Chapter 50

The next morning, Sam waited on the porch, breathing in the cool, fresh air, pacing to stay warm, for Elliott to pick her up. When he arrived, she jumped inside his already warm vehicle. He leaned over and lightly kissed her cheek. He drove a short distance before parking outside of Rosie's.

"Good morning, Susan. How've you been?" Elliott asked as an older woman with graying hair met them with menus and led them to an empty booth.

"It's a great morning so far. Haven't seen you or your friends for a while. Where have you been keeping yourselves? Out of trouble, I hope."

He laughed, a loud guffaw echoing through the place. "I've been busy, helping out at the ranch every morning and working at the shop." He placed his hand on the middle of Sam's back as they followed Susan to a booth on the right side of the restaurant and helped her off with her jacket. He took off his jacket and hung them both on hooks at the outside end of the booth.

"Let me introduce you to Samantha, or Sam, as sh