Samantha Forster was humming quietly to herself as she cleaned the horses' stalls. It was early evening and the light of the day was slowly fading. The pinks and oranges danced along La Charla and the wind quietly rustled in the trees. All was peaceful and calm, but Sam still couldn't shake that nervous feeling.
What is wrong with me? She thought to herself. Everything is fine, Jake will be here tomorrow and it will be fine…She sighed to herself. I can't even lie to myself properly.
Sure, Jake was coming, that was the problem. Since that night at the bonfire, when he held her hand, she had seen very little of him. And they hadn't talked about it either. Before, her feelings had been slightly shallow; physical and emotional attraction, a crush.
But now, it was different. She knew…just knew, that she loved him; deep, pure love. The kind you read about in books, watch in movies and dream about at night. She dreamed of his beautiful eyes, running her hands through his soft hair, over his strong chest. She loved his soft-spoken ways and his quiet demeanour, how he always knew what to say to her and to everyone else. He was so kind, but tough too. He was a real man and she loved him so much.
But what about him, how did he feel about her? She could never tell what he was thinking; those mustang eyes were so hard to read. And what if he had found someone else at college? He'd been away for several years and hadn't visited at all. Not once!
Sam shook her head and sighed again. What was the use of all this thinking if in the end it got her nowhere? He would come and maybe he would stay. Who knew and who cared?
You do, whispered a little voice in the back of her mind.
Her eyes clouded with tears. Maybe the reason he hadn't returned in all that time was because he was avoiding her. No, that was silly. He'd still want to see his family wouldn't he?
"Errrg!" Sam growled out loud to herself, "Just stop!"
She finished cleaning the stalls and meandered back to the house, worrying about tomorrow.
---
The morning broke sunny and clear. The rooster screamed his good morning call loudly, waking the residents of the Forster house.
Sam woke with a start. Today was the day. Hurriedly, she dressed and ate. I want to look nice, but what if he notices that I'm trying to look nice? He'll know I love him! Okay, don't look TOO nice than. Right…
The day wore on with no sign of Jake. The stress and anxiety was almost enough to make Sam throw up. She couldn't sit still; her leg or hand bounced constantly, agitatedly. To relax, she sank down beside La Charla and dreamed of what would…what could happen when Jake came.
"Sam! Honey, where are you?" Grams voice broke through Sam's reveries. "What are you doing over here sweetie?
"Just thinking. Do you need help, Gram?"
"No, we were just wondering where you were, that's all." Grace tucked a piece of silvery, white hair back into her bun and stared contentedly over the peaceful river.
Thinking of Jake?" Sam nodded mutely.
"Don't worry, he's Jake. He'll always be Jake. Nothing can change that. Just like nothing can change the fact that you two will always be friends." Smiling, Grace kissed Sam on the top of the head and walked back inside the house.
She's right, Sam thought. Worrying about it isn't going to change a thing. Smiling for the first time that day, Sam skipped to the house, ready for anything.
---
"And then he kissed me…da dada…" Sam sang as she danced around, stirring the cookie dough. So engrossed in the song and cookies was she, that she didn't notice the door open and close. Oblivious, she didn't even hear the feet cross to where she was standing, nor notice the hands that reached for her arms…
"Brat!"
Giving a shriek of surprise, Sam dropped the cookie dough and spoon and spun around.
"Jake!" Forgetting her shock, she threw her arms around his neck and held on for dear life. "You're back! I can't believe it!" Pulling back she examined him.
His blue-black hair was shorter now and he was taller with broader shoulders, but he still had those mustang eyes and that mischievous tom-cat grin. Gram was right, he's still Jake. Laughing, she hugged him again, noticing how muscular he was.
"How are you, what's new, how was school, how's Singer…"
Jake cut her off.
"Slow down, Brat, let me catch my breath here. Well…to answer your questions: good, nothing, good, good. Any more?"
"Smarty pants. I mean it; you have to tell me everything. I haven't seen you in, what…three…four years?" I raised my eyebrows. Had it really been that long?
"Three years, yep, it's been a while. But I'm home now." He smiled at her softly.
For how long? She couldn't find it in herself to ask him the question that had been bugging her since she'd heard he was coming home. She was too scared of the answer. She wouldn't have had a chance anyways, as at that moment both the Forster and Ely families barged through the kitchen doors and the room was filled with excited talk and laughter.
---
Sam gently brushed Ace's mane with her fingers. The bonfire party for Jake's homecoming had been going on for a couple of hours now and everyone was cheerful. Well, almost everyone. The Slocums weren't exactly excited and neither was Jen, but at least she was happy for Sam. Jake was so busy talking with everyone in Darton, Sam hadn't had a chance to talk to him again since their chat in the kitchen. Maybe that was for the best though. For some reason, she had this irresistible urge to sit down and have a good cry. She couldn't figure out why; maybe it was just that everything was happening all at once. Maybe she expected Jake to come home and sweep her off her feet and proclaim his love to her or something like that. Oh he was so handsome, even more so than when he had left. His beautiful black hair was shorter, but still she had to fight the urge to run her hands through it. He was so tall too! And muscular. What a man…And those eyes! So alive and full of warmth, they were. She melted every time he looked at her.
"Oh Ace, what am I going to do, boy? If he does stay at the Three Ponies, how can I face him everyday, knowing I love him so?"
Ace's only answer was to bump his head against her shoulder and lean on her. But it was good enough for that moment.
--
"Thanks, thanks. Yeah, I'm happy to be back too. Thanks"
Jake tried to escape from the conversation, but since he was the main attraction he knew his odds were slim. Still, he had to figure out some way of getting out of here. He had to find Sam. He hadn't been able to talk to her since he'd found her in the kitchen, dancing around to some Juice Newton song and baking cookies.
Wow, when he'd seen her he'd almost fallen down. She had changed so much, become so mature and gorgeous…and yet still she was Sam. She was still that troublesome, passionate, excitable redhead who rendered him incapable of any normal thought or speech…who invaded his dreams and thoughts almost constantly. He had known that he loved her from the moment she came back from San Francisco. Sighing, he remembered back to that day when he'd first seen her after those two very long years. He'd teased her about being "skinny as a weasel," but it was only to hide the surprise he'd felt at realizing his old best friend was beautiful. As the months passed and she got into more and more trouble he knew he couldn't lose her again. He blamed his over-protectiveness on guilt and she bought it, but in reality, he loved her. More than life itself, he loved her; her kind heart, her sweet thoughts, her love and passion for animals. Each day he tried to tell her how he felt, but one look in those beautiful blue eyes and he couldn't even form a coherent sentence and so he covered up with some sarcastic remark or joke.
He didn't notice that those around him had drifted away due to his lack of concentration and he was now standing by himself, but as soon as he did, he scooted off to find Sam. He had to tell her now. He had to tell her everything.
After that night at the bonfire, three years ago, he finally came to the conclusion that he loved Sam so much, he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her; he wanted to marry her, have children, and grow old. Going to school, however, would have taken six years and he knew that was too long. She was young, but in six years she would have been 20 and anything could have happened. So he left for school right after graduation and stayed there, working in the summers, on the weekends and during the night so he could come home sooner. What should have taken him six years, took him three, but during that time he hadn't been home once. But now he was here and he wasn't leaving ever again.
He couldn't see the slim, auburn-haired love of his life anywhere. She had vanished from the large, excited crowd. Knowing her, she had probably escaped to the barn. He entered the barn and noticed her right away. Silently, he watched her as moonlight streamed through the window and onto her profile. She was still short, but he would have bet anything that she would fit perfectly into his arms. Her small frame had developed from a young girl into a 17 year old woman's body. Her previously short red hair had grown out into long soft waves and Jake could only imagine how soft those waves would feel if he ran his fingers through them. Unable to keep silent any longer he moved forward.
"Sam?" He called softly. She spun around, her hair whipping her face. When she saw who it was, she relaxed.
"Jake." The way she breathed his name made his knees weak and his heart pump at a speed that hadn't even been invented yet. "What are you doing in here? I mean, shouldn't you be…socializing?" She met his eyes, almost shyly.
"Yeah, I guess, but I got a little tired. Besides, you disappeared and if I'm going to talk to someone, it should be my best friend, don't ya think?" He rubbed the back of his neck and tilted his head, smiling. She nodded and returned his smile before turning back to Ace.
"So…." I love you? How on earth was he supposed to say it? He couldn't just blurt it out, could he? No, he had to be smooth and cool. Right, because he was always so smooth and cool. He almost rolled his eyes, but managed to stop himself.
"So, you never did tell me about school." She wanted to talk about school?
"It was good." That was really smooth, Jake. He could have hit himself. So much for cool. She turned and he could tell she was fighting laughter.
"Really? That's so descriptive, Jake." Her smile dropped and he felt an overpowering urge to make her smile again. "I mean, it would be nice to know what you were doing for three years. You know, I…we haven't heard from you since you left. I was just really curious." She was avoiding his eyes and his guilt became uncontainable.
"I was busy." He said lamely. It was true; he'd been so busy he hadn't had a chance to correspond with anyone. His thoughts had been consumed with getting school done and coming back home to be with her, his Sam. He hadn't even come home for the holidays.
"Ok." He could hear the cynicism in her voice. She moved as if she was leaving, then stopped and looked at Jake. Her expression softened for a moment.
"I really am glad you're back." She moved towards the door, but Jake grabbed her arm gently.
"Sam, I'm sorry. I really was very busy, but I didn't forget about you." He emphasized the 'you.' "I was trying to finish my studies quickly so I could come back home…" To be with you; it stuck in his throat. He breathed in quickly and exhaled, trying to prepare for what he was going to say next. But she beat him to it.
"I know. I'm sorry; I didn't mean it like that. I just...missed you, I guess. A lot." The last part of the sentence was said so quietly he barely heard it.
Both suddenly became very aware of how close they were standing and their positions. Jake's arms were almost completely around Sam and her body was tilted towards him, her face hovering inches from his own as he had bent down while talking to her.
Sam's breath hitched another notch and her heart began to pound so loudly she just knew Jake would be able to hear it. His lips were so close to hers; those perfect lips. She desperately wished he would kiss her.
Jake was also noticing an increase in his heart beats and was fighting the temptation to bend down just a fraction of an inch more and brush his lips across her soft, ruby lips. Giving into temptation, he inclined his head slightly and felt her mouth on his. The sensation almost knocked both of them to the floor. Intensifying the kiss, Jake gently slipped his arms around her and pulled her even closer. He brushed his tongue lightly against her bottom lip and her mouth opened.
Sam felt like she was floating amongst the clouds. The kiss was the most amazing feeling in the world. She felt one of his arms tighten around her waste and the other hand came up to cup her face. He was so gentle and sweet that when they pulled away, gasping for air, her lips didn't even feel bruised. She could feel a slow blush burn its way across her cheeks and looked down quickly only then realizing her hands were resting on his broad, muscular chest. This knowledge only intensified her blush, but her stomach felt like it was stuffed full of butterflies. In a good way, of course. She looked up at him again and met his soft, brown eyes. He was smiling, so gently and his handsome eyes were full of…what was that…could it be…
"SAM!" The loud call ruined the moment and the two broke apart, trying to regain some measure of self-control. Not a moment later, Wyatt strutted into the barn, smiling widely."There you are! Ah! And Jake too. How you doin' son? Good to have you back. I was looking for you, Sam. Everyone's leaving now, so you should probably go say goodbye, okay? Alright. You too, Jake."
With that, he left the barn, whistling. Apparently he hadn't noticed the stunned, rumpled looks of the young people. Jake looked down at Sam and opened his mouth. It was now or never, but once again she beat him to it.
"We should go. Probably. Don't you think?" Obviously flustered and embarrassed, she didn't even look at Jake as she escaped the barn.
"Yeah." Jake murmured, sighing in disappointment. He'd lost his chance to tell Sam, but he had another idea. He'd always been an old-fashioned guy…and Wyatt liked him, so he'd say yes. Jake was sure of it. Yeah, this was a good plan. He strode out of the barn with new purpose. Now where was Wyatt Forster?
---
Sam hummed to herself softly as she brushed her hair and thought about the night. She hadn't seen Jake after leaving the barn. He'd disappeared as she'd been saying good bye to the Kenworthys. Excitement shot through her. He liked her! He had to. He had kissed her! And what's more, it seemed like he had liked it. And when he had looked at her before Dad interrupted she could have sworn his eyes were shining with love. For her. Sighing happily, she dropped her brush on her nightstand and fell backwards across her bed. Oh how beautiful, oh how wonderful this evening was. She was so in love…
---
"WHAT?" Wyatt's cry of outrage shocked Jake.
"Well…I…was just wondering…I mean…" He stuttered, trying to get his sentence out. He had not thought Wyatt would react like this! "I want to marry Sam…sir. That's why I came back. It…its why I worked so hard! So I wouldn't have to be away for so long. I am asking for your permission, sir." Wyatt stared at him incredulously and Jake fought back the urge to feel his neck and see if he had suddenly grown two heads or something.
"Is that what you two were talking about? In the barn, tonight?" His voice was laced with suspicion.
"No sir, we were just catching up. I haven't asked Sam yet. I wanted to get your permission first…sir."
"So Sam doesn't even know you're asking me? I mean, you two have never even dated! And she's…she's so young! She's only 17! And you were gone for so long, Jake! We haven't seen you for so long. Sam hasn't seen you for so long." Wyatt was pacing now, like a lion caged in its den. Jake swallowed.
"I know, but I've loved her for a very long time." He breathed in deeply and took the plunge. "I don't know why this upsets you so much. Sam and I have known each other since we were born. We grew up together and…and I've protected her for all of that time too! She'd be safe with me. I'd take good care of her!" Jake's voice had risen slightly. He felt panicky. What if Wyatt refused?
"I know, I know." Wyatt seemed suddenly calmer as if Jake's reasons were justified. "Its just…she's my baby girl. I can't lose her. She's all I have left of her mother too. She's so young, Jake! Can't you wait a while?" Jake squeezed his eyes shut for a second. He didn't want to wait. He wanted Sam to be his. Now.
"Yessir, but I don't want to wait. And I know Sam wouldn't either."
"Alright, son, alright. Let me think, okay? I…I…" He was obviously fumbling for words, trying to stall. "I need to sleep on it. I'll talk to you tomorrow, alright?" Disappointed, Jake nodded. After Wyatt left, Jake stood there for a while. Standing right outside the barn, he could see Sam's window from there. The curtains were drawn and the lights were off, but he could still imagine Sam lying there, thinking about him too. That kiss tonight had told him all he needed to know about their relationship. She loved him as much as he loved her. And nothing was going to change that. Nothing.
---
Wyatt closed his and Brynna's bedroom door and stood there, staring at his wife. She had tucked Cody in and was now removing her jewellery. Happily, she jabbered away about the night's events.
"Weren't the Kenworthy's palominos beautiful tonight? And the Stellins had another baby! What a cutie. And Jake is home. That's very exciting! I haven't seen Sam so happy in a long time. She was so anxious waiting for him." Laughing softly she shook her head as she remembered. "He's grown up into a very fine-looking young man, hasn't he? All those Ely boys are handsome boys. Very striking…" Noticing his gaze and his silence, she turned to him. "What's wrong?" Always direct, Brynna never beat around the bush. He filled his cheeks with air and slowly let it out again.
"Jake asked for permission to marry Sam tonight."
Brynna's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"Really? Wow. That was quick. They never dated, did they?" He shook his head. She sat back, stunned. Slowly she started smiling.
"I always knew they would get married, Jake was so protective. I knew he loved her. And Sam looked up to him. She always wanted to be with him. Wow, just think…Sam married…"
"I didn't say yes."
"What?" Shock. As if he should have jumped up and down, said yes and clapped the boy on the back, telling him he was a good lad.
"I didn't say yes. I said I'd think about it."
"But you're going to say yes, aren't you?" She turned around so she could face him. He shrugged and moved from the door to sit on the bed, taking off his socks as he did so.
"Wyatt, how can you not say yes? They're obviously in love. Jake takes very good care of Sam. He'll be able to get a good job with that Criminal Justice degree. He can provide for her. More importantly, he understands her and cares for her in a way…" She struggled to find the words. "…in a way I've never seen in young people before. He's very mature."
"I know, but he just got home today! And Sam is only 17. He's only 20! They're young and headstrong. They need time. Besides, he hasn't even told Sam! Its just too quick!"
"Well, maybe you should talk to her before telling him 'no.' Don't you think so?" He shook his head, at a loss for words and ideas. He had told Jake he'd sleep on it and that was what he was going to do. Maybe in the morning everything would be clearer.
---
Sam woke up before the rooster had a chance to utter his first crow. She was too excited. Life was so clear and amazing right now. Having showered, she hopped down the stairs, still pulling on her sweater.
"Hi Gram!" She gave her grandmother a peck on the cheek and grabbed a biscuit from the platter Grace was preparing.
"Well, aren't you happy this morning? Have a good sleep, dear?" Grace sat down beside Sam and took a biscuit.
"I sure did! Best sleep ever." She rolled her eyes in delight over the biscuit. "These are good, Gram!"
"Thank you dear." She hesitated for a second before asking, "Did you hear shouting last night? After the party?"
"No," Sam thought hard, trying to remember anything that happened after that party, after that kiss, "I don't think so. Why?"
"I don't know; I heard your father and another voice. I think it was Jake." Sam paused at the mention of his name. Even hearing his name sent sparks through her stomach!
"Why would Jake and Dad be fighting?"
"I don't know, dear. I was hoping you knew." She paused again, thinking hard. "Jake didn't…ask you anything, did he?"
"Ask me? Uhhh…nope." They hadn't really talked that much actually. Sam tried to hide her blush as she continued. "What could Jake ask me that would make Dad angry?"
"I don't know, honey, I was just thinking out loud. Eat up your biscuit now." Her answer was rushed, as if she didn't want to explain to Sam what she'd been thinking. Sam shrugged. Right now, nothing could ruin this day. Oh, how wrong she was.
---
"What? Why?" Sam cried. "That's not fair! He just got home! Dad! He's my best friend!"
"That's my final decision, Samantha. You will not see Jake nor talk to him. I don't want you around him, is that clear?"
"No! Its not clear at all." Sam took a deep breath. "Why can't I see him? Dad, please tell me!"
"Because…I…I don't think he's a good influence on you anymore. I have my reasons! And I'm you're father. You will listen to me." He blustered irrationally. With that, he turned on his heel and strode from the barn purposefully. Sam stood there stunned and angered. What on earth could that be about? Dad loved Jake! He treated him like a son and all of a sudden, out of the blue, she wasn't allowed to even talk to him or see him! Something was wrong. What if he had seen them kissing and was angry? Tears blurred Sam's vision and she ran to the house, trying to control her sobs.
"What's wrong with her?" Dallas watched as Sam ran to the house looking as if she were about to cry. Wyatt shook his head.
"I told her she wasn't allowed to see Jake anymore." Wyatt muttered. Dallas turned to look at him.
"What?" Shock coloured his voice. "Why on earth would you do that? Those two are best friends. What could possess you to do such a thing?" Wyatt took a deep breath, wondering if he should tell the truth.
"He asked me if he could marry Sam yesterday."
Dallas' jaw almost hit the floor.
"What? But he just got back yesterday? What is he thinking?"
"I'm going to tell him no today and to stay away from Sam."
"What are you thinking?" Shocked, Wyatt turned to look at Dallas.
"What do you mean? I'm thinking that he is not right for my daughter. You know how hurt she was when he never visited. He hurt her Dallas! She cried so often. Oh, she tried to hide it, but I knew. I could tell. Besides, they're too young, its too soon…they're so young and..."
"…you don't want to lose her." Dallas finished his sentence. Wyatt just nodded mutely. "You won't lose her, Wyatt; you'll gain Jake as a son. Maybe he didn't come home for a reason. If I recall correctly, a degree in Criminal Justice takes quite a few years. More than the three that Jake was there for. Maybe...just maybe...he was rushing through his work or something like that, so that he could come home sooner. Think about that." He left Wyatt standing there, even more unsure about the future than before.
---
Jake noticed the rider approaching as he let himself out of the corral. It was Wyatt. Taking a deep, nervous breath, Jake walked over to him confidently. Surely the man was seeing reason now. He would say yes. He had to say yes. Jake prepared himself for the answer, expecting good news.
It never came.