Begin Again | Sam Wilson

Chapter Twenty Eight

The first thing Brianna noted about Louisiana was the hot, humid air. She had barely been outside for five minutes and she could already feel sweat forming. The heat wasn't the worst heat she had ever experienced, but it was certainly up there. The second thing she noticed was how green, lush and alive everything seemed. She kept her eyes peeled out the window of Sam's truck the entire time taking it in the forests and marshes. While humid, the air almost seemed fresher.

Sam kept sneaking glances at Brianna while she rested her arms against the window and laid her head down. Her eyes were closed as she allowed the breeze to wash over her face. He wouldn't say it out loud, but he had not seen her that relaxed in a while. Her hair was curling at the ends from the humidity. More freckles had seemingly formed on her face even though she had only been in the sun for less than an hour. He reached over and interlaced his fingers with her's.

"What do you think?" He asked.

"I'm loving it so far. I can see why you wanted me to come with you." She answered.

Sam's lips curled into an elated grin. "Well, you haven't even seen the best parts of it yet."

He was right, of course. They turned down a long driveway that had trees on either side of it. Spanish moss hung from the branches and would gently sway when the wind would blow. Behind a weeping willow tree was a two story house. It looked to be a shade of light blue with white, narrow pillars. Rocking chairs sat on the front porch making it seem even more inviting. In the distance she could make out a dock extending out into open water.

"Looks like Sarah isn't here. She's probably at the marina if I had to guess. I could show you the house now or we can just wait until later." Sam said.

"Later is fine with me."

"The marina is only five minutes from here." He said as he started the truck up again and started driving.

It was early in the morning and the marina was already busy with people. Brianna had to remind herself that fishing was some people's job and that they had to get up early to start casting their nets and traps. She could see an older, almost dingy looking ship docked at the marina. When she saw the familiar names of Sam's parents painted on the side, she realized it belonged to his family. A yellow sign with 'Wilson Family Seafood' hung from a covered awning where she supposed they would sell the catch of the day.

Brianna swallowed dryly as Sam parked the truck. Nothing could prepare her for meeting his sister. She just wanted Sarah to like her. Sam was quicker to get out than her and came to her side to open her door for her.

"Hey," he said softly. "They're going to love you. I promise."

Just as she stepped foot on the concrete, two little boys came running up to Sam yelling 'Uncle Sam!' She watched from the side as he hugged who she assumed were his nephews.

"That's right. Uncle Sam, you're back early. What's going on? You got mom's sneaky look on your face." Sarah spoke.

Brianna could feel herself growing nervous as her eyes landed on his sister. She was around her age, maybe a little older. She watched as his sister threw Sam a pretty smile. Sam looked over his shoulder and motioned at Brianna to come over. When she did, Sarah looked right at her. Sarah studied the woman standing in front of her carefully. She was shorter than Sarah. She stood with her hands clasped in front of her and Sarah got the sense she was nervous.

"Ummm, hi. I'm Brianna Barton, your brother's...girlfriend." Brianna said awkwardly and stuck her hand out to shake Sarah's.

Sarah shook it and gave her a warm smile. "Well, it's nice to finally meet you. I'm Sarah."