Randall Riches (13 page)

“Well, almost all of us are here. Drew and Josh didn’t come home. They’re freshmen. Josh has a test on Monday and he decided to stay and study for it. And Drew, well, there’s this girl…” he trailed off and grinned at Tori.

“There always is,” she murmured. “But you forgot John and Melissa.” She smiled at Sam. “They’re our second cousins. Uncle Griff and Aunt Camille are the couple talking to Uncle Chad and Aunt Megan in the corner. It gets a little complicated, but he’s our dads’ cousin and she is Aunt Megan’s stepsister.”

“I see…I think.”

Tori smiled. “You’ll get used to them all. And when I’m here, you can always ask me who’s who.”

“Thanks, but unless you come home often, I’ll probably be gone before I see you again,” Sam said.

Tori and Jim exchanged a look of surprise. Then Tori said, “Well, I hope that’s not true. It’s nice to have someone else around who isn’t a carbon copy of the rest of them to keep me company. Don’t you like…living with Lavinia?”

“Very much so. She’s wonderful. I’ve never had a grandmother and it’s—incredible. But she doesn’t really need me, you know. Pete just manufactured that story to give me a break. She’s teaching me to knit.”

“I should take lessons, too. Then I could do something useful while I’m studying,” Tori said with a grin.

“Isn’t studying enough to be productive?” Sam asked, a touch of envy she couldn’t hide. She’d spent a lot of time in libraries, reading, trying to educate herself, but she’d never had the opportunity to go to college.

“Oh, you know how it is. You have to do a lot of memory work, so I could practice while I knit,” Tori said with a smile.

“No, I don’t know. I’ve never been to college,” Sam said. She figured all these educated people would turn up their noses at her.

“Don’t worry. You’re not missing all that much,” Tori said. Her words comforted Sam.

“How you doing?” Rich asked, suddenly appearing at Sam’s elbow.

Startled, she turned to stare at him, wondering if she’d done something wrong. “F-Fine.”

Jim laughed. “Come on, Rich, you know I’m not going to hit on your girlfriend. Relax.”

That remark effectively halted the conversation as both she and Rich turned red. Sam didn’t know what to say.

Tori slapped Jim’s arm and told both of the men to go away. She and Sam were getting to know each other. Fortunately, they followed her advice and Rich didn’t come near Sam the rest of the night.

When it got late and Lavinia was looking tired, Samantha slipped over to Janie’s side and told her she was taking Lavinia home now.

“Is Rich going with you?” Janie asked.

“I haven’t asked him. He seems to be enjoying his cousins. He may want to stay later.”

Janie waved Rich over and asked him if he was going with Sam and Lavinia.

Rich turned to stare at Sam. “I came with them. I reckon I’ll go home with them. Why wouldn’t I?”

Sam said nothing. She got the sudden feeling that Rich was spoiling for a fight. Had the two weeks of being on his good behavior been too much?

“Good. I don’t like them being out at night without a man along,” Janie said with a grin. “Okay, let’s go get Mom to the car.”

Lavinia sitting nearby, stood. “I can get myself to the car. There’s nothing wrong with me except wanting to go to sleep in my own bed.”

Pete came over and kissed Lavinia’s cheek, prepared to walk his mother-in-law out to the car. After he helped Lavinia up into Rich’s truck, he turned to Samantha. “I
heard about yesterday. Rich said you’re a great rider. I should’ve known.”

“It was fun,” she assured him, a big smile on her face.

“And Rich didn’t give you any trouble while we were gone?”

“Hey!” Rich protested, having overheard his father.

“Not at all. He was very helpful.”

“Glad to hear it.”

“Mom seems very happy,” Janie added, hugging Samantha. “Thank you for taking care of her.”

“She’s easy to take care of.”

Pete chuckled. “I’ve been around her when she was sick before. I know better than that.”

“She was. My knitting has really improved and she taught me some new recipes, too,” Samantha assured them, still smiling as the three of them walked around the truck to the driver’s side.

Rich, already seated on the passenger side by Lavinia, leaned past her and called, “Are you coming or not?”

“My passengers are impatient, so I’ll say good-night. Welcome home,” she said as she hopped up in the truck.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Janie called out.

She and Pete stood arm in arm, watching them as they drove away.

“What do you think?” Pete asked.

“About Mom? She’s happier than I’ve seen her in a while,” Janie said, her gaze still on the brake lights of the truck.

“You’re right, but that’s not what I meant.”

Janie looked up at her husband. “You mean Rich and Samantha?”

“Yeah. Is there any interest there?”

“Oh, there’s interest. Didn’t you see him watching her all evening?”

“But she didn’t look at him,” Pete pointed out, frowning.

“Even more significant. She was aware of him every minute, but made sure no one else would notice.”

“But you noticed,” Pete said with a grin.

“Yes. Because I’m his mother. Of course I noticed.” She stood there, tapping her lips with her forefinger. “And tomorrow, I intend to find out just how far their relationship has progressed.”

“You think he’s considering marriage?”

“I don’t know. Maybe.”

“I’ll have a talk with him.”

Jake came out on the back porch. “Didn’t you two get enough of being alone? Come on back in.”

“We’re coming, Jake,” Janie said. “We were just discussing things.”

“You mean, how Rich is crazy about Samantha?”

Pete and Janie walked back toward him. “Why do you think that?” Pete asked.

“The boy didn’t leave the ranch once while you were gone. Even after Lavinia was on the mend. Some of the kids called him about going into town last Saturday night, but he refused. Said he had to take care of Sam and Lavinia. So Jim, who was home for the weekend
then, too, asked if Samantha wanted to go to town. Rich about bit his head off.”

“We figured you and B.J. or Brett and Anna might’ve gone over to visit a few times,” Janie said.

“We thought they might enjoy being alone. Anna checked during the day. Red and Mildred kept them supplied with food. Megan took by some fresh flowers. B.J. checked on a mare due to foal. We took care of them. But we didn’t crowd them.”

“Well, we appreciate the effort, Jake,” Pete said, grinning.

“By the way, brother,” Jake added, “we’ll take care of the Sunday chores. Consider yourself still on vacation until Monday morning.”

“Thanks. This time-change stuff is hard.”

Jake laughed. “Yeah, that’s the way it is for you jet-setters!” With a chuckle, he went back inside.

“He’s matchmaking, isn’t he?” Janie asked.

“You know he is. But so are you.”

“I am not! That is, I’d be happy if Rich married Sam, but I’m not forcing him into anything.”

“Neither is Jake.”

“Ha! I know how Jake Randall works, Pete. And so do you. You make sure he doesn’t play any tricks.”

“Jake’s got a good heart,” Pete said, wrapping his arms about his wife, pulling her back to lean on his chest. They stood there in contentment.

“You know,” Pete finally said softly, “Hawaii is beautiful, and I loved every minute we had together, but I sure am glad to be home. Those mountains look pretty good tonight.”

Janie sighed. “You’re right. Hawaii is a good place for a visit, but nothing is better than home…and family. We’re spoiled.”

“Nope. We’re blessed. And I hope our children are, too.”

“They will be. Abby looked so happy tonight. Russ, too. He held her hand the entire evening. I think Rich wanted to stake a claim, too, but he and Sam haven’t progressed that far.”

“What about Casey?”

“Oh, Pete, he’s just a baby!” Janie protested. “He’s got plenty of time yet.”

“You’re going to have to stop calling him a baby. He hates it.”

“Too bad. He has to be my baby until I’ve got grand-kids.”

“That may not be too long from now. Come on, let’s go to bed. You heard Jake. I’m still on vacation for another twenty-four hours.”

A
FTER
L
AVINIA
had gone to bed, Sam came back down the stairs. She wanted to make sure Rich didn’t think she’d said anything to make Jim think she was Rich’s girlfriend, as he’d put it.

She found Rich sitting in the kitchen, drinking a cup of coffee. “Rich, are you busy?”

He looked up in surprise. “No. Just relaxing a bit. Is Grandma okay?”

“Yes, she’s already asleep. I wanted to tell you I didn’t say anything to make people think we were—you know, together.”

Rich shook his head. “I know. You’re talking about Jim, aren’t you?”

She nodded. “And Tori. She said something about us being a couple and I told her no. I’m beginning to think matrimony is all your family thinks about!”

“You could be right. But as long as you and I understand—”

“You don’t have to tell me again,” she interjected, impatience in her voice. “I know you’re not interested in marriage. I think I have it etched in my brain now, thank you.”

He studied his coffee cup. “When I said that—I mean, I’m not ready yet. That’s what I mean. I intend to marry one day. To have a family. But Dad didn’t marry until after he was thirty. I’m only twenty-six.”

“Right. Well, I just wanted you to know I didn’t cause them to think that way.” She turned to leave.

“Why don’t you have a cup of coffee and join me?”

She was stunned by his invitation. During the past two weeks they’d worked together well. But they’d both avoided any private moments. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah, unless you’re tired. I’d enjoy the company.”

She poured herself a cup and chose the seat opposite Rich’s. Then an awkward silence fell.

As if both felt the pressure, they spoke at the same time.

“Do you—” Rich began.

“Maybe I—”

“Sorry,” Rich added. “I wanted to know if you planned on marrying, having a family.”

Sam hadn’t expected that question. “I—I’d like to, but it’s not likely to happen.”

“Why not?”

“I move around a lot. And most men hope for a woman who can bring something to the marriage. Like property, or influence, or something. All I can offer is good table service.”

Rich leaned forward. “That’s not true! Don’t say something like that. You have a lot to offer.”

She shrugged her shoulders.

“A man likes a woman he can be proud of. You sure fill that bill. Doyle was practically drooling the other day.”

Sam shook her head, smiling a little. “And Doyle’s so selective?”

Rich grinned. “Maybe not, but Jim is, I can assure you.”

Ah, they were back to tonight. “I’m sure Jim was teasing.”

“Yeah, he was, because we’ve got a hard-and-fast rule about each other’s women.”

“That must make life difficult for your cousins,” she said, lifting her chin.

“What do you mean?” he asked, frowning.

“There can’t be many women in the county that you haven’t dated, from what I’ve heard.”

“Hey! That’s not true. I have a reputation, but most of it isn’t accurate,” he assured her.

“Right. I think I’ll go on to bed, Rich. It’s late.”

“Wait! Are you happy here?”

She wondered what he was really asking. “Yes, of course. Lavinia is wonderful.”

“And me?”

“Ah. You’re wanting to know what I’ll say to your father? Don’t worry, Rich. If he asks, I’ll tell your father you’ve been very helpful.”

“And our kisses?”

She didn’t want to talk about those moments, ones that she would treasure. “I don’t think that’s any of your father’s business.” She turned to leave, but Rich stood and caught her by the arm.

“In that case,” he muttered, pulling her closer, “I think I’ll have another one.”

Rich entered the kitchen the next morning and found his grandmother making breakfast. Sam was nowhere in sight.

“Where’s Sam? Isn’t she going to eat breakfast before church?”

Lavinia kept her head down. “No. Said she had things to do this morning. We’re to go to church without her.”

“Damn!”

“That’s a fine how do you do, cursing on the Lord’s day, young man. What’s the matter with you?”

“I’m upset, Grandma, that I didn’t think of it before.”

“You didn’t think of cursing before? I’ve got a better memory than that, child. I even remember threatening to wash your mouth out with soap, so don’t—”

“No, not cursing, Grandma. I didn’t remember that Sam wouldn’t have anything to wear to church. That’s why she’s not going to church with us. Not because she doesn’t want to go.”

“You’re kidding!” Lavinia stared at him. “That’s the reason?”

“I would guess. You saw her entire wardrobe when you went through the duffel bag.”

“Mercy, I’d forgotten that. I just assumed— She doesn’t own a dress?”

He shook his head. She’d worn jeans last night. In fact, she’d been a little nervous about going to his parents’ welcome home party until he told her she needed to talk Lavinia into going. Maybe Sam’s nervousness had been because she didn’t have anything to wear but blue jeans.

When Lavinia raced past him, he realized he’d goofed again. He didn’t want his grandmother making a big deal about Sam’s lack of wardrobe. He hurried after, reaching Sam’s room right behind her.

“What is it, Lavinia? Is something wrong?” Samantha asked, standing and staring at his grandmother.

“There certainly is! Why didn’t you tell me why you turned down my invitation to church?”

“Uh, Grandma, maybe—” Rich began, seeing Sam’s cheeks flush in embarrassment.

Both women ignored him. “I’m not used to going to church, Lavinia. Is it a requirement of the job?” Samantha asked quietly.

“No, child, of course not. But Rich said you refused because you don’t have a dress to wear.”

“That’s true. I don’t want to embarrass you.”

“But I can—” Lavinia began.

“No. I’ll find something to wear before next week,
okay? And occasionally I’ll go to church with you.” Sam took Lavinia’s hands in hers and squeezed them.

Rich stood there watching Samantha reach out to his grandmother, anxious to make her happy, and smiled. He’d finally figured out that Samantha, with all her stiffness and determination, had a soft heart. She would deny it if Rich said anything, but she did.

“We’ll pick you up after church. We’re all going next door for lunch,” he said, watching her.

“No,” Sam said calmly, a word she frequently used with him. “I don’t want to intrude on family time.”

Lavinia chuckled. “Intrude? With that bunch? You’ll just be another one of the kids. Abby will be there, you know. She told me she hoped to spend more time with you. She likes you.”

“I like her, too, Lavinia, but I don’t think— She’ll want to concentrate on Russ.”

Rich cut to the chase. “You look fine. By the time we get there, everyone will have changed. We might even go for a ride.”

Her response proved how well he’d understood her. “You’re sure?”

Lavinia stared first at Samantha and then her grandson. “Of course he’s sure. Don’t expect me to get on a horse, but you young people will. We’ll pick you up at half past noon.” Then she leaned forward and kissed Samantha’s cheek.

“Come on down and eat breakfast,” Rich added. “Grandma’s cooked more food than necessary again. No reason to let it go to waste.”

Samantha agreed and followed them down the stairs.

“W
HERE’S
S
AM
?” Janie whispered to her mother as they sat side by side in the church pew.

“Home. Didn’t have anything to wear,” Lavinia said briefly in a whisper.

Pete frowned at Janie, and she didn’t pursue the conversation until after the sermon ended and everyone began filing out of the church.

“She thought she should dress up? Wear heels, nylons, stuff like that? We’re more casual than that,” Janie stated.

“You don’t get it, child. Neither did I. But to my amazement, Rich did.”

“Get what?”

“All she owns is blue jeans. Remember that duffel bag? She has a spare pair of jeans and a couple of T-shirts, and one pair of gym shoes.”

“Surely, she has—” Janie began with a frown. Then she stopped. “And Rich understood?”

“Yeah. I love the boy, but I’ve never thought of him as ultrasensitive. But I may have misjudged him.”

“Rich?” Janie called to her son who was several feet ahead of her.

He waited for her at the front door. They both shook the pastor’s hand and stepped outside. The day was gloomy, dark clouds were gathering.

“What is it, Mom?”

“How did you know Samantha didn’t have anything to wear?”

He shrugged his shoulders. “I guessed. She travels light.”

“No woman travels that light!” Janie exclaimed.

“Mom, Samantha doesn’t rely on anyone. She keeps to herself and tries to make sure she doesn’t owe any favors. She told me she moves around a lot.”

Pete returned to his wife’s side. Wrapping an arm around her, he asked, “What’s wrong, hon?”

Janie grabbed her husband’s arm. “Let’s go to the truck. I don’t want to say anything here.”

With a big man on each side, Janie said nothing else until Pete opened the passenger door of his pickup. Then she looked into her husband’s face and said, “Pete, Sam couldn’t come to church because all she has are blue jeans.”

He stared at his wife’s beautiful face, seeing tears in her eyes and slowly put her statement together. “That’s why she didn’t come to church?”

Janie nodded.

“Well, damn!” Pete said as he frowned. “We’ll just buy her some new clothes.”

Janie exchanged a look with Rich. She knew her husband’s heart. When their children needed something, Pete never hesitated to provide it unless Janie fought him, saying their children had to learn to provide for themselves. “You can’t do that.”

“Now, Janie, I can. You know we have enough money.”

“Dad, that’s not the problem.” Rich said. “
I
have enough money. Grandma has enough money, but Sam refused her offer. She said she’d buy something before next week.”

“Damn, I haven’t even told her her money’s in the bank,” Pete replied. “I opened an account for her be
fore we left for Hawaii and Brett should have deposited her salary in there, but I didn’t get her to sign the card. I’ll get her to do that today and then take it to the bank.”

“Oh, good,” Janie exclaimed. “I’ll buy her something as a present for taking care of Mom. That’s reasonable, and she can buy something if she wants.” She beamed at her husband. “That will work.”

“I’m not sure it will,” Rich said, still looking grim. “She tries to keep her belongings minimal, so she can carry everything. She’s pretty disciplined.”

This time it was Pete who recognized the problem. “She still doesn’t feel like she’s part of the family?”

“I think it’ll be a while before she feels that way.”

After standing there with his hands on his hips, Pete finally looked up. “It’s hard to think about not having anyone to turn to. Anyone who understands what you’re going through. Who can pitch in when you need help. Someone you can laugh with.”

“Yeah,” Rich agreed, his voice a little hoarse with emotion. “But she tries to help people, to reach out to them. She wanted Grandma to be happy this morning. That’s why she agreed to buy something.”

Pete cleared his throat. “Yeah. She’s a good girl.”

Janie hugged both her men. “We’ll fix her up.”

“It would help if everyone changes to casual clothes before we come to lunch today. And not say anything about her lack of clothes.”

“She’s coming to lunch?” Janie asked, pleasure on her face.

“Yeah, Mom, she’s coming. I think you love her more than me!” he added with a grin.

“Oh, you!” Janie exclaimed. “I’m just looking forward to taking Sam on a shopping trip. Anna, Megan and B.J. all have daughters to share with, but now I have someone to shop for.”

She climbed into the truck, beaming now, and Pete closed the door. “It’s a woman thing. I hope Sam doesn’t mind.”

“As long as Mom offers because she wants to reward her for taking care of Grandma, I think she’ll be okay.” Rich hoped that was true. He was beginning to realize how difficult life was for Sam. He wanted her to be happy.

S
AMANTHA WAS
neatly dressed in jeans and her blue T-shirt. Nearby was the jean jacket that had been her only coat. If she stayed until next winter— She broke off that thought. She hadn’t remained more than six months anywhere since her father died. She couldn’t think that far ahead.

Lavinia might not need a housekeeper much longer. It was clear to Samantha that a little attention and involvement in what was going on around her had made a big difference. And Samantha had some ideas for Lavinia’s future.

When Abby had been there last weekend, she’d expressed envy that Sam was learning to knit. Lavinia had offered to teach both of them how to crochet, too. Samantha decided there might be other young women
who’d be interested. If they offered a class a couple of nights a week, it might be a good thing.

She wanted to talk to Abby about it, but she didn’t think she should propose the idea herself. But Abby might agree. Now, she’d get to visit with Abby today.

She wasn’t sure she could stay much longer for another reason. Rich’s kiss last night had been as wonderful as the others, but it only made her want more. It wasn’t that Rich wouldn’t cooperate. He had initiated the kiss last night. The problem was she didn’t want to stop at just kissing.

Rich would insist on marriage if they took things further. Not because he wanted to marry but because he’d believe he’d have to. So if she invited him to make love to her, she knew she’d have to leave at once.

She’d love to stay here all her life, married to Rich. But having come to realize that she might be falling for him, she knew she couldn’t marry him when he didn’t love her. So, if she made the choice to sleep with Rich, she’d be back on the road soon after.

She heard Lavinia’s car driving down the dirt road. Quickly she checked her long braid to be sure her hair was tidy. And prayed that Rich was right about everyone being casual, maybe going for a ride. She wanted to blend in.

She’d used the time they were gone to scrub the kitchen, leaving enough time for a quick shower. She didn’t want Lavinia to think she’d slept the morning away.

Now she stepped to the door and opened it. “Morning. Are you coming in, or should I come out?”

“I need to collect some things I told Mildred I’d bring her,” Lavinia said as she slipped from behind the wheel. “She and I are making a quilt for Russ and Abby’s wedding present.”

“Oh, how wonderful, Lavinia. What a terrific idea!”

“You think so? Good. I’ll show you what I’ve gotten done.”

She kissed Samantha’s cheek as she hurried past her. Rich slowly followed his grandmother.

“Do you do it on purpose?” he asked as he approached her.

Her eyes widened as she stared at him. “Do what on purpose?”

“Make her feel good.”

Samantha stepped back, frowning. “I don’t understand.”

“Do you tell her what she does is wonderful because it will make her feel good, or because you really mean it?”

“Because I really mean it! How could you think—A homemade quilt is a rare thing. Why, people pay as much as five hundred dollars for one of those. And to have it made by her husband’s two grandmothers…That is something you can pass down to your children! Anyone who didn’t appreciate that would be an idiot!” She glared at him.

He chuckled. “That’s what I thought. How did you figure all that out when you never had a mother? When you’ve been alone for so long?”

She continued to glare at him. “Because I’m not an
idiot. I do okay, but I know what I’m missing! You need to appreciate your family more.”

Her assumption that he didn’t appreciate his family irritated him. “I do appreciate them.”

She turned her back on him and walked into the kitchen. He followed her, grabbing her arm to turn her to face him again. He stared into her green eyes, wondering what was eating her. “I love my family.”

“Like that’s hard,” she muttered.

“Listen, lady, I’m not stupid. I know they’re great, but it’s not always fun to have so many people keeping an eye on you. It’s not even just family. The entire community watched us grow up.”

“Poor you,” she said with mock sympathy.

He knew she’d had a hard life. He knew it. But he didn’t like her attitude. His grandmother already loved her. She should appreciate that more. He opened his mouth to tell her she was lucky and she, at the same time, jerked her arm from his grasp.

It wasn’t a conscious choice, he realized later. He pulled her back around and pressed her against his chest and lowered his lips to hers. And discovered that the magic he’d felt every time he kissed her had multiplied.

To his surprise, her arms went around his neck. As if she liked him kissing her. That boggled his mind. Even last night she’d initially resisted him. But not today. He knew he was wrong to keep kissing her, but she was addictive. He liked what was happening. It was lust, of course.

Any man could understand lust. He’d been without a woman a long time. She shifted, and he drew her closer,
between his legs. Imagining that they would reach the obvious conclusion of the kiss.

His hands began to roam her body, even touching her breasts through the T-shirt. The desire to sweep that material from her body, providing him with even more stimulation, was already moving him to catch the hem of her shirt and push it upward.

“Rich!” his grandmother said.

Rich dropped his arms from Samantha’s body and opened his eyes.

The shock in Sam’s green eyes reminded him of his inappropriate behavior. He was going to have to tell his dad he could never think of Sam as his sister. Never.

“Sorry.” He backed away. “Sorry,” he repeated.

Samantha continued to stare at him, her arms hanging numbly down her sides. He remembered the softness of them around his neck. He wanted them there again.