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Chapter 7JaseThirty days. That’s how much time has passed since the picnic in my living room. I took a chance, and that chance changed my life. She’s changed my life. Everything is better when I get to share it with Sam. I’ve seen her every day since the picnic, and all of those days are filled with the feel of her lips pressed against mine, and when I get to hold her, it’s as if everything is right in my world.
I told her I wasn’t sure what love felt like, but I’m confident now that I do.
Love is Samantha.
My Samantha.
I’m head over heels in love with her and tonight I’m going to tell her.
I had to rally the troops, which is why my mom, sister, and brother-in-law are all standing in my kitchen. “Pulling out the big guns,” Kacen says with a nod of approval.
“When do we get to meet her? You’ve been hiding her from us,” my sister, Logan, says.
“You live across the street,” I remind her. “She’s here all the time.”
“I know, but I don’t want to come over and see something that will blind me,” she teases.
“Well, you’ve wasted your efforts,” I tell her.
Kacen whistles.
“You love her.” My mom smiles.
“I do. That’s why you’re here. I’m going to make us dinner with your help and tell her tonight.” My sister pulls me into a hug. “Where are the kids?” I ask her.
“Cole and Stacy took them to the aquarium today.”
“Yeah, I was looking forward to some quality time with my wife until you called,” Kacen grumbles.
“Oh, hush.” Logan waves her hand in the air at him.
“Focus.” Mom claps her hands. “We’ve got work to do.”
That’s all it takes for us to get busy. I didn’t really need Mom and Logan, but how could I ask one and not the other? And Kacen, well, he goes where my sister goes. I used to call him a pussy for it, but it’s all making sense to me. One day I’ll tell him so, but for now, I need to get busy making homemade beef stew and homemade rolls. Sam once told me that her grandma used to make it when she was little, and she loved it. She said it was one of the comfort foods that always brought back great memories.
I hope tonight is just another memory to add to the list along with those from her childhood. It’s fitting since it’s the start of the next chapter of her life. At least, I hope she thinks so.* * *My house smells like a home. That’s the first thing I notice when I come downstairs after grabbing a shower. The aroma of the beef stew has my stomach grumbling. I look at the clock and see it’s just after four. I’m anxious to see Sam. Last night her best friend Carrie stayed over at her place. Carrie is visiting from San Francisco. She was here yesterday for a meeting and was flying home this afternoon. The plan is for Sam to take her to the airport, then come here. Sam and I had lunch yesterday, but that was the last time I saw her.
The beeping sound of the intercom tells me that someone is coming through the gate. I gave her the code. I want her to have full access to me anytime she wants it. Always.
Heading toward the garage, I hit the opener on my wall. I smile when she pulls into her spot and hit the button to close the door. Cold garage floor be damned as, barefooted, I make my way to her. As soon as she’s out of the car, I’m pulling her into my arms. “I missed you.”
She chuckles. “I missed you too.” She steps out of my hold, closing her door, only to open the back door to retrieve her overnight bag. She doesn’t have time to put it on her shoulder before I’m taking it from her hands and leading her into the house. “What smells so good?”
“I made dinner.”
“You?” she teases.
“Okay, so Mom and Logan came over and helped me. Kacen too, but he was more of an observer.”
“What are we having?”
“Beef stew, salad, and homemade rolls. And,” I add before she can comment. “I made a red velvet cake from scratch.”
“I’m impressed, player,” she says, wrapping her arms around my waist. “I can’t believe you made some of my favorites. Again.”
“Of course, I did.” Dropping a kiss to her temple, I pull away. “I’m going to take your bag upstairs. Salad’s made up. Go ahead and start. I’ll be right back.” I race up the steps and back down to her. She catches me up on her time with Carrie while we eat our salads.
“Oh, God,” she moans over her first bite of stew. “This is so good.” She takes another bite.
