SAM

Cecile wrung her hands, she knew they would end up yelling at each other but still got nervous every time they went at it. She sat on the bench beside the library door where she could hear everything being said inside.

"I want you to stop this foolishness and accept your role and get married!"

"Married? Do you expect me to grab just any partner and drag them down the aisle? Never!"

"Sam I won't put up with this situation anymore, it's time you found someone to share your life with."

"Why? Am I bothering you? Don't I earn my keep? I work from sunup to sundown like every other man in this ranch. Why the rush to get rid of me?"

"I want to marry Cecile -- but it feels awkward to go down the aisle again while you haven't -- even tried."

"That's your problem. I am not going to get married so you can feel good about your marriage. I'll have nothing to do with it. I like Cecile, I wouldn't mind her taking over this house and you, but I will not be thrown into a marriage by anyone, not even you!"

Cecile heard a bang, she knew George had just lost his temper. She stood up to walk in, in case things got out of hand.

"Dammit Sam! You are twenty!"

"Glad you know my age, but I will mot marry."

Cecile looked up feeling exasperated, why wouldn't George give this up?

"You will! I have had enough of this nonsense, I am your father and I am also the one who sets down the rules--"

Cecile held her breath when she heard the pause, he was going to make one of his foolish decrees he blurted out every time he was pushed to the limits of his patience.

"If you don't make an effort of finding someone--- I will not let you work here anymore!"

"Fine!"

Cecile imagined Sam ready to rise from the chair, one of these days they would go too far!

"If what you want is to get rid of me -- I will oblige. I am sure someone will hire me, after all-- I do have experience."

"Sure, someone will hire you -- when hell freezes over! I will make sure no one hires you!"

Cecile heard the scratch of the chair and the bang of it falling over, and knew Sam would be out in a moment.

"Sam! Come back! I am not finished with you!"

The door was thrown open and she watched the young figure walk out in long determined strides. Knowing better than to interfere she sucked her breath in watching the hands balled in anger, head down, mumbling, chin tucked and the mouth set so tight a small muscle balled at the jaw, slide in front of her. She followed Sam and watched as she collided with the stranger.

"Excuse me! I was not watching where I was going."

"Apology accepted, could you direct me to the whereabouts of a Miss Cecile?"

"Yes, last time I looked she was standing like a statue by the library door --- there she is, that is Miss Cecile." Sam said pointing towards Cecile who was walking slowly towards them, unwilling to rush her pace.

"And you are?" He asked extending his hand

"Sam" they shook hands.

The man,s eyes shot up to look at the fellow, small hands but a firm shake. "Bryan" he said as an introduction.

Steel colored eyes flecked in gold stared at him, it seemed like this Sam character was going to say something yet in a blink reached the fence untied the horse that had been waiting there and once mounted headed to the main gate. Bryan turned to look back at the house and the woman he had come to see, Miss Cecile. He smiled watching the redhead heading toward him, you had to appreciate the coloring and contrast in the woman, full bodied, white skinned and beautiful green eyes, gracefully she approached him and he found a smile forming.