"You know that stuff isn't good for you." Jake pointed his finger at the artificial sugar. "As thin as you are, real sugar wouldn't hurt you." He remarked watching her dump the artificial sugar into her tea.
Samantha's face screwed up into a frown, "And if we want to stay thin, we use this stuff, as you call it."
"And is your ex-husband something we shouldn't talk about?" he asked politely.
His change of subject shocked her; she had been prepared to lash out about the sugar and stuff. But then she suddenly realized there was no need. Jake Travers didn't have any idea who he was talking to. And she'd overcome her problem long ago. There was no longer a need to be intimidated about it
*****
Samantha squirmed nervously as her friend soaked up the news.
"Why aren't you jumping up and down? It is wonderful news! I'm so happy you found a job in Sweetwater. Now you and your mom can get reacquainted with everyone. It just couldn't be better. .I mean, it's not as close to us, but we can still visit when Rusty and I come home during the holidays," Hannah smiled at her friend. "I think it's perfect, your Mom has always wanted to move home…"
"I am excited, and a little nervous, too. I mean I applied here first naturally, and there were no openings. I should have known, too small a town to need a teacher, I guess. In fact, I tried all around the area, there just wasn't anything open," Samantha sighed. "All that was available was subbing, and I don't want to do that again, there's just not enough guarantee I could make it on a Sub's salary."
"Of course not, you need a full time teaching job. But this will work wonderfully for you. Sweetwater is just big enough to be interesting, and since you were raised there, you should know lots of people. Phyllis, the cheerleader with the overbite, moved there after graduation, and Norma Jean married a man from there, so they're living there now too." Hannah sighed holding her infant close. The baby made a funny face in his sleep, but cuddled toward her.
Hannah smiled at him and stroked his silk-soft hair.
"It will be nice, I'm sure I'll remember a lot of people. You know, it's so hard to believe you and Rusty settled down and made a family. I mean, the twins, Joe and then little Emily, are growing and now Jacob. Are they excited about their brother?"
"Oh gosh, are they ever? They fight over who gets to diaper him and who gets to feed him. But they love him, that's what's important. I guess I should be glad they like him and don't want me to take him back, that's what Joe wanted us to do when Emily came along."
"I can't believe the twins are already in school." Samantha was saying as she gazed longingly at the baby. "I mean, when Rusty first came out here, I just knew it had to be some ruse. But one look and I could tell you two were in love." Samantha chuckled.
Hannah's eyes became large and she looked down into little Jacob's face and smiled again. "I hate to spoil the fairytale, I really do. But, you were right. It was a ruse, at first. Rusty came here to rescue me, and the ranch. It's a long story but Dad had squandered all the money I sent home. I was in a real fix, Samantha. If Rusty hadn't come along to save me, I'm not sure what would have happened. And I couldn't lose the ranch, my mother is buried here. It's kinda funny, Rusty and I had no idea we'd fall in love with each other, but it did happen."
"Well, it doesn't matter how it all started, it ended like a fairytale. I mean you hadn't been married a year and you had the twins. And then Joe a couple years later. And Emily, by the way, where is Emily? I mean I know Joe started kindergarten this year, but Emily isn't in school yet."
"Oh, she's spending the next two weeks with her Papa Cal, he's teaching her to ride. You know Cal, as soon as they can walk and talk good, he's got them on a horse. She's been riding for a year now and I can't keep her away from the 4 Bar None. But it is a big help not having to take care of Emily, and the others are in schools, so life's not so bad. Cal is so good with the kids. And everyone has noticed how good they are for him."
"Good, that gives you a little re-cooping time and time for Jacob."
"Yeah, Jacob was a surprise we hadn't planned on having any
more children, I mean it's been four years, but it just happened, and we couldn't be happier about it. But I swear, this is the last one…"
"I'm so happy for you. At least one of us has found what they are looking for. Can I hold him a minute?"
Hannah looked at Samantha and smiled, "Sure, sit here beside me."
"He's so little, I'm afraid I'll crush him." Samantha took the baby into her arms and pulled it close to her. The baby cuddled into her and Samantha felt her heart turn over. She never realized how badly she wanted a child till the past year when Pete totally refused to consider it. She smiled down into the sleeping face. The instant warmth made Samantha cuddle him closer. All her hormones seemed to spring forward, and the ache to have a child screamed at her.
"He's a Travers, and they are strong." Hannah laughed. "Don't worry, you won't break him."
"Oh God, Hannah, I want one of my own." Samantha looked into little Jacob's dark blue eyes and smiled as a gas bubble had him making a face like a smile.
"Well, then, maybe you better get to working on that right away," Hannah encouraged with a chuckle.
"Yeah, fat chance. My having a child seems so farfetched now. I'm too old. Besides, with teaching, I'll be surrounded by children, that will be enough."
"You know, I would never have guessed this would happen to me either, Samantha. Or that I could be so happy in my life." Hannah admitted with a slight smile, her eyes reflecting her inner thoughts. "Oh, you are going to find someone just for you, and very soon. And you are not too old. Women are waiting later and later in life to have their first child. You still have plenty of time. I just know things are going to work out well for you, especially since you found a job in Sweetwater. Just because things didn't work out between you and Pete, doesn't mean you can't find someone else. You're still young, I hope you haven't totally given up."
"I guess you're right. But I'm not sure it's the right time in my life with Mother so sick." Samantha's face turned serious. "I guess, I just wasn't cut out to be a policeman's wife."
"I can see where it would be hard. But I don't think it was his occupation, it was Pete, himself. I mean, when you are really in love, no occupation is going to stop you from being together. You need a man that's loyal through and through. There is someone out there for you, just you. Maybe a few years ago, I wouldn't be saying this, but now…I believe. Love will come along one day, and take you by surprise, just like it did me."
"The two of you make love and marriage look easy." Samantha touched the silk like hair on the baby's head. He was gorgeous, so pink and healthy looking.
"So why not give it another chance? You know me Sam, do you think I ever envisioned having five kids and a husband to die for?" Hannah asked the question that Samantha couldn't put her finger on, or didn't want to. Instead, she smiled down into the baby's face.
"That day Cora and Sandy and I came out. Wow. I'll never forget that proposal he gave. I never heard anything so sweet, and to do it in front of us…well we were all very jealous that day. It took my breath away. We were all swooning over it. I guess marriage isn't for me, though. I haven't found a man I can't live without, or with."
"You've given up on Jake Travers then?"
Samantha rolled her expressive green eyes, "I haven't told you have I?"
"Told me what?" Hannah's brows drew together. She stared at Samantha long and hard, "Well, come on girl, give…"
"Well, I told you last time I talked to you that I had gone into Sweetwater and applied for the job. Then I found this house up for sale in the paper. It is so old, and so cute and just right for Mom and me. It's small, but has all the right amenities. So I called the real estate agent and asked if he'd meet me there so I could take a look."
"Oh, and did you see it?"
"Oh yes, I saw it all right. But the agent was busy so he sent his friend…Jake
Travers."
Hannah's
eyes rounded on her. "Are you serious? Jake was there…showing you the house? Oh Samantha, it's a sign…"
Samantha nodded and rolled her eyes.
"Well give girl, what happened?" Hannah was smiling now and anxious to hear.
Putting the baby in his crib, she covered him then joined Samantha on the couch.
"Well, I didn't get on the porch but what I nearly fell through the wood step. And Jake being Jake, couldn't help but be the knight in shining armor. He was right behind me, before I knew what hit me, and believe me, I couldn't decide if I was more stunned at what happened, or who saved me."
"How romantic!" Hannah sighed.
"Oh, yeah, right. Don't get your hopes up, he didn't even recognize me." Samantha spouted.
"You are kidding. Rusty says he used to torment the dickens out of you, when ya'll were young."
"That's true! That was Jake all right, my tormentor. But anyway, he was the perfect gentleman, took care of my foot, and carried me in the house so I could see it. I loved it of course, the house that is."
"Uh-huh, I'll just bet you did." Hannah rolled her eyes again and chuckled.
"Then he proceeded to carry me to the doctor's office and we sat and talked a long while. Afterwards he took me to dinner. End of story."
"Just like that, end of story?" Hannah gasped. "You never told him, who you were? You went through the house in his arms, the doctor's office and out to dinner at one meeting. My, Jake must be a fast worker. They tell me the strong silent types are the ones to watch out for."
"No really, he was just friendly, and nice to talk to. He wasn't overly flirty or anything. And he's only home on vacation, he probably won't be there when I get moved in, so that's the end of that." Samantha sighed. "But for old time's sake, it was good seeing him."
"If he took you to dinner, he was definitely interested. Jake doesn't go out much."
Samantha wrinkled her nose. "He was just being nice. Maybe even afraid I'd sue Al about the porch or something."
"No, honey, Jake doesn't take a woman out unless…" Hannah smiled. "He's interested. So…what did you two talk about? I mean if you didn't tell him who you were?"
"Not much really, he told me about taking the bar exam…"
"He passed it, hooray for Jake…" Hannah clapped her hands and smiled at her friend. "We've all been waiting to hear that."
"He didn't seem all that happy about passing." Samantha eyed her friend. "I'd be on air if I accomplished something that grand." Samantha sighed heavily. "I don't know why I always felt Jake and I were meant for each other, then one day I shrugged it off and realized that was just wishful thinking. That was about the time I met Pete. At first Pete was real aggressive in dating me, but the longer it lasted, the more important his job became. I don't want another relationship like that. Besides, Jake's into law too. Wouldn't that be like jumping out of the pot into the frying pan?"
"But he's just a Sheriff of a little town, a very peaceful little town. You wouldn't believe how proud that town is of him. He's more popular than...Winnie the Pooh."
"Oh Hannah! It all seems so useless. Yeah, I've changed physically. But what I want, is a man who loves me for myself, whether I'm chubby or not. Not because I finally got wise enough to lose weight. I want a man who loves me, for me….like Rusty does you."
Hannah laughed, "Well, as you know I didn't encourage a romance by the way I used to dress. In fact, quite the opposite. So I guess Rusty does love the real me."
"The two of you are incredible. You both work so hard to make this place a real ranch, and side by side too. I spent years thinking I'd find someone who would fall magically in love with me, like that. Then I wised up and realized that everyone isn't as lucky." Samantha spied Rusty coming toward the front porch and got up off the couch.
"I guess I better go, you've got enough to handle with feeding that husband of yours. He has some appetite. I'm astounded he isn't fat by now."
"He probably would be, but he's just too busy." Hannah laughed softly, giving her tired husband a quick squeeze as he came striding through the door and headed straight for her. "Hi honey, ready for some lunch?"
Hannah kissed her husband lightly on the lips as he took the big brown Stetson off and he smiled down at her.
"Yep, I'm starved as usual. How's my little critter doing?" He glanced about for his son. "Samantha, you are going to have to come by more often. We could use a babysitter." He chuckled.
"She's moving to Sweetwater," Hannah injected. "Don't get your hopes up."
"Sweetwater? Now why you want to do something like that?" Rusty countered as he shot her a quick glance.
"That's where my job is, and I wanted to take Mom home again."
"Is she any better?" Rusty asked his smile fading.
"She's in remission now and things are looking up for her. I've even found the perfect little house for us." Samantha moved toward the door.
Rusty ambled over to the crib, tickling Jacob's fuzzy hair on his ears.
"Stop that, haven't you ever seen a baby with hair on their ears before."
"Nope, he's one of a kind." Rusty chuckled.
"He's asleep, and don't you wake him," Hannah scolded lightly as she started for the kitchen. "Sure you won't stay for lunch, Samantha?"
"I better get back. We've just moved in and there is loads of work to be done and I don't want Mom trying to do it."
"Yes, of course you are right about that. And she probably would try. Send me your address as soon as you can."
"It's been great seeing the two of you again, and that precious baby. I'm so jealous."
"I'll remember that around 2 AM in the morning when he's dying for a feeding," Hannah chuckled.
"I'd come…."
"I know you would, and thanks. Now you take care of yourself and keep in touch. We'll see you soon, you know Dad's getting married."
Samantha was about to open the front door, when she wheeled on her heels, "You don't mean it. He's finally going to marry Bertha?"
Rusty came closer to her and winked, "'Bout time wouldn't you say?"
"And then some," Samantha laughed.
"You're coming to the wedding aren't you?" Hannah cried out from the kitchen.
"Well, I don't know…I mean, I guess if I get an invitation." Samantha cried.
"Oh you'll get one," Rusty patted her on the arm, "I'll see to that."
"Then I'll be there, I've really got to run though. Love you guys."
"Okay, thanks for stopping by and letting me know where you are. Love you too girl."
Samantha smiled as she took one last look at her oh so happy friends. She did envy them…
Chapter One
"Uncle Jake, Uncle Jake?' Sammie Jo was shaking Jake as though the world was fixing to end, as he snoozed on the couch after dinner. He'd been up the night before with a sick heifer and wasn't ready to be roused, but the concern in his niece's voice and the expression on her face when he popped open one eye to see what was going on, had him sitting up and paying attention, reluctantly.
"What's wrong pumpkin?" He asked, rubbing his face and trying to wake himself.
"Oh, Uncle Jake, you've just got to help me," Sammie Jo pleaded.
Sammie Jo sounded desperate; her blue eyes were big, round and worried. Tears were on the way, Jake was sure of that. He stared into her beautiful young face and smiled.
"Now what can be this serious?" He asked as he watched her closely.
"You've got to help me, Uncle Jake. You know Mom and Dad are on their honeymoon, so you're elected."
Jake nodded dully. "That's right. I'm elected. And I'm here for you Pumpkin. So start at the beginning and tell me what is so gosh-awful wrong."
Sammie Jo flopped at the other end of the couch and wrinkled her nose. "You aren't gonna like it."
Jake wiped at his eyes again, straightened himself and tried to look as though he understood her tirade of emotions spilling forth on him, like a downpour.
"No?" Jake was sure he wouldn't. When S
ammie Jo got that desperate tone to her voice, he knew he wouldn't like it, but he couldn't stop himself from listening.
So, why had she waited till after dinner to announce this to him? She'd been home from school for hours and had said absolutely nothing about her earth-shattering news.
Sammie Jo had long ago wound herself around her Uncle's finger though, and she was well aware of her accomplishment.
This blue eyed, blonde-headed thirteen-year-old angel could ask anything of him, and he couldn't resist. Besides, wasn't this one of the basic reasons he had come home, to be with his family, to be a part of the family again.
"No." Sammie Jo hiccupped and caught her breath.
"Is it worse than when you decided to drop the e on your name?"
"That was nothing, Uncle Jake. Besides, who wants to be called Sammiee? You know that was only a typographical error on my birth certificate."
Jake crossed his booted feet, "Okay, point taken. Now shoot."
"Well…I'm having a problem at school. For one, I'm flunking math." Sammie Jo bit her fingernail to the quick and grimaced.
"Flunking math?" Jake immediately stood up and paced the room. Turning toward her, he shook his head. "How could you be flunking math? I spent the better part of my last vacation helping you with it. I thought you knew it backward and forward."
Sammie Jo dropped her gaze and stared at the floor. A flush came over her face as she raised almost innocent eyes at him. Eyes usually full of mischief and mayhem, eyes that always had his attention. "It's different this year…harder! I mean, I'm taking Pre-Algebra and I don't understand it at all. It's nothing like the math we had last year. It's like Greek to me. I just can't get the hang of it. I've tried. I really have."
Pre-Algebra, it had been Greek to Jake too.
Knowing Sammie Jo was dyslexic Jake could understand her having trouble. "I guess we'll just have to work on it, then…"
Along Came Love Page 2