Page 36 of More Than a Fling

“Oh, you know, the usual.”

“Really? As in all work?”

“Pretty much. I have managed to go out a few times,” Annie said.

“As in ‘date’ go out?” Darcy said.

“Maybe.”

“Anymore harassment from Bradley?”

“We’ll talk about that later. Don’t ruin my excitement over seeing you again,” Annie said.

“You’re right. We’ll catch up on everything later. You are spending the night tonight, aren’t you?”

“Of course,” Annie said.

“Damn! Suddenly I realized I won’t be with my woman 24/7,” Sam said. “That is going to hurt like hell!”

Darcy glanced at Sam in the back seat, and a moment of reverence and love passed between them, “It will certainly take some getting used to for sure,” Darcy said.

“Rather than getting used to it, we’ll have to do something about that, won’t we?” Sam said.

Darcy laughed then said, “The logistical nightmare, two thirty-somethings entrenched in their respective homes, trying to combine lives!”

“Be positive,” Sam said.

“I am a realist at heart, you know that about me,” Darcy replied.

“That’s why I’m so good for you.”

“You are good for me Sam Parker.”

“Thank God we are here! I am suffocating with the schmaltz,” Annie said, as she turned down the lane leading to the farm.

As soon as they arrived Slim came out to greet them, as if he’d been hiding in wait.

“Gall dern, it’s about time ya’ll got back,” Slim said, looking almost cheerful.

Mimi and Bella barked ecstatically, and then Gabe rounded the corner and jogged the rest of the way to give Sam a big bear hug. “It’s about time!” Gabe said. Then his eyes immediately found Annie’s and they exchanged meaningful glances.

Darcy not one to miss much of anything couldn’t resist asking, “So have you two been able to support each other in our long absence?”

Annie blushed slightly and Gabe was quick to respond with, “Me and your sister might have a little something going.”

“I knew it!” Darcy said punching Sam lightly on the arm. “I called it.”

“That she did,” Sam said.

Gabe walked over to Annie and leaned down to touch her lips lightly with his own. “She kinda made it easy to forget I was carrying more responsibility.”

“Looks like the barn didn’t burn down in my absence so apparently not too much distraction,” Sam said.

Cal approached and Gabe introduced him. “This is our new hire, Cal. Cal your real boss, the one who signs the paychecks, Sam and his fiancée Darcy.”

“Hey, I feel like I already know ya,” Cal said.

“Welcome to Parker Farm,” Sam said, as he shook Cal’s hand.