Prologue

 

Before she could put her foot on the second step, she heard the creaking of the wood, she saw her foot going through it and she went crashing to the ground. "Oh…no."

"Good grief, Al didn't fix that porch step," A man with a raspy voice from behind her startled her, as big strong arms went around her for support,

At first she couldn't move, but the man gently freed her foot from the sagging step and he picked her up in his arms, and carried her to the porch.

It all happened so fast, she didn't know what hit her. The man who held her was in total control though. Like someone who'd just stepped out of a shower, his fresh clean scent swamped her rattled senses. Hard muscled arms held her steady.

Her heart lurched in her chest as her eyes locked onto the man that had rescued her. "You're the real estate agent?" the woman gasped, as she pulled her sunshades up and into her hair, then stared blatantly.

The man's smile was broad and sexy as he gave her a full glance, "No, actually, I'm just doing this for a friend, the agent is busy and I told him I'd come over, let you in and have a look around. Let's move over here and sit in the swing, while I have a look at your ankle."

He took her to the swing and gently deposited her there, where he joined her. Glancing at her leg, he grimaced, "Let's have a look."

"Oh really, it's fine," Already her ankle was aching and the wood had scraped it until tiny beads of blood popped up. The skin color was definitely turning shades of blue and purple.

"Nevertheless, I think I'd have a doctor check it out, you've already began to bruise. I'll have Al pay for it, do you have a doctor in town?" the man was asking as he picked her foot up and examined the damage. Despite the fact that his hands were large, he was ultra gentle with her foot.

"Yes, my mother does, I'll be sure and see him." She grabbed at her ankle.

Their hands touched ever so slightly, and she felt as though his hand was permanently burned into her skin. A silly reaction, he merely grazed her fingers. Recovering from the shock of the man, and the assault on her foot by the porch step, she sat straight and tried to put her foot down. "It will be fine, really."

"Maybe, but nevertheless, you aren't walking on that foot, till we have it checked out." He gently picked her up in his arms again and began carrying her, this time into the house.

Samantha squirmed in his arms for a minute until she realized how silly that was. She had not right to protest, he was right about her foot if the pain was any indication.

He smelled divine, her mind wandered with temporary insanity, putting the pain out of her mind for a second.

Her heart fluttered and she was sure she wasn't breathing. All feelings swamping her made her feel faint.

"I think I can walk," she began, but he shook his head.

"I'm sorry," he said with a boyish grin, "I think I'm doing this all wrong. The name's Jake Travers. Don't mean to appear like a cave man, but I certainly don't want you hurting yourself further."

Recovering Samantha tried to smile, but she was sure the smile didn't quite reach her lips. "Samantha," her voice sounded shaky even to her.

His glance slid over her again appreciatively as they entered the house.

"Just moving to Sweetwater?"

"Y-yes, as a matter of fact," she didn't offer any more information. But her tongue shot out to lick her lips that had suddenly gone dry.

"Well, this house is old, but well kept, I think you'll find it plenty spacious." Jake nodded glancing around the place.

The house was full of paint fumes, so he sat her on a kitchen counter and began opening the windows to air it.

"Al really shouldn't close a place up that's been newly painted, but then he's in real estate, not construction, a painter wouldn’t have closed it up. He said something about you and your mother moving in here?" Jake asked, pulling his Stetson off and combing a hand through his dark hair as he returned to her side.

"Yes, just the two of us?" she countered casting the man another glance. He doesn't recognize me. She wasn't sure if she should be happy about that, or insulted, but there wasn't a real reason for him to recognize her, she hadn't seen Jake Travers in several years, and then only at a glance. He hadn't seen her since she'd grown up. Still, nothing had changed about Jake, he was still the most gorgeous man in this part of Texas. Lethal is what he was.

"Well, this might be a little too intimate for you, but in your condition, I insist on carrying you through the house so you can have a look."

"Oh but," she started to protest but he'd already picked her up again and carried her like a feather in his arms. He wasn't even breathing hard. And his body heat seemed to ooze through his clothes, or was that hers?

When she stared at him in surprise, he grinned again, making her entire body react. She never once dreamed of being this close to Jake Travers, and now that she was, she couldn't control her reactions.

"This might sound like a line, but do I know you from somewhere? There's something familiar about you."

Samantha cleared her throat. "That does sound like a line."

"I'm sorry. I'm not good at flirting. But you are about the prettiest thing I've held in my arms in a long time." His smile oozed a southern charm all its own.

Flustered she blushed to her toes.

"And even prettier when you blush."

"I'm not blushing…" she rushed to say.

"Oh yes you are, and it's beautiful on you."

Knowing he had embarrassed her he shook his head, and adjusted her so he could look right into her perplexed face.

"Relax, actually, I'm just a country sheriff, doing a friend a favor, and a nice favor I might add. So…let's start over, I'm Jake Travers ma'am."

"Samantha."

"Hmm, it fits you. But why do I have the notion to call you Sam….?"

Another blush dotted her cheeks and he chuckled softly in her ear. He made the name Sam sound so appealing. Something about the way he drawled it over his tongue. Or was she romanticizing everything he said and did.

He was doing it again, making a complete idiot out of her. How could one man affect her so with nothing more than a grin, and a sexy drawl when he called her name. How could a man make a woman's name sound so…warm and comfortable?

She cleared her throat and her thoughts.

After staring long and hard at her, he began drifting through the house. It was well taken care of, and Samantha knew instantly she wanted it, if it was the right price. She loved the bathroom with its claw foot bathtub, and spaciousness. Her mother would love the view from the kitchen window, where a beautiful meadow dotted the countryside.

"How much would this run, monthly."

"Al said he'd rent it for $800 a month, or sell it for $32,000. It's only a one car garage and two bedrooms with one bath, so he can't price it very high." Jake answered.

"Are you planning on staying here?"

"Well yes, as far as I know. I'd like to speak to Al about the details though. Did he leave his card so I can call him?" she asked not daring to look at the man directly.

"Yeah sure, I've got one in my billfold. So you are interested in it?" Jake asked reshuffling her in his arms, so he could open the bedroom door.

The master bedroom had glass doors and a huge patio door where she could stare out onto the town of Sweetwater. She fell in love with it.

This would be her mother's room. Yes, she loved the house. Her mother would love it too. This was exactly what they needed.

The smaller bedroom had a bay widow which she appreciated, which looked out over the small but manicured back yard.

"I really like it, so would you mind telling Al, I'd love to talk to him about the details."

"Sure, be glad to. He'll be glad to know he's got a client. Now, let's go back to the kitchen and I'll give you all the information." Jake said, not even out of breath from hauling her around the house and garage.

After he'd given her all the information he glanced at her face which was very close to his, "So will your husband be negotiating the deal or yourself?"

"Oh, I'm divorced, just recently as a matter of fact. No, I'll make the arrangements myself." She said writing down the information and putting the card in her purse which she dangled from her arm. "It's exactly what we need, and being the last house on the block and overlooking the meadow from the kitchen window, I know my mother will appreciate the feel of the country too."

"That's great. I'm sure Al will be anxious to talk to you. So, do you have a job here?" he asked.

"Yes, as a matter of fact I do, at the Junior High School." She said still trying not to look at him.

"Great. Well, under the circumstances, I think it best if I run you by Dr. Adams place, and let him look at that ankle."

She opened her mouth to protest but he held a hand up, "I know you think it's all too much, but I'd feel better about it myself. Your foot is already bruising. Besides, I insist Sam. Al wouldn't like knowing you hurt yourself on the property, and we take care of our own around here, you'll get used to that. So, just endure my company a little longer. And don't worry your pretty little head about the step either. Al will have that fixed and the others too."

"Endure?" she raised a brow and her chin arrogantly.

He stared down at her with a slight smile to his all-male lips. "I sense a tension in you, as though you don't trust me or something. I really can't put my finger on it. Most everyone trusts me from the moment they meet me. And you'll have to excuse the curiosity, I'm a lawman and it comes natural after a while. I'd be just as nosey if it was your mother I was talking to."

"Are you Sheriff here?" she shrieked.

He smiled again, making his face more boyish again, "No, I'm just home on vacation right now. I'm Sheriff over at Peaceful. It's a few miles down the road."

"Oh…" her answer was a very pronounced relief.

"That sounds like relief in your voice," he frowned. "And here I thought I'd been as charming as I could be."

"I'm sorry. I just don't happen to run into Sheriff's very often." She tried to chuckle but it came out strangled.

"Come on, let's get you over to the docs, and then I'd say I owe you a big steak dinner," he said matter-of-factly.

"Oh…you don't owe me a thing…" she began, but he cut her off again.

"Okay, then have dinner with me, and I'll feel better about this ankle thing." He smiled encouragingly.

"Is that why you're asking me to dinner? My…ankle?" she didn't know where she got the brass to say such a thing, and wished she could have put a stopper on her mouth, but his grin was so infectious.

"Not at all," he returned huskily.

She smiled, despite herself.

He carried her to his pickup and drove her around town to a doctor's office. He sat with her in the waiting room and Samantha couldn't help but gawk. It didn't matter where she went with him, he knew everyone. He was totally at ease. She only wished she was.

"I'm sure you don't want to sit here and wait for me to be seen," she insisted.

"Why not? I love your company, actually." He said his expression quite serious.

Samantha eyed him out of the corner of her eye. It seemed impossible, but here she was sitting at the doctors' office with Jake Travers. The very man she had carried a crush for most of her life. This didn't seem real. She had to pinch herself to make sure it was.

After the doctor set her sprained ankle, Jake drove her to a nice out of the way restaurant out on the highway.

How was she going to do little talk with a man she'd known all her life. But then, she didn't really know Jake Travers? She'd never been on a date with him, never visited his home. No, virtual strangers would know more about each other.

"So, tell me about the real Sam…" he chuckled as he eyed her over a tea glass.

She smiled despite herself, Jake Travers had a charisma all his own, and always had. The boyish grin alone could curl her toes, especially when he aimed it right at her. "Not much to tell, I grew up here, went to college at University of Texas. Got married, started teaching, then my marriage began falling apart and my mother got sick, and so here I am, back home again. End of story."

"Sounds like a fast forward to me. There's got to me more to it than that. You don't strike me as a dizzy dame type."

"You're very persistent aren't you?"

"I try. Okay, fair enough, let me see if I can sum up my life. I grew up in Devils Corner, have three brothers that are better cowboys than me, and a dad who is getting married soon. I like motorcycles better than pickup trucks, and I haven't been to dinner with a lady in a long time."

"Oh, how come?" she queried as the waitress brought the menus.

"Hi Jake, haven't seen you in here since last year," the waitress smiled then glanced at Samantha.

"We'll need a few minutes, Connie," he said and checked the menu quickly.

Samantha smiled, "You know the waitresses by name?"

"I went to college with her sister, but I know most of the folks around town. Partly because I'm a Sheriff and partly because I went to school here." He smiled.

"So, how come you haven't been out, much?" she continued to ask, pretending to be interested in her tea, more than him. Years ago this kind of conversation would never have happened, but now…here she sat with Jake Travers talking small talk.

Jake seemed to know what he wanted and put his menu away, "I've been a little busy lately. I just took the bar exam and that has taken me a while to prepare for."

"Really, are you going into practice, then?" Samantha asked, putting the menu aside and looking at him with interest, silently glad they had gotten off the personal side of themselves.

"Uh…I don't know." His brow furrowed and his smile faded as though she had brought up the wrong subject. She felt it instantly, as though something told her she'd hit a raw spot.

"I'm sorry, did I ask the wrong question?" she asked noting his ill ease. She couldn't imagine Jake Travers ill at ease over anything. He had always seemed like a man in total control.

"It's a long story," he began, shuffling his feet. "But…I guess it won't hurt to tell you. You see, it all started years ago." He grabbed his ice tea and took a sip as he studied her quietly over the rim. "I graduated from high school, with honors, and won a scholarship. It wasn't in law, but that didn't matter at the time, law was became my minor. Anyway, because my brothers seemed to always need me to help out at the ranch, well, my schooling took a backseat. I really didn't mind, I've got to admit. Nothing I like better than being home with the family. My family, who by the way loves me to no end, decided I should be a lawyer. So basically to please them, or not disappoint them, I aimed myself in that direction, but along the way I took a Sheriff's job. Another way to learn about law, I soon learned. Now I've at least completed the education my family says I deserve. "

Samantha's mouth was hanging open, her eyes widened, "I'm sorry, I don't see the problem. Sounds like you have it more together than most people I know."

His smile was indulgent. "I'm just not sure I want to go into law." He finished his words with an obvious irritation in his voice.

"Oh! Well, I guess that is a problem." Samantha sighed. "Especially if your folks think that's what you want."

"You don't know the half of it," he said in a sigh. They ordered steaks, he leaned back in his chair and studied her again. "Now let's talk about you."

It was Samantha's turn to be unnerved. "Not much to talk about I'm afraid."

"You said you and your mother will be living here?" he asked to obviously get her to loosen up a little.

"Yes, my mother's been ill, and I'm taking care of her," she explained. . "Well, not really taking care of her, but she's a widow and she's been all alone…I just want to be around close…"

"Nothing serious I hope?"

"Actually, it is. She has breast cancer. She's been through a mastectomy and chemo and radiation, the works. She's been so brave through it all. But…she's terribly weak, and I want to make sure she doesn't over do. My father died long ago, and she's been alone ever since. She always loved it here so I decided we'd try to find somewhere close to her home. She used to have a bunch of friends here, and I'm hoping she can get reacquainted with some of them at least."

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have pried…" he began.

"Don't be, it isn't a secret. She isn't an invalid or anything. It's just, well…I think we both need each other right now." Samantha explained stirring artificial sugar into her tea. "Cancer patients need a lot of family support. Because of their weakened condition, it's important to keep their spirits up, keep them as active as possible. I thought I would get her involved in something here."

"You know that stuff isn't good for you." Jake pointed his finger at the artificial sugar. "As thin as you are, real sugar wouldn't hurt you." He remarked watching her dump the artificial sugar into her tea.

Samantha's face screwed up into a frown, "And if we want to stay thin, we use this stuff, as you call it."

"And is your ex-husband something we shouldn't talk about?" he asked politely.

His change of subject shocked her; she had been prepared to lash out about the sugar and stuff. But then she suddenly realized there was no need. Jake Travers didn't have any idea who he was talking to. And she'd overcome her problem long ago. There was no longer a need to be intimidated about it

*****

Samantha squirmed nervously as her friend soaked up the news.

"Why aren't you jumping up and down? It is wonderful news! I'm so happy you found a job in Sweetwater. Now you and your mom can get reacquainted with everyone. It just couldn't be better. .I mean, it's not as close to us, but we can still visit when Rusty and I come home during the holidays," Hannah smiled at her friend. "I think it's perfect, your Mom has always wanted to move home…"

"I am excited, and a little nervous, too. I mean I applied here first naturally, and there were no openings. I should have known, too small a town to need a teacher, I guess. In fact, I tried all around the area, there just wasn't anything open," Samantha sighed. "All that was available was subbing, and I don't want to do that again, there's just not enough guarantee I could make it on a Sub's salary."

"Of course not, you need a full time teaching job. But this will work wonderfully for you. Sweetwater is just big enough to be interesting, and since you were raised there, you should know lots of people. Phyllis, the cheerleader with the overbite, moved there after graduation, and Norma Jean married a man from there, so they're living there now too." Hannah sighed holding her infant close. The baby made a funny face in his sleep, but cuddled toward her.

Hannah smiled at him and stroked his silk-soft hair.

"It will be nice, I'm sure I'll remember a lot of people. You know, it's so hard to believe you and Rusty settled down and made a family. I mean, the twins, Joe and then little Emily, are growing and now Jacob. Are they excited about their brother?"

"Oh gosh, are they ever? They fight over who gets to diaper him and who gets to feed him. But they love him, that's what's important. I guess I should be glad they like him and don't want me to take him back, that's what Joe wanted us to do when Emily came along."

"I can't believe the twins are already in school." Samantha was saying as she gazed longingly at the baby. "I mean, when Rusty first came out here, I just knew it had to be some ruse. But one look and I could tell you two were in love." Samantha chuckled.

Hannah's eyes became large and she looked down into little Jacob's face and smiled again. "I hate to spoil the fairytale, I really do. But, you were right. It was a ruse, at first. Rusty came here to rescue me, and the ranch. It's a long story but Dad had squandered all the money I sent home. I was in a real fix, Samantha. If Rusty hadn't come along to save me, I'm not sure what would have happened. And I couldn't lose the ranch, my mother is buried here. It's kinda funny, Rusty and I had no idea we'd fall in love with each other, but it did happen."

"Well, it doesn't matter how it all started, it ended like a fairytale. I mean you hadn't been married a year and you had the twins. And then Joe a couple years later. And Emily, by the way, where is Emily? I mean I know Joe started kindergarten this year, but Emily isn't in school yet."

"Oh, she's spending the next two weeks with her Papa Cal, he's teaching her to ride. You know Cal, as soon as they can walk and talk good, he's got them on a horse. She's been riding for a year now and I can't keep her away from the 4 Bar None. But it is a big help not having to take care of Emily, and the others are in schools, so life's not so bad. Cal is so good with the kids. And everyone has noticed how good they are for him."

"Good, that gives you a little re-cooping time and time for Jacob."

"Yeah, Jacob was a surprise we hadn't planned on having any

more children, I mean it's been four years, but it just happened, and we couldn't be happier about it. But I swear, this is the last one…"

"I'm so happy for you. At least one of us has found what they are looking for. Can I hold him a minute?"

Hannah looked at Samantha and smiled, "Sure, sit here beside me."

"He's so little, I'm afraid I'll crush him." Samantha took the baby into her arms and pulled it close to her. The baby cuddled into her and Samantha felt her heart turn over. She never realized how badly she wanted a child till the past year when Pete totally refused to consider it. She smiled down into the sleeping face. The instant warmth made Samantha cuddle him closer. All her hormones seemed to spring forward, and the ache to have a child screamed at her.

"He's a Travers, and they are strong." Hannah laughed. "Don't worry, you won't break him."

"Oh God, Hannah, I want one of my own." Samantha looked into little Jacob's dark blue eyes and smiled as a gas bubble had him making a face like a smile.

"Well, then, maybe you better get to working on that right away," Hannah encouraged with a chuckle.

"Yeah, fat chance. My having a child seems so farfetched now. I'm too old. Besides, with teaching, I'll be surrounded by children, that will be enough."

"You know, I would never have guessed this would happen to me either, Samantha. Or that I could be so happy in my life." Hannah admitted with a slight smile, her eyes reflecting her inner thoughts. "Oh, you are going to find someone just for you, and very soon. And you are not too old. Women are waiting later and later in life to have their first child. You still have plenty of time. I just know things are going to work out well for you, especially since you found a job in Sweetwater. Just because things didn't work out between you and Pete, doesn't mean you can't find someone else. You're still young, I hope you haven't totally given up."

"I guess you're right. But I'm not sure it's the right time in my life with Mother so sick." Samantha's face turned serious. "I guess, I just wasn't cut out to be a policeman's wife."

"I can see where it would be hard. But I don't think it was his occupation, it was Pete, himself. I mean, when you are really in love, no occupation is going to stop you from being together. You need a man that's loyal through and through. There is someone out there for you, just you. Maybe a few years ago, I wouldn't be saying this, but now…I believe. Love will come along one day, and take you by surprise, just like it did me."

"The two of you make love and marriage look easy." Samantha touched the silk like hair on the baby's head. He was gorgeous, so pink and healthy looking.

"So why not give it another chance? You know me Sam, do you think I ever envisioned having five kids and a husband to die for?" Hannah asked the question that Samantha couldn't put her finger on, or didn't want to. Instead, she smiled down into the baby's face.

"That day Cora and Sandy and I came out. Wow. I'll never forget that proposal he gave. I never heard anything so sweet, and to do it in front of us…well we were all very jealous that day. It took my breath away. We were all swooning over it. I guess marriage isn't for me, though. I haven't found a man I can't live without, or with."

"You've given up on Jake Travers then?"

Samantha rolled her expressive green eyes, "I haven't told you have I?"

"Told me what?" Hannah's brows drew together. She stared at Samantha long and hard, "Well, come on girl, give…"

"Well, I told you last time I talked to you that I had gone into Sweetwater and applied for the job. Then I found this house up for sale in the paper. It is so old, and so cute and just right for Mom and me. It's small, but has all the right amenities. So I called the real estate agent and asked if he'd meet me there so I could take a look."

"Oh, and did you see it?"

"Oh yes, I saw it all right. But the agent was busy so he sent his friend…Jake

Travers."

Hannah's eyes rounded on her. "Are you serious? Jake was there…showing you the house? Oh Samantha, it's a sign…"

Samantha nodded and rolled her eyes.

"Well give girl, what happened?" Hannah was smiling now and anxious to hear.

Putting the baby in his crib, she covered him then joined Samantha on the couch.

"Well, I didn't get on the porch but what I nearly fell through the wood step. And Jake being Jake, couldn't help but be the knight in shining armor. He was right behind me, before I knew what hit me, and believe me, I couldn't decide if I was more stunned at what happened, or who saved me."

"How romantic!" Hannah sighed.

"Oh, yeah, right. Don't get your hopes up, he didn't even recognize me." Samantha spouted.

"You are kidding. Rusty says he used to torment the dickens out of you, when ya'll were young."

"That's true! That was Jake all right, my tormentor. But anyway, he was the perfect gentleman, took care of my foot, and carried me in the house so I could see it. I loved it of course, the house that is."

"Uh-huh, I'll just bet you did." Hannah rolled her eyes again and chuckled.

"Then he proceeded to carry me to the doctor's office and we sat and talked a long while. Afterwards he took me to dinner. End of story."

"Just like that, end of story?" Hannah gasped. "You never told him, who you were? You went through the house in his arms, the doctor's office and out to dinner at one meeting. My, Jake must be a fast worker. They tell me the strong silent types are the ones to watch out for."

"No really, he was just friendly, and nice to talk to. He wasn't overly flirty or anything. And he's only home on vacation, he probably won't be there when I get moved in, so that's the end of that." Samantha sighed. "But for old time's sake, it was good seeing him."

"If he took you to dinner, he was definitely interested. Jake doesn't go out much."

Samantha wrinkled her nose. "He was just being nice. Maybe even afraid I'd sue Al about the porch or something."

"No, honey, Jake doesn't take a woman out unless…" Hannah smiled. "He's interested. So…what did you two talk about? I mean if you didn't tell him who you were?"

"Not much really, he told me about taking the bar exam…"

"He passed it, hooray for Jake…" Hannah clapped her hands and smiled at her friend. "We've all been waiting to hear that."

"He didn't seem all that happy about passing." Samantha eyed her friend. "I'd be on air if I accomplished something that grand." Samantha sighed heavily. "I don't know why I always felt Jake and I were meant for each other, then one day I shrugged it off and realized that was just wishful thinking. That was about the time I met Pete. At first Pete was real aggressive in dating me, but the longer it lasted, the more important his job became. I don't want another relationship like that. Besides, Jake's into law too. Wouldn't that be like jumping out of the pot into the frying pan?"

"But he's just a Sheriff of a little town, a very peaceful little town. You wouldn't believe how proud that town is of him. He's more popular than...Winnie the Pooh."

"Oh Hannah! It all seems so useless. Yeah, I've changed physically. But what I want, is a man who loves me for myself, whether I'm chubby or not. Not because I finally got wise enough to lose weight. I want a man who loves me, for me….like Rusty does you."

Hannah laughed, "Well, as you know I didn't encourage a romance by the way I used to dress. In fact, quite the opposite. So I guess Rusty does love the real me."

"The two of you are incredible. You both work so hard to make this place a real ranch, and side by side too. I spent years thinking I'd find someone who would fall magically in love with me, like that. Then I wised up and realized that everyone isn't as lucky." Samantha spied Rusty coming toward the front porch and got up off the couch.

"I guess I better go, you've got enough to handle with feeding that husband of yours. He has some appetite. I'm astounded he isn't fat by now."

"He probably would be, but he's just too busy." Hannah laughed softly, giving her tired husband a quick squeeze as he came striding through the door and headed straight for her. "Hi honey, ready for some lunch?"

Hannah kissed her husband lightly on the lips as he took the big brown Stetson off and he smiled down at her.

"Yep, I'm starved as usual. How's my little critter doing?" He glanced about for his son. "Samantha, you are going to have to come by more often. We could use a babysitter." He chuckled.

"She's moving to Sweetwater," Hannah injected. "Don't get your hopes up."

"Sweetwater? Now why you want to do something like that?" Rusty countered as he shot her a quick glance.

"That's where my job is, and I wanted to take Mom home again."

"Is she any better?" Rusty asked his smile fading.

"She's in remission now and things are looking up for her. I've even found the perfect little house for us." Samantha moved toward the door.

Rusty ambled over to the crib, tickling Jacob's fuzzy hair on his ears.

"Stop that, haven't you ever seen a baby with hair on their ears before."

"Nope, he's one of a kind." Rusty chuckled.

"He's asleep, and don't you wake him," Hannah scolded lightly as she started for the kitchen. "Sure you won't stay for lunch, Samantha?"

"I better get back. We've just moved in and there is loads of work to be done and I don't want Mom trying to do it."

"Yes, of course you are right about that. And she probably would try. Send me your address as soon as you can."

"It's been great seeing the two of you again, and that precious baby. I'm so jealous."

"I'll remember that around 2 AM in the morning when he's dying for a feeding," Hannah chuckled.

"I'd come…."

"I know you would, and thanks. Now you take care of yourself and keep in touch. We'll see you soon, you know Dad's getting married."

Samantha was about to open the front door, when she wheeled on her heels, "You don't mean it. He's finally going to marry Bertha?"

Rusty came closer to her and winked, "'Bout time wouldn't you say?"

"And then some," Samantha laughed.

"You're coming to the wedding aren't you?" Hannah cried out from the kitchen.

"Well, I don't know…I mean, I guess if I get an invitation." Samantha cried.

"Oh you'll get one," Rusty patted her on the arm, "I'll see to that."

"Then I'll be there, I've really got to run though. Love you guys."

"Okay, thanks for stopping by and letting me know where you are. Love you too girl."

Samantha smiled as she took one last look at her oh so happy friends. She did envy them…