Page 2 of Samuel

“I carry it, Abby. Just like I promised you and Mom I would. Can wepleasetalk about something other than me?”

“Fine. How’s Shep?”

“That’s not really changing the subject, is it?”

“It’s not about you.”

“You’re right. It’s about that annoying puppy you forced on me.”

“He’s absolutely adorable and dogs are supposed to be therapeutic and lower your blood pressure.”

“Yeah, have you met Shep? All he does is chew on my boots and piss all over my floor. The damn dog is a nuisance. I actually felt bad leaving Mom to deal with him tonight.”

“She loves her grand-pup!”

“Speaking of kids,” Sam said, desperate to get theconversation away from him. “Didn’t you two have an ultrasound today?” His question was directed at his friends, Jackson and Grace, who were expecting their second kid together.

“We did.” Jackson smiled as Grace nodded at him. “We found out it’s another boy!”

Cheers and shouts of congratulations filled the air.

“Our group is going to be overrun by kids soon!”

“Not if Sam and Jake have anything to say about it,” Daisy teased.

“Leave them alone, Sunshine.” Daisy’s husband, Hank, the Sheriff of Clarence County, groaned.

“I’m already married!” Jake laughed.

“What?” Grace’s question was met with more indistinguishable ones.

“To my practice, guys. I’m opening that clinic in Silver Springs with Sebastian’s backing, and I still have all the clients I travel around the county to see. There is no time for anything else. And I’m sure Sam would agree about being married to his work right now.”

“Damn straight,” he grumbled.

“You need to get a few traveling nurses or home health aides to help you out,” Daisy pointed her finger at Jake. “And you better get ready to be set up on dates once your office manager gets here.”

“Oh, is your office manager pretty?” Sam’s eyes landed on the last of his friends to get there. Emma and Sebastian.

“Don’t know. Haven’t seen her.” Sam flagged down a server. Once the table had put in their drink orders, he hoped the attention would fade off of him. He should have known better, especially with Emma at the helm of the questioning. As the rest of their friends broke off into side conversations, Emma honed in like a shark.

“So, when does she show up?”

“Later this week.”

“How old is she?”

He groaned. “I have no idea.”

“When can we all meet her?”

“Whenever you want. You know you’re always welcome out at the ranch.”

Emma threw her hands up and glared at him. “Daisy. Help me out here. How does Sam know nothing about this woman?”

“He’s in denial about her coming.” Daisy rolled her eyes. “She seemed so sweet on the phone interview, and her acceptance letter was really kind. I think she’s going to be the perfect fit for the ranch.”

“I’m not in denial. I’m just not convinced that I need an office manager.”

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