Page 51 of Samuel

“You guys ready?”

“Yep. Can we get a lemon bar, a cinnamon roll, and two pumpkin spice apple ciders?”

“Of course. Em will be happy to know someone is using the secret menu.”

“Secret menu?” Evie asked.

“Emma keeps things on hand that we all really love. For me, it’s pumpkin spice flavoring. I normally get the latte, but Iknow you can’t have caffeine.” His fingers moved from her hip to brush over the swell of Jellybean.

“And you aren’t hungry?”

“Oh, I’m starving. I just have a few more tricks up my sleeves for tonight.”

Sam and Evie both gave their thanks as they walked out of the bakery.

“I can’t believe how warm it is, and it’s not even summer yet.”

“Yeah. I think John and Abby are a little nuts for having their wedding at the hottest point of summer, but she loves that barn in their backyard, and he promised her the renovations would be finished in time for the wedding.”

“It’s going to be beautiful. And so special that they are getting married at their house.”

Sam set their order on the hood of his truck, swinging open Evie’s door. He held his hand out and gave the most incredible smile, complete with matching dimples. God, she was a fool for those damn dimples.

“Your chariot awaits, Cinderella.”

Sam’s hand slid to the small of her back, and then to her hips, helping her get just an extra boost from her own legs pushing her up into the cab.

He grabbed her seat belt and clicked it into place, running his fingers along the bottom of the belt to make sure it sat below the baby. How on earth had he known that was important? Maybe he saw her adjust it on the way into town…

“Good. Now my girls are safe.” Sam pressed a kiss to Evie’s cheek and jumped down, closing her door gently before getting into the driver’s seat.

“Where to now, Cowboy?”

“That, Bluebell, is classifiedinformation.”

Sam tried to keep his focus on the road, but the way Evie was sitting, with her back completely rigid and her fingers running along the edge of her dress, had him worried about what was going through her mind.

He flipped on the blinker, turning back onto the ranch. But when it came time to pull in next to the barn, he didn’t stop.

“Where are we going?” He watched as her head turned, tracking the barn as they drove further onto the ranch.

“I told you, I planned something else for our date.”

“Once we started driving home, I thought you were just joking.”

Home.He fucking loved hearing her say that.

She sat up taller in her seat, looking out the window. “We’re going someplace on the ranch?”

“My favorite place. It’s the perfect spot to look up at the stars on a warm, clear night like tonight.”

Evie pressed her hand to her chest as Sam’s grip on her thigh tightened.

“You okay?” he asked, her gaze making him feel all sorts of things he should probably put a lid on.

“Fine. It’s just such a romantic idea and my hormones are all over the place.” She huffed out a small laugh as she swiped at her eyes.

“I’m not gonna lie, Evie. I hope this isn’t the only time you and I come out here and have a date like this.”

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