Chapter 38
Jake went to take a shower when Sam came back and let him know she hadn't been grounded. Her family trusted her and him. He gave her a smile and told her he'd be back soon.
She couldn't help but watch him as he walked away from her before disappearing into the boys' portion of the house. She heard the snorts. Sam turned and stuck out her tongue at the grinning Bryan and Quinn.
"So what did you two do last night?" Bryan asked, his grin widening.
"Watched TV and slept," Sam answered with her own grin.
"Who slept?" Nate came into the room.
"Sammy says she and Jake did," Quinn responded.
"Oh really," Nate winked at her.
"We did," Sam insisted. "Jake was pretty tired."
"Well he has been sick," Nate said with a smile at Sam.
Sam nodded.
"Hopefully we won't have to drive him back to school," Bryan stated and Sam frowned.
She had forgotten Jake was due to go back to Great Basin College in a few days.
"What did you guys do to make her frown?" Jake asked when he came back into the room.
Sam's face lit up upon seeing him. He looked so handsome to her. His hair was still damp but he was in a clean sweater and jeans. His black boots shone.
Then she frowned again. She looked down at her wrinkled clothes. Sam was sure she was a mess. She needed to shower and brush her teeth.
"I'll take you home first," Jake murmured for her ears only. He held out his hand and she put hers in his and he pulled her up.
"I do love you," Sam whispered to him.
Jake smiled at her, entwining his fingers with hers.
"We'll meet you guys at Clara's in thirty minutes," Jake glanced at his brothers who nodded.
Sam and Jake put their coats on. Jake held the door open for her and then gripped her hand in his as they went towards where all the vehicles were parked.
"I'll follow you," Jake told her, giving her a kiss before opening the door to Wyatt's truck for her.
"Okay," Sam smiled against his mouth before getting into her father's truck. They smiled as Sam shut the door and started the truck. She pulled out and turned towards home. She looked in the rearview mirror and saw Jake following her. She knew she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him.
She knew they were perfect for each other. They knew each other better than anyone else knew them. They had been through so much together that it seemed like the perfect match to Sam. They were best friends which she thought was an important part in any relationship.
As she pulled into River Bend, she parked the truck in front of the barn. She waited for Jake to park his truck and get out. Together they walked into the house.
"How are you feeling, Jake?" Gram asked when she saw them coming in.
"Better, ma'am," Jake answered.
"That's good," Gram smiled at him.
"I need to shower," Sam said and ran up the stairs.
Jake couldn't help looking up the stairs after her, not realizing that Gram saw him and smiled to herself.
"How about a cup of coffee, Jake," Gram offered.
"Sure, thanks," Jake nodded and sat at the table.
They heard the water start up in the shower.
"I hear Linc's been pestering you to find that stallion of his," Gram sat down across from him.
"Yeah," Jake nodded, taking a sip of his coffee.
"Do you want some cobbler to go with that coffee, Jake?" Gram started to get up.
"No, ma'am," Jake shook his head. "We're going out to breakfast."
"Are you going to do it?" Gram wondered, settling back down in her chair.
"I won't have time," Jake said. "I'm leaving the day after tomorrow. Besides, I'm sure my mom would have something to say about my tracking a stallion all over the range."
"Maxine would shoot you herself," Gram laughed as she nodded.
"Why is Maxine shooting you?" Sam asked as she came down the stairs.
Jake smiled at her as she came in. Sam smiled back at him. Unknown to both of them, Gram smiled at them.
"We're talking about Linc's stallion," Jake told her. She saw the coffee mug in his hands.
"Aren't we going to Clara's?" she asked, confused.
"I was just having a cup while waiting," Jake explained.
"Oh," Sam glanced at Gram who was still smiling softly at them both.
"You kids have fun," Gram stood up, going to the sink. "Don't overtax yourself, Jake. Maxine won't be pleased if you have a relapse."
"I won't, ma'am," Jake promised.
"Please call me Grace, Jake," Gram told him.
Sam almost had to sit down, she was so shocked.
Jake rubbed the back of his neck. "Okay, er, ah, Grace."
Sam couldn't help the snort and Jake glared at her as Grace turned back to the sink.
He grabbed her arm and dragged her towards the door. Sam bit back a giggle.
"Bye Gram," she managed to say as she grabbed her coat and left.