Sam Is Loved: Sam Loves, #3

By Lou kamradt

   Sam Is Loved

This is the third book in a trilogy, "Sam Loves," which all take place in a small town, Plainville, Wyoming during the late 1800s.

Book one; "Sam Finds Love." Sam is a beautiful, strong woman who travels west, acquires a job in a man's world, falls in love, and lives on the largest ranch in the state. However, a tragedy almost causes the loss of her marriage.

Book two; "Sam Loves the Ranch." Sam endures an Indian attack, engages plans for Sam's Dude Ranch, people arrive on a wagon train, and there's a surprise visit by her brother. Both the folks living on the ranch and in town depend on Sam for advice.

Book three; "Sam is Loved." Again Sam, Ted, and their four children live their lives through happy and sad times on the ranch. Their barn burns, a twin falls in the river, and there's the third yearly festival plus a rodeo. People visit the Dude Ranch, there's a winter blizzard that traps the children in the school, and the banker is shot in a bank robbery. Sam's best friend marries and has her wedding on the ranch. These are some of the actions that take place. As each new character enters the book, they create another part in Sam's life.

There are many characters throughout all three books. Things happen, but Sam always comes to the rescue as people die,  babies are born, friends marry, and there are new beginnings for the ranch and town. Sam, known for her smile, is a love and an amazing lady.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lou kamradt
• Release date: Nov 23, 2019
• ISBN: 9781732389540

Lou kamradt

Lou Kamradt has a bucket list, and one of those items is to become an author.  She has concluded three books; “Sam Finds Love,” “Sam Loves the Ranch,” and “Sam is Loved.” These are a trilogy, “Sam Loves,” historical romance written in the time of the late 1800s in Wyoming. Lou has also written several short stories. Lou was born in Benton, IL. She graduated from Eureka College with a BA in education. She also attended: Normal IL University, Boise University, and Arizona University. Lou is a member of RWA, SW Houston RW, and has attended several writer’s conferences. Lou has accomplished several positions as a schoolteacher, administrative secretary, forklift driver, manager of a personnel office, and social director while her husband was a Wagon Master on several tours into Mexico and tail gunner on tour into Canada. Life can be complicated or full of activities, whether they are inside or outside of their home. Lou chose life with never a dull moment. She has moved repeatedly as an Army war brat moving with her parents during WWII. Then again with her husband; living in IL., AZ., Id., and TX. Her writing background is full from being active with her husband and their four children; also, retirement living in a motor home thirteen years and traveling in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Lou’s mind is full of stories, and now she has the opportunity to write them down. Enjoy her books. You may contact her: [e-mail]

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Sam woke up with a start. She raised her head and saw out the window a glow that wasn’t the sun. Sam threw back the covers, jumped out of bed, then ran to see what it was. The red, orange, and yellow glow was so brilliant that she could almost feel the heat. The smell was terrible, and with the window open, already her eyes were starting to water. What she saw frightened her to no end, so she started screaming, Ted—Ted, wake up. The barn is on fire! The barn is on fire!

Ted sat up and shook his head, realizing Sam was yelling from the window. Her words coming louder alarmed him. He too jumped out of bed and ran to her then smelled the smoke. Oh, no! he exclaimed.

Quick to go into action, they both threw on some clothes, ran down the stairs and out the front door. Smoke billowed from the barn reaching high in the sky. Their eyes were burning. The flames were licking over the roof plus a shower of sparks was raining all over. The cowboys had been aroused from the bunkhouse attached to the north side of the barn. 

Ted, you go quick and get the horses out. I’ll find Maggie to take care of the children. Sam ran back into the house and to the back porch. She reached up and rang the dinner bell three times stopped, rang again three times, then once more three times to signal for help. Then she ran to Maggie’s cabin and pounded on the door.

I’m coming. I’m coming, yelled Maggie. She threw open the door. What has happened?"

The barn is on fire. All the men are needed for the fire brigade. Could you please round up the children and keep them away from the fire? She knew the children would be up and want to go see what was happening. Children are so curious. I need you to make sure they’re out of harm’s way.

I certainly can, Sam. Don’t you worry none. They will mind me, responded Maggie in her stern voice. Of course, you go on and do what you need to do.

Thanks, Maggie. When you see the other women, ask them to start their prayers.

Yes, I will.

As Sam ran back through the house, Will, her brother, came to find out what all the commotion was. Sam wha—

Will, the barn is on fire. Take your children to Maggie. She ran on out the front door.

Sam ran to the pump in the yard in front of the house.

Oh, my, it’s so hot. You men keep your distance, she yelled. We don’t want anybody hurt. Here Rhode, let me work the pump so you can help the men with the chain of water buckets to throw on the flames.

That’s okay, Sam. I can manage while you go into the kitchen to have the cooks begin breakfast. After all this work, the men will be hungry.

There was still a slight mist continuing from last night’s storm. It wasn’t enough water to put out the fire. There were still sparks flying everywhere.

Sam could see the horses in the west pasture where someone had taken them safely out of the burning barn. They were screaming and running around wild.

The family ranch workers who lived in the cabins south of the house had been awakened and were coming to see how they could help. Keep the water coming. We don’t want the house or the cabins to burn, shouted Sam.

Men were arriving from town. They too had seen the massive bloom of smoke with the glow from the flames shooting so high.

Sam motioned for the ladies to follow her to the kitchen. Everyone, we need to make extra food this morning. The men will need fuel. We’ll also have more men to feed. The breakfast smells of biscuits, bacon, and beans filled the room. It was all she could do to stay in the kitchen when what she really wanted was to be helping to put out the fire.

Once the breakfast preparation was underway, the table set, and the children settled, Sam went outside to see what she could do. She ran over to Rhode, the ranch manager, at the pump. Can anything be saved?

Sam, all we can do now is to let it burn out and make sure that none of the other buildings go. Some of the men threw some water on the bunkhouse, but it’s gone.

Oh, Rhode, I’m so sorry.

It’s not your fault, Sam.

Yes, but where will the men sleep? Oh, my, they’ve lost all their belongings. What will they do?

Don’t you worry about that. They will find a place, and we will build as soon as the debris is cleared away. Clothes can be replaced.

Yes, we’ve been blessed that no one has been injured.

The men had managed to control the fire, and finally, all was burned out. On the back porch were pots of water for the men to wash up. However, they still smelled like smoke. With all the women, children, ranch hands, and the men from town, there were many to feed. Large bowls and platters of food were set on the table. As Rhode had said, they had worked up an appetite and began eating heartily. Some were speculating about the fire and what had started it.

Sam—a self-efficient, intelligent, beautiful redhead, sat by Ted, a tall well-tanned, broad-shouldered, handsome rancher—put her arm through one of his then gave him a squeeze. Ted, what are we going to do? Where will the men sleep? What started—

Hold on, Sam. One thing at a time. As you well know, we do the best that we can. I’ll talk to Rhode and Bud to get their ideas. I’ll need all the men to help clear off the land. Then I’ll meet with Jim in charge of our carpenter crew to make plans. We will put one foot in front of the other to get things done. Please keep the little children away from the mess.

Of course. Maggie assured me that she and Sara, who look after the children, will keep them busy elsewhere.

Make sure the cooks have meals prepared on time.

Ted, you got to be kidding. Of course, when did you ever know they were not? What is your problem? You know the cooks have the kitchen running like clockwork and the children are always taken care of.

I’m sorry. I’m just on edge because of the fire, the mess, besides the men losing their belongings.

I know. I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have snapped at you. We both have extra work to do. We will get through this as well as all things will work out okay.

Sam, you are so good at keeping things together. I know we will see everything in perspective in the morning.

Go ahead and get to work. If you need me for anything, let me know. By the way, you do realize that our Jed and Fred are capable of helping clear the mess?

Yes, I’ve already thought of them. Also, the other older boys will be a big help, too. Thanks, Lovey. He reached to Sam and gave her a hug. Hmmm, you smell like smoke.

Yes, we all do. I hope that is not going to linger. I can even taste it in my food.

Eventually my love. It will. He nodded. It will.

AFTER TED LEFT WITH the men to go check out the remains of the barn, Sam gathered Clara, Bella, Bess, Ruth, and Isabella to organize for the noon meal, which was called dinner. The women worked well together and were anxious to do what they do best—cook.

In the morning, when Ted woke up, he saw Sam standing by the window. What are you looking at, Lovey?

I’m looking at the mess but thank heavens the sun is shining. What a loss. What will the ranch hands do now?

They will do what they can. I have made a list for Harry to go to the mercantile to buy the necessities for them.

I’m sure his dad will be pleased with all the sales.  

"Also, Bud will go to the lumber store to purchase the wood we need for the rebuilding. I hope there are enough supplies.

"I’m sure. What a job you have on your hands, Ted.

It won’t take long. The men from town will be arriving today to help clean the burned area. As soon as that’s done, we’ll have a barn raising. I think we can set up the tables for eating outside. There will be many folks from town. People will be eating in shifts as the work allows.

Yes, I’m confident the town ladies will bring food also.

I’m not concerned about the food. I’m letting you be in charge.

What about the bunkhouse?

I’ve talked to Rhode about that, too. We think it’s necessary to build it separately from the barn, so nothing like this can happen again, or at least we hope not. Since he’s ranch manager, I’ve given him the task of supervising the whole project. Jim, as usual, will oversee the carpenter crew for the bunkhouse.

Ted, I feel bad about all this work right when it’s near the time for the spring roundup.

Yes, but it can’t be helped. We will round up the calves for branding as soon as we can. We have been fortunate not to have a disaster like this before now.

What caused the fire, anyway?

The storm last night with a lot of lightning strikes. It was regrettable that one happened to hit the barn. With all the hay in the hayloft—well, it burned quickly.

Today will be a busy day for all of us. I know it will be one I’ll remember. Sam gave Ted a squeeze then left to find where she could help.

That day proved to be very productive. Both men and women came from town to help with the barn raising. Men came to help build, and the women brought food. Jim and his group began work on the living quarters for the cowboys. Clara, the head cook, kept the ranch cooks with the ladies from town busy preparing for the meals for everyone.

When Ted came in for his morning coffee, Sam joined him. Oh, Ted, we have been blessed. First, we were sent the wagon train with people to work on our ranch. Second, my brother, Will, came in addition to hiring him for publicity for Sam’s Dude Ranch. Now we’ve been sent people from town to give us a hand.

Yes, Sam, we have. I don’t know what we would have done without all this extra help.

Well, if I know you, and I do, you would have figured something out. You are so smart.

Smart! Ha! Is that all you think about me—my mind? Then with a grin on his face, he wiggled his eyebrows at her.

Oh, you. Sam smacked Ted on his arm. You know I married you for your multi-talents.

And what are those, my love?

Hmmm, let’s see. Oh, yes, you have ten fingers, ten toes, two—

Stop! I don’t want to—

Ted, you know I’m just funning with you. You are my handsome cowboy and my one true love.

Oh, —get out.

I will, but I do expect proof of one of your talents tonight. With that said, she turned and sashayed out of the dining room.

Ted smiled and shook his head. What a lovey I have.

Sam found Will with sleeves pushed to the elbows, moving ashes into a pile. Well now, you didn’t bargain for this when you came just to visit, did you? First, we hired you to work for Sam’s Dude Ranch, and now you are a cleaning man.

I know. Will rolled his eyes at her. You just push your brother around. I think a pile of ashes is better than a pile of sh—

Stop! Will, you better not say that word. The children might hear you.

Oh, my, Sam. You know I wouldn’t say shit even if I had a mouth full of it.

Will! I’m not staying here and listening to such.

Wait! I was going to find you so I could let you know that our first arrivals for Sam’s Dude Ranch will be arriving in two weeks.

What—two weeks? Wait! What? When? You say two weeks? No, that can’t be. We’ve not received a reservation from anyone. How can that be?

I know. I’m sorry. I picked up the letter when I was in town last week. When I came back, you were busy. Then one thing led to another. Now the fire. I’m sorry, Sam. It just got away from me.

"Maybe we need to cancel. I don’t know if we have time to get in touch. With all the mess we are in, can we handle guests right now?

Don’t worry. Of course, we can. The men are through with the barn but for the painting, which, with all the help, will be finished in a day. The carpenter crew only has one more day to complete the bunkhouse and the men will be back in their new home. The SDR crew will be free to do their jobs. So, it all worked out okay.

Well, thank heavens for the quick job of the barn raising. And yes, you’re right. We will be on our regular schedule in two weeks. I need to go get a cup of coffee and relax.

Good idea. Let’s do that. You can even start on your lists, so you will know you have everything in order.

I hate to admit it, but you’re right. Come, join me. I’ll need to let Clara know.

Then, I’ll go tell Ted; Bud, the SDR manager; and Tom, who is in charge of the trail rides.

They drank their coffee then went their separate ways to put in order the workings for the arrival of the next guests.

CHAPTER TWO

That evening after supper, Sam asked Ted to walk with her down by the river. They sat on the bench built for those who wanted to sit and watch the water flowing. The birds played their orchestra to the tune of the water rippling over the rocks. The stars had already popped out, plus the moon shone on them like a spotlight on a stage.

Ted, I love it when we can be alone like this.

So, do I, Lovey. We don’t have enough time together. He laid his arm across her shoulder.

That can be solved. Don’t you think?

How do you mean?

We have people in charge of all the different operations on the ranch. You and I need to allow each one to do their job to the fullest.

We do. That is, I do. Don’t you?

Not really, Ted. You know how Bud comes to you. Then so does Tom. At least Rhode has his tasks completed. I know that sometimes I’m in Clara’s way in her supervising the cooks.

"Tell me. What do you have in mind?

You and I have to step back. We need to not be so available. Let the employees do jobs themselves without referring to us for—

I get what you mean. You are right. I know Bud is a good manager for the SDR. I can go to work out in the fields.

I didn’t mean for you to go work someplace. Why not spend more time with the children, or even me?

Sam, I’m here for you and our children.

You may think so, but do they, really? They see you as you come and go. You know they are growing like weeds. Can you believe Jed is fourteen, Fred is ten then Mira now five and our baby is three? Three, oh, my, Matilda really isn’t a baby anymore. What I’m saying is: go riding with them. Take one or two at a time with you into town. I know the boys loved working on the barn with you. The two older ones can help with repairs on the fences if you want to work.

Lovey, what will you be doing if I may ask?

"For example, I can teach the girls many things for them to learn to be a lady.

Okay. I get your meaning. I’ll work on being more available for family time.

Thanks, Ted. You are a dear. I know the children will be happy.

In a few days, we will have guests. However, I plan to take a few men to ride up in the mountains and gather some mustangs. We could use a few more horses on the ranch. Especially for the next branding of the calves.

What about me going too? I would like to go to the mountains.

Sam. You know you can’t go with the boys and me to round up horses. What are you thinking?

Welllll, I love to ride, and I haven’t been to the mountains. That’s what.

Surely you can find something to do here.

Thanks a lot. Okay. Go ahead. Leave me here. Then she pushed him and laughed to let him know she was okay.

He smiled back at her, removed his arm, and put his hands on her face to draw her into him. The kiss lasted for a long time.

Oh, Ted, I needed that. We need more time together—you and I.

I know. It seems our lives get too busy. Let’s do this more often.

I love you so much.

I love you too.

They strolled hand in hand back to the house.

AT DINNER, THE CHILDREN were talking about the horses that would be brought back. Ted had told them that he would be hiring Matthew, seventeen and Mark, fourteen, Bess’ boys; Elroy, fifteen, Ruth’s eldest; and Jed, fourteen, his own son to work this summer. They would be responsible for the stalls being cleaned and the corral cleared. After the mustangs were broken, they were to ride them for trail rides. Needless to say, the boys were ecstatic. And the best part—they would be going on the mustang roundup.

After Sam heard this, she told Ted that they needed a meeting. They went to the office.

What’s on your mind, Lovey?

What’s on my mind? You didn’t tell me you were taking the boys—well, you did. However, I thought you meant your men. Now I hear you mean the young ones.

Yes. That’s right.

You can’t.

Why not?

Ted, they’re in school until summer.

I spoke to Lilly, and she says they are allowed. It’s considered learning experiences.

What—you talked to their teacher? Learning experiences?

Yes.

What about their mothers? Don’t we have any say in the matter?

Now, Sam. Their fathers have a say in the matter, as you so put it.

Well, I never! I think your fathers better include mothers. Remember who cooks your meals.

Sam, are you saying you women are not going to cook?

Welllll! I think we need to have a meeting. Then we shall see what is what.

Sammm! I think you got a bee in your bonnet.

No! Ted. You forgot—

Ted interrupted her, Ahhh Sam. The boys are growing up. They’re not your babies anymore. Then he got up and left.

Sam was so upset. She went to find other mothers. They were still in the kitchen cleaning from supper. Hello, Clara, Bess, and Ruth. I need to speak with you. Can we please go out to the porch for a few minutes?

Clara looked at Sam. You seem upset. What is the matter?

Sam motioned for them to follow. Clara put down the dishtowel and went. Bess and Ruth also followed.

I want to let you know that our older boys are being taken—without our permission, I might add—out of school to gather the mustangs. She folded her arms across her middle and looked at each mother.

They all sat and looked at her. Finally, Clara spoke. Sam, we knew that.

Sam was flabbergasted. She didn’t know what to say. She sat there and looked down the path, past the cabins, while her mind was whirling. This was the first time she hadn’t been told what was happening on the ranch. She made up her mind, smiled at the women, stood up, then said, Well now. I just wanted to make sure you knew. Our boys are growing up, aren’t they? She nodded and went back inside to find Ted.

The women looked at each other, raised their eyebrows, shrugged their shoulders then went back to finish their work.

Sam found Ted on the front porch in the swing. She sat and took his hand. I’ve been thinking.

You have?

Yes. You’re right. Our boys aren’t babies. They'll soon become men. Each will have a place on the ranch. I wasn’t ready. They are.

"Sam, I know I should have discussed this with you. However, I figured