Chapter 11:
Cody sat on a blanket a few feet from Sam as she watched Jake drag an old dummy steer to the middle of the arena. With Cody in sight and comfortable she gripped the rope tight.
"I don't remember much," she said, instantly becoming shy and embarrassed. Jake had taught her how to rope a few years ago but if Sam was going to help run the ranch full time she need to really learn and be consistent with it.
"It'll all come back to you," replied Jake, making his way to her. "Okay, hold your rope like this," he said, motioning the way he held the coils in one hand and the loop in the other. After Sam did that he showed her where the spoke was on her rope.
"Now roll your wrist all the way around," he said as he began to slowly show her how his wrist went all the way around as he held up his loop and spun it.
Sam tried to mimic Jake's action but her loop flopped over and over again. She could tell Jake was holding back a laugh has he walked over and stood behind her. He was so close Sam could feel his breath on her neck. It gave her chills and sent butterflies wild in her stomach.
Jake grabbed her wrist gently in the air and moved his large hand over hers in a rolling motion. "Like this," he whispered. He did it a few more rounds and slowly removed his hand as Sam kept the rolling motion going by herself. She smiled to herself when she realized she was getting the hang of it.
"Good," he said and picked back up his rope, stepping away. "Now point your tip of the rope down towards the cow's horn like this." He spun his rope naturally over his head a few times and aimed the tip of the rope down towards the dummy. On the fourth spin he let go and the loop swung around the horns. He pulled back, tightening the catch.
After Sam spun the rope over her head multiple times she felt like her arm was going to fall off.
"Tip down," he would tell her and when she got the rope down he would nod in satisfaction. "Now when you feel comfortable let go of the rope and aim for the horn. Lay your hand over to make the catch."
Sam stuck her tongue out in concentration and when she finally decided she was ready after a few spins she flung her rope and it went to the side of the dummy, missing completely.
"I'm terrible at this, Jake." She said pathetically.
"It takes practice," he reassured her. "Try again. Remember, tip down and focus on that horn and where you want your rope to land." He accessed her body moments as she began to spin the rope.
Sam tried again and still missed. She let out a laugh of frustration. Jake put down his rope and walked over to her again.
"Your moving your hips too much, Brat." He said. Stepping behind her again he placed his hands lightly on her hips. Sam looked up over shoulder and met his mustang eyes. She gave a small nod, silently granting him permission to touch her as he moved her hips.
"When you throw, don't turn like this," he said gulping, gently pushing her hips in a forward twist. He straightened them out and continued, "Keep them centered like this," he motioned, "and don't turn as much. Don't lean too far forward either."
Sam could only nod in nervousness. Here they stood, closer than before with his hands on her. She could feel her heart racing but all she could mutter was "Okay."
Jake let her go and walked back out of the way as Sam began spinning her loop. She spun it ten times around while she focused, keeping her hips straight and arm out. She let the loop go naturally and it sunk around the dummy horns. Sam pulled back tight like she had seen Jake do and smiled at him.
"I got it!" She squealed excitedly. She ran to Jake instantly and gave him a hug. He had been so patient with her and she couldn't help but feel grateful for him. He squirmed back and chuckled.
"Not bad, Brat."he said. "Now let's keep it going. I can't have my wife making me look bad on roundup this year."
Sam swatted him and Jake pretended to grab his arm in pain. "Wait," she paused and looked at Cody who sat on the blanket occupied with a toy truck. It had completely slipped her mind the traditional fall cattle drive was right around the corner. "Am I still going?" she asked Jake.
He shrugged and gave a blank expression, "Do you feel up to it?"
She knew what he meant without him having to explain. She thought it about it for a moment. There would be no Gram in the chuck wagon and no Dad giving her encouraging words while pushing the cattle. It broke her heart all over again as she grabbed her chest. Round up was here before she knew it but could she do it without her family there? I have to do it, she thought. She wanted this ranch and would work to be apart of it to continue her dad's legacy.
"I think I'll be okay," she replied. "I want to be there to represent River Bend." But more so she wanted to be there so others wouldn't think she had shrunken away from the world. Cowboy Wyatt Forster's little girl who knew nothing was out and about "playing" ranching was what they probably where thinking. She had to be strong to prove she could make a come back from the tragic accident that plagued her life. But was she strong enough?
Jake nodded, as always, understanding her reasons without having to ask. "Cowgirl up," he muttered.
Sam didn't expect him to say anything more about it. She knew he would support her without question if she wanted to go on roundup. He wanted to see her build her strength back up as well.
"Come on," said Jake. "Let's see some more throws."
After Sam practiced for thirty more minutes Jake disappeared into the barn. Sam assumed he was getting ready to go out to the range to meet the guys and she became disappointed. They were having so much fun today, something she needed in her life. He was good for her, she thought. No, he was great. He was cowboy, a provider, and stuck by her side through it all. But why now, why was she just now getting feelings for this boy who had been her best friend? He was incredibly handsome and sometimes she wondered if he knew just how good looking he was. He had dark skin from his Shoshone heritage and defined cheek bones. His hair was long and as black as night. Sam wished she had the nerve to tell him how she felt but she was terrified. What if it ruined their friendship? She would never forgive herself if she lost Jake too.
Just then he came strolling out of the barn, leading a horse in each hand. Sam's spirits lifted. Ace and Witch were both saddled and bridled as they plodded along beside Jake. When he approached her and halted the horses.
"Here," he said simply, tossing her Witch's reins. "Time to practice from the saddle."
Sam caught them and stared at Jake wide eyed. If anyone knew Jake at all they knew his black mare was a demon with a mohawk mane. She had a moody temper and would bite anyone that came close to her. Somehow, Jake had bonded with this mare and she never threatened him.
"I'm not riding Witch," spat Sam. "She'll throw me off before I can even get a foot in the stirrup."
Jake ignored her and lead Ace past Sam, towards Cody. When he was close enough he softly scooped up the boy and held him in his big arms.
When he led Ace into the round pen Sam followed, leading Witch.
"She'll put you right where you need to be," Jake said. "She's been roped off a lot."
Sam huffed and crossed her arms but Jake ignored her stubborn glare as he mounted Ace and settled Cody in front of him between his body and the saddle horn. She gave in and mounted Witch hesitantly. Witch pined her ears back but didn't move as Sam settled into the saddle. She reached down and pat the mare's soft neck.
"Just don't make me look like a fool," she whispered to the horse.
Jake barked out directions to her as she figured out how to hold the rope and reins in each hand. Sam would start out walking around the big pen, practicing riding and swinging her loop, then she moved up to a trot, and finally a lope.
Cody clapped and said "Go Ammy!" Jake could tell the little cowboy was enjoying watching his sister from the saddle. He kept Ace at a slow walk and was extra cautious.
As Sam rode around she couldn't help but stare in Jake's direction. He held Cody tight in his left hand in front of him but steered the horse with his right. His jaw was set but he looked relaxed under the shade of his Stetson. Cody giggled and smiled up at the cowboy and Jake grinned back. He will be a great father one day, the thought flashed before her mind before she could rein it back in. Why was she thinking about Jake having children? She wondered what they would look like. Even though he was shy he was very gentle and had a natural way with kids. Cody was without a father figure now and Jake was the closest thing to it. The realization hit Sam like a brick wall. Without asking, Jake was stepping up to help care for Cody. Sam's heart melted. Was she falling for this sensitive cowboy? He was sacrificing his whole life for her and the thought gave her butterflies in her stomach.
"After we finish up I gotta head out and catch up with the hands," Jake said, breaking into her thoughts.
"I wish you didn't have to go yet," Sam replied, slightly disappointed. They had spent the whole morning together and she enjoyed his company. Not to mention he was teaching her a lot.
He steered Ace slowly up next to Witch until he and Sam were bumping knees. Cody played with the end of the reins as Jake reached over and lifted Sam's small chin up gently to meet his eyes. The last thing he wanted was to make her sad but he had a ranch to run now.
Narrowing his dark eyes at her beautiful green ones he replied, "Don't worry, Brat. I'll be back."
Sam felt every bone in her body give away to Jake's soft touch. She reached back and ran her hand against the side of his check. This boy, now a man before her eyes would always have her heart, she realized. But did he feel the same way about her?
In the heat of the moment she reached up and kissed him spontaneously. She felt Jake jump in surprise as her lips met his but soon he relaxed kissing her back, passionately. Sam could feel the urge in his kiss as he slid his tongue along the brim of her lips. She moaned against his mouth, wanting more. He slid his hand on her check and pulled her in closer. Reacting she kissed him back with more affection. Sparks were flying in her mind as Jake held her there kissing her softly, frozen in time.
Fussing came from Cody as Jake broke away from Sam regretfully. Sam blushed at the intense moment they just shared as he passed Cody to Sam. Neither of them said a word. She held her brother as he rested his head on her shoulder.
"I guess it's nap time," she said, unsure of what to say about their kiss they just shared.
Jake rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably. "Yeah, I gotta get going anyway." He wouldn't meet Sam's stare as he turned Ace towards the gate. Sam nudged Witch to follow him out of the round pen but Jake kept on riding out until he disappeared over the bridge.
Sam let out a huff as she dismounted carefully with a sleepy Cody in one arm and flat eared mare in the other.
"I don't know how you put up with your owner, Witch" Sam told the mare. Witched flicked her tail at a fly in irritation. "Then again, he has us stubborn women to put up with. It's probably a good thing he's not sticking around."