Page 31 of Forever with the Farmer's Daughter
As the sunbegins to set, Mr. Kincaid rises from his seat. “Well, I better close up the barn.”
I rise from my seat stopping him. “I can do that for you sir. I should get going anyway.”
Samantha stands. “I’ll walk out with you.”
Mr. Kincaid glances at his wife before turning his eyes back to me and offering me his hand. “I’d appreciate it.”
“My pleasure, sir.” I turn my attention to Mrs. Kincaid. “Thank you again for dinner, ma’am.”
“You’re welcome. Don’t be a stranger; you’re welcome at our table anytime.”
“Thank you ma’am,” I reply, following Samantha out onto the porch. Once we’re alone, I reach out and take her hand in mine. She glances down at our joined hands and smiles as we walk out to the barn.
As we reach the barn, she turns to stand in front of me. “You know, you should feel honored. Momma doesn’t hand out open invitations to dinner freely.”
I release her hand and rest my hands on her hips, drawing her closer to me. “Is that right?”
Samantha rests her hands on my arms. “Mmmhmm.”
I search her brown eyes. “And what about you? Would you mind if I came to dinner more often?”
She shrugs shyly as her fingers caress my forearms. “I think I could get used to seeing more of you.”
I smile at her reply. “Good to know.” I drop my hands from her waist and take her hand entwining my fingers with hers. “Better get busy checking things out before your dad comes looking for us.”
Samantha laughs. “You don’t have to worry; Momma will make sure he leaves us alone.”
“I’m liking your momma more all the time.”
We walk the length of the barn making sure the cows are settled for the night. When we are certain everyone is safe and sound, Samantha flips off the lights and we secure the barn door.
“How often do you do this by yourself?”
She shakes her head. “Not very often. Daddy usually takes care of it. I think he likes to have a few minutes to himself before calling it a night.”
“I hope I didn’t step on his toes by offerin’ to do this.”
“No, he seemed pleased you offered.”
“Good. Walk me to my truck?”
“Yeah.”
When we reach the truck, I lean against the driver’s door and position Samantha in front of me. “Thank you again for dinner.”
“No thanks needed; you earned it helping me with the tractor.”
“Well, anytime you need help with anything mechanical, I’m your man.”
Samantha looks down, and then back up at me and smiles. “My own personal mechanic, I like that idea.”
A moment of silence passes between us, her brown eyes locked on my hazel ones. I can feel the pull between us, and it takes all my self-control not to take her in my arms and kiss her like I’ve wanted to since the night we went to dinner. Instead, I take a breath, straighten and reach into my pocket for the truck keys.
“I should get going.”
“Yeah, I’m sure you have an early day tomorrow.”
“Yeah.” I lean in, kiss her cheek, and whisper. “Good night, sweet Samantha.”
