Sam was lost in her thoughts as she and her dad drove back home later that afternoon.

She honestly didn't know who to choose. Quinn seemed like a very nice man and she could easily get along with him. But did she want a husband who might eventually stray from her? Jake had made it seem as though it was very likely that Quinn wouldn't remain loyal for long if she married him. And she had seen the way he was looking at those other girls.

But on the other hand, did she want a husband who never spoke to her? She couldn't imagine Jake ever laughing or even smiling. But he was clearly a very talented rider and gifted with horses. Sam didn't think she was as close to any horse, not even Ace, as Jake was with his mare. She wished she could have a connection like that with a horse.

"So," Dad's voice interrupted Sam's thoughts. "What did you think of the chief's sons?"

"Quinn was very nice. Easy to talk to," Sam replied.

Dad nodded then asked, "And what about the younger one? Jake?"

"Well…" Sam began. "He's good with horses. But he doesn't talk all that much."

"You know," Dad said, "Jake is the one who trained Blue Wings. From what I've heard from the chief he's very responsible. Quinn might seem more approachable, but don't count Jake out. He's a good kid. But of course, the decision is yours."

Sam looked at Dad out of the corner of her eye. Could he be referring to what Jake had mentioned? About how Quinn might not remain loyal to their marriage? She knew her dad wasn't pressuring her to choose who he thought was the better person, but she knew who she would choose to marry.

"How did it go?" Gram asked as soon as the wagon pulled up in front of the barn.

"The chief was very welcoming," Sam said, " and I think I've made up my mind."

"Why don't you come inside. I've made your favorite cookies, orange chocolate chip, and you can tell me all about it." Gram wrapped her arm around Sam's shoulders and they made their way up to the house.

Gram bustled around the kitchen, pulling cookies out of the oven and pouring two glasses of milk. "Now I don't want to spoil your supper, but a cookie or two won't hurt. Besides, I think today calls for something a little extra special. So. Tell me everything."

"As you know, I met two of the chief's sons," Sam said as she sat down at the kitchen table. She reached for a cookie and thought about what to say next. "The first one I met was named Quinn. He was very charming and outgoing."

Gram smiled at this and said "Well that sounds wonderful! Was the chief's other son the same way?"

Sam gave an unladylike snort then blushed and covered her nose when Gram raised her eyebrows. "Sorry," Sam said. "But no, the younger one, Jake, couldn't be more different from Quinn. He's quiet. Almost rude."

"So it's settled then?" Gram asked. "You choose Quinn?"

"Well…" Sam replied, "I still haven't decided. Jake isn't very friendly, but I think he could just be shy. Plus he's amazing with horses." Sam was too embarrassed to mention the other thing Jake had said, about staying loyal to their marriage. "Yes Quinn was nice," Sam continued, "but I really don't see myself being married to him. I could see myself being friends with him though. But we both have a lot of energy. I think we're too similar to be married."

Sam could feel herself stumbling over her words. The more she thought about it, the more she realized she was right. Her and Quinn were very similar. She had been quiet and nervous today, but once she got comfortable and acted more like herself a marriage between them would be disastrous. She didn't need a husband who was as passionate and headstrong as her. She needed someone with a cooler temperament, someone more level-headed. Someone like Jake, she thought.

"That's very insightful of you," Gram said. "Of course I didn't meet either of these boys, but if what you say is true I have to agree. I think you'll have an easier time being married to someone quieter. It may not be easier for him though," Gram said with a laugh.

Sam began to pack her things and tried to decide on what to wear for the wedding ceremony. She had never had any interest in fancy dresses or the latest fashions. Plus she was notoriously clumsy, so there was absolutely no point in her having a nice dress that she would undoubtedly ruin. Since this wasn't a love match, she didn't really feel any pressure to look nice for Jake. Still, it would be a memorable day, and she wanted to have something nice about it.

A knock on her bedroom door made Sam turn away from the dresses she was folding. Brenna walked into the room, looking nervous and carrying a bundle of fabric in her arms. "I know there wasn't time to get a nice dress for your wedding day," Brynna said, "but I thought you should have something nice."

She laid out a sky blue dress with buttons going on the back and lace overlaying the top of the silk gown. "If you don't mind the fact that it's not white, I thought you could wear it."

"Brynna…" Sam said, at a loss for words. "It's absolutely stunning. Where did you get this?"

"I wore it when I was a bridesmaid in a friend's wedding when I was about your age actually. You're a little bit shorter than me but other than that we're built fairly similarly. So any alterations shouldn't take too long. And it's not like I'll ever have the need for the dress like this again," she said with a smile.

Sam reached out to run a fingertip over the dress. "It's absolutely perfect," she said, as she gave Brynna a hug. They didn't always have the easiest relationship, but Brynna was always there for Sam whenever she needed her, and Sam was glad that Dad had someone that made him happy.

A/N: This was a bit of a filler chapter. I know where I want the story to go but I'm a bit overwhelmed if I'm being honest. I tend to rush when I write and leave out a lot of details, so I'm trying to take it slower than usual. You'll have to be patient with me, and I promise the plot involving Sam and Jake's relationship will unfold eventually lol:) As always, let me know if you have any suggestions. Math is my specialty, not English and writing, so I need all the help I can get.

Nika19: That's very kind of you to say! I certainly wish that was true haha:)