Page 50 of The Hermit on the Hill

"Tough crowd," Sam said.

"You did great. Lily and Sophie didn't come to blows, so it was a success."

"Blows? They're just babies."

"Babies with very decided opinions about how the world works and very different personalities."

We stayed until they'd chosen a movie and everyone had settled down, and then we headed back downstairs, locking the baby gate behind us. I couldn't stop smiling. Sam might be a grump to the people in town, but Brittany was right about him being a marshmallow on the inside. I could already picture how great he'd be with our son.

Everyone looked up when we walked into the living room, and every conversation broke off.

"The kids okay?" Cody asked around the nacho he'd just shoved into his mouth.

"Everything's fine," I said. "They've settled on a movie and are happy for the moment. The pizza should be here in half an hour."

That out of the way, everyone stared at us expectantly. My palms got sweaty and my head went light. I sat in the nearest chair, and Sam perched on the armrest next to me. I could feel his gaze on me, could feel his concern.

"I'm pregnant," I blurted, my carefully planned speech forgotten. "Sam is the father."

They all stared, stunned into silence. Even May looked worried.

"We didn't mean for it to happen," Sam said, his tone sharp. "But we are going to work as a team to give our baby the best life possible. You all have good reason to hate me, but I will do everything in my power to be a good father to your nephew."

"I told you we should have come back with the feathers," Cody muttered.

"It's not too late." Noah glared at Sam.

George, however, smiled like he was in on a good joke. He leaned in and whispered something to May, but she slapped his shoulder and scowled.

"Want to share with the rest of the class, George?" I asked.

George swallowed his smile. "No, ma'am."

"You were always the class clown," Sam said. "Never as funny as you thought you were."

George stared at Sam, confusion clear. "You don't know anything about me, Oakley."

"I know you're a farm boy who thought he was better than the rest of us. I know you embarrassed yourself daily from kindergarten on." Sam crossed his arms over his chest and tapped a thumb on his pecs thoughtfully. "Bet you were a troublemaker all the way through school."

George didn't get angry or even appear to be offended. His expression had gone thoughtful. "Shit. Sammy Oaktree."

Sam rolled his eyes. "Stupid fucking name."

"It fit." George's eyes sparkled. "You were the tallest kid in the class from kindergarten until you moved away in seventh grade. Silent as a tree, too. Can't believe I forgot that."

"Meh." Sam shrugged. "You were pretty self-centered. Didn't surprise me when I moved back to town, and you had no clue who I was."

George crossed the room and held out his hand to Sam. "I'm sorry I forgot about you, man. It's good to see you. Welcome back to town."

Sam stared at George's hand for a long moment, his jaw twitching, anger in his eyes. He glanced at me and his expression softened. He shook George's hand.

"Why'd you leave Catalpa Creek anyway?" George asked, then shook his head. "No, wait. I remember. Your grandmother died. That was you, right? I remember my parents talking about it."

It looked like Sam was grinding his teeth, and I didn't think he'd answer the question. "Yes. I moved to Maryland to live with my aunt."

George took a step back, like he was bracing for a punch. "That's rough, man. I'm sorry."

"Remember my grandmother?" Sam asked. "The witch of Catalpa Creek. She delivered most of the babies born in this town, but when she was sick and dying, no one did shit for her."

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