His Chritmas Angel

The story of a lost girl and her rancher that finds her

Jake and his niece Katie were walking down mainstreet. he hadnt really been in town in the last year. He stayed on the home ranch taking care of business and making sure that Katie had everything that she needed since his sisters death six months ago. She still had trouble adjusting since her mothers death. When he needed something from town he would send one of his cowboys to town or his housekeeper would take care of it. he did go out of town on many business trips. He was told that he was avoiding things since his sisters death. He mostly hated traveling along the road that led to town, having to pass the sight that took her life. It was a fatal accident where her no good low life drunk husband was driving that took his life and hers as well as another couple in the other vehicle it was a dark day. Which led to him having custody of his eight year old niece. But this was one trip to town he couldnt avoid he was needed at the school for a meeting, Katie had gotten into some serious trouble. His housekeeper asked him stop at the local bakery and pick up a cake that she had ordered so here they are doing that task before heading back home. He noticed that the town was already gearing up for the christmas holiday. He was dreading it, it was carolines favorite holiday of the year.

Jake was in his own thoughts about his sister when he went to go into the bakery and ran right into a woman who was coming out. He caught her before she fell he looked down at her and she shyly said she was sorry. he nodded his head to her and continued on his way. He was waiting in line when Katie asked if she could wait outside. He nodded his head to her and she walked off. When he got his order and headed out the door He stopped and looked around for Katie he found her down the sidewalk a ways sitting with some other children and the woman he nearly knocked down. It was then that he saw that she was soflty singing with the children. Several others were entranced with her singing. He moved closer and it was a voice from heaven and it was almost like listening to caroline sing. Just then he was brought from his thoughts when Eric the town sherriff asked him how he was doing. He told him that he was doing ok. Jake looked at him and said you going to break that up as he nodded toward the woman. eric chuckled and said na she is not hurting anything or anyone. She just loves to sing with the children. Jake who had seen Eric send people on their way before for doing almost the same thing didnt do that this time. It was puzzling. When she finished jake noticed that a couple tried to offer her money but she would just smile and shake her head softly saying thank you. It was then that jake walked up asking katie if she was ready to go. He watched as katie who didnt interact with anyone these days told her thank you for letting us listen. The woman smiled and said your quite welcome. As if she saw something in katie she suggested that maybe she would want to join in on the towns skating party they were going to do a performance christmas eve. Katie looked back at him then turned to her and said i don't think i can. the woman just smiled. Jake found himself entranced by that smile. there was somthing about her something that kind of seemed lost and alone and vulnerable but she still held her head high with confidence. He told katie come on we need to get home.

On the ride back to the ranch Jake asked katie why she didnt want to join the skating party. Katie just looked out the window. He told her to come on tell me. WHen katie looked at him she softly said because you dont have the time to take me. JAke thought about that for a minute, he then said i remember your mom doing it she was pretty good at it. Katie smiled and said yea we went skating every year. Jake said do you want to join it. When katie didnt answer he knew that he had to do something it would do her some good and sicne the school was already saying he was failing in being a good guardian he could do this for her. He said how about i look into it to see if its not to late. Katie looked at him hopefully and said really. he smiled and said really.

Jake had made the calls and found that Katie could join up and the next session was tomorrow afternoon. He was standing there with her when he looked out on the ice and he saw someone out there skating like she was a proffessional and if she wasnt she should have been Katie was completely entranced. Katie softly said thats sam. He asked her who that was, katie laughed and said she was the one that sang for us yesterday. He smiled she could sing and skate. Just then she went to do a jump and she didnt land right and ended up on her butt. Jake made his way out there in his boots which was a feet in itself till he came up beside her and knelt down. He saw the sudden fear in her eyes he chuckled and asked her if she was ok. She just nodded her head, He stood up and reached out for her. She reluctantly took his hand and he helped her to her feet. just then a group of children came skating out. He noticed that katie was one of them. Katie came up telling sam that she skated great. Sam thanked her then excused herself. Jake stood there watching as she skated off. He noticed that she had on a pair of ratty looking skates and it was then that he realized that was probably why she fell, she should have better skates. Katie got his attention. He kissed the top of her head and said that he would see her at four. she nodded and he walked off.

Sam was taking her skates off. She always like to do a little skating when the ice was fresh. THe skating group didnt mind. Maryanne kept trying to get her to help with the group of kids but sam just couldnt she didnt have what was needed and she didnt have the finances for it besides the money was needed else where. Sam was just going out the door when she heard her name called she turned around and there was the big cowboy walking up to her. He asked your not part of that group, she looked down at her skates then shook her head. she softly said excuse me and started walking off. When he called to her again she again turned to him he smiled and asked if she would like to get a cup of coffee, she politley shook her head no saying she didnt drink coffee. He chuckled and said you dont have to order coffee. He whispered you can have hot chocolate or tea. She thought about it for a moment it was cold out and somthing hot would warm her up. He said come on, I dont have to pick katie up for a while and could use the company. She softly said ok. He smiled said good and went to guide her to his truck where she stopped and stared at it. He asked her what was wrong she softly said can we walk please. It wasnt that far but it was a bit cold out and her coat didnt look all that warm. But there was something in her face that made him say ok. They started out on their walk to the town cafe.

Once inside he noticed that several people looked there way. He wasnt sure what it was about so he didnt pay attention. He guided her to a table. Once they were seated Anna came over welcoming them both and giving Sam a smile, jake ordered coffee and before sam could say anything Anna said hot chocolate for you sam. she nodded her head and softly said thank you. He noticed that she was really shy. Once their drinks were ordered he asked her if she was from the area she said that she was that she has lived here all her life. He said i lived here all my life i dont remember you, with that voice and skating ability i would remember. she smiled and said you were a few years ahead of me in school. He leaned back in his chair, she was a shy quiet woman that was definately something new for him. They talked about the town and things from when they were both growing up. He found that she knew a lot about him. when they were getting ready to leave anna came up and handed sam a sack when sam went to tell her she couldnt anna insisted saying it would go to waste if she didnt take it. the woman blushed and thanked her. Jake who was completely puzzled by the action as they stood up sam thanked him for the hot chocolate he told her she was welcome. He went to ask if he could drop her off some place after he paid but he noticed that she was gone. He went out the door to see if he could see where she went he thought he saw a glimpse of her walking into the church but when he went inside she wasnt there.

Sam knew that he had followed her that was why she hid when he came inside. She had always thought he was handsome but knew he was never attainable to her. especially now in her particular state. When she saw him leave she wiped the lone tear that fell from her cheek just then father michaels saw her and asked what she was doing. she shook her head and soflty said just thinking. He smiled at her and said i see you have been to anna's cafe. she nodded her head and told him about jake kincaide. He smiled and softly said about time you started noticing batchlores in this town. she just shook her head. He walked her to the back of the church and to the little room that he let her stay in because the mission was full up this time of year and she couldnt stand to take away from a family that would need it but father michaels insisted that she stay here. So she did odd jobs for the church to pay her way. it was the least that she could do. she would do odd jobs for anna, who would keep her with food she would also work at the bakery doing odd things. but it was never all that much because no one really had any amount of work that was needed for her to be able to afford a place of her own. Things just seemed to go to hell ever since the accident that killed her parents and put her in the hospital for two months that also led to the forclosure of her parents home leaving her homeless. because all the insurence money went to bills as well as her medical bills. So now she had to rely on what she could do and the kindness of the town. She sat down on the little bed and touched the necklace that was her mothers and handed down through the generations. It always made her feel better it was the only thing she had left. it wasnt an expensive piece but it was part of her heratige.

Jake wondered for the rest of the day about sam and why she ran off on him. It was definately different in his world. He waited to get katie who was all excited for the first time in a long time. She told him everything that happened that day and how there was going to be a special program on christmas eve. he listened and smiled at her excitement. She asked him if they could go to the cafe for dinner. He nodded his head he thought that mabye he could get anna alone and ask her about sam.

The place was busy and he wasnt able to talk with anna by the time they finished, he figured he would get another chance. Katie and he walked out and were getting into the truck when he looked over at the church and again he saw sam going inside. that was starnge to him. most people didnt go into the church when it was closed but maybe something was going on that he didnt know about the town was getting ready for christmas. He thought about going over there but changed his mine so He drove them home.

He was sitting at his table drinking coffee when his long time housekeeper came in. He asked her if she knew a girl in town named sam. Millie looked at him and nodded her head but she didnt say anything else. which seemed strange to him cause millie normally liked talking about towns people and their goings on. Jake then said what is her story. Millie took the seat and said jake if you thought about it you would realize you know her as well. Jake just looked at her. She then said she sings in the choir for one and she loves singing to the children. she can skate and should be skating proffessionaly. Jake asked her why she wasnt. Millie looked at him and said you really dont know do you. He shook his head. Millie was quiet for a moment then said she fell on some very hard times after her parents deaths and she got out of the hospital. He asked her what happened. Millie just said they were in a car accident about six months ago. He thought about that, it was when his sister was killed and around that time he only knew of one accident but he had been out of town a lot even then. Jake asked is that all your going to tell me. Millie looked at him and nodded her head and said you want to know about sam you should ask her. he watched her as she got up left the room. He thought about that millie was unusually quiet normally she would be more than willing to tell him things about people from town but for some reason she wouldnt talk about sam. He shook his head and told himself to not think about it.

Sam was sitting in her little room in the church she touched the necklace like she did every night and thanked god that she was alive and relatively healthy. How she missed her mother and father but she knew they were in a good place. she even prayed that several of the towns people would get the help that they needed. She thought about the upcoming ice program it was to bring in money to help those in need. They wanted her to perform in it but she just couldnt she didnt have the proper skates and she didnt have an outfit anymore all that went with the house that was taken from her while she was lying in the hospital in a coma. It hurt to think about all that she lost but she had to stop doing that there was so many others that was more in need than she was. She laid back on the bed and closed her eyes. They instantly snapped open when visions of Jacob Kincaide was there. her heart was racing she didnt know why she was suddenly seeing him. He had been someone she would have loved to gotten with but there was no way he would have anything to do with her now if he found out that she was homeless and sleeping in the back of the church.

Sam was glad that it was sunday it always made her feel better when she was able to sing with the choir. She was sitting there next to the other members when she suddenly looked up and made eye contact with the rancher that kept her awake half the night. He smiled at her and then Katie said something to him as they took their seats.

Jake hadnt realized that sam was part of the choir. He had hoped that he would see her today. there was just something about her. Something that drew him to her, katie really liked her and talked about her whenever they spent any time together. He didnt know why he suddenly felt the urge to come to church, he hadnt been here since caroline died. As always katie and millie would ask him to come with him and he usually declined saying he had work to do but today he decided that he would attend. He was glad that he did when he saw sam sitting up there with the choir.

Services seemed to go by in a whirl as the father michaels talked about the christmas season and helping others. The songs as always made sam feel good and lift her heart then it came to and end. Like most sundays she would go out and walk around looking at the town and all the decorations but when she stepped outside the doors someone from behind her said I hoped that i would see you. She whirrled around and jake was standing there smiling at her. Katie was standing there smiling as well. It was katie that said we thought that maybe you would join us for lunch. Sam smiled at her and said that was a lovely thought thank you but I cant. She turned and went to walk away. Only she didnt get that far mabye a block or so when Jake came jogging up to her he took her hand stopping her. She looked from his hand holding hers up to his smiling face. she wasnt sure what he was going to do. she wasnt really frightened of him. But being this close to him did frighten her. she didnt want him to find out just how her life really was because then he would run for sure. He looked into her eyes and her breath got caught in her chest. He asked please millie is a wonderful cook and i know katie would enjoy some fresh talk from a female. Sam suddenly laughed and asked are you using your neice to get me out to your ranch. He looked at her and winked and asked is it working. SHe looked over at katie who had been joined by millie and she did seem to have a hopeful look on her face. THen she thought of where his ranch was at. she shook her head saying i dont think it would be a good idea. He seemed to step closer to her saying come on lunch and then ill bring you right back to town. He softly said ill even show you my horse. she looked at him and his hopeful look and then she burst out laughing. She looked around and then said ok but only lunch. He smiled and nodded his head. she watched him turn back to the others and nodded his head. Katie came bounding over and soon they were joined by millie. Jake guided them all to his truck. Sam climbed into the back seat with katie while millie sat in the front with Jake she tried to get sam to sit there but she shook her head no millie just smiled at her. THe next thing she knew they were driving through town on their way out toward the double K ranch that had been in jake's family for generations just like her family home had been. She was doing pretty good these days she really didnt like riding in vehicles and most people knew that and knew why but when she came to the cross road of the accident she felt her heart start to race and she started to panic especially when a car came racing up to the corner. she started screaming for him to stop the truck and let her out. When he finally did get it stopped she fumbled for the door she heard millie saying darling it will be ok. Katie and jake both asking what was going on. She finally got the door to open and she tumbled out. she gained her feet and started walking back toward town. she didnt get all that far when she was suddenly pulled from her feet by stealy arm around her middle. she started fighting telling him to let her go. He just held on tighter and softly saing its ok baby sh. She was crying and having a little trouble breathing and her thrashing around must have been even to much for him because they both hit the ground with her atop him, but he still didnt let go of her.

Jake didnt know what the hell happened they were doing so good headed out to the double k then all of a sudden sam wanted to get out, he wasnt sure about any of it especially when she jumped from the truck and took off back toward town. Now they were sitting here on the ground she was still fighting him but not as much. It was millie that walked up to them knelt down and touched her cheek saying sam honey its ok, stop moving for a minute and you will see you are safe. She softly talked with sam till sam finally started to relax a little and wasnt thrashing around anymore. she was intently watching millie. she was still crying, he cradled her into him and held onto her while she cried. he didnt know what was going on but he was going to find out. Millie was still talking to her and brushing the hair from her face. He looked at millie who then said she will be ok now why dont you put her back in the truck only this time i will ride in the back with her miss katie can sit up front. Katie stepped up shaking her head saying im sitting with sam to. Jake didnt argue with anyone he lifted sam into his arms and carried her back to the truck and put her inside. He shut the door when millie got in and took her into her arms. He saw Katie lean against sam who put her arm around her. He went back around and climbed in. He then softly asked do i take her back to town. Millie shook her head no saying keep going she will be ok she needs to do this. Jake gave millie a look saying you had better explain this. Millie nodded her head indicating she would tell what she could. So he drove them on to the double k.

When they arrived at the double K Jake opened the door for them. He softly asked if he should carry her in. Sam sat up and softly said she was ok. she also said she was sorry for all that. Millie was the one that said its ok honey considering what you been through its understandable. Sam looked at the three of them and was completely embarressed about how she acted. Jake reached up and touched her face and said its ok come on lets go have some lunch. he then guided them all into the house. once inside she asked to use the restroom. Katie said she would show her. Jake watched them go. He turned to millie and said what is going on. Millie then said that she had been in an accident and she was left in acoma for several weeks but the worst part was that her parents died in the wreck and she had to watch them die. Jake looked down the hall, he knew grief because he had recently lost his sister but he didnt have to sit and watch her die like sam aparently had. Millie softly said dont rush her jake she is still very fragil even if it doesnt seem like it. He nodded his head and they went into the kitchen.

It was a few minutes later when sam and katie walked into the room. she softly said im sorry about the way i acted. Jake walked up to her touched her face and smiled saying its ok then he pulled her into his arms and held onto her. when she went to pull back he let her go. she just looked at him and blushed. Millie then said lunch will be ready in a while why dont you take her out to see the horses. Jake smiled and said that sounds like a good idea would you like that. He then led her out the door. He noticed that katie didnt follow she stayed behind to help millie. He saw her smiling at him as they walked out.

He took her to the barn and showed her his horse in the first stall. when she reached out and began to pet the horse he went to stop her because nightfire liked to bite people he didnt know but when she just loved on the horse he stood there all dumbfounded it wasnt like his horse to act like that with anyone. He just smiled because it seemed to make her light up. her smile was definately worth seeing. He told her about his horse and how he usually acted. She just smiled at him. He brushed the hair from her face and smiled down at her. there was defianately something about this woman. When he ran his thumb across her lower lip she gasped and looked up at him and he leaned down and placed his lips on hers and gently kissed her. she didnt respond at first from the shock of it but soon she was kissing him back and melting into his body as he pulled her closer. He heard her soft whimper and he groaned. He only pulled back when they both needed to get a breath. He looked down at her brushing his fingers along her cheek. He realized when she blushed just how innocent she was. He gave her a quick kiss and said we had better get back inside. she nodded her head. He took her hand and held it as they walked back up to the house.

After lunch was over they all worked together to help millie clean up then Katie talked sam into staying for a movie. He sat on the sofa with her and had his arm around her. Katie sat on the floor in front of them. Millie even joined them i think it was more to keep and eye on them than anything. He just smiled as they watched the movie. when it was over he softly said he needed to go out and check on the animals. He asked sam if she wanted to walk with them. she blushed and then nodded her head. He held out his hand to her and when she slipped her hand in his he smiled at her.

They walked along the barn stopping when he needed to do something. then he would take her hand. when they finished with that they walked out to the corral and watched the sunset. He turned to her and took her into his arms and said i dont know what it is about you, she smiled shyly and he chuckled right before he took her mouth under his. she again melted right into him for the kiss. When he pulled back for a much needed breath he looked into her eyes. It was definately a moment. When he heard a noise He stepped back and took her hand and led her back up to the house. Katie met up with them talking about another movie that she wanted to watch with sam. sam softly said she really should go. Katie pleaded with her, she looked up at him and he just smiled and shrugged his schoulders. she laughed katie took her hand and pulled her over to the sofa. sitting next to her. Jake walked over and sat down on the other side of sam as katie started the movie. it was two hours later when he realized that sam was curled up at his side fast asleep and katie was asleep at her side. he smiled and then he looked up and saw millie standing there watching. He wasnt sure what he was seeing on her face and it wasnt something he wanted to put into words. He slid from under Sam and then took katie up to her room tucking her in. Then he went back down. He whispered to millie should i wake her up and take her home. Millie shook her head and said why dont you take her up to the guest room i think she would like that for a change. Jake wasnt sure what she meant by that but he did it anyways. He lifted sam into his arms and held her close to him. His body reacted yet again to her closeness he had been fighting it all day. He walked to the guest room door and stopped. He looked down at sam and then to his room door it would be so easy just to take her in there and tuck her in beside him he wanted to but he didnt want to frighten her either. so he took her into the guest room and laid her on the bed taking her shoes off and them pulling a blanket over her. He lightly brushed the hair from her face leaned down and brushed his lips across hers. He stopped at the door and looked at her. There really was something about her. He turned and left then went to his room. He undressed and climbed into his bed.

Jake had felt like he had just fallen asleep when he was woke by a noise. He wasnt sure at first then he heard it again. It was someone screaming. He jumped threw his robe on and ran out. His first thoughts were of katie but he saw her standing there with millie it was coming from the guest room. He rushed in the door. Sam was thrashing around and fighting and crying. She was in the middle of a nightmare. He went to her and started to wake her.

Sam was fighting to get to her parents again but she just couldnt get to them. It was like she was under water again. Then suddenly she sat up right into a pair of strong arms that held onto her and softly sh baby its ok its just a bad dream. The warmth from his body and strong arms that held onto her as she cried. When she was able to stop the tears and the shaking he pulled back from her and touched her face asking her if she was ok now. she just nodded her head. it was then that she realized she was not at the church and that she was still at the double k. She looked around she was in a bedroom and jake was sitting on the bed holding onto her. She saw a frightened katie and millie standing at the door looking at her. she softly started to tell them she was sorry. Jake then told the other two to go back to bed that sam was going to be fine. she watched them for a minute then they turned and left the room. it was then that she also realized that he had on only a pair of boxers and a robe that was still open. she gasped and pulled back. he chuckled and said well at least that wasnt a scared reaction. she blushed and he tilted her head up so she was looking at him. He asked her if she was going to be ok. she nodded her head and softly asked how she got there. He smiled and said she had fallen asleep so he put her in here. He then asked her if she wanted to talk about her dream. She shook her head no. she softly said i should go. she went to get out of the bed when he stopped her. He said sam its 3 a.m. i'll take you back in the morning. she was biting her lip. He saw her nervousness. He rubbed her lower lip with his thumb and soflty said dont do that, then he said let me as he leaned in and gently kissed her. Her hands instictively went to his chest and she made contact with the hard warm skin of his chest and she gasped. he smiled as he continued to nibble on her lips. he pulled back a little and said you shouldnt let me do this. she softly said im not. he chuckled and kissed her again only this time he laid her back on the bed as he kissed her moving so that he was laying with her. pulling her against his body. he groaned at the contact as he continued to kiss her. He moved his hand from her hip up till he was under her shirt and right over her soft breast, he heard her whimper and felt her arch into his hand. He deepened the kiss causing her to let out little whimpering noises that caused his body to go even harder than it already was. when he started to slide her shirt up she stopped him and he pulled back and looked into her eyes. he saw the fear there. He smiled to much to soon. she didnt answer and he didnt expect her to. He smiled kissed her then he wrapped her up in his arms and told her to go to sleep. as he turned the light back off. He held onto her until he heard her soft breathing even out then he let himself drift off to sleep with her in his arms. he liked how it felt he liked it a little to much.

sam woke up the next morning and she was alone in the bed. she thought at first that she only imagined him staying with her the rest of the night. then she turned her head and saw the indentation from his head and his scent still clinging to the pillow. she smiled, she knew that he wanted to take it farther with her but he didnt put any pressure on her. she got up and put her shoes on then found the bathroom. she freshened up a little then went down the stairs she found millie and katie in the kitchen. Millie smiled and said about time you got down here and then promptly sat her down and put a plate of food in front of her. sam softly thanked her. while she ate breakfast Katie asked her if she wanted to go see something special that her mom and her always did. sam smiled at her and said she would love to. when they finished up they bundled up and Katie took her hand and led her outside and down a path till they came across a pond. Katie said how her mom and her always came here and skated. she laughed and said even uncle jake would join us. sam smiled as she looked at it. Katie asked her if she wanted to skate. sam told the girl that she didnt have skates. katie said thats ok you can use moms then she handed them to sam. she looked at them and they were almost like new but broke in. she put them on and they were a perfect fit. then katie and her started skating around the little pond. they were laughing and having fun. Katie asked sam to show her some of the moves that she saw her do at the rink. so sam did. only because she had good skates on she landed each and every move and was in her element and then joined katie and they skated around.

Jake stood watching the two of them skating. He smiled when he realized that what he heard about sam was true she really was good, especially with a pair of skates that werent old and worn out. she also had a smile on her face that lit up the sky. it was a while later that katie spotted him and he saw sam stop and blush. he chuckled and they skated over to him. Katie asked if he was going to join them. Jake shook his head no saying not this time squirt. Sam softly said that she really should go back to town. Katie asked her if she had to. sam nodded her head and began to change out of the skates. she handed them back to katie and told her thank you for letting me borrow them. Katie looked at them and said why dont you keep them. sam felt the wetness in her eyes at the girls offer. then she smiled and shook her head no saying i couldnt thank you thou. Jake had seen the longing look in sams face and then the pride and wall go back up. He winked at katie as she put them away and they all walked back up to the house. She thanked millie for the wonderful food. Millie hugged her and told her to come back again. Sam just smiled and then millie handed her a bag. Millie just said its christmas cookies sam went to protest but millie shook her head and gave her another hug. sam thanked her then jake ushered her to his truck and put her inside. He looked at her and said are you going to be ok on the ride. she looked at him and remembered yesterday and soflty said i think so. He smiled touched her cheek and started the truck. when they got close he reached over and took her hand. He saw her look at their hands and then him and before they knew it they were past that point and almost into town but he still didnt let go. He asked her where she lived so he could drop her off. She looked out the window and said you can drop me off at the church. i have something i have to do for father michaels. he asked her if she was sure she nodded and softly said yes. He said ok and he parked the truck and he got around the other side just as she got out. she thanked him for yesterday an this morning and the ride back to town. He told her she was welcome. He reached out and lifted her chin so she was looking at him, he then said have dinner with me. she looked at him and then remembered exactly who he was and that she wouldnt have anything to wear and shook her head saying i dont think it would be a good idea. He wasnt sure at first but then it dawned on him that maybe she turned him down because she didnt have the money to have fancy things and that was what she was thinking of. He stepped close to her and said come on it will just be at the cafe. He touched her cheek and softly said say yes sam then he leaned down a started placing kisses on her lips as he coaxed her into saying yes. when she did he smiled and deepend the kiss till he heard her soft whimper. He pulled back and said where you want me to pick you up. she thought about that and softly said ill meet you there. He smiled and said ok how about 7 would that work. she smiled and nodded her head. He kissed her again and then went to his truck. sam watched him as he drove off. she wasnt sure why she accepted he just wouldnt quit. then she remembered she still didnt have anything to wear. just then mary from the bakery walked up to her asking her is she was ok. sam shook her head. Mary asked her what was wrong she softly said i have a date with jake at the cafe. Mary said that is wonderful what is the problem. sam looked at her and said i dont have anything to wear. Mary smiled and took her hand and said come on we can fix that. sam went along not knowing what was going to happen. Mary led her up the back stares of the bakery to her little apartment there she proceeded to have her try things on. then she told sam to shower and and helped her to get ready. Sam told her that she didnt know how she was going to repay her. Mary said have fun that is payment enough. Sam looked at her and said thank you. Mary wiped the tear and gave the younger girl and hug. then she finished her work. she took sam over to the mirror and showed her and sam gasped that was really her standing there. Mary had put her in an dark green dress that fit perfectly with little heals and put soft curls in her hair with a little lip gloss and it was a whole new sam standing there. sam hugged mary. Mary touched her cheek and said now go get your man. sam laughed and said he is not my man. Mary winked and said he could be. Sam walked down the stairs and around the corner along the side walk and to the cafe just as jake got out of his truck. he smiled when he saw her. He walked right up to her and put his hands on her face and said your beautiful and kissed her right there in front of anna's cafe. When he pulled back he smiled took her hand and led her into the cafe. Anna who was smiling because she saw the whole thing ushered them to a table and handed them menus asking what they would like to drink.

After dinner he took her hand and they walked along the side walk and to the town park looking at the christmas decorations. he asked her why she wouldnt skate with the club. she softly said because i dont have the right stuff for it. He smiled and said if you did would you. sam didnt know how to answer that so she changed the subject as they walked along. He slipped his arm around her and pulled her close to him. they came across some carolers they stopped to watch them and they headed back in the direction of the cafe and his truck. when Diane stopped them telling jake it had been a long time since he called her. Jake looked at her and said there was no reason to call you. Sam who never liked the woman and it was mutual tried to blend into the background. just then diane said im surprised by you sam that you are with him. she asked her what she meant by that. Diane smiled and said well it is suprising since he is the reason you are homeless. sam looked from her to jake and asked what she was talking about. Diane said in a evil tone saying you didnt know did you it was jake's company that forclosed on your family home while you were in acoma in the hospital. or is that what your doing jake trying to make up for it since it was your brother in law that killed her parents as well. sam gasped and looked at jake who looked at diane and said i dont know what your talking about or why your saying all of this. just then sam pulled from his grasp and started walking. Jake went around diane and start after her calling for her to stopp. Just then she ran into sheriff eric. He asked her what was wrong he could see the fresh tears on her face and then a frantic jake that walked up to them. She softly asked the sheriff if it was true that it was jake's brother in law that cause the accident that took her parents. Eric looked from her to jake and softly said yes sam it was. She heard jake groan. she then said my family home, Jake stepped up and said i should have asked you a while ago sam what is your last name. she softly said carlisle. He just said oh no. she looked at him he went to step up and touch her when she shook her head saying no and she turned and ran. Eric stopped him and he said let her go jake. its a lot for her to take in. Jake looked at him and said i didnt know. Eric softly said i figured that out already. Jake looked at him and said is she really homeless. eric nodded his head and said father michaels looks after her and lets her stay in the room at the back of the church. Jake sat on the nearby bench and put his head in his hands. eric sat next to him. Jake then said why didnt someone tell me all this. Eric said i think that the town just saw the smile on her face and on yours that they thought that maybe the two of you would help each other to heal. jake responded with But my holding company took her home that is as much as me being the one to take it. i had no idea that it took the home from a patient that was in acoma. the only thing that i knew was the couple had died and it was already in foreclosure. Eric said i thought that it was something like that. Jake the town loves sam she has always done things for this town. she is talented in so many ways but she is most talented with animals and children. she wanted to study vetrenary medicine but that wasnt possible with their finances and she had scholorships but then the accident happened. Jake looked up at eric and softly said how old is she. Eric said she is twenty. Jake groaned she was ten years younger than him. Eric picking up on it saying jake age is just a number her soul is older than you think. besides no one looked at it that way they only saw her smile when you were around. Eric then said mary dressed her for tonight, she said that sam was so worried about seeing you for dinner and she didnt want to disappoint you. he then said how did she find out. Jake just said diane. Eric said that explains it. Diane being one of your ex girlfriends and one that always picked on sam around town. JAke said i should go find her. Eric said no you should go home for now. Jake looked at him. Eric said go on we will look after her. Jake nodded his head and went to his truck and headed for the ranch. when he got there millie asked him what happened since katie was already in bed so he thought about it and he told millie what happened. Millie just soflty said that poor girl. He asked her did you know. Millie nodded her head and said when he went to ask her why she didnt say anything that she didnt want to put that between them since she was smiling and he was starting to live again. jake nodded his head it was the same thing eric said. He said ill be in my office. what neither of them knew was Katie was in the hall and heard it all she went silently up to her room and she cried for her mother and for sam they both lost their parents because of the man that her mother married. it was then that katie pulled out a box then she went to her closet and pulled out the beautiful white sequin dress that her mom loved to skate in and neatly folded it into the box then she wrapped the skates and set them in it as well. she put the lid on it and tied a ribbon around it. she would give it to sam. she would get millie to help her. Maybe this will help sam and she could skate christmas eve with them. She just had to figure out when to do it.

Sam changed her clothes and took the borrowed ones back to mary and thanked her. Mary asked her how it went sam just shook her head and turned and left. she wandered around for the longest time. she didnt want to stick around town in case jake was there she didnt want to see him. she found herself some shelter and stayed there for several days.

Jake went to town everyday and looked for sam she wasnt at the church and father michaels didnt know where she was. after the third day even father michaels was worried. he said she never stayed away that long. They got the sherriff and everyone started looking through the town for her. Jake took a chance and went to the cemetary and when he saw someone sitting on the ground leaning against a little headstone he went running over there. He touched her face and she was like ice. He checked her pulse it was slow and faint. He lifted sam into his arms and started out. they ran into eric and the father. eric took them right to his patrol suv and put them in the back father michaels got in the front and they went to the hospital eric let them know they were on the way in. Jake just kept talking to her telling her to hang on. He tried to warm her warpping her in his coat and holding her close.

it was several hours later when the doctor finally came out to tell them what was going on. she was severly dehydrated and she was suffering from slight malnutrition. She was also very cold from exposure but they were getting her body tempreture up. that they just hoped that she didnt get pneumonia from the exposure. Jake asked if she woke up. The doctor shook his head. Jake asked if he could see her. The doctor looked at eric who nodded his head. The doctor knew the situation with sam and had heard what happened to. He then nodded his head and showed him to her room. Jake took the seat next to her bed and took her small cold hand into his. he leaned over and brushed the hair from her face and softly said wake up sam you have to wake up please baby wake up. please fight, please dont leave me to. he put his head down and let the tears fall from his eyes as he held her hand.

Because jake had called home and told millie what was going on that was how her and katie found him sitting with sam. Eric pulled her aside and asked does he even realize how he feels about her. Millie shook her head saying i dont think so. Katie asked if she was going to be ok. Eric looked at the child and said i dont know but i sure hope so. Katie curled into Millie and softly cried for her friend.

it was several hours later when jake felt Sam's hand jerk and he looked up. He saw her eyes fluttering open. He moved in close saying thats it baby open your eyes. come back to me please even if its just to say you hate me. when she opened them she looked at him and he saw the tear fall. He smiled and wiped it off. He said thank god and he brushed his lips across hers. He soflty said your going to be ok now. she whispered where am i. He said your in the hospital baby. I found you with your parents. The tears started to fall. He moved to the bed and pulled her into his arms while she cried. He soflty told her that she was going to be ok as he held onto her. when the tears started to subside he laid her back on the bed and brushed the hair from her face. He said sam you scared all of us when we couldnt find you. He smiled at her and said i know i have a lot of making up to do with you i just hope that you give me the chance. First i want you to know i didnt know about you when my company said they were forclosing all they said was that the couple died or i would have put it all on hold. she looked away and softly said it didnt matter i couldnt afford to keep it anyways. He touched her cheek and said something could have been figured out. He said look at me please when she didnt turn her head he took her face in his hand so that she did. He then said im going to make this all up to you, you will come stay at the ranch i know that katie and millie will love that to take care of you. she shook her head saying she wouldnt go. He smiled and said we will talk about it later. just then the doctor came in and said well progress your awake. Jake got up and when the doctor said he was going to look her over jake said he was going to go for coffee. he leaned over looking her in the eyes saying ill be right back and then he kissed her then walked out. He ran into millie and katie and smiled saying she is awake she will be ok. Millie said thank god, what about her coming to the ranch. jake smiled and said it will happen even if she fights it. Millie then said jake she wont take anything from you if its out of pity thats why she works odd jobs for everyone to pay for what they do give her. she's a very proud young woman. Jake smiled and said i dont pity her trust me i respect the hell out of her becuase everything she has been through yet she keeps going and still sings and fights for life. Millie smiled and said your a good man. He kissed her cheek and said docs in with her but i think she would like a visit from you two.

Millie and katie walked into the room when the doctor was finishing up. Katie went up to her and hugged sam saying im sorry. Sam pulled her back and said what for. Katie then said because my moms husband took your parents from you like he took my mom from me. sam smiled through her tears and said you know that kind of makes us like soul sisters and hugged the young girl. Katie smiled and said i like that. Sam just said i like it to. Millie said are you going to be ok. Sam nodded her head. she then said can i ask you a question. Millie nodded her head. she then said did jake really not know all of this about my family ranch and all that. Millie took her hand brushed the hair aside and said he knew nothing about it the only thing he knew was that you were something special and no one made a move to enlighten him either because you see, you smiled more and blushed when he was around and he wasnt so angry at the world anymore. you see when caroline died it hurt him bad other than katie that was all he had. it was just him and caroline for the longest time. caroline practically raised him and he worshiped the ground she walked on his big sister was everything. he hated her husband. and it was worse after the accident. if it wasnt for katie i dont think he would have made it either. then he met you and well he thought of things other than business. thats one of the reasons he didnt look deeper into the foreclosure because he was hurting from losing caroline. sam wiped the tear that fell from her eyes. she smiled and said thank you for telling me. Millie hugged her and said that she had better get katie home. the young girl hugged her and said please get better sam nodded her head. then they walked out it was then that katie asked millie if they could make a stop. there was something she needed to do.

it was a couple days later when they finally released sam Jake had only went home long enough to check in and change clothes the rest of the time he sat with sam. makeing sure she was doing everything the doctor told her to do. she didnt tell him though that they were releasing her so when he went home to change. she signed herself out and left the hospital. she just wasnt ready for what he was wanting. she walked through town and smiled at everyone who said they were glad that she was doing better. She hid behind a tree when she saw jake go into the church to look for her.

Jake didnt find her in the room she stayed in. He looked around and ran into father michaels he asked if he had seen her. he shook his head no that he thought she was still in the hospital. Jake said that they had released her. Father michaels then motioned for him to have a seat for a moment. he then said give her some time. she is dealing with a lot. he then said i dont want to lose her. Father michaels then asked jake exactly what do you feel for her. Jake just looked at him. the father laughed and said figure that out or you wont be able to help her. Jake nodded his head afther father michaels left him sitting there. He got up and walked back to the room she stayed in. sitting on the bed was a box. he smiled it looked familar. He saw the writting on the page on it it was katies. He then sat down and found a page and pen and wrote.

Sam,

I know that there is a lot that is between us that hurts you, know that it hurts me to, but there is also something that is between us and i think that you know what it is and if you believe that to come to the skating party ill be there waiting for you.

Jake.

he folded it wrote her name on it and set it with the box then he left and got in his truck for home so that he could get ready and pick up millie and katie.

Saw watched jake leave and drive out of town. She went into the church and back to the room she had to figure things out. she saw the box sitting there and she picked up the loose page and read it. She wiped the tear that fell. then she saw the note attached to the box. she took it and read it.

Sam

We are soul sisters and i know my mom would like that about us. Just like i know that she would want you to have this. Please skate with us tonight.

Love

Katie

Sam wipe more tears that fell as she opened the box she pulled out the skates and then the beautiful white sequened outfit then she held it up to her then let the tears fall. father michaels walked by and saw her sitting there. He walked in squatted down and asked her what was wrong. she showed him the notes. He smiled and said i think you know how you feel and what you really want to do. He kissed the top of her head and then he left.

Jake stood with katie and she asked him if he thought that sam was going to show. Jake said i dont know squirt but i sure hope so. Katie looked at him and said you love her dont you. he smiled and said i do. She then said why dont you ask her to marry you. He smiled and said would that be ok with you. Katie smiled and nodded her head. He kissed the top of her head and just then Katie moved and softly said sam. Jake turned around and saw her standing there in the skating outfit and skates. he smiled at her and she smiled back. Katie went to her and hugged her. The director walked up to her and said does this mean your skating. sam nodded her head. she smiled and said that is so wonderful. she turned and looked at jake and nodded. Jake walked up to her took her face in his hands and kissed her and he smiled when she kissed him back. before he could say anything sam was called away he stood there with Katie as Sam went out there and gave a performance of a lifetime. when she finished she got a standing ovation. she skatied right over to him and into his arms. He smiled touched her face and said come with me. just as the music started to play again he took her back out there and the two of them skated togther in a breathtaking performance and when they finished she was draped over his arm, and he smiled and said i love you sam. she touched his face and said i love you. He stood her up then got down on one knee and pulled out a ring and said marry me sam. she touched his face then nodded her head and he stood up put the ring on her finger and kissed her to the enthusiastic applause of the audiance. all the skaters joined them on the ice for bows. He held onto sam and didnt let her go.

After Skates were taken off and he wrapped her up in his coat. He took her hand and he led her, millie and katie with the others to the center of town for caroling and the tree lighting. but what she didnt know was that jake pulled some strings and the mayor was going to marry them. Once the mayor made his speach he nodded to jake and he took her hand and led her up to the front and said marry me, she smiled not knowing what to say he said now sam marry me now. she looked at him and soflty said now here. He nodded his head. Just then father michaels walked up and said i cant let this happen mayor im sorry but if anyone is marrying her to jake it will be me then he smiled. the mayor smiled and motioned for him to take his spot. he looked at sam waiting for her answer. she smiled and nodded her head. the two of them were married right there in the center of town with the town watching. which was only right since it was the town that took care of sam in her time of need. But it was back to the ranch to live in jake's arms where he loved her for the rest of their lives. He even talked her into going to school. He said he always wanted his own vet. For her graduation though she gave him a surprise when she told him that he was finally going to get his son. he cheered. She looked at him and he took her into his arms and said dont get me wrong i love our three daughters but we do need some more testosterone in the family. she just laughed and he kissed her his christmas angel.

the end.