Chapter 51

"He's just gorgeous Sam," Maxine held her grandson. She bit her lip. "He looks just like Bryan."

She and Sam exchanged a look, both women having tears in their eyes.

"And how wonderful that you gave birth to him on Bryan's birthday," Maxine cooed to the baby.

Sam met Jake's eyes.

"Yes," she murmured, taking one of his hands in hers.

She yawned, hoping no one would notice. Jake did.

"Time for you to sleep," Jake told her. "The baby's been fed and changed and now it's time for you."

"I don't need to be changed," Sam teased, but he was very serious as he looked at her.

"Mom's taking Bryan until he needs to be fed again," Jake reminded her. "So, no distractions, you sleep."

It had been a busy 24 hours with their families wanting to come by and see the baby once Sam had gotten home from the hospital. Sam and Jake had laughed, telling each other that Maxine was definitely going to have some competition for little Bryan's time with Gram and Brynna.

"Maybe you should have had triplets," Jake had teased, earning himself a swat from his wife.

He chuckled as she stuck out her tongue at him.

Sam kissed her baby when Maxine brought him over to her and then Jake made Sam lie down all the way.

"He won't be far," Jake assured her.

"I know," Sam said tiredly. "What about you?"

"I'm right here," Jake promised, relaxing next to her with his back up against the wall.

Sam scooted over until she was able to rest against his chest. Jake's arm encircled her shoulder as he hugged her closer to him.

He felt her start to relax as she fell asleep.

"I love you, baby," he murmured.

"I love you too," Sam slurred.

As she slept in his arms, he thought about all that had happened. Losing Bryan, finding out Sam was pregnant and marrying her due to Bryan's wishes.

Jake had never thought that Sam would ever come to love him as much as he loved her. That she had, made his life complete. Now they had Bryan's child and hopefully some day, they would have children of his own. Even if Sam never did, he was content. More content then he had ever been in his life.

His arm tightened on this woman he loved and she sighed in her sleep. Jake froze momentarily, not sure what she had said, but she murmured his name as she turned into him and he relaxed.

Jake really wasn't jealous of Bryan, but he also didn't want Sam stressing about the loss. He knew she would always love his brother and he was fine with that. Jake would always love his big, unselfish brother also.

"Gosh, I do miss you Bry," Jake whispered in the dark.

She's in good hands, little brother.

"Yes, she is," Jake assured him. "Both of them will be well loved."

They better be little man, or somehow I will kick your butt.

Jake couldn't help the bark of laughter. Sam stirred in his arms and he tightened his grip on her as he slid down a bit to be more comfortable.

When Maxine checked on them later, she couldn't help the smile of seeing her big, strong, cowboy son holding his wife so closely and protectively as they slept. It hadn't been easy for them to get to this point. It hadn't been easy for any of them, but they had gotten there and Maxine was convinced that everything could only get better as she shut the door again.