Sam's Promise (Blackwater)

ver known, because my parents both died in a car accident when I was two years old.”

“So caring for your grandmother fell to you,” Sam said.

The softly spoken words sent shivers up and down her spine. “Yeah,” she replied, “and before she died, Grandmom made me promise to sell the house and use the money to get out and live my life. I think she felt guilty. As if it were somehow her fault that she’d gotten sick.” She shook her head. “Anyway, after she passed away, I honored her request. Sold the old two-story I grew up in and bought a small condo. Then I enrolled in college.”

“And I told her that since she didn’t have a fella to spend the holidays with that she should come and spend it with my fellas.” Wanda grinned, and a few of the guys laughed and shook their heads. Julie thought it adorable how the guys seemed to hang on Wanda’s every word.

When Wanda stood and brought an empty dish to the sink, Julie noticed how slowly she was moving. At the restaurant, Wanda always moved with efficiency, but as she came back to the table, there was a light sheen of sweat on her forehead. Wasn’t she well?

“Can I help with anything, Wanda?” Julie offered as Wanda sat back down.

“No, thank you, dear.”

“Mom, are you feeling okay?” Sam asked as he watched his mother with obvious concern.

She smiled, but Julie noticed it didn’t quite meet her eyes. “I’m fine, Sammy. Really.”

Julie could feel the mounting worry in the room and decided to inject some levity to lighten the mood. “Uh, anyway, I think your mom might have had the idea to play matchmaker,” Julie said, with no small amount of embarrassment. “But like I already told her, I’m not in the market for a relationship right now. So none of you have to worry that I’m here for anything other than the good food and company.”

“I say we draw straws,” River quietly replied as he winked at her. “Short straw gets a date with the pretty brunette.”

Several deep, male voices sent up energetic agreements, but there was one male who didn’t say anything at all. Julie gave in to temptation and looked at Sam. Her gaze clashed with his sexy hazel eyes. He stared at her with such intensity, Julie actually began to fidget. She hadn’t done that since her grandmom had caught her in the cookie jar when she was ten. As he narrowed his gaze and looked away, Julie had the distinct impression he wanted her gone. Like yesterday. It was not a comfy-cozy feeling.

Suddenly there was a loud gasp, and Julie looked to the head of the table. She noticed Wanda clutching at her chest now. Julie dropped her fork. “Wanda?”

Sam quickly leaped into action. “Mom, what is it?”

“H-heart,” Wanda cried.

“Sam, she might be having a heart attack,” Julie said, attempting to stay calm. “Call 911.”

“I’m on it,” Vance said as he pulled out his cell phone.

“Good, then can someone help me get her to the couch?”

“I’ve got her,” Sam replied as he bent and picked Wanda up as if she weighed no more than a child and carried her to the other room. He placed her gently on top of the worn, brown plaid cushions. Wanda clenched her eyes shut. “It’s going to be okay, Mom. Help is on the way.”

“Is there a pillow or something? We want her head elevated or in a semi-seated position.”

River appeared with a large hunter-green throw pillow. “This do?”

“Perfect,” Julie said, keeping her voice soft, calming. She took it and handed it over to Sam. Once he had her propped up, she heard him murmuring to her that everything was going to be okay. Wanda responded with a shaky nod. Julie quickly leaned down and placed her cheek close to the older woman’s mouth to ensure her breathing wasn’t labored. Satisfied when she felt warm air, Julie started to stand. Someone cursed. Julie swiveled around and glared at the two men closest to her. River and Reilly both glared right back, but she knew they got the message. They all needed to stay calm for Wanda’s sake. Getting upset would only make the situation worse. She thought she heard sirens, and she looked down the length of the couch to where Brodix stood, hands fisted at his sides, looking grim.

“Can you go out front and watch for the paramedics?” she asked. He nodded and took off at a sprint, obviously grateful to have something to do. Being helpless was the worst; Julie knew that only too well.

When Wanda looked as if she wanted to sit up, Sam was there, soothing her with his big palm against her forehead. “Shh, be still now.” Julie was struck by how gentle he was. As his head came up and their gazes connected, Julie saw the anguish he was clearly trying to hide from his mother. I know CPR, she mouthed.

Sam nodded and slowly smoothed his hand over Wanda’s hair. The sirens grew louder. “They’re almost here, Mom.”

When two men in EMT uniforms burst through the front door, Brodix bringing up the rear, Julie stepped back and allowed them to do their job. She heard Sam explaining the situation. Within minutes, all the brothers were watching from the driveway as Wanda was loaded into the emergency vehicle. Vance ended up riding along with them. After they were on their way, sirens blaring, River, Reilly and Brodix came up to her.

“Are you okay?” River asked as Reilly placed his hand on her shoulder.

Julie frowned. “Me?”

“You’re shaking, sweets,” River said as he took hold of both her hands and rubbed them between his warmer ones.

She looked down, shocked to see he was right. “I didn’t even notice.”