In Love's Territory

  Chapter 4

  As Sam drove the runabout back to Taylor Farm, he couldn’t help but wonder what Kate would look like wearing the dress. Mrs. Gray had taken far too long to finish it, and even today he had waited nearly half an hour while she made some last-minute adjustments before bundling it into a large paper package tied with string. Now Kate would have only a few hours to get ready before the performance tonight, but Sam was sure she’d look terrific even if she threw the dress on and made no other preparations at all. Maybe they’ll want me to drive them, he thought. Better to spend at least a little time in her company than alone at home.

  His hopes weren’t very high, however. In the days since he had suggested naming the cow after her, Kate had made herself scarce when he was around, and it was only the fact that she needed her dress that had gotten her to talk to him again, asking him to go fetch it. Hopefully she’ll appreciate this and things will go back to normal. His hopes weren’t very high about that either, however.

  She did look glad to see him, though. As he drove down from the main road, he could see Kate and Becky both rise from their chairs on the porch, and Kate even clapped her hands together in excitement as he pulled up to a stop in front of the house. When he stepped down from the carriage and lifted the package from behind the seat, Kate gave him a smile that quickened his pulse and made him forget all about his worries.

  “Sam, thank you so much,” she said, taking the dress from him. “You’re a lifesaver.” Her voice was warm and friendly again, and suddenly it felt like all was right with the world.

  “My pleasure, Miss Taylor. Just let me know if you need anything else.”

  “I will,” she said, throwing another smile his way before they went inside. Sam nodded at her and Becky before he turned to go, and he drove the runabout down to the carriage house. The girls’ laughter and light voices carried to him as he turned to watch them enter the house, and it felt like a pain he’d been carrying around with him had just disappeared. He took a truly deep breath for the first time in what seemed like ages, grabbed his lunch bucket, and headed out to the field.