Page 36 of Samuel

“Not funny, Evie. I’m going to carry you up to your apartment now and try not to lose my temper. We can pretend we are in a romantic comedy like we did after our walk.”

“Hmm, that was pretty nice.” She searched his face, for what, he didn’t know. “Okay. But if I’m too heavy, you put me down. I can’t have the whole ranch knowing you injured yourself carrying me.”

“I should bend you over my knee for putting yourself down again, but seeing as how you turned into a southern belle and swooned today, I guess I have to let it go.”

“Remind me to talk poorly about myself again once I’m feeling better,” she giggled.

He couldn’t hold back his chuckle as he watched her cheeks flush with the smallest hint of pink. “Good to know you are actually feeling okay. You looked like a ghost when I opened Jake’s door.”

“Oh, Jake! Shoot. Put me down. I need to help him with the groceries.”

“No can do. And I know for a fact Jake is a strong guy. I’m sure he can lug up whatever he needs to, and if there’s anything left behind, I’ll grab it myself once we know you’re okay.”

“I’m fine. But I guess if you won’t set me down, you can tell me what you found with the cattle.”

Sam walked around to the staircase at the back of the barn.

“It wasn’t good news, Evie. Some of the herd… We lost some overnight.”

“Oh no! How many?”

“Five.”

“God.” Her head settled back onto his shoulder. “I’m so sorry, Sam.”

Fuck. How the hell was he supposed to tell her about Lemon and Lemon Drop?

“Evie, this can be serious for you and the baby.” Sam’s heart fell into his stomach as he set the last of the grocery bags on the counter.

“Everything okay?” he looked at Evie, who seemed to be on the verge of tears.

“It’s just low blood sugar. I didn’t eat before my appointment. I’ll be better about it.”

“Then I think you and your baby are going to be just fine.I’ll get out of your hair, but if you ever need anything, I’ve left my numbers on this form that just gives you a little more information on low blood sugar and what to do to help combat it. And just make sure you follow up with Dr. Hayes’s office so they have a record of this for your medical history.”

Sam extended his hand to Jake. “Thanks, man. I owe you one.”

“I’m just happy I was in the right place at the right time.” Jake winked at Evie, who flashed a brilliant smile at him as he left.

“So, what would you like to eat?” Sam asked as soon as the door to the apartment was shut.

“You don’t have to do that. I’ll put away the groceries and make something after. I promise, Sam, I’m not some fragile wallflower.”

“I know you’re not a fragile wallflower. More like a withering bluebell, wouldn’t you say?” He smiled. “I don’t mind helping so you can rest. After all, you’re carrying some pretty precious cargo there.”

“Are you sure?”

He nodded, leaning his hip against the half wall that separated her living room from the kitchen. “What sounds good to you?”

She drummed her fingers against her thigh, her eyes bouncing around her kitchen. “Maybe just an apple?”

He was sure his face portrayed the appropriate amount of horror.

“That cannot be what you are craving.”

“What? Why not?”

“An apple? Even if it was, that’s not enough calories for you alone, forget about what you need for Jellybean, too.”

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