted to stake a claim, too, but he and Sam haven’t progressed that far.”
“What about Casey?”
“Oh, Pete, he’s just a baby!” Janie protested. “He’s got plenty of time yet.”
“You’re going to have to stop calling him a baby. He hates it.”
“Too bad. He has to be my baby until I’ve got grand-kids.”
“That may not be too long from now. Come on, let’s go to bed. You heard Jake. I’m still on vacation for another twenty-four hours.”
AFTER LAVINIA had gone to bed, Sam came back down the stairs. She wanted to make sure Rich didn’t think she’d said anything to make Jim think she was Rich’s girlfriend, as he’d put it.
She found Rich sitting in the kitchen, drinking a cup of coffee. “Rich, are you busy?”
He looked up in surprise. “No. Just relaxing a bit. Is Grandma okay?”
“Yes, she’s already asleep. I wanted to tell you I didn’t say anything to make people think we were—you know, together.”
Rich shook his head. “I know. You’re talking about Jim, aren’t you?”
She nodded. “And Tori. She said something about us being a couple and I told her no. I’m beginning to think matrimony is all your family thinks about!”
“You could be right. But as long as you and I understand—”
“You don’t have to tell me again,” she interjected, impatience in her voice. “I know you’re not interested in marriage. I think I have it etched in my brain now, thank you.”
He studied his coffee cup. “When I said that—I mean, I’m not ready yet. That’s what I mean. I intend to marry one day. To have a family. But Dad didn’t marry until after he was thirty. I’m only twenty-six.”
“Right. Well, I just wanted you to know I didn’t cause them to think that way.” She turned to leave.
“Why don’t you have a cup of coffee and join me?”
She was stunned by his invitation. During the past two weeks they’d worked together well. But they’d both avoided any private moments. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah, unless you’re tired. I’d enjoy the company.”
She poured herself a cup and chose the seat opposite Rich’s. Then an awkward silence fell.
As if both felt the pressure, they spoke at the same time.
“Do you—” Rich began.
“Maybe I—”
“Sorry,” Rich added. “I wanted to know if you planned on marrying, having a family.”
Sam hadn’t expected that question. “I—I’d like to, but it’s not likely to happen.”
“Why not?”
“I move around a lot. And most men hope for a woman who can bring something to the marriage. Like property, or influence, or something. All I can offer is good table service.”
Rich leaned forward. “That’s not true! Don’t say something like that. You have a lot to offer.”
She shrugged her shoulders.
“A man likes a woman he can be proud of. You sure fill that bill. Doyle was practically drooling the other day.”
Sam shook her head, smiling a little. “And Doyle’s so selective?”
Rich grinned. “Maybe not, but Jim is, I can assure you.”
Ah, they were back to tonight. “I’m sure Jim was teasing.”
“Yeah, he was, because we’ve got a hard-and-fast rule about each other’s women.”
“That must make life difficult for your cousins,” she said, lifting her chin.
“What do you mean?” he asked, frowning.
“There can’t be many women in the county that you haven’t dated, from what I’ve heard.”
“Hey! That’s not true. I have a reputation, but most of it isn’t accurate,” he assured her.
“Right. I think I’ll go on to bed, Rich. It’s late.”
“Wait! Are you happy here?”
She wondered what he was really asking. “Yes, of course. Lavinia is wonderful.”
“And me?”
“Ah. You’re wanting to know what I’ll say to your father? Don’t worry, Rich. If he asks, I’ll tell your father you’ve been very helpful.”
“And our kisses?”
She didn’t want to talk about those moments, ones that she would treasure. “I don’t think that’s any of your father’s business.” She turned to leave, but Rich stood and caught her by the arm.
“In that case,” he muttered, pulling her closer, “I think I’ll have another one.”
Chapter Thirteen
Rich entered the kitchen the next morning and found his grandmother making breakfast. Sam was nowhere in sight.
“Where’s Sam? Isn’t she going to eat breakfast before church?”
Lavinia kept her head down. “No. Said she had things to do this morning. We’re to go to church without her.”
“Damn!”
“That’s a fine how do you do, cursing on the Lord’s day, young man. What’s the matter with you?”
“I’m upset, Grandma, that I didn’t think of it before.”
“You didn’t think of cursing before? I’ve got a better memory than that, child. I even remember threatening to wash your mouth out with soap, so don’t—”
“No, not cursing, Grandma. I didn’t remember that Sam wouldn’t have anything to wear to church. That’s why she’s not going to church with us. Not because she doesn’t want to go.”
“You’re kidding!” Lavinia stared at him. “That’s the reason?”
“I would guess. You saw her entire wardrobe when you went through the duffel bag.”
“Mercy, I’d forgotten that. I just assumed— She doesn’t own a dress?”
He shook his head. She’d worn jeans last night. In fact, she’d been a little nervous about going to his parents’ welcome home party until he told her she needed to talk Lavinia into going. Maybe Sam’s nervousness had been because she didn’t have anything to wear but blue jeans.
When Lavinia raced past him, he realized he’d goofed again. He didn’t want his grandmother making a big deal about Sam’s lack of wardrobe. He hurried after, reaching Sam’s room right behind her.
“What is it, Lavinia? Is something wrong?” Samantha asked, standing and staring at his grandmother.
“There certainly is! Why didn’t you tell me wh
y you turned down my invitation to church?”
“Uh, Grandma, maybe—” Rich began, seeing Sam’s cheeks flush in embarrassment.
Both women ignored him. “I’m not used to going to church, Lavinia. Is it a requirement of the job?” Samantha asked quietly.
“No, child, of course not. But Rich said you refused because you don’t have a dress to wear.”
“That’s true. I don’t want to embarrass you.”
“But I can—” Lavinia began.
“No. I’ll find something to wear before next week, okay? And occasionally I’ll go to church with you.” Sam took Lavinia’s hands in hers and squeezed them.
Rich stood there watching Samantha reach out to his grandmother, anxious to make her happy, and smiled. He’d finally figured out that Samantha, with all her stiffness and determination, had a soft heart. She would deny it if Rich said anything, but she did.
“We’ll pick you up after church. We’re all going next door for lunch,” he said, watching her.
“No,” Sam said calmly, a word she frequently used with him. “I don’t want to intrude on family time.”
Lavinia chuckled. “Intrude? With that bunch? You’ll just be another one of the kids. Abby will be there, you know. She told me she hoped to spend more time with you. She likes you.”
“I like her, too, Lavinia, but I don’t think— She’ll want to concentrate on Russ.”
Rich cut to the chase. “You look fine. By the time we get there, everyone will have changed. We might even go for a ride.”
Her response proved how well he’d understood her. “You’re sure?”
Lavinia stared first at Samantha and then her grandson. “Of course he’s sure. Don’t expect me to get on a horse, but you young people will. We’ll pick you up at half past noon.” Then she leaned forward and kissed Samantha’s cheek.
“Come on down and eat breakfast,” Rich added. “Grandma’s cooked more food than necessary again. No reason to let it go to waste.”
Samantha agreed and followed them down the stairs.
“WHERE’S SAM?” Janie whispered to her mother as they sat side by side in the church pew.
“Home. Didn’t have anything to wear,” Lavinia said briefly in a whisper.
Pete frowned at Janie, and she didn’t pursue the conversation until after the sermon ended and everyone began filing out of the church.
“She thought she should dress up? Wear heels, nylons, stuff like that? We’re more casual than that,” Janie stated.
“You don’t get it, child. Neither did I. But to my amazement, Rich did.”
“Get what?”
“All she owns is blue jeans. Remember that duffel bag? She has a spare pair of jeans and a couple of T-shirts, and one pair of gym shoes.”
“Surely, she has—” Janie began with a frown. Then she stopped. “And Rich understood?”
“Yeah. I love the boy, but I’ve never thought of him as ultrasensitive. But I may have misjudged him.”
“Rich?” Janie called to her son who was several feet ahead of her.
He waited for her at the front door. They both shook the pastor’s hand and stepped outside. The day was gloomy, dark clouds were gathering.
“What is it, Mom?”
“How did you know Samantha didn’t have anything to wear?”
He shrugged his shoulders. “I guessed. She travels light.”
“No woman travels that light!” Janie exclaimed.
“Mom, Samantha doesn’t rely on anyone. She keeps to herself and tries to make sure she doesn’t owe any favors. She told me she moves around a lot.”
Pete returned to his wife’s side. Wrapping an arm around her, he asked, “What’s wrong, hon?”
Janie grabbed her husband’s arm. “Let’s go to the truck. I don’t want to say anything here.”
With a big man on each side, Janie said nothing else until Pete opened the passenger door of his pickup. Then she looked into her husband’s face and said, “Pete, Sam couldn’t come to church because all she has are blue jeans.”
He stared at his wife’s beautiful face, seeing tears in her eyes and slowly put her statement together. “That’s why she didn’t come to church?”
Janie nodded.
“Well, damn!” Pete said as he frowned. “We’ll just buy her some new clothes.”
Janie exchanged a look with Rich. She knew her husband’s heart. When their children needed something, Pete never hesitated to provide it unless Janie fought him, saying their children had to learn to provide for themselves. “You can’t do that.”
“Now, Janie, I can. You know we have enough money.”
“Dad, that’s not the problem.” Rich said. “I have enough money. Grandma has enough money, but Sam refused her offer. She said she’d buy something before next week.”
“Damn, I haven’t even told her her money’s in the bank,” Pete replied. “I opened an account for her before we left for Hawaii and Brett should have deposited her salary in there, but I didn’t get her to sign the card. I’ll get her to do that today and then take it to the bank.”
“Oh, good,” Janie exclaimed. “I’ll buy her something as a present for taking care of Mom. That’s reasonable, and she can buy something if she wants.” She beamed at her husband. “That will work.”
“I’m not sure it will,” Rich said, still looking grim. “She tries to keep her belongings minimal, so she can carry everything. She’s pretty disciplined.”
This time it was Pete who recognized the problem. “She still doesn’t feel like she’s part of the family?”
“I think it’ll be a while before she feels that way.”
After standing there with his hands on his hips, Pete finally looked up. “It’s hard to think about not having anyone to turn to. Anyone who understands what you’re going through. Who can pitch in when you need help. Someone you can laugh with.”
“Yeah,” Rich agreed, his voice a little hoarse with emotion. “But she tries to help people, to reach out to them. She wanted Grandma to be happy this morning. That’s why she agreed to buy something.”
Pete cleared his throat. “Yeah. She’s a good girl.”
Janie hugged both her men. “We’ll fix her up.”
“It would help if everyone changes to casual clothes before we come to lunch today. And not say anything about her lack of clothes.”
“She’s coming to lunch?” Janie asked, pleasure on her face.
“Yeah, Mom, she’s coming. I think you love her more than me!” he added with a grin.
“Oh, you!” Janie exclaimed. “I’m just looking forward to taking Sam on a shopping trip. Anna, Megan and B.J. all have daughters to share with, but now I have someone to shop for.”
She climbed into the truck, beaming now, and Pete closed the door. “It’s a woman thing. I hope Sam doesn’t mind.”
“As long as Mom offers because she wants to reward her for taking care of Grandma, I think she’ll be okay.” Rich hoped that was true. He was beginning to realize how difficult life was for Sam. He wanted her to be happy.
SAMANTHA WAS neatly dressed in jeans and her blue T-shirt. Nearby was the jean jacket that had been her only coat. If she stayed until next winter— She broke off that thought. She hadn’t remained more than six months anywhere since her father died. She couldn’t think that far ahead.
Lavinia might not need a housekeeper much longer. It was clear to Samantha that a little attention and involvement in what was going on around her had made a big difference. And Samantha had some ideas for Lavinia’s future.
When Abby had been there last weekend, she’d expressed envy that Sam was learning to knit. Lavinia had offered to teach both of them how to crochet, too. Samantha decided there might be other young women who’d be interested. If they offered a class a couple of nights a week, it might be a good thing.
She wanted to talk to Abby about it, but she didn’t think she should propose the idea herself. But Abby might agree. Now, she’d get to visit with Abby
today.
She wasn’t sure she could stay much longer for another reason. Rich’s kiss last night had been as wonderful as the others, but it only made her want more. It wasn’t that Rich wouldn’t cooperate. He had initiated the kiss last night. The problem was she didn’t want to stop at just kissing.
Rich would insist on marriage if they took things further. Not because he wanted to marry but because he’d believe he’d have to. So if she invited him to make love to her, she knew she’d have to leave at once.
She’d love to stay here all her life, married to Rich. But having come to realize that she might be falling for him, she knew she couldn’t marry him when he didn’t love her. So, if she made the choice to sleep with Rich, she’d be back on the road soon after.
She heard Lavinia’s car driving down the dirt road. Quickly she checked her long braid to be sure her hair was tidy. And prayed that Rich was right about everyone being casual, maybe going for a ride. She wanted to blend in.
She’d used the time they were gone to scrub the kitchen, leaving enough time for a quick shower. She didn’t want Lavinia to think she’d slept the morning away.
Now she stepped to the door and opened it. “Morning. Are you coming in, or should I come out?”
“I need to collect some things I told Mildred I’d bring her,” Lavinia said as she slipped from behind the wheel. “She and I are making a quilt for Russ and Abby’s wedding present.”
“Oh, how wonderful, Lavinia. What a terrific idea!”
“You think so? Good. I’ll show you what I’ve gotten done.”
She kissed Samantha’s cheek as she hurried past her. Rich slowly followed his grandmother.
“Do you do it on purpose?” he asked as he approached her.
Her eyes widened as she stared at him. “Do what on purpose?”
“Make her feel good.”
Samantha stepped back, frowning. “I don’t understand.”
“Do you tell her what she does is wonderful because it will make her feel good, or because you really mean it?”
“Because I really mean it! How could you think—A homemade quilt is a rare thing. Why, people pay as much as five hundred dollars for one of those. And to have it made by her husband’s two grandmothers…That is something you can pass down to your children! Anyone who didn’t appreciate that would be an idiot!” She glared at him.
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