Hannah and Rusty got there about noon, and Hannah dug right in and helped Emma with the noon meal. The three girls talked almost non stop and the men couldn't do much but lick their lips and get to work. Since there were so many kids, they made a small table for them on the back porch and crowded them all around it. The kids couldn't have been happier; it had been a while since they had seen each other.
Hannah's little one slept through most of the meal and that made it easy for her to join in the conversation too.
Everyone ooh and awed over the baby and couldn't believe Rusty and Hannah made it all look so easy. Jake couldn't take his eyes off the baby. "He's so little…"
"They all are at this age, Jake," Hannah laughed. "You are so good with kids; it's time you were settling down with a brood of your own."
"Maybe…" Jake winked and watched to see if Sammie Jo and Clay were listening. Sure enough they were.
"So…Emma says you've been seeing Samantha…" Hannah pinked as Rusty elbowed her under the table.
"Oh that was tactful," Rusty laughed.
"Yes, I have. She's a wonderful lady." Jake raised his voice to be sure they heard him.
Sammie Jo nudged Clay and he nodded.
Jake smiled with satisfaction.
"How's Selma? I haven't talked to her since she moved here," Hannah asked, to change the subject.
"Selma is thoroughly enjoying being here again. She's right back to her bridge party and quilting and all the things she used to enjoy." Jake helped himself to the chicken in front of him.
"Samantha must be relieved to see her enjoying herself again," Hannah said as she passed the gravy.
"She is, but she still frets over her a lot."
"That's only natural. Selma has been through a lot." Hannah defended.
"Oh I agree, and if I'm not mistaken, Selma is happy about it too." Jake laughed.
Deke started talking about the cattle then and no more was mentioned about Samantha at the dinner table to Sammie Jo's and Clay's disappointment.
But while the dishes were being done, Hannah excused herself to the barn and cornered Jake again. Jake knew Hannah well enough to know her concerns wer genuine.
"Jake, Emma told me about you and Samantha planning to teach Sammie Jo a lesson but I have to know something. Samantha is my friend, and I don't want to see her hurt from all this. If you are just using her to get at them, well, would you just tell her?" Hannah asked.
Jake stopped spreading the hay around the barn and looked at his sister-in-law seriously. "Hannah, I would never hurt Samantha. She really is a wonderful lady. I promise you…that is not my intention."
"Then you do like her?" Hannah's eyes softened on him.
"Very much…." Jake responded, not looking at Hannah any longer.
"Oh…I'm so glad."
"I've known her a long time, Hannah." Jake turned to look at Hannah and smiled. "In school though, we sort of crossed paths but never really got to know each other. I think that was a huge misunderstanding on both our parts."
Hannah nodded and stared at him a long time.
"What's wrong…have I got my hat on crooked or something."
"Deke told us about you not taking the partnership," Hannah's brows almost crossed.
"Wow, I knew you were direct, just didn't see this one coming from you. You don't beat around the bush, do you Hannah?" Jake chuckled. "I like that, nothing better than a straight out cross examination."
"No…I'm sorry. I have always been a little blunt, I guess. Forgive me. But aren't you passing up a huge opportunity?"
Jake shrugged and began spreading the hay again, "I don't think so, no."
"But with a job like that you'd be financially set," Hannah frowned.
"That's probably true. But money isn't everything Hannah!"
Hannah nodded slowly and stared. "You really are a strange one, Jake. I mean, here you are thinking of starting a future with a woman and you aren't taking what is right in front of you. Please don't misunderstand, Jake, but Samantha was married to a policeman once, and it was rough on her. I'm not sure she could go through that again."
Jake finally stopped what he was doing and came to stand in front of Hannah. He saw the real concern in her face and wanted to put her mind to rest. "I realize that. We've talked about it."
"Then she knows you aren't taking the job?"
"She knows."
Hannah threw up her hands and shrugged, "Well then, there's nothing left to be said I guess."
Hannah started back toward the house but Jake stopped her, "Hannah, don't worry so much. I know what I’m doing…And your concern is really appreciated. There is nothing like family worrying about you to make you feel appreciated."
Hannah tried to smile, but it didn't seem to reach her lips. She nodded and left.
Jake shook his head and smiled. His family….they sure did love him!
*****
That same evening Jake watched his family gather about in the living room, swapping tales about what they had been doing, and he suddenly felt lonesome. Clint sat side by side on the couch with Abby. Rusty had Hannah on his lap in the rocking chair and Deke and Emma stood arm in arm by the fireplace.
"Hey, if you guys will excuse me, I'm gonna take a little ride…."
"At this hour?" Cal asked strolling in the living room with Emily and Little Clint by his side. Jake smiled. You didn't see Cal without his grandkids, that was a given.
"I need some unwinding time," Jake laughed.
"On that bike of yours?" Cal frowned.
"Yes dad, on the motorcycle."
"Son, do you know how deadly those things are?" Cal asked coming to stand beside him.
"Yes dad, I know. You've informed me many times. But I don't intend to be reckless dad, and that's mainly why they are so deadly." Jake reassured him.
Cal shook his head, "Never will understand how a man can prefer a machine to a horse."
"Takes all kinds, dad, everyone isn't built from the same mold. I'll be back in a little while…okay?" he looked at his father with such a smile, Cal waved at him.
But Jake didn't want to ride alone. And he knew just the person to invite on his late night ride.
In half an hour he was pounding on Samantha's door. She came to the door with a look of surprise, "Jake…what are you doing out so late?"
"Man, these small towns sure close up early. It's only ten thirty. I came to invite you on a ride…." His eyes took her in, her soft hair flowed about her, and her shirtwaist dress emphasized her pretty figure.
"A ride?"
"On my bike…" he motioned at the bike parked behind her car.
"Oh…well, I don't know…" she hesitated.
"Would you trust me….please…" Jake beguiled her with his smile.
"Oh…all right, let me tell mom where I'm going," she insisted, "And I better change clothes, dresses aren't very appropriate for bikes."
"Okay, I'll sit out here on the swing…" he said and sat down on the two-seater. He barely swung it but it was so comforting that he almost fell asleep while waiting for her.
She came out in jeans and t-shirt. He glanced at her and smiled, "Not too far off, just a little ride in the country."
"Okay, it is a nice night for it," she glanced up at the full moon.
"Come on, I have a extra helmet," he took her hand and led her to the bike.
"Any last minute instructions?" she asked her smile widening.
"Nope, just hang on to me."
She straddled it and her hands crept around him as he started it and they were off.
He could tell when she relaxed and he patted her hand, "It's not so bad, is it?"
She seemed to have come closer to his ear, "No, actually, it feels nice. You know of course I haven't ridden one in ages."
"I wasn't even sure you'd been on one."
"Billy Joe Murphy used to give me lifts home on his every now and then from school."
"Billy Joe Murphy?" Jake frowned at the mention of a fellow
classmate having more to do with Samantha than he did.
"Don't you remember, he was in our chemistry class…"
"Oh yeah, the one that tried to act like "The Fonze?"
"That was him. He was actually a pretty nice kid, when you got to know him."
"I believe you…"
He slowed as he got further out into the country. The frogs croaked from the pond near the road, and a tree full of birds flew out as they passed.
Suddenly Jake stopped.
"What are we stopping for?" she asked.
"Thought we'd stare at the stars…" he said and as she removed her helmet, and he his, he took her hand and pulled her down the gully and into a meadow. He had grabbed something out of the back of the bike, and she began to understand him when he spread the blanket on the ground.
"Wow, I haven't done anything like this since I was a kid…" she laughed.
"Every now and then," he said pulling her down on the blanket and wrapping an arm around her, he pulled her close. She seemed to want to resist at first, but as he lay there staring up at the stars she began to relax. "I do this when I'm really tired or stressed. Sometimes you have to stop and smell the roses so to speak."
She glanced over at him, not realizing he was so close, "Are you stressed tonight?"
"Nope, tonight, I'm happy," he chuckled and pulled her closer.
"Jake…this might not be such a good idea…." She began.
"Samantha, trust me, I'm not going to jump your bones. I just wanted to share this with you…this time…this place…this moment." He whispered.
"Okay…" her voice hitched. "It is nice."
He was quiet a long time, and Samantha glanced over at him and realized he was asleep. She watched him for a little while, then pulled a dandelion from the meadow and tickled his chin with it. She leaned over him and looked at him in the moonlight. About to move away he reached to pull her to him.
"Samantha, you don't mind if I kiss you a little do you? I mean, I've grown to like your kisses and miss them…so I…"
Suddenly without warning, she kissed him.
It was a warm, heart stirring kind of kiss that sent rational thinking out the window. She pulled up a moment, and he turned her so he was on top, and kissed her again. "You have the softest lips, I've ever known…"
"Have you known many?" she whispered between gasps for air.
"Dozens…" he chuckled before he nibbled her ear. "Samantha, this isn't for Sammie Jo. This is for me." And then he really kissed her.
He needed this moment, with this woman in his arms. He couldn't think of anywhere closer to heaven, than this. She didn't protest, but gave in to it for a change.
His hands went through her hair and he groaned slightly as he finally came up for air. He looked into her shining surprised eyes and smiled.
"I'm falling in love with you Sam," he whispered as though someone might hear him.
She rose up, "You can't be serious," she tried to laugh.
"Oh but I am…you are beautiful, delightful, and I want to marry you, Sam." Jake said, as he pulled her unresisting body back to his. "I was minding my own business, when this beautiful lady came along in my life. And then it hit me, along came love. I wasn't looking for it, or asking for it, or even thinking about it. It just hit me over the head today when Hannah was asking my intentions. I love you….It's that simple. And when you love someone, marriage is the only option."
"Jake," she barely uttered before he covered her lips with his own.
"Forgive me for using Sammie Jo and Clay for an excuse to be with you." He whispered as he trailed soft kisses along her jaw. This time his lips controlled hers, and left no doubt how he felt.
Long drugging moments later they came up for air, and he cradled her in his arms. He didn't let his hands roam over her, like he wanted to. Instead he just held her close and whispered sweet things in her ear.
"Let's get married Sam. I want you…all of you. But I want to do it right. I want marriage the whole kit and kaboodle…please…marry me and put me out of this misery."
But obviously she had a dose of good sense and sat up after a while. "There was a time I'd have jumped all over you, for asking me to marry you. I think I've been in love with you all my life, Jake Travers," she admitted her eyes shining into his.
His hand snaked around her neck and pulled her down once more for a hot, and steamy kiss. He wanted her and if he didn't stop this now, he might take an unfair advantage.
"So what's your answer?" Jake propped up on his elbows and looked up at her.
"I'm not a love struck teenager any more, Jake. I've been through one marriage, and it was to a policeman too…"
"Sam…about that…we need to talk…"
"Yes, I know. I've done nothing but give you a hard time about you being a Sheriff. I'm guilty of comparing you to Pete, I guess. But I so don't want to make another mistake." Sam cried out.
"I know that honey, and it won't be a mistake, because I'm crazy about you." Jake smiled.
Samantha stared down at him, and leaned over to kiss his bottom lip, "I can't deny my feelings for you Jake…but please…let's give this a little time. We don't want to rush into anything."
"Rush into anything. We've known each other all our lives…" Jake corrected.
"And I've loved you most of mine…" she whispered.
"I wish I'd known…" he sighed and kissed her cheek. "Marry me, Sam…."
"It's your family being here," she seemed to reach at straws.
"Come here," he breathed heavily, and pulled her down on top of him. In this position she had to know just how stirred he was as he pressed her close to him and kissed her with wild abandon. His hands coming up and under her breast, but not touching her, he groaned aloud this time. And then he rolled out from under her and stood up.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean that to go so far. I'm not trying to grope you, Sam. I really do love you, so much in fact that I won't touch you till we are married. I want you to be my wife. I'm not a kid anymore either. I've made some mistakes, but I don't intend to make many more. Look at me Sam," he walked over and pulled her up by the arms. "I want you so bad, I can hardly walk. But I won't touch you, because when you walk down that aisle you'll be the prize I want. We'll have many nights to remember too. I don't plan on abandoning you either. My job will always be important, but never more important than you."
"Jake…" she whispered, her cheeks coloring in the moonlight.
"Say yes, Sam…say yes!"
"Oh Jake…yes…" she almost screamed.
He stared at her, his expression somber, "I love you Sam, don't you ever forget it."
"I won't…" she cried and this time she jumped into his arms and threw her arms around his neck and pulled his head down for a kiss that sealed their bargain.
Chapter Eight
Jake sat very still as he glanced around the office. He hadn't been in this particular office and he wondered if this is where he would work form. The wooden books shelves lined a whole wall, and the just polished desk told him the care-keepers were on the job. He waited patiently for his old friend.
"Good to see you again, Jake." The man finally stepped inside the room and grabbed Jake's hand in a firm shake.
"You too. I've been mulling over the letter you sent for some time. And I've come to a conclusion. Your offer was more than generous and I want to take the step." Jake shook hands and sat back down in the soft leather chair.
The man nodded his satisfaction. "I was hoping you would. It's a big step and for some it would be a hard one, but somehow I don't think it will be for you. I've always told you, you are a natural."
"Do I have all the credentials I need, or will I need to take some crash courses?" Jake asked his body relaxing from the man's welcoming smile.
"It will be voted on and I'm sure there will be no objections, but I'm sure you are more than qualified for the position. Forgive my optimistic dreams, but I've already inquired about your background and your qualifications and all
of that has been approved. We are more than a little pleased that you've considered it, and that you will be working with us. I can't tell you how relieved I am. I'm retiring at the end of the month and I'll need someone to take over for me then. Is that too soon, or can you manage it?"
"That should be just fine, it will give me time to give notice and prepare for my new job." Jake agreed.
"It's where you really belong, isn't it Jake? And I'm confident it is right. I was simply hoping you'd come to the same conclusion. I didn't want to pressure your decision. Have you told your family yet?"
"No…not yet. I haven't even told the folks in Peaceful yet. That will be hard, I've been there so long, but I've got a good deputy that is ready to move up and take the challenge. At home there's the wedding to consider and then I'll announce it. I wanted to have a chance to talk to you about it first. I have no doubts, none whatsoever, even though I'm not the best public speaker. Something I plan on working on. I am sure in time I'll learn." Jake grinned.
"Do you think Cal and your brothers will come to accept it?"
"Dad will, the others might take a little longer, I don't know." Jake chuckled.
"I have to admit, it tickles me that you seem so satisfied with your decision. It's a pleasure to see on your face."
"I've had a while to think about it. Deep down, this is what I've wanted all along. But it isn't something I could make my family understand that easily. They don't even know I majored in college for this. I never told them. It wasn't flung on me as some last minute scholarship, I wanted it. It was the family; I wanted to tell them and couldn't find the words for it. But now, I'm at peace with it all, I can tell them. Figured I'd cross that bridge when I came to it. And now, there's another I must tell. Samantha Courtland, I've asked her to be my wife and she's accepted." Jake beamed, knowing his smile spread across his face wider than the Red River.
"I know Samantha and her mother, a wonderful young woman. I'm so glad she's moved back into this area. Selma is doing much better since she came here." The man said coming around the desk at Jake.
"Yes, I think so too." Jake acknowledged.
"I'm very happy for you Jake. I do hope you'll be as happy here as I have been these past thirty years."
Along Came Love Page 9