Page 21 of Samuel

“It looks great, Mom, but how much salt did you use? Did you read that article I sent you about how we need to be cutting back for his heart?”

Evie looked at John and furrowed her brows as she sat back down. Was he having heart issues? He looked so healthy. Maybe it was something with his blood pressure? That had to be scary as they were so close to their wedding. The stress of planning such a big event would probably make things worse.

“He can have a little salt. And don’t start again about the red meat. It’s just one time this week.”

“You spoil him, Mom.”

The front door opened, bringing with it a light breeze. Work boots pounded against the floor as the cowboy she’d been looking for strolled in and stopped dead in his tracks the seconds his eyes landed on her.

“What are you doing here?”

Pain lanced through Evie’s chest. She was having such a nice time, she’d forgotten to steel her heart for Sam’s reaction.

“What the hell is the matter with you!” Abby’s mouth hung wide open in shock. “She’s having dinner with us.”

“Why?”

“Because we want to get to know her better. She’s part of the family now.”

Sam shook his head slowly, removing his hat before raking his fingers through his hair.

“I’ll go,” Evie whispered as she stood. She waited for Sam to apologize, or at least tell her it was okay for her to stay. But he just stood and stared at her, none of the warmth from earlier in his eyes.

“You don’t have to—” Sylvie started to say before Evie interrupted her.

“Yes. I actually forgot I promised my friend back home that I’d give her a call tonight. I should go and do that. Thank you for inviting me.”

She willed the tears stinging her eyes to just wait until she made it out the back door before they fell. There would be no satisfaction in letting Sam see how deeply his rejection hurt her.

“Evie, wait! I’m so sorry about my brother. I have no idea what has gotten into him lately, but I just can’t believe it.” Abby stood in the doorway, looking nervous.

“It’s okay. I know I messed things up by not being completely honest with him about…” She placed her hand over the baby. “I can’t be mad now that he didn’t take it the best.”

“Will you come back inside? He can eat out in the barn with the horses.”

Evie smiled. “I really should get back.”

“For that phone call. Right.” Abby’s brows furrowed, thesuspicion written all over her face. “Wait here for a second. Dinner is ready, I’ll grab you a plate to go.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“Mom and I made more than enough. Plus, we have to make sure Jellybean has plenty of rolls when she’s born. Chunky babies are so cute.”

“Just wait until you have to push one out one day, you’ll want those rolls to come in after the baby is born.”

“I can’t wait.” Abby smiled and walked back into the house, leaving Evie to feel the ache in her chest return.

Would this be what her family was like if her parents were still alive? Would they have big family meals and talk about all the fun things they wanted to do when the baby arrived?

She’d had that for a moment tonight. Her heart swelled thinking about Katy patting her belly. About John walking her through the secret way he used to swaddle Katy to get her to sleep at night. About Abby saying she was part of their family. But the ache bloomed painfully when she thought about how quickly Sylvie had embraced her. She hadn’t had a mom hug in years, and yet she’d gotten two from Sylvie since showing up on the ranch. It was warm, and loving, and filled with so much emotion that Evie couldn’t stop the tears from falling down her face as she thought about it.

She sat on the porch step, knowing she wouldn’t ever be able to repeat it. That was clear. Sam wanted her nowhere near the office, and he certainly didn’t want her anywhere near his family. She couldn’t hold back the soft sniffle that escaped as another tear rolled down her cheek.

“Shit. I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

He watched her jump at the low rumble of his voice. Hershoulders looked tense, even as she sat on the step, curled around herself.

“It’s fine. This isn’t the first time it's happened.”

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