K, A couple things.
First off, I have had this story written on paper for a long time, but now putting it on the computer I am changing a lot so sorry its taking a while!
Second, I know Tempest probably wouldn't realistically be old enought to train and ride, but for the sake of the story she is here!
Third, This chapter is really fluffy and basically a filler that had to be put in so bear with me!
Review and tell me what you think!
Bryanna met them in the ranch yard, "Take care of Chocolate Chip and then come in to eat. Everyone else went home."
Jake got down and helped Sam out of the saddle thankfully otherwise she would have fallen on her face. After putting Chip away, they walked hand in hand to the house and sat down at the table.
Wyatt nodded at Jake and Daryll, "You two can stay in the bunk house for the night since it is dark and we are all tired."
The boys nodded in acknowledgment as Bryanna addressed Jen, "You can stay here with Sam." Jen and Sam smiled at each other.
Nearly dropping her fork, Sam squeaked, "Tomorrow is Christmas! How did I forget?"
Gram smiled softly, "There has been a lot going on."
Dinner passed quietly since everyone was exhausted from the cattle drive. After dinner, Cody was in bed and the adults were in the living room. Daryll and Jen went for a walk before bed.
In the kitchen Sam washed the dishes and Jake dried them and put them away. When they finished, they strolled to the river. Hugging their boyfriends good night, the girls jogged inside together. After they took turns showering, Sam told Jen all about the run in with Ryan.
At five in the morning Sam woke up on Christmas. Dressing quietly, Sam snuck out to the ranch yard and did her chores. Tempest nickered for her attention so Sam rubbed her forehead and stroked her ears. Smelling masculine soap, Sam whirled around to see Jake behind her.
"Jake, why do you sneak up on me?"
"Don't mean to, Brat," Jake kept a straight face, but a smile was apparent in his eyes. Sam patted Tempest another time. Taking her hand, Jake broke the silence, "Daryll is throwing pebbles at your window to get Jen and then we are heading home."
Sam's eyes twinkled, "Okay, but are you coming over tomorrow?"
"It depends," Jake teased as he led her out the back barn door. They had a view of the white mountains. For almost ten minutes they just stood looking at the range and the mountains contentedly holding each others hands. "I should probably go."
Sam nodded and began to slide her hand out of his but he stopped her and pulled her until she was directly in front of him. A slight frown wrinkled her brow and she looked up at his bronze face hovering just a foot from hers. Almost in slow motion Jake began to lower his head down closer to hers and Sam's pulse quickened. Gently Jake kissed her and she sweetly kissed him back.
Raising his head slightly Jake whispered, "Merry Christmas, Sam."
Christmas Day with her family was wonderful and relaxing. They ate breakfast and a big dinner spending time together with nothing to do for once. Sam's favorite present was a royal purple horse blanket and bridle for Tempest from Dad, Bryanna, and Gram.
Sam was so content. First her boyfriend, Jake Ely, kisses her and then she spends the best day with her family and then she gets tack for Tempest. It was a wonderful Christmas.
After eight, a truck rumbled over the bridge and Sam recognized it immediately. She told her Gram and ran outside with Jake's present in hand. Meeting him at the passenger side, Sam put a hand on her hip, "You said you might come over tomorrow."
"I couldn't wait that long," Jake lifted a big box from the passenger seat of his truck and set it at Sam's feet. Sam smiled and handed him his gift. Immediately after opening it, he threw his worn cowboy hat in the truck and put the brand black stetson on his sleek black hair. Looking directly in Sam's eyes, he smiled widely and Sam knew that was better than a verbal thank you.
Ripping open the box, Sam's mouth dropped and a breath caught in her chest. She couldn't even look at Jake. Hoisting the black leather saddle up, she stroked the cantle and just stared at it. When she put it down, tears were in her eyes.
She looked at Jake's "mustang eyes" and then stepped toward him wrapping her arms around his waist, "Thank you so much. I was going to have to pay for it myself and it was going to take forever. You are amazing."
Jake smirked happy she was so happy, "Figured I could at least help you out.
The rest of break passed quickly. Every spare moment Jake and Sam were working and gentling Tempest. She was quickly coming along and Sam was easily able to ride her for the basics. All to quickly it was time to say good-bye, Jake leaned down and kissed her softly, "Be good and I'll be back in a few months to visit.
Sam;s eyes shined with tears, "I'm always good." They hugged and he left. Watching him drive away again, her tears fell softly chilling her cheeks. She already missed him, but at least this time he was boyfriend.