Chapter 36

Christmas came and went. Jake was feeling better but was very weak. Linc Slocum kept calling Jake, wanting him to go out and track his stallion, but Jake had to refuse. It didn't keep Linc from continuing to call Jake though. Jake was quickly getting fed up.

Sam spent as much time at Three Ponies with him as she could. She was there now to spend some time watching TV with Jake. Though he was feeling better, he was still lying around the house in comfortable sweats.

They had exchanged gifts on Christmas day, each surprised the other had gotten them something.

"Of course, I'm going to get my girl a gift," Jake smiled at her as he looked at the turtle earrings in her ears. They matched the turtle necklace she wore all the time so perfectly, Sam knew he had to have bought them at the same time and waited all this time to give them to her. She was amazed that he had done this.

Sam had given him a book by an American Indian on their horse culture and training. Jake seemed thrilled and thanked her for it.

"Jake, are you sure you'll be okay here?" Maxine came through with Luke at her heels. The two of them were on their way out to Reno to visit with Adam. They'd be staying at least one night with Adam.

"I'm sure, Mom," Jake assured her. "Sam can drive me to the ER if I need it."

Sam was surprised and it showed on her face.

"Don't even joke like that young man," Maxine admonished him. "Are you feeling badly again?"

"No," Jake shook his head. "I'm kidding. I'm fine. I'm tired but fine. I'll prolly fall asleep soon anyway and Sam will leave me."

Maxine snorted. Luke grinned at Sam who rolled her eyes.

"Your brothers are all out with their various girlfriends," Maxine told them as she hugged Jake. "Sam, you'll make sure he behaves?"

"Mom," Jake whined. "I'm not six."

"Maybe not, but you act like it sometimes," Maxine kissed his cheek. Sam grinned as Jake colored in embarrassment. Maxine smiled at her.

"Now call me if you have a relapse," Maxine said.

"Come on, Maxine," Luke tugged gently on her arm. "I'm sure Sam will take good care of him."

Sam blushed and it didn't go unnoticed by Jake's parents. They exchanged a soft look and with one last wave from Maxine, they left the house. Jake collapsed back on the couch.

"My gosh, she does think I'm six," Jake barked out a laugh.

Sam plopped down on the couch next to him and laughed.

"How are you really?" Sam asked.

"Better," Jake responded. "I don't have a lot of strength yet."

Sam nodded.

"Anything special you want to watch?" Jake asked, picking up the TV remote.

"No," Sam shook her head.

Jake lifted his arm and she scooted over into it and nuzzled into his chest.

"I like this," Jake murmured, smiling down at her.

Sam lifted her head to smile up at him.

"I like this too," she said.

They flipped through the program guide until they found a movie they thought they'd like. Sam settled in next to Jake, his arms around her.

She wasn't sure when she noticed that his arms had slackened a bit around her. She looked at him and saw that he had fallen asleep. He looked so peaceful as he slept.

Sam wasn't sure if she should go and just let him sleep. He stirred when she made to get up.

"Stay," he mumbled.

Sam took his arms from around her and got up. She went down to his bedroom to get his pillow and pulled the quilt from his bed then came back to the family room. Jake was right where she had left him.

"Jake?" Sam shook him a little and he opened one eye sleepily to look at her. She tucked his pillow under his head. Jake scooted down until he was lying on the couch. Sam thought he was asleep as she tucked the quilt around him.

He surprised her when his hand gripped her arm.

"Stay," he mumbled again.

Sam sighed and nodded, lying down under the quilt with him. His arm came over her waist as they settled in together. She heard his sigh and knew he was asleep again.

Sam watched TV for a little while, then found herself drifting off a few times. Finally, she shut off the TV and lay against Jake's chest and went to sleep not bothering to turn off any of the lights that were still on. She curled up into a ball in front of him.