SAM

Stamping

Bryan Senior's visit was filled with excitement as he came bearing gifts for all. Sam had a dinner party and invited George and Cecile who was already showing a little. They enjoyed a wonderful meal.

The next day they had a barbecue at George's while they stamped the yearlings. Sandra and Cecile laughed as Sam in riding skirts with the help of the boys she had taught to rope kept stealing the calves from the men. Bryan roped her pulling her to him but she punched him playfully and went around branding with her young group of admirers. By the time it was time to eat she looked like a wild thing, but her flushed face and her bright eyes made her look exquisite in Bryan's eyes who suddenly wished they were home and in their bed. Sam hugged his waist and walked with him to the house, where they went up to take a bath. Cecile came in while she was bathing and brought her some fresh clothes.

"Thank you Cecile! God I've had so much fun today, I really missed working with the boys--how have you been feeling?" Cecile smiled knowing Sam's uncontrollable speed while she talked was proportional to the excitement she felt and obviously today she was over-excited.

"I feel fine, no morning sickness, no dizziness." Cecile said proudly.

"I'm so glad! How's George taking it?" Sam asked wondering how her father had reacted to Cecile's pregnancy.

"At first he was in shock--I think he is afraid another strong-headed woman is coming to make his life hell." Cecile laughed as Sam stuck her tongue out at her mocking words.

"Get out of here! If you have a daughter she will be the model of manners and grace. Now those two wild beasts I'm bringing up will drive her crazy!" Sam laughed as she got out of the tub.

Cecile gave her a towel and watched as Sam dried herself vigorously. Her stomach had flattened and her waist was as small as ever only her breasts where heavier from the milk they carried. Sam changed oblivious to Cecile's close scrutiny. If it weren't for the fact that she was giving milk, you would never believe Sam had given birth to two boys.

"Cecile, what is it?" Sam asked her catching her staring.

"Nothing" Smiled Cecile feeling embarrassed.

"Please don't tell me I'm too thin, if one more person does I'll scream." Sam pleaded, her eyes filled with laughter.

"I think you look great" Cecile said and sighing hopefully continued, "I just hope I can bounce back like you and not end up looking like a fat pig!"

"Cecile! Really! You shouldn't worry about anything! I am sure that as soon as you give birth you will be as light as a bird." Sam took her hand and pulled her from the chair making her stand before the mirror.

"Enjoy this. I loved to see my body grow with the baby, well in my case babies. You are going to be a mother and that small seed growing in there is your love shared with my father. My sister or brother is growing there and I don't want them feeling guilty because they make you look like a cow for a month or two." Sam said at first seriously then playfully as she hugged Cecile.

"Sam--I miss you!" Cecile said almost in tears.

"I'll come more often soon. The boys are getting too big for me to breast feed alone, they are getting more aggressive and I am sure we will soon have to substitute my milk for a cows!" Sam said pulling Cecile toward the door. Sam didn't want to feel sad today they were enjoying a wonderful evening with George and Cecile and would be leaving early in the morning.

When they went down Sam sat with Harry and Dan for a while to catch up on things. Both had taken a peek at the boys and where as proud of them as George. Harry felt his love for Sam grow. His wild girl was now a mother and to look at her you wouldn't believe it, yet she hadn't lost her thirst for life and spunk. They shared a couple of jokes some which Dan didn't get which only made Sam laugh even louder.

Bryan sat by his father and George and talked about the ranches but kept looking in Sam's direction every time he heard her laughter. He was glad she was having a good time. The babies kept her in the house a lot and even though she had never complained Bryan knew Sam longed to be outdoors. Sam looked in his direction and gave him a stunning smile. Bryan felt his breath catch. She is so beautiful! The sun had tanned her face and her eyes shone with happiness and excitement. He watched as she got up and walked toward him, her stride long and determined. That was something that hadn't changed in her, her careless way of walking with no worry and when she leaned against the doorway sometimes, he remembered the first time he had seen her do that at her father's house. "I'm going to see the babies, I'll be back in a minute." Sam whispered to his ear.

Bryan held her hand and pulled her down making her sit by him. "Why don't you let Ann fuss over them? You know she'll call you if she needs anything. Stay here by me, I haven't had the pleasure of your company." Sam looked wistfully at the house then at her husband. Bryan was right if Ann needed help she would have fetched her. She settled by him and got absorbed in the conversation.

Lunch was a feast for kings, steaks and sweet potato pie, chicken and potatoes, She was ready to go for a second plate when Ann called her. Sam placed her plate on the table and excusing herself ran up to the house. Bryan followed her movements, he knew she had left hungry. He had his lunch then fixed a plate for her and walked to the house. Bryan went up to Sam's room and found her sleeping; the babies in the crib asleep too. Bryan placed the plate on the table saddened by the fact that it would be too cold for Sam to eat and not willing to wake her. Taking off his boots, he snuggled beside her, loving her everyday more. He couldn't imagine his life without her. Everyday he looked forward to holding her and seeing her and seeing and holding their sons. Sam had made his life complete and all he wanted was to make her blissfully happy. Feeling his presence Sam turned and placed her head on his chest. Bryan played with her hair and thought about his mother's words. He would set everything up with George, Harry and Lou so he could go back home with his parents, he wanted to make sure Sam and Jane met under civil circumstances although knowing both women he didn't believe that would ever happen. Bryan sighed, he hated the fact that Jane had to be part of their life. He knew Sam bristled every time she heard the name and although he felt flattered, he worried about how she would behave faced with Jane.