Chapter 51

Hues of reds, orange, and yellow streaked across the horizon. A horse in the corral whinnied and Sam caught a scent of hay and horse manure from the barn. She listened to Elliott's slow and even breathing as they sat on the front porch at his parent's house, holding hands, slowly rocking back and forth. No words necessary. As the sun lowered in the sky, the air became cooler and she shivered in her seat.

Elliott's mother stuck her head out the front door, just in time.

"Dinner's ready, you guys. Come on in and get warm," she said before closing the door.

Elliott stood and held his hand out to Sam. When she took it, her heart raced, and a shiver ran through her.

****

Sam looked into Elliott's blue eyes and smiled. Unclasping their hands, they stood together, and he pulled her to him. He leaned down and kissed her. She kissed him back, and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Ready to go?" Elliott took her hand, and with his usual cowboy swagger drew her to the door. Stepping inside,