Chapter 29

"Wow Sammy, you're beautiful," Bryan told his future sister in law when he came to pick her up for prom.

"Thanks Bryan," Sam flushed, but was pleased. "You look great."

She wished it could have been Jake taking her, but she loved Bryan and knew she'd have fun with him.

"Wait a minute," Brynna stopped them from leaving. Both turned around and Brynna took their picture. Bryan put his arm around her, tucking her into his side then grinning at the camera.

"You're trying to make Jake crazy," Sam swatted him.

Bryan laughed, not denying it.

"You're rotten, Bryan Ely," Sam laughed and the two of them left the house. Bryan took her hand as he led her towards his Yukon.

"I'm betting that by the end of the night, you'll be leaving Jakey for me," Bryan grinned at her as he opened the passenger door for her.

"You don't really want to bet that do you?" Sam was surprised.

"You afraid?" Bryan's grin grew.

"No," Sam slid into the seat. Bryan shut the door and went around to the driver's side.

"I can be very charming," Bryan raised an eyebrow as he started his truck.

"Yes, you can but I'm in love with your brother," Sam reminded him.

"Darn, that's right," Bryan pretended to frown and snapped his fingers.

Sam laughed.

"We're gonna have fun though," Bryan pulled out of River Bend.

"Of course we are," Sam smiled over at him.

"I wish Jakey could see how beautiful you look tonight, Sammy," Bryan told her.

"Brynna took a picture," Sam said.

"It's not the same," Bryan shook her head.

"Thanks Bryan," Sam smiled at him.

"For what?" Bryan glanced over at her.

"For taking me tonight," Sam told him.

"Who else would take you when Jakey couldn't?" Bryan shrugged.

"Nobody else I'd rather go with if Jake couldn't," Sam smiled.

"If nothing else, I'll need to beat off the other guys who'll take advantage," Bryan grinned.

"Yeah right," Sam rolled her eyes.

"Sammy you have no idea how beautiful you are," Bryan shook his head.

Sam shook hers. She's always thought of herself as very plain. Jake told her how pretty she was, but he was her boyfriend. It was expected.

When they pulled into the parking lot, Sam felt a flush of excitement. She was a senior and she was at her prom.

Bryan glanced at her with a grin. "Hard to believe, huh?"

"You have no idea," Sam laughed. "Oh wait, maybe you do."

Bryan laughed as he parked, then came around to get her. They smiled as Bryan opened her door and helped her out. Sam smoothed her gown and the two of them started for the building.

They saw Jen with Darrell just inside.

"Are they dating?" Bryan asked.

"Off and on," Sam told him. "Nothing serious. Why?" She gave him an accessing look.

"No reason, really," Bryan shrugged.

"Do you like Jen?" Sam tilted her head at him.

"I love Jen," Bryan told her. "I'm thrilled that they got their ranch back, but I'm not in love with her."

Sam nodded in understanding but by then they had reached Darrell and Jen.

"Hey Ely bro," Darrell greeted Bryan.

"Hey Darrell," Bryan smiled at him. "Hi Jen."

"Hi Bryan," Jen glanced at Sam. "That dress looks great on you. Dark green is definitely your color."

"Blue is yours," Sam smiled at her friend.

"We're going to have fun," Darrell said.

The other three nodded.