I'm sooo sorry for not updating sooner. Life got away from me and I kept forgetting I even started a story. So, without further ado, here is chapter 23.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Movement stopped as eyes turned to stare at Sam. The glass she had carried to her lips was set back down on the table and she turned to stare at Jake.

"What do you mean what was a box doing in my trashcan? What I want to know is why you know what is in my trashcan. Do you just invade my privacy for the fun of it or what?" Jake blushed and then shook his head, wanting to know the answer to his question.

"No Sam, I didn't invade your privacy. Not on purpose. I just glanced at it when I walked in earlier to see you looking through your pictures. Now, what was that box?" Before Sam could answer, Maxine spoke up, her voice carrying in the room.

"Jake, for one, what business is it of yours? Two, just what box are you talking about?" Jake blushed again as he mumbled something only Quinn happened to hear. He yelped in surprise and turned to look at Sam.

"Sam! You're pregnant?!" Heads turned and jaws dropped as Jake rubbed the back of his neck and Sam glared at everyone, embarrassment and anger warring inside of her. She slowly stood up from the table and looked around, staring everyone in the eye. Darrel looked smug, knowing how she would react to the invasion of her privacy and the question asked. When Sam's eyes reached his, he gave a subtle wink and smiled at her, waiting for the explosion. He didn't have to wait long. When the storm hit, it was quiet and deadly.

"Listen fools. I am not, nor have I ever been pregnant. If one would just think to ask me instead of assuming anything, I would have told you. Maxine, supper was nice, but do you think I could be excused? I'm late for a date with my baby's future daddy." Maxine nodded, glaring at her foolhardy sons and nodded for Darrel to leave with Sam. Once the two left, an icy cold glare landed on the idiotic sons.

"Do you ever think?! I'm surprised you're still breathing after that. Sam should have hit each and every one of you. And I wouldn't have stopped her." Her gaze landed heavily on Jake.

"And you! What were you thinking of invading her privacy, nevertheless asking about it in front of the entire family? Since when has the smartest kid I've ever gave birth to turned dumb?! Now get your tail out of here and find her. Apologize to her and ask for her forgiveness. And Jake, if I were you, I would not give Darrel another chance to comfort and calm Sam. That is, if you want to keep her and not lose her." Jake paled and hurried after Sam, intent on begging her for forgiveness if necessary.

Jake finally found Sam sitting, curled up in Darrel's arms, on the screened in porch. Her head briefly turned to see who it was. Seeing him, she turned back around and snuggled deeper in Darrel's arms, looking at pictures with him. Darrel looked up to see Jake staring at him, hatred deep in his eyes. The smug look returned, accompanied by a possessive tightening on Sam's waist. Jake continued to glare at the hand on Sam's hip until Darrel sighed, giving in to the silent demand. He slowly removed his arm from Sam's waist and stood up, stretching as he did so. He leaned back down to give Sam a quick peck on her cheek, knowing it would irritate Jake, before leaving. He brushed up against Jake on his way out the door and silently closed it, giving the two some privacy.

Jake sighed before sitting down in the seat Darrel had left, intent on getting back in Sam's good graces. She continued to look at the pictures, not even acknowledging the man beside her. Jake blew a hard breath again, looking for a way to apologize. Turning to Sam, he placed a hand on her arm, getting her attention.

"What do you want Jacob? To invade my privacy more or demand to know who the father of my baby is?" Jake sighed again before rubbing the back of his neck in irritation.

"Neither Sam. I just wanted to apologize for hurting you and invading your privacy. It wasn't right and I should not have done it. I'm sorry." Sam sighed before nodding her head, knowing what he said would be the truth. After all, he never lied to her before so why start now? Blowing out a breath of relief, Jake sat back again and took his hand off of Sam's arm, leaning into her to see what she was looking at. He found a picture of Louise, Sam's late mom, staring back at him. He glanced down at Sam to see the slight tear tracks on her face. Jake pulled Sam beneath her arm and debated on whether or not to tell Sam the truth about Brynna. Deciding that she needed at least that, he quietly began his story.