Chapter 4

"What time do you want to go into town?" Jake asked as he and Sam cleaned up the kitchen after his brothers left.

"When we're done," Sam cleaned off a plate and put it in the dishwasher. Suddenly she felt sick.

"What's wrong?" Jake wondered.

Sam didn't answer him. She ran to the bathroom off the kitchen and bent over the toilet, losing her breakfast. Jake was there with her instantly, rubbing her back and handing her a towel when she was done.

"Oh gosh," Sam groaned. "Jake, you don't have to be here to watch this."

"Yes I do," Jake told her. "Anything I can do?"

Sam shook her head, starting to retch again. She patted her mouth with the towel after she stopped retching.

"Do you want to lay down?" Jake asked, putting his hand on her elbow.

"No," Sam groaned.

"I'm sorry, Brat," Jake murmured.

Sam nodded. She was happy to be pregnant with his child but she wasn't looking forward to this part of it.

"We'll go another time," Jake told her.

"Let's wait and see how I feel," Sam glanced up at him. "I am going to lay down for a few minutes."

Sam squealed when Jake picked her up.

"Hold on," Jake said, taking her to their room and placing her oh so gently on the bed.

Sam pulled back the covers and crawled under them.

"How about some hot tea?" Jake asked. "I can put some honey in it."

Sam nodded slightly and Jake went to prepare her tea.

A few minutes later, Sam scrambled out of the bed and ran to the bathroom across the hall and promptly threw up again. Jake heard her as he came back to their room. He left the tea on the table next to the bed and went to find his wife in the bathroom.

Sam was wiping her mouth as she sat on the bathroom floor.

"I think we can forget going to get a test," Sam muttered.

"Maybe you'll feel up to it later," Jake suggested.

Sam shook her head.

"I don't think we need to, do you?" Sam's eyes met his. Jake's eyes widened.

"We should see a doctor then," Jake told her.

Sam just nodded. She sighed, trying to stand up. Jake helped her. Sam left the washcloth on the sink and let him help her to their room.

"How about some dry toast?" Jake asked when he had her settled in their bed.

"Do you think that will help?" Sam wondered. "I suppose I could ask Gram or Brynna."

"That's what my sisters-in-law all did," Jake said.

"What?" Sam managed a grin. "Call Gram or Brynna?"

Jake's mouth twitched, glad she felt like teasing him.

"I'll make you a couple of slices," Jake offered.

Sam was going to refuse, but saw how anxious he looked. He was trying to hide it, but she could see it in his face before he was able to blank it out.

"Sure, thanks," Sam murmured.

Jake gently brushed back her hair and left to get her some toast.

"I love you," Sam whispered, but Jake had already left her.

Jake was back within a few minutes and saw that Sam was dozing. He hated to wake her, but he wanted her to try and eat something. He shook her gently, kissing her forehead.

She opened her eyes slowly, focusing on his face. The smile she gave him made his heart swell in his chest. He loved her a lot. All the pain and misunderstandings from when she went to New York City was gone. In its place was nothing but love.

She, more than likely, was carrying his first child. The thought of it scared him. My gosh, he was going to be a father!