23. Samantha
Sam was curled up on Alice Cassidy’s family room loveseat with Ezra sleeping in her arms as the sun went down on Christmas Day.
Wolf sat beside her, his arm over the back of the loveseat like he wanted to wrap it around her.
Amelia lounged on the floor at their feet, with Justin and Nick. Nick’s dog, Zipper, was asleep across her lap.
The rest of the room was absolutely packed with members of the Cassidy family. Wolf’s parents had gotten delayed by the storm, but Sam had met so many of Wolf’s other relatives today that she was sure she’d never remember their names. And there were also plenty of familiar faces from town and some from the center, too.
Wolf had said his Aunt Alice liked a full house on Christmas, but Sam suspected the real truth was that the tender-hearted lady couldn’t imagine letting anyone be alone during the holidays. And Sam couldn’t imagine a better place to be taken in, no matter the reason.
Guests overflowed into the kitchen and the dining room, and the kids had been running around up and downstairs all day. But everyone’s attention was focused on the family room right now.
In spite of the room being so full, it was comfortably silent except for the crackling of the fireplace and the sound of Alice Cassidy’s gentle voice reading the Christmas story aloud.
When she was finished, she closed her eyes and smiled for a moment, her joy palpable, before closing the good book and handing it to her husband, Joe, who obligingly placed it on the shelf.
“Now it’s time for cookies ,” Joe said, his eyes twinkling as he turned back to the gathered crowd.
The children all squealed with delight and peeled themselves off the floor or exploded out of the seats and laps where they had been perched, delighted to show off the treats they had helped to prepare.
“Our peppermint brownies,” Amelia sang out, turning to Sam.
“They’re on the back porch,” Wolf told her. “Come on, we’ll grab them.”
Sam had been almost scandalized at the sheer number of brownies Wolf wanted to make with Amelia. But now that she saw how many people were there, she understood that you had to make plenty and cut them up awfully small if you wanted there to be enough for everyone who wanted to sample your offering.
Someone started playing “Jingle Bells” on the piano in the front parlor and all over the house grown-up Cassidy kids started singing—no matter their ability—making their children laugh.
“We’re a lot,” Wolf’s cousin Shane’s wife, Natalie, said to Sam with a sympathetic smile.
“This is incredible,” Sam told her, earning a big smile from Natalie. “I’m so happy to be here.”
“He fits right in, doesn’t he?” Natalie asked, turning her gaze to Ezra, who was sleeping through all the excitement as if he went to big, noisy family parties every day.
“I think he was born for this,” Sam said, gazing fondly at the sweet boy in her arms.
“He feels safe and happy,” Natalie said quietly.
That was the kind of compliment that felt so good it almost hurt. Sam felt such a bond with Ezra, and it was hard not to think of him as hers . His dad too, if she was being honest with herself.
But things would progress in their own time. Wolf had told her: This is as serious as it gets. And she knew to her bones that he was a man of his word. If things kept going the way they were now, maybe they would be ready to take the next step in a year or two. The time would pass either way, and she and Amelia would be grateful to have their two favorite guys in their life in the meantime as they all got to know each other better and better.
“And everyone is so happy to have Wolf home,” Natalie added. “I hear you’re responsible for convincing him to stick around for good.”
“I’m doing my best,” Sam said, feeling her cheeks heat.
“I’m going to go help with the coffee,” Natalie said, patting Sam’s shoulder.
“Should I help too?” Sam offered, moving to get up.
“Not a chance,” Natalie told her. “You’re doing the most important work, taking care of the little one.”
Sam smiled up at yet another new friend, and hoped maybe they would see more of each other. She seemed to remember that Natalie and her family lived here on the farm.
The next thing Sam knew, the coffee table in front of her was covered with so many trays of homemade cookies, candies, and treats that she wondered if it would hold up under all the weight. And it didn’t stop there. Kids were pouring into the room to place more plates on the end tables and even up on the mantel.
Amelia’s face was radiant as people placed the brownies she and Wolf had made on their napkins along with other goodies. Sam could only watch her in complete wonder.
Was it really possible that they had been in the hospital until late last night?
Wolf had dropped them at their apartment so late on Christmas Eve that Sam was afraid midnight would come and go, and it would be officially Christmas with her sister still awake. But she was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
Wolf promised to be back for them first thing in the morning, if they felt up to sharing their Christmas Day.
Naturally, Amelia had woken up early—full of happy energy and delighted to go to Wolf’s house and bake enough brownies to feed an army, while Sam amused Ezra and they all sang along with the radio.
Wolf came over to her now with a small plate piled with treats, and a mug of coffee. They shared both, enjoying the sweet feast and the sounds of amazement amongst the gathering as various family members tried to guess mystery ingredients, and swapped funny baking stories.
“You two,” Joe said, when their mug of coffee was empty. “Can you help out in the barn?”
“The barn?” Sam echoed.
“Tonight is the second annual Cassidy Christmas Night Barn Dance,” Wolf told her. “And we’ve just been volunteered to make sure everything is ready out there.”
“I’ll take the little feller off your hands,” Joe offered.
“No, no,” Wolf said quickly. “He can come with us. Amelia too, I think.”
Sam braced herself for her sister to want to stay with her friends and her unbelievable haul of sweets.
“Definitely,” Amelia said instead, hopping up and abandoning her pile of sugary treasure without a second look. “Let’s go.”
A few minutes later, they were bundled up, flashlights in hand, heading out through the snowy night to the barn.
Sam held Ezra cradled to her chest, the little fellow was awake but sleepy after his diaper change and bottle.
Amelia strode ahead. Normally the playful little girl would be kicking at the snow, announcing that she could see her breath, or even making shadow animals with her flashlight or asking to stop and make a snowman.
Sam figured that her baby sister must be getting tired at last after all the activity and excitement of the last few days. That was probably why she was marching deliberately down the path through the snow to the barn like she was late for a meeting or something.
As they got closer, Sam saw the glow coming from just ahead. The warm light spilling out onto the snow made the barn look cozy and warm. Sam wasn’t sure how much help she would be with Ezra in her arms, but she was happy to do what she could to make the dance a success.
Wolf jogged ahead and opened the door, and Amelia ran to meet him, jumping up and down in place a little with delight.
Sam couldn’t help smiling back at her, so glad that her sister was happy and healthy.
“After you,” Wolf told her.
Sam stepped into the barn and looked around in amazement.
There were strands of lights hung from the ceiling and walls, so that it looked like the barn was under a sea of stars. Chairs had been set up all around the perimeter of the barn, as well as hay bales draped in soft blankets. The close wall even had a table with an assortment of musical instruments laid out on it.
“I don’t know what else we could do to make this nicer,” she said softly. “It’s beautiful.”
When she turned back to Wolf to see what he had in mind, he was kneeling in front of her.
Amelia stood by his side, smiling and practically quivering with excitement.
“Samantha Green,” Wolf said, his blue eyes filled with hope and love. “I know this might seem sudden, but I think I have reason to hope. You said to me once that you could only be with me if it was serious.”
Sam tried to answer, but there was a giant lump in her throat and she couldn’t speak, so she just nodded her head.
“Samantha, I’m so serious that I won’t be happy until I’ve put a ring on your finger,” he told her. “Now, I’ve asked for your sister’s blessing, and she approves.”
Amelia nodded up and down with a solemn expression.
Sam couldn’t help the tears that escaped her eyes and slid down her face at that. She hadn’t thought of it in years, but when she was a girl she dreamed of a man asking her father for her hand.
Wolf asking Amelia now meant just as much—maybe more. And it filled an empty space in her heart she hadn’t even known was there, healing one more hurt from the loss that had taken so much from them, and opening her heart to all the wonderful things the future might hold.
“So, there’s nothing left to do but to ask you… to beg you, Samantha,” Wolf went on, his voice rougher now with emotion. “Will you marry me, please?”
“Yes,” she breathed. “Yes.”
Wolf slid a ring onto her finger and then rose, sweeping her up in his arms, baby and all.
Sam was blinded by her own tears, feeling like she could float to the rafters of the barn with happiness.
“Hit the lights, Amelia,” Wolf murmured before pressing his lips to the crown of Sam’s head.
Amelia scampered off to flip a switch that didn’t seem to do anything a few times, and then ran back to them, wrapping her arms around Wolf’s waist.
“Get up here,” he said, placing Sam on the floor so he could pick her sister up and twirl her around too, making them both laugh.
When he put her down again, she ran over to Sam.
“Ezra,” Amelia said softly.
The sleepy baby wiggled at the sound of her voice and Sam crouched down so that the kids could see each other.
“Ezra, when I’m your big sister, I’ll look out for you,” Amelia told him tenderly. “Just like Sam takes care of me.”
Sam just managed to choke back a sob and smile at her brave, beautiful baby sister, who was so ready to open her heart. Amelia bent to press a kiss to the baby’s forehead and Sam looked over at Wolf, whose eyes were shining, like hers.
A moment later, the barn doors opened, and the guests poured in, everyone exclaiming and applauding the happy couple and the children who already made them feel like a family.
“Everyone knew?” Sam whispered.
“My aunt and uncle knew,” Wolf told her gruffly. “I said if you told me yes, Amelia would flash the lights outside the barn, and they could tell everyone and come on over.”
“And if I’d said no?” Sam asked.
“I tried not to think about that,” Wolf said, shaking his head.
“I could never have said no,” she admitted softly.
His eyes flashed with satisfaction.
But his Uncle Joe rushed up to slap him on the back before he could say anything more. And soon they were so overtaken with well-wishers there was no hope of continuing the conversation.
Sam smiled as she accepted hugs and congratulations from so many friendly faces—some familiar and some still new to her.
“ Ho, ho, ho ,” someone called out loudly from the doorway.
The crowd parted and everyone got quiet as a very familiar young man slipped inside, leading a beautiful black and white border collie on a leash.
“Ransom,” Sam breathed, realizing who it was and what it meant.
“ Today, I’m Santa’s helper,” Ransom said. “ And I’m looking for Amelia Green.”
Amelia looked up at Sam, her eyes wide with wonder.
“Really?” she whispered.
Sam nodded, tears prickling her eyes all over again.
“ Ohmygoodness, ohmygoodness ,” Amelia squealed, stopped to wrap her arms around her sister and squeeze before she darted off for her new best friend.
“How did you do this so quickly?” Sam asked Wolf.
“You built a community of veterans,” he told her gruffly. “And we come through for our own.”
They followed Amelia and Sam’s heart melted as she watched her little sister throw herself on the barn floor and the dog leap into her arms as if they were meant to be together.
“What’s her name?” Amelia was asking, as they got closer.
“This is Shadow,” Ransom told her. “She’s very smart, and she’s going to learn to do all kinds of great things. I’ll be by once a week to help you train her, okay?”
“ Wow, ” Amelia said. “Shadow, what a great name. You’re a good dog, Shadow.”
Sam looked up at Ransom and mouthed the words thank you , not trusting herself not to burst out sobbing all over again.
Wolf had brought up getting Amelia a seizure alert dog back in the hospital while she was sleeping. They knew that her new medication should all but eliminate the risk of another big seizure, but a dog could help put all their minds at ease.
Of course Sam had been all for it, but she knew that a trained animal would be expensive, and there would probably be a long wait.
Wolf had mentioned something about having a connection. But Sam had never dreamed that the connection would be someone so close to home, and that Ransom would be so willing and able to help quickly.
She was thrilled for her sister. Now that bigger seizures were a possibility, Shadow would provide a measure of reassurance to them all.
Though she couldn’t help wondering how she was going to pay for such a valuable animal.
“ She’s a gift, ” Wolf murmured to Sam as if he had read her mind.
“That’s too much,” Sam said immediately.
“Nothing is too much for that wonderful girl,” Wolf said, shaking his head.
There was so much emotion in his voice that Sam couldn’t argue. Instead, she leaned on his shoulder to watch Amelia and Shadow joyfully get to know each other.
As the evening went on, the family sang Christmas carols with the kids, to the acoustic guitar stylings of Natalie and led by her son, Wyatt.
When that was done, someone else picked up a fiddle and a dark-haired young man grabbed a stand-up bass that was leaned against the corner.
One by one, couples went out to the floor, unable to resist the upbeat folk tunes that filled the barn with happy noise.
Sam had been chatting with Sheriff Cal’s wife, Angel, who had a sleepy baby in her arms too, when Wolf escaped the crew of men he had been talking and laughing with and grabbed his aunt by the elbow to approach Sam.
“May I have this dance?” he asked her.
“And may I have the baby?” Aunt Alice asked, her eyes twinkling.
Sam automatically glanced over to where her sister had been playing with the dog.
But Amelia was curled up asleep on one of the hay bales, her new bestie curled up around her, that warm furry body probably keeping her toasty warm.
She smiled at the sweet sight.
“I’d love to dance,” Sam said.
She handed Ezra carefully over to his Great-Aunt Alice and turned back to her fiancé.
Years from now, Sam might not remember what they wore, or exactly which of their friends were among the happy crowd, laughing and dancing that night. After all, there would be so many more Christmas barn dances and so many more occasions that touched their hearts.
But even if she forgot the shimmering lights twinkling on the ceiling, or which song was the first to be played on a lone guitar that night, Sam would never forget being swept up in Wolf’s arms.
He led her effortlessly, pulling her in like the moon draws the tide, spinning her out and dipping her so low she could only laugh until she was breathless at this lighthearted display from her strong and serious soon-to-be husband.
“Are you laughing at me?” he asked, his deep voice teasing as he lifted her out of another deep dip.
“I like this side of you,” she gasped, unable to repress her smile.
“What side of me?”
“I don’t know,” she said. “A side that lets go. A side that just has fun.”
“That side didn’t exist before you,” he told her. “You and Ezra and Amelia brought it to life.”
They weren’t dancing anymore. He had pulled her close and his eyes were so serious.
“Before you, the things in my life were all stuff I could control,” he told her. “Discipline was the most important tool when it came to my work. But I had myself fooled into thinking that if I could apply myself tirelessly without ever making a mistake, nothing bad could happen in my personal life either.”
“And now?” she whispered.
“The only things that matter to me are outside of myself,” he said simply. “I still plan to work like an animal, so I can provide for you and the kids. But no amount of discipline could have brought me Ezra, or you, or Amelia. The three of you are a gift, and I’m grateful for every moment together, for every breath you take.”
She could feel the truth of what he said. He didn’t have to bring up the scare with Amelia for her to understand.
“The most important things in life aren’t earned,” she agreed thoughtfully. “We have to take them on faith, and enjoy every second.”
“Speaking of which,” Wolf said. “Is there any chance you would be okay with a wedding sooner rather than later? I don’t want to step on any dreams you might have of a big, fancy?—”
“Sooner is better,” she cut in. “And big is fine since you have this enormous family, but I don’t like fancy.”
“I would do it tonight if my parents were here,” he murmured, pulling her closer.
“I think we need a license or something,” she said, feeling her cheeks burn.
“As soon as we can then,” he said, cupping her cheek and tilting her face up to look at him.
A smile was teasing at the corners of his lips, and she was pretty sure he was laughing at her for blushing so much.
“I can’t wait to spend forever with you, Samantha,” he told her.
Then he was bending close, slowly as if to give her a chance to pull back, like she had done the first time he tried, what felt like a million years ago.
Sam went up on her toes to meet him instead, and Wolf smiled as he bridged the small distance left between them.
He kissed her until she was breathless and the sounds of their friends cheering them on faded from her ears.
And somehow, wrapped in the arms of an incredible man, in this humble barn, in a tiny town far from the city where she grew up, Samantha Green knew for certain she was home.
***
Thanks for reading Soldier’s Christmas Baby!