To Sami’s own surprise, she wasn’t angry, and she didn’t feel betrayed. All she felt was peace and forgiveness in her soul. She stood, walked over to her mom, and put her arms around her. “Mom, you’re home now. That’s all that matters. You’re home.”
Chapter Eighteen
“Uncle Chase, Sami’s here,” Kaylee yelled as she ran out the back door, causing Chase’s heart to thump like a bass drum in his chest.
“Really? Okay, I’m coming down.” He climbed down from the ladder. He’d been painting the house, but seeing Sami was much more important.
He’d not seen very much of her over the last few days. The preparation for her parents’ wedding was keeping her quite busy. And with the time consuming repairs he was doing on his own ranch, time together was at a premium.
“She came to see mommy.”
“She did?” He patted Kaylee on the top of the head and followed her inside. “Well, maybe she won’t mind seeing me too.”
Kaylee giggled at that and followed him in.
There, they found Sami sitting at the kitchen table with Emily drinking a glass of iced tea. She looked up at Chase and smiled. Her smile made his heart beat even faster in his chest. The girl could cause a guy a heart attack without even trying.
“Hi, Sami.”
“Hello, Chase.”
“So, what brings you all the way out here in the middle of the week?”
Emily lifted her head. “This.” With trembling hands, she handed Chase a sheet of paper.
He looked over the paper and realized it was some kind of lease agreement. He pushed his hat back on his head and gave Emily a quick glance. “What is this?”
Sami cleared her throat, drawing Chase’s attention to her. “Well, it’s a one year lease on an empty store front in town. After you told me Emily was painting again, I couldn’t get those beautiful paintings out of my head.” She pointed toward the living room. “I remembered Lynn’s Salon went out of business a few months ago, and that the store front was for rent. That’s when the wheels in my head started turning. If Emily’s interested, I want to help her open up her own store for her paintings. I’ll take care of the first year’s lease, utilities, and advertising. I have no doubt her paintings will sell.” Sami rubbed her hands together and gave Chase a questioning look. “Well, what do you think?”
Chase looked at Emily and saw excitement dancing in her eyes. “What do you want to do, Emily? You’ve always wanted to open up your own store and here’s your chance. It sounds like a good idea to me.”
“It’s an opportunity of a lifetime, Emily,” Sami added. “I’m just asking you to give it one year. If it doesn’t work out, we’ll just close the store. What have you got to lose?”
“But I don’t have enough paintings ready to open up a business.”
“There’s an extra room in the back. It can be your studio. We can start off with paintings on demand, and you can do sittings for family portraits, too.”
A broad smile stretched across Emily’s face, and tears welled up in her eyes. “Yes. I think that just might work.”
“All right!” Sami slapped her hands together, then hugged Emily. “Grab your jacket. I want to show you the store.”
“Give me just a few minutes to change.” Emily leapt up and rushed out of the room.
“Chase, I’d love for you to come along with us, too. I’d appreciate your opinion on the store.”
“I’m never too busy to spend time with you.” He pulled her close and rubbed her upper arms. “Can you tell me how someone can make a man’s heart beat slow and fast at the same time without missing a beat?” He laid his forehead against hers.
She smiled up at him and laid her hand over her heart. “I don’t know, but my heart feels the same way about you.”
Chase’s breath hitched. This was the first time Sami had ever really outright admitted to having any kind of feelings for him. He pulled her close and kissed her.
A few seconds later Kaylee came barreling back into the kitchen. “I’m ready to go, and Mommy’s ready, too.”
“We’ll finish this discussion later,” he leaned in and whispered in Sami’s ear.
A faint giggle escaped her lips, making Chase’s heart flutter like a leaf in the wind.
Thirty minutes later, Chase was pleased to see how Emily’s eyes lit up as she walked around the empty store.
“Have you thought about a name for the store yet?” Sami asked.
“Yes. When Chris…” Her voice cracked. “When Chris was alive he used to tell me that I painted his dreams. So, I want to name the shop, Painted Dreams. What do you think?”
Chase wrapped his arm around Emily’s shoulder. “I think it’s perfect.”
“Painted Dreams. I like that. I think this is going to be the best store in town.” Sami smiled at them, nodding.
At the sparkle in Sami’s eyes, Chase’s heart swelled. He didn’t think he could’ve loved Sami any more than he already did, but he was wrong.
♥♥♥♥
That evening, Aunt Edna stepped out on the porch and sat down in the swing with Sami. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen that twinkle in your eyes before.” Her aunt smiled and squeezed Sami’s hand. “It looks good on you.”
Sami smiled at Aunt Edna, and then released a sigh. “But, it scares me to be this happy.”
Her aunt wrinkled her brow. “Why?”
She hiked a shoulder. “I’m just afraid something’s going to happen to mess it all up.”
“Sami, you listen to me.”Aunt Edna tucked her finger under Sami’s chin and lifted her head. “God has placed a young man in your life now, who loves you from the very depths of his heart. And, honey child, from what I see in your eyes, I know you love him, too. Don’t let this fear overtake you and make bad decisions for you. You have nothing to be afraid of. God has it all under control.”
Sami hugged her aunt. “Thanks, I needed that. You always know exactly what to say, don’t you?”
“What can I say? I’m the best.”
They both laughed.
Later when Sami walked into the kitchen, her mom grabbed her by the arm. “Hey, honey, can you do me a huge favor?”
“Sure, if I can.”
“The wedding favors I ordered from McGraw’s came in this morning. I’m all tied up here making some last minute adjustments to my gown. Would you be a darling and run into town and pick them up for me?”
“Sure, no problem.”
“Thank you so much.” She gave Sami a quick hug and hurried out of the kitchen.
It felt good to have her mother back in her life. It was almost as if she’d never left. She smiled, snatched the keys off the hook, and headed out the door.
An hour later, Sami headed toward the truck with Maggie’s wedding favors in hand. Just as she opened the door, her stomach rumbled. She decided to grab a burger at Maude’s before heading back to the ranch. However, first, she put the favors in her pickup.
As she crossed the street, memories of her first encounter with Chase swept through her head, making her smile. “Who would have ever thought eating someone else’s lunch would have developed into love?” She giggled as she closed her eyes and pictured Chase’s sweet smile. “I love you, Chase Townsend.”
Suddenly, someone grabbed her by the arm.
A hand covered her mouth.
She found herself being dragged into the alley behind Maude’s diner. Panic coiled inside her. She fought to free herself as she was slammed up against the side of the building.
A hand gripped her throat, pinning her to the wall.
“I told you, I’d come for you sooner or later,” Billy hissed as his grip tightened on her throat.
Sami clawed at his hand. “Billy, you’re choking me. I can’t breathe. Let go of me!” The harder she fought against him, the tighter his grip on her throat became. Fearing she would pass out from lack of oxygen, she stopped fighting. She would wait and catch him off guard before fighting back again.
�
�So, where’s your body guard?” He squeezed her throat harder and then released her.
Sami slumped over coughing and trying to catch her breath.
Her lungs burned. Her throat burned. Her head spun.
Was he going to kill her right here in the alley? Pure terror charged through her body.
“Do you think I was just going to let you get away with what you did to me? Because of you, I will never be normal again. You took that away from me.”
“What do you want from me, Billy? I was just trying to defend myself that night. You know that!”
He seized her arms and slammed her up against the wall again. “I see the way Townsend looks at you, and the way you look at him. Do you honestly think you know how to treat a man? Look at me, Sami. Look what you did to me?” He slapped his leg as his expression clouded over with rage.
“It was an accident.” She struggled to keep the fear from showing on her face.
“Yeah, right. You keep telling yourself that so you can sleep at night. The way I see it is, you led me on and made me think you liked me, and then when I tried to make a go with you, you shot me.”
“It wasn’t like that, and you know it.” Anger overtook her fear. “Why are you doing this?”
“Because, I loved you and look what it got me, a bullet that left me with a limp for the rest of my life.” His face twisted with such rage that he was unrecognizable. “You know, I feel sorry for Townsend, he doesn’t know what he’s getting himself into with you. Do you really think you can offer any man anything? You’re cold and empty on the inside, Sami, and you always will be. Even Townsend won’t be able to change that, and deep down in your heart you know it, too, don’t you?” He laughed and tightened his grip on her arms, making them throb with pain. “I would have given you the world, and you just threw it back in my face.” He jerked her against his chest, mashed his lips hard onto hers, and then pushed her back into the wall.
Her head bounced off the brick so hard, spots danced around her eyes like tiny diamonds. Sami slid down the wall and crumbled onto the ground. “Please, Billy. Let me go.”
He crouched down in front of her, and she flinched away. “I’ll let you go when I’m finished with you.”
“Why do you hate me so much?” She couldn’t figure it out even though part of her had really tried.
“Why? Because, you made me this way! You’re like cancer. You eat away all the good in a man until nothing’s left. That’s just what you do. Well, now, it’s my turn to hurt you. The scar on my foot won’t be nothing compared to the scars you’ll be carrying.”
God, please help me. Show me what to do.
Suddenly, she knew what she had to do. Even though panic and fear gripped her like a vise as she watched the rage in Billy’s eyes grow bigger, she knew she had to ask him to forgive her for what she had done. Just as he reached for her again, she closed her eyes and blurted out. “Billy, I’m sorry for what I did to you. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t regret what I’ve done. But, I can’t change it. I can’t take it back. All I can say is, I’m sorry. I truly am sorry. Can you ever forgive me?”
“Forgive you? What are you trying to pull?” He grabbed her by the throat again and dragged her up to her feet.
“Nothing. I just had to let you know, no matter what happens today in this alley, I am sorry.”
He let go of her throat, raked his fingers through his hair, and stared down at her in disbelief. “You’re apologizing to me? What’s wrong with you?”
She made eye contact with him and held his gaze. “No matter what you do to me today, I forgive you.”
His eyes widened, and a look of horror crept across his face. It was as if blinders were being removed from his eyes and for the first time he saw what he had done.
“Sami, I—”
“Hold it right there, Billy!” Sheriff Andrews’ voice sliced through the air. In a flash, Deputy Robbie Haynes grabbed Billy by the shoulder and shoved him against the wall, jerking his hands behind his back.
“You’re going to jail this time, Billy, and even your father won’t be able to get you out of this.” The deputy grunted as he handcuffed Billy.
Sami fell into Sheriff Andrews’ extended arms. “How did you know I was here?”
“Maude came out to empty some trash and saw what was going on. Luckily, Robbie and I had just come in for lunch.” He lifted her chin, examined her neck, and anger burned in his eyes. “Sami, did you drive your truck into town?”
She nodded.
He looked over at his deputy. “Robbie, take that piece of scum on to jail in the squad car. I’m going to drive Sami to the hospital in her truck, and you can come and pick me up there. Call her family and let them know what happened and that we’re on our way to the hospital. Give Chase Townsend a call, too.”
“Yes, Sir. Let’s go, Billy.” The deputy yanked Billy away from the wall and shoved him toward the street.
“I’d rather go home.” Sami could hear the coarseness in her voice when she spoke. It hurt to talk. It hurt to swallow. It even hurt to breathe. It felt like she had swallowed fire.
“This isn’t negotiable, Sami.” Sheriff Andrews walked with her across the street, opened the truck door, and helped her inside. “I’m taking you to the hospital.”
With all the fight drained out of her, she nodded, and laid her head back on the headrest.
♥♥♥♥
Chase’s pounding heart sounded like drums in his ears as he sped down the highway. He didn’t know any of the details, all he knew was he’d received a call from the Sheriff’s department moments before to inform him that Billy Salter had just attacked Sami in town, and she was on her way to the hospital.
Why wasn’t he there? He’d promise her he wouldn’t let Salter near her again. Why had he taken Salter’s threats so lightly? “She needed me, and I wasn’t there.” Tears stung his eyes.
His cell phone rang, and he jumped. He grabbed it up and touched the screen. “Hello?”
“Have you heard?” Miles asked.
“Yes, the sheriff’s office just called me. I’m on my way to the hospital now. Do you know what happened?”
“I’d just got through talking with the sheriff when I called you. He was still here at the hospital when we arrived. They won’t let us see her yet. But, according to what the sheriff said, Salter must have spotted Sami in town, and when he realized she was alone, he saw an opportunity to have his revenge. He ducked into the alley beside of Maude’s and waited. When she came by, he grabbed her, pulling her into the back of the alley, and that’s where he attacked her.”
“How bad is she?” Chase braced himself for the answer.
Miles breathed into the phone. “I haven’t seen her yet, Chase. I’m going on by what the sheriff said.” Miles fell silent for a brief moment. “All I know is he said her throat and arms were badly bruised, but…” Miles choked on the words and then cleared his throat. “We don’t know if there’s damage to her throat or not.”
“Throat? He choked her?” Chase forced the words out of his mouth and gripped the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white. The blood drained from his face as fear and anger ripped through his body.
“Yes.” Miles voice cracked. “Chase, the doctor’s coming out. How much longer will it be before you get here?”
“I should be there in about ten more minutes. Let her know I’m on my way.”
“I will.”
The truck hadn’t completely stopped when Chase shoved it into park. He bounded out of the pickup and bolted toward the entrance. Just as the doors slid open, he saw Bart, Clint, and Daniel in the waiting room. Heads lowered. No one was saying a word.
“Where is she?”
Bart nodded toward the double doors. “Through there.”
When Chase spun around, he saw Edna coming toward him. Her eyes were swollen and red. He rushed to her and gently took hold of her arms. “Miss Edna, where is she?”
“Come on with me. She’s been aski
ng for you.” She clamped onto his arm and guided him down the hallway.
He followed Edna down the hallway and into one of the rooms. Maggie and Miles were standing on each side of the bed. William and Brent were standing at the foot.
“Sami, Chase is here.” Maggie released Sami’s hand, stepped aside, and motioned for Chase.
When he walked up to the side of the bed, Sami raised her head and smiled at him. His gut wrenched when he saw her throat. Black angry bruises spread down the length of her neck on both sides. He took hold of her hand, pushed her hair back, and kissed her forehead. “Sami, I got here as quick as I could. Are you in pain?”
“Not too much,” she whispered, holding her throat. “It looks worse than it is.” Her voice was hoarse and raspy.
He swallowed the lump that was stuck in his throat and tried to keep from falling apart. To see her like this was almost too much to bear.
Maggie squeezed Sami’s leg. “Thankfully, there isn’t any damage to the larynx, only bruising. The doctor said her throat’s going to be sore for a couple days, so it looks like she’s going to be on a Jell-o and pudding diet.”
“I think some hot tea will clear that sore throat up in no time,” Edna said.
Sami smiled at Edna, nodded, and gave her a thumbs-up.
“When are they going to release her?” Chase asked.
“They want to keep her here a couple more hours to make sure there isn’t any more swelling.” Miles rubbed Sami’s arm while he spoke.
Chase knew everyone was trying to be brave and strong for Sami’s sake. But he could sense the pain and anger in each of their hearts because it matched the pain and anger in his.
“I don’t want all of you worrying about me. I’m going to be fine,” she rasped. “It’s just bruises. I wouldn’t even be here if the sheriff hadn’t insisted.”
Coming Home: (Contemporary Christian Romance Boxed Set): Three Stories of Love, Faith, Struggle & Hope Page 79