Page 147 of Samuel

“You know, you don’t have to hold her every time I’m not. She can go down in her cot.”

“Did you hear that, little one? Your mama thinks I’m already spoiling you.”

“That’s not it at all,” she laughed. “Have you slept since we got here?”

“I’ll sleep in a little bit.”

“Sam…”

She sat up, wincing at the pain that radiated throughout her body.

“Easy, Evie. I can help you move.”

She waved her hand before running it through her hair. “It’s not that bad. I need to sit up and do something about this rat’s nest on my head.”

“You look beautiful right now. No rat’s nest in sight.”

“I appreciate that,” she sighed, looking at the overnight bag on the chair next to her. “But I’d still like to run a brush through it and tie it up.”

“I’ve got you.”

He carefully placed Sammy into her arms. She watched as Sam rummaged through the bag, pulling out her brush and a few hair ties. He set the ties on the mattress beside her and started running the brush through her hair.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m taking care of your hair. Will french braids be okay?”

Exhaustion was replaced with surprise at her cowboy’s question. “You know how to braid?”

“I grew up with a little sister. For a while, I was the only person she’d let help her get ready for the day. So, I learned how to braid hair. It was annoying back then, but I like that I’ll be able to do it for my girls now.”

Evie nodded, the emotions too thick in her throat to reply. Sam’s fingers worked to pull her hair back away from her face. The biggest wave of awe and love washed over her as she looked down at their daughter.

Evie couldn’t get over how perfect she was. Sammy had the most beautiful rose-petal colored lips and cheeks. Her blue eyes were closed, but Evie knew the instant that she first saw them, she wanted them to stay exactly as they were. Because they were the same shade as Sam’s.

“How is Jake doing?”

“Good. He stopped by about twenty minutes after you fell asleep. Wanted to see that we got settled in, and to make sure I knew he was fine.”

“And Derrick?”

Samshook his head. “He’s been arrested. I’m having a hard time processing everything that happened.”

“I am too,” she admitted.

“Jake mentioned a therapist he knows. Said he’d drop the information off during actual visiting hours today.”

“That’s sweet of him.”

Sammy started to wiggle in her arms.

“I think she’s going to be hungry soon.”

“How long was I asleep for?”

“Not too long. But I think our little miss has come out determined to be the fastest growing baby in history. I can already see the way she’s changed since she was born.”

Evie laughed, immediately regretting it as pain spread through her sides. “Who knew you’d be so sentimental?”

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