Something About Sam (An Inspirational Novel)

By Susette Williams

Having lost the family ranch due her parents untimely death and their past debts, Samantha Marlow is forced to look for a job for the first time in her life. Accustomed to using her nickname, Sam, she is hired as a cook, based off of her resume, site-unseen.

Jake Dampier needs someone to manage his household while he manages his ranch. He never anticipated his foreman would hire someone without interviewing them in person, especially someone as young and beautiful as Sam. The last thing he wants is a distraction—but it may turn out to be just what he needs.

Previously published by Treble Heart Books, Mountainview Division
©2006 Susette Williams

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Family Friendly Fiction
• Release date: Sep 26, 2013
• ISBN: 9781501465703

Book preview

Something About Sam

By Susette Williams

eBook ©2013 Susette Williams

Published by Family Friendly Fiction

Previously published by Treble Heart Books,

Mountainview Division

©2006 Susette Williams

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The characters and situations in this story are fictional and are a work of the author's imagination. This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment and may not be re-sold or the download rights transferred to any individual. If you are reading this eBook and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please kindly respect the hard work of the author whom benefits from the actual sales/downloads of this eBook.

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Other Books by Susette Williams:

Novellas ~

FALLING IN LOVE - Seasons of the Heart novella series

WINTER CHILL - Seasons of the Heart

ACCIDENTAL MEETING

SCROOGE FALLS IN LOVE – Typecast Christmas novella series

Novels~

Maid for Murder: DEADLY BUSINESS

NEW GARDEN'S CONVERSION in The Quakers of New Garden - Barbour 2012 

Children~

Children’s Books and Free Coloring Pages

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Acknowledgements

Thanks to God for giving me inspiration and the desire to write; my husband, Rob, and my six children (Delilah, Eric, Melissa, Gabrielle, Nehemiah and Nathaniel) for encouraging me and allowing me to pursue a writing career; and my friends and critique partners, for encouraging me and offering guidance in publishing this and other stories.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Epilogue

CHAPTER ONE

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Samantha Marlow had never held a job as a cook before but had always cooked for her family on their ranch. How much harder could it be to prepare food for a few extra men?

A light tap on the window startled her, bringing her cascading back to reality. She was alarmed by the dark haired stranger’s sudden presence. As she rolled down the window she noticed a slightly amused look on his face. Brown, wavy hair peeked out from beneath his Stetson. Wide shoulders descended to a lean waist. His sleeves were rolled up, barely revealing his forearms, which were tanned a golden bronze.

Can I help you? He raised an eyebrow and leaned closer, resting his forearm against her truck as his eyes casually scanned the contents of it before coming to rest on her face. Feeling like a magnet drawn to him, she couldn’t look away.

Hi. Yes. I’m Samantha Marlow, she stammered, flabbergasted by his unsettling stare. I’ve been hired on as the cook.

You’re Sam? he replied with a puzzled look, straightening his stance.

Sam. Yes, short for Samantha.

I’m sorry. There’s been some kind of mistake. His amusement was no longer visible. Eyes squinted and jaw squared, he stood erect.

Mistake? What mistake? Samantha’s eyes grew wide. She had expected Zeb to be a little taken back that she hadn’t given him her full name, but she was sure she could convince him of her abilities once she met him face to face. Are you Zeb?

I’m Jake, he told her, giving her a more scrutinizing stare.

Jake motioned for an older man to come over. The older gentleman eyed Jake, took a look at Samantha, and scratched his head as he sauntered toward her truck. Jake walked over to meet him, leaving Samantha out of hearing distance.

Samantha climbed out of her truck and walked over to them. She needed this job too desperately to be left out of their conversation. If they had something to say, she wanted to know what it was.

Is there something wrong? she asked, raising her eyebrows.

Um... well... ya never said ya was a woman. The older man’s voice was raspy.

I didn’t see the part in the paper where it requested that only men apply, Samantha countered. Are you Zeb?

Right now I wish I wasn’t, he mumbled.

Samantha eyed him curiously.

Yeah. I’m Zeb.

You need a cook, and I need a job. I don’t see the problem. In your letter, you said the cook had private quarters. So, what’s the problem? Samantha asked.

You aren’t exactly what we’re looking for, Jake told her flatly.

She wasn’t winning ground with either of them. Look, I really need this job. I don’t have anything left to go back to. Tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill over.

Jake removed his Stetson, slapped his leg with it, and walked away, stopping yards away from her. Zeb approached him cautiously. They exchanged a few words, but she wasn’t able to make them out. Their voices were too muffled. Her heart beat rapidly as Jake walked back over to where she stood with her arms crossed over her chest.

I’ll show you to your quarters, Jake said, already heading around to the passenger side of her truck.

She followed and climbed in behind the driver’s seat.

Did you see the cabin behind the house? He didn’t wait for a response. That will be where you’ll room.

Jake slammed the door, his knees scrunched up against the dashboard. She couldn’t quite read his expression nor understand the transformation that came over him. They rode the short distance to the cabin in silence.

Jake got out and headed around to the back of the truck. He hoisted the suitcases out as if they were weightless. He paused at the porch and waited for her to open the door for them since he was carrying her luggage. Samantha opened the door and reached to turn on the light switch, well aware of the presence of the man behind her. Stepping to the side, she allowed him to pass while she took in her new surroundings. His after-shave carried on the breeze after he brushed by. Samantha forced herself not to turn and follow the scent. It was an awkward situation for both of them, but they would get through this in time. Perhaps he’d even find he liked her cooking, if he’d give her a chance to prove herself.

A light above the kitchen table illuminated the room, giving a better view of the kitchen from where she was standing. Oak cabinets lined the wall. The kitchen included a range, refrigerator and a microwave. Above the kitchen sink, a small bay window provided a view of the backside of the main house. The dining room opened into the living room. There was also one bedroom with a full bath. It was more than enough to meet her needs.

Thank you, Sam said. I can’t tell you how thankful I am to have this job. I promise I won’t disappoint you.

You’d better not, Jake stated in a flat tone. For a moment their eyes held, locked together by an invisible current. Samantha felt uncomfortable beneath his stare. She lowered her gaze to rest upon her entwined hands.

Well, I’ll leave you to get settled. Tomorrow’s Sunday. Everyone on the ranch goes to church on Sunday. His tone of voice left no room for objections. Would you like to ride with me?

Sure. What time? Jake didn’t appear to be the kind of man who took ‘no’ for an answer. His matter-of-fact attitude left no room for discussion. Samantha had decided it best to accept his invitation, telling herself it was only because she didn’t know her way around yet.

I’ll pick you up at nine. That way we’ll make it in time for Sunday school.

All right, see you then. Samantha closed the door behind him after he left.

Jake seemed nice enough, when he wasn’t irritated. Actually, he was kind of handsome. There was something about him though. He seemed so in control, a take-charge kind of person, maybe a foreman.

Oh well, tomorrow I’ll have a chance to ask him what he does around here, Samantha pondered out loud.

CHAPTER TWO

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Samantha awoke early Sunday morning feeling at peace for the first time in several months. She lay in bed for a little while longer, enjoying the serenity. Reluctantly, she stretched and pushed back the covers to climb out of bed. While making the bed, she mentally went over her morning itinerary.

Breakfast was first on the list. Samantha rummaged through the cabinets and found some flour, sugar, oil, and a few other miscellaneous items. Supplies would definitely be needed if she intended to eat that night. She wrote a shopping list on a scratch piece of paper while eating the biscuits she made for breakfast.

Thankfully, there were hardly any dishes to do. That would change soon enough though. Samantha wasn’t sure how many men she would have to cook for, but it definitely would mean more dishes. She wrinkled her nose at the thought. Washing dishes was not high on her list of most enjoyable things to do, but it went with the territory.

Glancing at her watch, she decided she had better shower and fix her hair. The long, thick strands would take time to blow dry. Samantha had just finished putting on her lipstick when there was a knock. Gathering her purse and Bible she headed for the door.

Hello, she beamed joyfully.

Good morning, Miss Marlow. You look nice today, Jake replied as he accompanied her back to his truck. Her long, bouncy curls flowed back and forth as she walked. Samantha’s steps were graceful, almost as if she were floating on air. Jake shook his head trying to clear his thoughts. He wasn't accustomed to being sidetracked by the beauty of a woman. Yet, he found it extremely difficult to keep his eyes off this one.

He opened the door and waited for her to get settled before getting in himself. It wasn’t very far to church. They drove in silence. Samantha looked out the window. Jake was too deep in thought to force conversation, especially with the object of those thoughts. If he wasn’t driving, he would have enjoyed taking in the scenery himself, although his vision would have remained cast on his companion.

The church was a modest red brick building. Jake had attended there since he was a teen. When they entered, Reverend Gleason stood waiting to greet them. Jake walked over and shook his hand. Good morning, Reverend Gleason.

Hello, Jake. Who’s this lovely young lady with you today? the pastor replied. Samantha blushed.

This is Samantha Marlow. Samantha, meet Reverend Michael Gleason.

Good morning, Brother Gleason. Samantha took the extended hand.

Will you be visiting us often, I hope? asked Reverend Gleason.

I believe I will be. I’ve just been hired on as the cook at the Dampier’s Ranch.

A puzzled smile came across the preacher's face as he looked at Jake. Jake shrugged his shoulders and fought to suppress the involuntary grin he felt spreading across his face.

Well, we’re glad to have you here, Miss Marlow, Reverend Gleason said.

During the service, Reverend Gleason spoke on healing. In Acts, Peter told Aeneas to get up and take care of his mat. Jesus heals you. In Luke a man suffering from leprosy knew he could be healed if it was the Lord’s will. If you believe with your heart and you ask, God will heal you. He gave an altar call and asked if anyone needed to be healed or delivered from anything that had a hold on him or her, to come forward for prayer.

After the service, Jake excused himself for a moment and went down to the altar to speak with Reverend Gleason. Samantha remained in her seat. Meditating on the previous service, she was oblivious to the voices around her.

Gazing toward the front of the sanctuary, Samantha noticed a striking beautiful redhead coming down the aisle toward her. She smiled at the woman politely. Samantha could have sworn the redhead turned her nose up at her while continuing to stroll down the aisle toward the exit. Samantha shrugged off the incident. Surely she was mistaken. There was no reason the woman would have to dislike her; they didn't even know each other.

Howdy, Miss, came a friendly, deep voice from behind her.

Startled, she turned in her pew to see where the unclaimed voice came from. As she turned, he stepped to the side and stretched out his hand for her to shake. Next to her pew stood one of the tallest men she had ever seen. It strained her neck to look up at his face, even when she stood.

Samantha placed her small, delicate hand inside of his and shook it. Hello, she replied.

A smile flitted across his face, revealing pearly white teeth. My name’s Tex. What’s yours?

Samantha, but everyone calls me Sam, she informed him.

He gazed over her from head to toe. You definitely ain’t no Sam.

Samantha couldn’t help the flush that came to her cheeks in his assessment. Trying to downplay her momentary embarrassment, she countered, Well, it’s what my friends call me.

How about boyfriends? he inquired.

Obviously Tex didn’t possess a shy bone in his body. Samantha began to feel a little uncomfortable with the direction their conversation was heading. She glanced around looking for Jake. Her eyes met his and a faint smile came across his face. He was still talking with Reverend Gleason.

Hoping to put Tex off, she replied, I don’t believe that really concerns you. For good measure she added a sweet smile to hopefully drive her reply home.

Did you come with anyone today? Or might I have the pleasure of taking you out for lunch? he suggested.

Apparently Tex didn’t take hints very well, or he was just very persistent. Samantha chose to believe the latter.

Samantha stole another glance to where Jake was still standing. Almost as if he could feel her eyes upon him, he looked and made eye contact with her and then glanced at Tex. Samantha felt her heart jump. She was unaccustomed to this feeling she felt inside whenever Jake looked at her.

She tried to refocus her attention back on Tex. Before carefully considering her reply, she leaped at the first feasible excuse. I’m sorry. I’m with Jake.

Samantha almost regretted it the moment she said it. What if he asked Jake about his supposed new girlfriend? She decided it would be best to worry about that at another time. Right now, she needed to politely put Tex off. No matter how handsome he was, Samantha was not looking to complicate her life with a relationship.

Tex raised an eyebrow, causing his forehead to crease. Well I’ll be, he wailed.

Several people turned around to stare. Samantha wished she could become invisible. Tex commanded enough attention with his height; his laughter and boisterous voice drew even more attention.