A CowBoys Rose

25

Sams P.O.V

"Evening everyone!" We all look up at Thomas coming over to us, its been so damn busy I didn't see him come in! He leans down kissing Trudy's head and rubs her stomach.

We all decided we'd come down for the Christmas gathering the town pulled together.
I didnt much want to watch the carols, but Caroline wanted to listen so I came in with the girls.
Caroline loved it so I spose I didnt mind so much.
And now, we've got the Piano going, games of poker all over and a lot of whiskey and ales everywhere.
We don't normally join in with these festivities. But Caroline just kept asking and asking!
Even Chris decided to join us which surprised me.
But I'm glad we came. Its actually not been bad.
I light up my cigarette and look over at Caroline dancing around with Daniel. Both of them laughing as their applauded as they rush around the space everyone made.
"Look at the difference that little ladies made to your life" I look over to Thomas and smile.
Trudy smiles over to me "shes defiantly made a difference to mine... One of my brothers has grown up and the others finally happy"
"She made a difference to more than just us... She's uh... She's everything I didnt think an English women was"
Chris nods "amen! Now! I'm going to dance with your wife. I gave you your warning, so you start throwing punches I'll get your brother to arrest ye!"
I laugh "she can look after herself plenty. Trust me I know"
The men around the table laugh. Trudy just goes red and tries look busy with the tassle of her shall.
"You alright Trudy?"
She nods "of course. I just wish I could join in a bit with all the fun"
Thomas takes her hand and brings it to his lips "you want to go home?"
"No! Your not going home" I stand up and offer my hand "come on little lady. Come dance with your brother"
She shakes her head "I can't Sam. My back hurts"
I bend down "Trudy O'Reilly! Get yourself out that chair! Ive done nothing to hurt you in your life yet. I won't start now"
She stares at me just looking tired. And she isn't one to moan if she's Ill or hurt. So it must be playing on her some!
But she stands up and takes my hand. I wink and head over to where Caroline's now being spun around like a tornado by Chris. Trudy laughs, he dont want to drop her!
I turn to Trudy and she puts her hand on my shoulder and the other in my hand "this is embarrassing Sam"
"What is? Your dancing with your brother" I know she didnt mean that, but I ignore the watery eyes... "Just... Stand there. One second! Just wait!"
I head over to Gorden on the Piano "hey, Gorden, slow it down"
He frowns but nods.
I smile back at her and she just shakes her head. Taking her hand again and slowly start going side to side with her "this alright?"
"This is perfect" she leans into my chest and I go by her pace "I'm scared Sam"
I know "you'll be fine... I know you will. The only thing your going to need to worry about is where to put all them damn blankets my wifes made you"
She laughs "I think she's excited... Are you worried?"
"Worried? About?"
"You haven't... Well are you trying?"
I sigh and look over at Caroline whos still dancing with Chris, and their just laughing "she uh... She wants to wait a while to make sure the ranch is successful and to get everything done first. Which, I understand, you know. She's puts all this time and money into this. I guess she wants to see it done"
"And you?"
"I... I'm not going to stop what she wants to do Trudy. Of course it'll be nice to have kids, damn! If it, was, my decision, shed be pregnant now... But... Thats something she needs to want more than me"
She nods "your a good husband Sam"
I smile and put my arm out, turning her slowly "and you! Will be a fantastic ma!"
She chuckles "I hope so... Right. I think I'm finished with all this fun!" I chuckle and kiss her hand "thank you sam"
"Your most welcome!"
"Is it my turn?"
I turn to Caroline who smiles at us. Trudy hugs her "be my guest! we're going to head home. We'll be at the house for 3 tomorrow alright? Merry Christmas Caroline"
She smiles and holds Trudy tight "merry Christmas Trudy. Well see you tomorrow"
We dance until were both red in the face and have a layer of sweat covering both of us. Having both fast dances and slow. I had to sit down. Apparently she doesn't need to have a break! She dances with anyone who wants to! I dont understand it but I'm pretty sure she danced with everyone here! To the point I had people buying, me, drinks because of how wonderful she was.
And now! I have Daniel holding me up!
I can't help but laugh! Can't even walk in a straight damn line!
"I haven't seen you this drunk in years!" He laughs trying to push me onto the carriage...
"I can't remember the last time... Its that wife of mine! Shes... Shes a bad influence!"
He laughs and pushes he hard and I fall over the side, lying in the carriage "you know as well as me that's not true!"
Mmm... It is! She makes me want to do all kinda things! "You know... I love that women! Why the hell did she choose me?! Im... Im just... I'm living on her Ranch... Shes buying all the cattle... What do I do?"
"Sam, shut up! She doesn't think that of you, so you shouldn't! Now I'm going to get your wife so we can get you home"
Mm.... Yeah you do that...

"Sam?"
"Mmm"
"Sam!"
"What?!"
"Were home!"
Are we? I look up and see the Ranch... Well I'll be damn! That was fast!
"Look at the state of you!" I look over at Rosie whos shaking her head at me "why'd you drink so much?"
"Because I wanted to. So keep that shut"
"Sam!" I get warned "if you're going to be like that, you can sleep out here"
I look over at Caroline "I promise right now, that won't happen... Now... I! Need to go to bed!" Daniel gets to take my arm but I pull it away! I'm able!
... Wow!
I hit the ground and groan "whyd the damn floor hit me! God damn!"
My arms are grabbed and I'm put to my feet "you deserved that!" Daniel laughs.
"Put him to bed please!"
"What? Caroline, wait! Caroline!" Ah shit! "Well! Shes mad at me"
"Shes calmer than I'd be!"  Rosie grabs my other arm and gets me on my feet.
"Rosie" I look back at Harriot and she puts her head down.
"What is it Harriot! I got to get him in!"
"Dont... Miss Caroline... Dont let..."
I stare at her... "What?" Dont let what?!
Harriot's now shaking and I just... I dont get it. Shes never been like this before.
Daniels sighs "he can sleep on the couch"
"What?! The hell I will! Why would I do that?!"
"Because Caroline doesn't deserve her husband to be like this!" Harriot shouts before running... The hell?!
"What's her problem!"
"Her husband used to come Home drunk and beat her. Maybe that'll be it?"
What? I wouldn't beat her, I'm... I'm... "She thinks I'd hit Caroline?" I wouldn't touch her! I'd sooner damn die! "You know I wouldn't hit her... Right?"
"No Sam, we know you wouldn't. Let's get you to sleep"