Page 139 of Samuel

“Ah. You did a good job. I don’t think anyone else noticed. But doctors have trained eyes.” His gaze dropped to her back, where her hands were rubbing tiny circles into her tight muscles. “What’s going on there?”

“Just some back pain.”

“The baby is due soon, isn’t she?”

“Next week.” Evie winced.

“Braxton Hicks?”

“We like to joke that she’s always wanting to be the center of attention. Only fitting I should have false labor pains all day, right?” Jake’s eyes held oceans of concern, but he still smiled. “Please don’t say anything to Sam. I don’t want him rushing around in a panic and then it turns out to be nothing.”

“Your secret is safe with me. You know, this is reminding me a lot of when Grace was pregnant with Jack. She was sure it was nothing.”

“And it wasn’t?”

“Well, she had Jack the day after, I think. So it was more likely early labor than just plain Braxton Hicks.” Jake sighed. “Just promise if you feel things are getting more intense, you’ll let me know. I can ride into town with you guys no problem.”

“You really are a great friend. How can I repay you? Any single ladies here catch your eye that you want me to chat you up to?”

He laughed. “Nah. I’m very much happy in my marriage to my work. My mom and sisters may not be thrilled, but I’m a big believer in fate stepping in when the timing is right.”

“I guess I am too. Just look at me and Sam.”

“And Jellybean.”

“Yeah. She’s a lucky little girl.”

“I think Sam’s the lucky one in all this.”

“Oh, I definitely am.” Sam’s arm landed on Jake’s shoulder. “You’re not over here trying to steal my girl, are you, Jake?”

“I’m just after one of Emma’s cupcakes, I promise. I don’t get to stop into the bakery as much as I’d like to.”

“Alright, well, you enjoy your snack while I take my favorite cupcake for a spin.” Evie laughed as he held out his hand. “Can I have this dance?”

“God, I’d love that.”

Evie pressed her head into Sam’s chest, her body angled weirdly with the bulk of her belly moved so that they could be close together.

“I love you. So fucking much. I’m so excited for this next chapter of our lives.”

“I love you, too. Who would have thought taking a job on a ranch would lead to me being the happiest I’ve ever been?”

“Who would have thought I almost didn’t hire you. I owe so much to Daisy.”

“All of your friends are wonderful.”

“I think we can safely say they are your friends now, too. Hell, I know all the girls would pick you over me any day.”

“Yeah, they would.” She laughed as his chest rumbled with a chuckle.

“Do you want to have a wedding like this?” he asked.

“This is beautiful, don’t get me wrong. But I want something small. Sweet and simple. I’d be happy if it was just you and me, and the baby. But I know your family and our friends want to be there too. So, maybe something in between will work.”

A contraction rolled through Evie’s body, aching in her back making way for the squeezing sensation taking over herbelly. This particular one was too much. Too strong. She wasn’t going to be able to hide it.

Evie stopped swaying, placing both of her hands to the bottom of her belly. Her head pressed into Sam’s chest, and she felt him move around her so that one of his hands was supporting her back while the other rested on the top of her belly.

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