Chapter 36
The party was large and there were people all over the River Bend ranch yard. In front of the barn was Sam's graduation present from her family. Her new car. It was a blue Mustang convertible with a personalized license plate that read "NEIGH".
Sam had screamed with excitement upon seeing it. Everyone who came to the party had commented on it and the guys had been crazy about it and they all made Sam promise to take them for a ride in it.
Sam was standing with Jen. Darrell was nearby talking to Jake's brothers. Jake was nowhere to be seen, which concerned Sam.
Bryan had told her that Jake hadn't come home last night, but he wouldn't say anything more. It was obvious to Sam that his brothers knew where he was, but wouldn't say.
Nate was there with Vanessa, Quinn with Debi. Nate's and Vanessa's wedding was in a couple of weeks and Sam could tell the two of them were excited about it.
"Are you coming on roundup, Vanis?" Sam asked.
"Next year," Vanessa responded. "This year I have too much stuff to do with the wedding."
"Next year, I'll be along too," Debi stated with a look up at Quinn. They planned on marrying in the fall, just before everyone left for college.
"You can come now if you want," Quinn told her.
"Next year is soon enough," Debi said. "Let this be your bachelor roundup." She laughed.
"Oh boy, you prolly shouldn't have told him that," Sam laughed.
"Now that the museum exhibit is finally ending, Quinn needs some time to grieve," Debi teased.
"The county of Darton is in mourning," Sam teased along with her. "I hear the last couple of days have been packed."
"That's not all that's packed," Jen put in and the women laughed.
"Now you ladies all know I don't need to pack," Quinn pretended he was hurt. "If you need to be reminded…" He made to unzip his jeans. The three women stood watching. Quinn was surprised. He expected them all to protest or hide their eyes.
"I dare you," Sam grinned at him.
Quinn's brothers snorted with laughter.
"I would, but Wyatt might get upset," Quinn said.
"Bawk, bawk," Jen made chicken noises which set them all off with laughter.
Sam heard the truck before it pulled in. Jake's Avalanche came from the direction of Darton, which surprised Sam. Behind it was another vehicle pulling an enclosed horse trailer.
"What on earth?" Sam murmured.
She glanced at Nate, Bryan and Quinn who were all smiling at her. She was confused and looked back towards Jake who was getting out of his truck. Mac got out of the other vehicle.
Sam stayed where she was, waiting for Jake to approach her. She was aware that most conversation had ended. Everyone was also wondering what was going on.
Jake reached her and stood in front of her. Sam knew he was uncomfortable with all the attention on him, but what had he expected?
"Happy birthday, Brat," Jake told her.
Mac was lowering the trailer ramp with help from Luke. Then Mac disappeared into the trailer. Sam saw a white rump before the horse started to back down the ramp. Then she saw the sorrel patches. It was a paint horse.
"Whose…" Sam whispered, not realizing she was walking towards the horse.
"He's yours if you want him," Jake told her.
Sam's eyes filled with the sorrel and white tobiano patterned horse. He was beautiful and as he watched her approach, she could see he had a kind eye.
"If I want him?" Sam was shocked and looked at Jake.
"His name is Toby," Jake said.
"Toby," Sam murmured and the horse watched her. She put out a hand and smiled as the horse lipped her fingers. "Aren't you a handsome boy?" Sam ran her hand down his neck, smiling at Mac who stood holding him.
"Let me guess, he's fifteen one?" Sam turned, grinning towards Jake and his brothers who had also come up closer.
"Yep, good guess Sammy," Quinn grinned back.
"We tried giving you hints," Bryan's handsome face was broken out in a grin as well.
"Do you like him?" Nate asked.
"I love him," Sam murmured, looking at Jake who darkened. He rubbed the back of his neck.
"I think he's asking about the horse, Brat," Jake murmured back at her.
"Oh yeah, the horse," Sam gave him a grin. "I like him too."