An Inheritance

Chapter 21

Sam smiled as he forked the last bite off of his plate and put it in his mouth.  After he had finished savoring his mouthful he nodded.  “I agree, but I’ve never been able to resist desserts, especially from Bonnie C’s.”

Lauren carefully placed the remainder of her treat in the original container.  “My doggie bag.”  She explained.

They sat on the beach chairs and watched the families that were still there.  A few more people came by to chat for a few minutes.  They talked about the upcoming basketball season and general things regarding what was happening in the school or in the town.  An older couple stopped and talked to Lauren about her grandmother, then they asked if Lauren would want them to bring by the cord of wood they normally furnish for the cabin’s fireplace.  Although she didn’t know if she’d be there at any time during the winter, Lauren told them to go ahead; it would eventually be used.

Seated peacefully and at a lull in visitors, Sam and Lauren started talking about the remodeling her grandmother had wanted to do.  Sam suggested demolishing the barn and rebuilding it if she wanted to.   Clearing out around both the barn and the cottage would help keep the various bayou critters at bay.  Even though her grandmother hadn’t wanted it, Sam advised to either add central air or at a minimum, window units in the major rooms.  “I don’t know how your grandmother stood the hot muggy air.  Even my parents relented years ago and put in air conditioning.  Each summer, they congratulate themselves on the wisest use of their savings they ever made.”

Lauren appreciated his input and told him she’d see what Fred Stanley, the contractor, would have to say.  She hadn’t called him yet, but he was on the short list of people she still needed to contact.

“I guess it’s time to head on out.  I have an early class tomorrow and I still have some papers to review.”  Sam got up.  He and Lauren folded the blanket and they grabbed the chairs and basket and headed for the parking lot.  Only a few groups were left and Lauren could see that a number of the younger children were lying on the blankets asleep.

On the ride back to the cottage, they drove in companionable silence, but Lauren’s heart was pounding away.  She hated to bring up the subject, but she had to know.

“Sam … when I told you about the name my grandmother had written in the Bible for my husband … why didn’t you tell me your name was Wendell?”

Sam didn’t say anything for a moment.  In the darkened truck, Lauren could see the silhouette of his face against the driver’s side window.  She could feel his debating with himself on exactly what to tell her.

“Well, we had only just met.  I figured that would have been pretty embarrassing for me to have blurted out that your grandmother probably had me in mind.”  His voice seemed a little strained, like he wasn’t quite telling her everything.  Lauren was sure that if she could see his face, it would be red.

“Yes, I guess you’re right.  I put you on the spot, even though I hadn’t realized it.”  Lauren was embarrassed both for herself and for Sam.

They didn’t say much the rest of the short way back home.  When Sam stopped the truck in her drive, Lauren didn’t wait for Sam to come around to open the door, but hopped out and walked up the stairs.  Sam did follow. 

At the door, Lauren put the key in then turned around toward Sam.  “Thanks, Sam.  I really had a great time.  I don’t think I’ve ever danced so much and you were right, it was fun.”  She looked up at Sam who was now just a few inches from her.

“I enjoyed the evening too.”  He reached over and pushed a few wayward strands of her hair away from her face.  Lauren shivered with anticipation, but Sam kissed her gently on the forehead.

Lauren almost gasped, that same electricity she had felt earlier had returned.  The quiver reached her very core and her heart beat rapidly.  Sam pulled back, smiled and started back down the stairs.  Lauren felt as though she had been slapped.  A kiss on the forehead?  Really?  Maybe it was just a pity date, something he had promised her grandmother he’d do if she came to town.  She turned the key and felt a depressing choking feeling in her chest as she opened up the door.

“There’s a great artwork exhibit next weekend at the Cultural Center.  I’ve been wanting to see it and I think you’d really like it.  Would you like to go with me on Saturday?”

Lauren turned and saw Sam at the door of his truck, that half-smile splayed across his face.  It didn’t take her but a split second, “I’d love to go.  Why don’t you call me later this week and let me know what time.”

Sam nodded to her and swung into his seat.  As he closed the door, his smile got wider, then he turned the truck around and headed back out the driveway.

 Lauren closed and locked the door.  She heard a thud as Abby jumped down from wherever she had been sleeping and strolled into the living room.  She made a point of rubbing her face along Lauren’s legs, and sniffed toward the ‘doggie bag’ Lauren still had in her hand.  Deciding it wasn’t of interest to her, Abby sat and looked at Lauren, who bent down and picked her up.  “Well, Abby, it looks as though it wasn’t a pity date after all.  Or maybe it was, but he surely didn’t have to ask me out again.  Let’s go get you some treats and then it’s time to turn in, and we still have that bed to make.”  Lauren brushed her face against Abby’s head and cuddled her close.  “I don’t know why, but that man does a really big number on me.  And I hate to admit it, but I’m enjoying the feeling.”

Abby purred louder and together they went into the kitchen.