Chapter 31

"Son, can you pass these to Katelyn please?" Asked Arthur, giving the bowl of potatoes to Zack.

Katelyn smiled, reaching slightly to grab the bowl from her brother. Placing a scoop on her plate she passed the bowl to Donna next to her.

"This all looks amazing mom." Explained Nicole, slicing through her beef wellington.

Gwen smiled. "Sami honey, do you want some more gravy?"

Sami shook her head, waving her fork subtly with a mouthful of mashed potatoes.

Katelyn couldn't help but let a small smile rest against her subtle dimples at the sight of Sami's cheeks storing generous amounts of potatoes like a squirrel.

"Hungry?" Asked Nicole, giggling.

"The parlor was insane today. That new kid double booked all three of us, Erika had to come in from the West Pines shop and help us out." Explained Zack, before shoving a substantially large amount of potatoes and beef wellington into his mouth.

"Are you guys coming to Club Euphoria with us on Friday for its grand opening? Sami got us hooked up with VIP passes, we get our own private booth and all." Mentioned Billy, looking toward Katelyn and Donna.

Donna nodded. "Yeah, I won't be there for the actual opening, I'm closing the bar with Tara and Sophie, but when we're done, we'll be there."

"What about you, Katie?" He asked.

She shrugged. "I think I'll have to give it a miss. I'm pretty consumed with this case right now."

Arthur took a drink of his whiskey before clearing the slight burn from his throat.

"Although I'm not a fan of this nightclub making its way into this town…you should go Katelyn. You can't let a case take over your entire life or you'll get burnt out rather quickly." He explained.

"I know, but honestly there's still so much I haven't read up on and the lab is supposed to be giving me DNA results from the bat tomorrow." She took in a large sigh. "I just have a lot that needs to be done."

"That's what you have paralegals, and Richard for." He said sternly, looking at her through brows.

"I'm aware, dad. I want to read every detail this is just how I like to do things." She replied, grabbing her glass of wine and taking a small sip.

"Kate, come out. Then I'll make sure you're left alone for the rest of the weekend to work." Added Sami.

Katelyn arched her brow toward Sami sitting across from her. She sighed lightly as her heart skipped suddenly to the pleasing darks staring at her.

Zack mimicked crossing his heart. "You won't hear a peep out of us the entire weekend."

"There you have it. Go let your hair down…" Commanded Arthur, raising his whiskey glass.

She groaned, then scanned the now hopeful stares. "Okay, fine. But I mean it, lose my number over the weekend."

Zack smiled. "Absolutely."

"Terri's gonna be there." Added Billy with a wink.

Katelyn waved his comment away. "Don't go starting rumors, Bill."

He laughed, shrugging while grabbing his beer. "I would never."

Her arched brow and smirk pushing a giggle from the table.

"Are you and Terri getting…close?" Questioned Arthur.

Gwen gently cleared her throat as she sat at the other end of the table.

"Now Arthur…that's not a discussion to be having around the dinner table in front of everyone."

Katelyn glanced to Sami who was sitting back in her chair, her almost amused darks pulling a smirk from the pale lips that Katelyn's eyes couldn't help but trace when they were close.

"It's okay, Mom." She turned to her dad. "Yes, we've gotten closer but it's purely platonic."

Arthur shrugged with a nod. "Okay honey." He turned to Zack. "On Sunday before we go out on the lake, remind me to buy more hooks when we're getting bait."

Zack nodded. Katelyn stared at them both, a loving warmth consuming her once again at the sight of her brother and father having a bond she'd always dreamed of. She was even informed that Zack and Arthur had made their fishing trips a once a week thing. Just them, rising early every Sunday morning and spending the day out on her father's boat. They needed it and it was long overdue for the pair. She glanced at Sami gently wiping the corners of her mouth with a napkin. A part of her couldn't help but think of Sami and her dad, remembering Sami divulging to her about the fishing trips she would take with her father, her heart hurting slightly. She'd noted that even though Sami's relationship with her parents had gotten better now that she'd forgiven herself for Christine's death, she still didn't spend a lot of time with them. She was so consumed with keeping herself busy between the parlors and bar, time was passing by and she was blind to it, blind to her aging parents. Katelyn sighed knowing it was something she should bring to Sami but of course it wasn't her place to do so… Although very aware that, that had never stopped her before.

"What time is everyone going?" Inquired Nicole, finally pushing her plate away.

"He said to be there around six, the doors don't open until seven, but he wants to give us a tour." Answered Sami, grabbing her glass of water.

"Perfect, my last client is at two on Friday so that should be more than enough time." Replied Nicole.

Katelyn watched Sami get up alongside Gwen and help gather the plates. Slowly she sipped her wine, studying the slim figure, allowing her gaze to enjoy the sight of her in just a plain black t-shirt and ripped jeans.

"Oh, Sami honey, sit. I've got these." Insisted Gwen.

"You know the deal Mrs. Jensen, you cook…I do the dishes. We've been doing this for too long now. Stop fighting it." Countered Sami.

Gwen laughed. "Oh, a woman after my own heart."

Katelyn smiled to Sami's smirk and subtle wink toward Arthur. She soon watched her mother and Sami disappear into the kitchen. Turning to the table, the conversations were well under way as Billy and Zack topped up everyone's glasses. She cleared her throat before excusing herself from the table, not before catching a suspicious brow arch from Donna. Gently Katelyn slapped her shoulder, before making her way into the kitchen. There she was met with the sight of her mother rinsing the dishes as Sami stocked the dishwasher.

"Go sit with the others mom, I can finish up here."

Gwen turned with a smile. "Are you sure honey? There's so many…"

Katelyn waved her mother away, before grabbing the dish towel from her shoulder and flinging it over her own.

"Go relax with dad, mom. We'll be done in no time." Said Katelyn, before grabbing the sprayer and rinsing one of the plates.

She leaned into her mother's soft kiss on her cheek before watching her disappear back into the dining room. She turned back and passed the rinsed plate to an awaiting Sami, noticing the sly smirk.

"Something on your mind?" She asked, looking away to grab another plate.

"Always…" Sami said with a playful wink.

Katelyn suddenly swallowed hard, a little breathless from the bold reply. She turned looking over her shoulder at Sami.

"Don't, Sam." She replied, keeping her eyes on the sink full of dishes.

"Don't what?"

Katelyn turned to her, purposefully keeping her expression stern.

"The hidden inuendo's, I can't handle them." Rinsing another plate, she avoided the staring darks.

"Sorry…I don't mean anything by it. I promise, it's harmless."

"That's the problem…" Trailed Katelyn

Sami cleared her throat. "Problem?"

Katelyn let out a small frustrated laugh, throwing her head back slightly. "You know what Sam…yes a problem because although I'm fighting so hard against them, I still have side effects from two years ago from you. I don't want to feel them, I don't want to revisit any of that…I don't want this…so when you look at me a certain way, call me Kate, being that you're the only person I would allow to call me that…when you harmlessly flirt," she sighed, hating that she was actually admitting her feelings to the person behind her torture. But realizing if she brought them to Sami's attention now, she'd no longer have to endure those triggers and finally get over the side effects of Sami Wilson. "Any and all of those things still affect me in a way that I despise…so if you could just stop, act like I'm one of the guys, no harmless flirting just…friends. I can get over these fucking side effects and keep it moving." She finished, releasing a long-relieved exhale.

Sami clenched her jaw. "Are you sure it's just side effects?"

Katelyn arched her brow, her browns narrowing once again. "Don't question it, Sam…just do as I ask."

"Are we really gonna do this all over again?"

"No…these will subside, and everything will go back to normal. I just need you to not—"

"Show you I still feel exactly how you do?" Sami interrupted.

"Sam, why are you doing this?" Katelyn asked, gripping the edge of the sink letting her head fall back as frustration and sudden turmoil consumed her.

"Because I never stopped…loving you, Kate."

Katelyn instantly dropped her head, clamping her bottom lip between her teeth. An electricity jolted through her entirety, something she hadn't felt since leaving the Pines last time.

Sami stood watching how the exact side effects Katelyn told her about really affected the woman in front of her. Sami's heart pounded as her ache to touch Katelyn right in the Jensen's kitchen consumed her. Tingling every nerve, her ears suddenly pounding as her heart throbbed against her chest.

Katelyn looked over her shoulder, intentionally catching the hungered darks that stalked her. She watched Sami's racing breaths simultaneously match her own. She couldn't deny witnessing the torturous want in the darks that effortlessly pulled a burning desire from her just like before. This time there was no guilty pleasure, just a need and ache to see Sami want her… She clamped her eyes shut, trying desperately to calm her sudden craving for the woman in front of her.

"Don't fight it, Kate…don't fight me." Whispered Sami, daring to move closer.

Katelyn raised her head and opening her eyes she stared out the window at the moonlit treetops, the stars glimmering gently off her reflection. Her heart pounding into her throat. She took in a slow deep breath, releasing it gently before turning to Sami with her back against the counter while the thrilling darks studied her.

"Sam…I went against every bad feeling I had, all of my apprehension and fears when it came to you before and look how that turned out. You scared the hell out of me and feeling all of this after two years apart and falling in love with someone else, you still scare me. Even if we tried to make a go of it and go with our hearts…if I'm completely honest with myself, I'll always have a wall built and never trust that you won't break my heart again."

Sam let out a pained sigh as she looked down to the tile floor. Clenching her jaw, she blinked slowly while swallowing the lump in her throat.

"You'll just never believe me that I wouldn't fuck that up again, will you?" Asked the now raspy voice.

Katelyn shook her head. "As much as my body aches for you…as much as my head and heart scream for you…my gut is always pulling me away, and I'm going to listen this time, Sam. Sure, maybe you do love me just as much as I—" she paused, swallowing hard. "Or maybe it's just the thought of not being able to have what you so desperately want…hell, should we just sleep together and get it out of our systems? Maybe that's all this is, fucking sexual tension."

Sami shook her head. Finally lifting her head and letting her darks rest on the saddened browns.

"No…I can tell you that won't work. If anything, it'll just make shit fucking worse for me. I'm done talking about this, I put myself out there…told you it all. If you wish to not pursue it then I'll respect that and bow out. It's all I can do…I realize my past did this, and I'm not making excuses, Kate…but I dealt with my hurt in the wrong way and I know that now…but always know I was just hurting like I hadn't felt before." Sami whispered, swallowing hard. Wishing she could put her feelings down to just being side effects, but she knew it was more than that and regarding Katelyn she knew it always would be. It was clear Katelyn didn't want to feel anything toward her, and as much as it hurt Sami to see it, she didn't want to be the reason for Katelyn's suffering anymore. If she could do anything for Katelyn, it was this.

Katelyn pulled the dish cloth from her shoulder and threw it next to the sink. She moved to Sami, her heart still pounding as her mouth watered to have her lips on Sami's even if just for a moment. She wished she was joking about sleeping together once… Her body ached to have Sami's fingers on her skin, but deep down she knew…it would make it worse she'd always want more, and her heart would yearn more so for Sami and she just didn't want that. She wanted to love someone who she could completely trust with her heart. She watched Sami suddenly back away from her approach.

"Sam…"

"No, Katelyn. You gotta give me time…this is way fucking harder than last time because there was always the oath with Zack keeping me at bay…now there's nothing. I'll be cordial with you when we're around the others, but I just can't be the friend you need me to be right now. I know you'll understand."

Katelyn's stomach sank, suddenly becoming winded. "Sam…we were doing so good before this talk. Our friendship seemed to be working better than it had ever been."

"That was when I thought you felt nothing, when I thought you were completely over me. But to know you still feel exactly how I do and yet won't be with me because I fucked up your trust permanently by sleeping with Tara…that's a whole new ball game for me. For the first time, I have to genuinely work on getting over you and those demons, Katelyn," she swallowed hard. "I'll give you the space you need, and you give it to me in return. And I know I have no right to ask but I have to…please out of respect, don't let me witness you with someone else. I'll keep my distance, like I said but when we're with the others…and you're with someone…I just can't see that." Sami looked toward the archway into the dining room then back at Katelyn. "When we're around those guys, we'll act like everything is perfectly fine. I know we both don't want them to suffer like last time. You're finally home, and your family is happy again…I don't want to come between that. I'll do us both a favor and just keep a distance as much as possible."

"Sami, I don't want you to not be around…I…I'm not asking for all of this." Pleaded Katelyn.

"I know you aren't…but I am this time, Kate. You can maybe do a friendship right now and that's fine…I can't." The trailing whisper pleaded back.

"Sam don't pull awa—" Katelyn turned to her father entering the kitchen.

Arthur paused looking toward his daughter and Sami's punctured stature. He raised a brow at Katelyn. "Everything okay in here?"

Sami nodded with a forced smile. "Of course, we were just about to come back out." She took in a deep breath and looked at her watch. "I gotta get going, I have a busy day tomorrow as usual. Thank you for dinner it was delicious as always." Said Sami, approaching him before walking out of the kitchen.

Arthur kept his stare on Katelyn while Sami walked out, leaving them.

"What happened, Katie?"

She bit the inside of her cheek. "Reality pretty much just hit us both in the face."

He walked toward her, embracing her. "And what reality is that?"

She shook her head, burrowing it into her father's chest as he embraced her. "That we're still very much in love with each other…"

"So, why does it seem like that's a bad thing?" He questioned, running his hand over her head.

"Because the realization is, I'll never be able to trust that she won't break my heart. I tried once and…she did. I'll never be able to do that again. I know it, and now she does. She scares me and always will." She sighed.

"Well, we can't really trust that the person we love will never break our heart, honey. It's just a chance we take." He replied pulling her from him and forcing her hurt on him.

"And that was a chance I took, and she did. I'll never be able to do it again."

"I've always told you, never say never." He replied kissing the top of her head.

"It's done dad. She knows it this time, told me to keep my distance, as will she and we'll keep it cordial in front of the others, so they don't feel awkward around us."

Arthur released a frustrated breath. "I wish I could take both of your hurt away."

Katelyn gave her father a soft smile and a gentle kiss on the cheek. "One day at a time, and we'll be able to actually have a friendship and put all of this behind us."

Chapter 32

Katelyn followed Nicole while being met by two large bouncers at the entrance of club Euphoria. Once Nicole gave their names, they were granted entrance by nods. Katelyn pressed her palms against her plain black fitted dress, before feeling for her purse, pressing it against her hip and snugging it over her shoulder. She took in a deep breath as her eyes caught the colorful strobe lights that danced against the black vinyl dance floor. In the center of the club was a circular bar, surrounded by liquor bottles hanging over it like a chandelier. Her eyes caught the endless leather booth seats running the length of the walls with white top tables accompanying them. She looked up at a few bodies on the second floor behind glass, looking over the bar and dance floor, she couldn't quite make out who they were but she figured that was the VIP booth that the owner Trevor had held for them. Following the girls up the steel staircase, they opened the black double doors and there waiting for them was Terri, Zack, Billy, Sami, Jordan and Erika. The VIP booth held a leather sectional against one wall and a L shaped table in front of it, although both rather large, the booth was still very spacious which Katelyn was thankful for, the last thing she wanted was all of them to be crushed like sardines.

Walking toward the group she hugged and kissed everyone except of course Sami, who stood by the minibar talking with Trevor. She let her sights admire Sami in a nice white fitted dress shirt and dark gray chino pants, before finally looking away to Zack handing her a Gin & Tonic. The music could still be heard clearly but the glass kept the pounding bass from vibrating through Katelyn's chest which was something she always despised at clubs in Boston.

Finally sitting down on the large leather sectional, Katelyn crossed her legs, patting for Nicole and Erika to join. Jordan and Terri soon followed suit.

"Sophie didn't come?" Asked Katelyn, sitting forward to looking toward Jordan and sipping her Gin & Tonic through a straw.

"No, she's closing the bar with Tara and Donna. Sami insisted on staying but Mick was pretty adamant that she come here tonight." Replied Jordan, fixing the collar of her black striped dress shirt.

"Oh, that's right, I forgot." Replied Katelyn.

She gave a subtle not before sitting back, swinging her top crossed leg slightly as she watched her brother pour Billy and Sami's whiskeys. Their own personal bar was a nice touch, at least there wouldn't be any waiting for drinks another thing that ticked Katelyn's box, pushing the question of how much it would be to book the VIP booth at this certainly upscale club.

Eventually Trevor approached to introduce himself. Katelyn smiled before taking the offered hand and shaking it.

"This is your guys' booth…all night. Drinks at no charge and if you run dry just use the phone behind the mini bar and I'll have my staff bring more up, no worries at all. Don't hesitate." He explained, buttoning his suit jacket.

He turned to look back at Sami. "Okay, well it's nearing seven, the doors are gonna be opening soon, I'm gonna get downstairs and make sure everything is ready. Call if you need anything at all."

Sami nodded, raising her whiskey glass to him with a small appreciative smile.

"This place is fancy as fuck." Stated Billy, laughing.

Katelyn smiled, arching her brow. "Did you expect anything less?"

He shrugged, smiling. "I'm so used to the old clubs in the West from back in the day, I think I expected something like that."

"Okay Grandpa." Stated Nicole with an eyeroll, pulling a laughter from everyone else.

"All we're missing is some lap dances and this place would be made." Said Terri.

"That can be arranged." Replied Erika with a playful wink.

Katelyn cleared her throat with a small smile. "When that goes down, let me know so I can go downstairs and leave you all to it."

"Not jealous, are we?" Asked Terri with a sly smile.

"You know better…" Replied Katelyn, matching the sly smile.

Terri clinked her beer against Katelyn's glass. "I'm sure before the nights out I'll get a lap dance from you."

Katelyn quickly glanced to Sami walking away and moving to the glass to watch the oncoming crowd make their way to the bar. She swallowed hard, they hadn't seen each other since the night in her parents' kitchen and she hadn't told the girls what went down between them. She was trying to process it all before divulging it to anyone else. She wasn't sure if Sami had mentioned it to Zack or Billy, but she doubted it.

"You'll get a dance, but no lap dance."

"I'll take what I can get."

Sami closed her eyes, clenching her jaw to the conversation behind her. Her stomach was in knots and the whole process of trying to get over Katelyn she knew wasn't going to be an easy one, especially knowing Katelyn still felt everything she did. She sighed before feeling a palm rest against her back.

"Why are you over here by yourself and not sitting with the rest of us?"

Sami smiled at Erika and wrapped an arm over her shoulders.

"Just some conversations I don't want to hear."

"Katie and Terri?" Erika questioned.

Sami kept her eyes forward on the crowd below them.

"Stop digging."

"You know you haven't been acting right since you came home from the Jenkins dinner the other night." Stated Erika.

"I need you and everyone else to drop it, please. It's not something I want to talk about with anyone, and if she chooses to share it, don't bring it to me. I mean it." Snapped Sami with a clenched jaw.

Erika's eyes widened to the sternness behind Sami's tone. She swallowed hard, slightly taken aback and decided to leave Sami alone and join everyone else.

Katelyn noticed the infuriation in Erika's expression and waited for her to sit down before saying anything.

Katelyn leaned into Erika. "Are you okay?"

She gave a small nod. "Yeah…don't worry about it, honey."

Katelyn arched a brow. "What's wrong?"

She turned to Katelyn, shaking her head slightly. She could see Erika was trying to hold in angered tears.

"Seriously Erika, what's wrong?"

"I just tried to see why she was clearly isolating herself from the group…she's just been a bear the last couple of days. She didn't go to her parents last night for their weekly get together, going as far as to ignore their calls…well she just snapped at me. Maybe she's just stressed with Micks surgery on Monday…I don't know." Replied Erika shrugging.

Katelyn stood up, rolling her eyes. "So, I'm going to address this real quick."

Erika pulled on Katelyn's arm. "The last thing I or anyone else wants is for the both of you to get into it. She's highly stressed. Please come sit and enjoy the rest of your night."

"Y'all talking about Sami's attitude?" Billy questioned.

Erika pushed her finger against her lips insisting Billy keep quiet.

"My what?" Questioned Sami, standing behind Billy.

"Nothing, just come sit with us and unwind." Stated Erika, patting a seat next to her.

Billy turned to Sami. "Your attitude, honestly."

Sami clenched her jaw. Billy was already drunk, he'd gotten started earlier in the day at the bar, Sami knew it probably wasn't the best idea, but she had been working him along with the others into the ground recently.

"Y'all knew this attitude when you married me." Stated Sami, before downing the rest of her glass.

Billy smirked. "Yeah, but not like this…everything good?"

"Everything's fine, Bill." Her tone dry, once again.

Billy shook his head, then turned to the rest of them. "The only person I know to get an attitude when you ask if they're okay."

"All right, Bill. Drop it bro." Stated Zack, noticing the confrontational tone behind Billy's voice.

"Kinda sick of walking on eggshells, if I'm honest." Stated Billy while taking a seat next to Katelyn

Sami smirked. "Do we need to talk in private, Bill?"

"I'm good to talk right here." He snapped.

Katelyn watched Sami's darks suddenly narrow. Her stomach sank. Slowly she reached over, squeezing Billy's thigh.

"Wanna go get me another drink, Bill?" Asked Katelyn, just as Nicole finally joined them from using the restroom.

"Did I miss something? Why does my hubby look mad?" Asked Nicole laughing lightly.

Katelyn cleared her throat as she watched both Sami and Billy staring at each other.

"Bill?"

He turned to Nicole. "Just thought I'd air some shit out about Sami's foul ass attitude."

She rolled her eyes. "Well don't, you're drunk and we're here to have a good time, my love. Now go get Katie another drink and settle yourself."

Billy stood up and walked past Sami but not before shoulder checking her as he made his way to the mini bar. Suddenly Zack jumped to Sami leaping toward Billy.

"Don't start disrespecting me Bill, or we're gonna have some serious fucking issues. Now, I'll put it down to you being drunk and let that shit go but do it again and it's done."

"Whatever man." Replied Billy, waving her away.

"Bill!" Yelled Nicole.

Sami squeezed Nicole's shoulder. "It's all good, Nic, he's drunk."

"This has shit to do with me being drunk. I'm sick to the back teeth of your bad ass attitude all fucking day, and then to have you snap at Erika, whose done nothing but run around between both shops because you're never there. Listen if you don't want to be here Sam then fucking leave. I don't know what the fuck has gotten into you this week but I'm fucking tired of dealing with it. There I fucking said what no one else would."

Katelyn shot up to stand in front of Sami allowing Zack to push an approaching Billy away.

"I don't know why you persist in trying to talk to me when I make it real fucking clear I don't want to talk to anyone." Snapped Sami.

"Whatever, your whole fucking energy is bringing the bar down, even the shop and everyone in it are going down with you. So fucking fix it."

Sami tilted her head, forcing a hard swallow from Katelyn as that sinister smirk finally presented itself.

"That's your third strike, Bill. The next one is gonna be my fist in your fucking face."

"Jesus Christ, enough the both of you!" Yelled Nicole, now standing.

"Katie can you take her outside or something please?" Asked Nicole pushing Zack from Billy.

Katelyn gently grabbed Sami's hand, forcing the darks to set on her.

"Come with me…lets go get some fresh air."

Katelyn watched Sami grab her jack and followed her out the double black doors, down the stairs, through the crowd and out into the crisp night. Her eyes glancing at the line of people still waiting to get in. She watched Sami keep walking down the dim lit sidewalk, away from the club crowd and putting her phone to her ear. Rubbing the top of her arms, she finally reached Sami before gently pulling on her arm forcing her to face her.

"Yeah, can I get a cab from Club Euphoria…going to Valley falls…The names Sami. All right thanks." Sami looked at Katelyn, then shoved her phone back in her chino pocket.

"Sami, don't go, not like this." Pleaded Katelyn.

"It's for the best, or Billy and I are gonna get into it. I don't want to see his face for a few days, I need you to let him know that." Stated Sami, pointing back at the club.

"What's going on with you?" Asked Katelyn, her concerned browns firmly locked on the fiery darks.

"I don't have time to talk and listen to their bullshit conversations. I'm not interested in anything they have to say so I don't take part and ignore it…what's so wrong about that?"

Katelyn rubbed her arms as the small breeze sent a chill.

"Sam, is this because of what happened between us the last time we talked?"

Sami noticed Katelyn shivering slightly, taking off her jacket and saying nothing, she wrapped it around the small shoulders before stepping back and clenching her jaw to the small chill.

"Katelyn, this has nothing to do with that. I have two parlors and a bar to run…and I need to find time to be at all three places while I have Mick in the hospital, having lifesaving surgery. My head isn't in the game. I'm stressed and I need everyone to stop asking me what's wrong, am I okay blah blah blah." Snapped Sami, frustratingly running her fingers through her slicked back hair.

Katelyn sighed, tilting her head sympathetically.

"Sam, I get all of that and if you would just voice that people wouldn't take it so personally. You have so many people here to help you with your business's all you have to do is ask." Replied Katelyn, pulling Sami's jacket into her as another strong breeze passed.

Sami shook her head, holding her forehead in a hand while pressing her thumb and fingers into her temples as a headache lingered.

"I've worked any and all of the staff I have into the ground for months, I can't ask them to pick it up even more. They're doing so much as it is. My stressors aren't their responsibility, I'm trying to get it all figured out and be there for Mick while he's in the hospital."

"You're one person Sam…if you explained everything to them they wouldn't hesitate in picking up the slack, it's not like they aren't getting paid…we're all going to be there for Mick, there's a whole team of people you can rely on. Please come back inside, talk to Billy…explain what's going on. He's going to feel horrible at the fact you brought none of this to him."

"No, I'm gonna go back to the cabin and just get some sleep." She nodded toward the club. "Honestly that just isn't my scene and I'm really not in the mood for any of it. Go back inside, enjoy yourselves…Trevor will take care of everything and if anyone asks, I had a headache."

Katelyn sighed, knowing that in that moment there would be no convincing Sami.

"Okay, fine. I'll let them know…I'll see you Monday?"

Sami nodded as her cab pulled up. "Yeah, have fun."

Chapter 33

With her coffee, Katelyn got off the hospital elevator, it was nearing ten a.m. Mick's surgery was scheduled for eleven. Making her way down the pristine hallway she followed the signs to the waiting area, turning left she noticed Sami at the nurse's station talking to Nadine. She bit the inside of her cheek before turning to a light pat on her shoulder. A sigh of relief when met with her father's arms and welcoming smile.

"How's everyone doing, dad?" She asked, as he scooped her shoulders under his arm walking her to the waiting room.

"They're as good as can be expected."

"How's he doing?"

Arthur shrugged. "He's refusing to let anyone see him before he goes in. Your mother is of course livid, and Sami's been fighting with Nadine over the whole thing, wishing he would at least see your mother…but…you know how stubborn he is."

Katelyn shook her head as they walked through the door and into the waiting room. She smiled sympathetically toward her mother as Zack held her. She walked to her before embracing her and leaving a soft kiss on her mother's head.

"It's going to be okay mom, we're all here with you." She said before embracing her brother, sister and then Donna.

Billy and Sophie walked in with coffees for everyone. Taking them out of their holders he handed everyone their coffee before hugging Katelyn.

"How're you doing, Bill?" She asked softly.

He nodded slightly. "I'm okay, trying to keep your sister together has been a challenge but…" He nodded again, taking in a deep breath. "But okay…" He trailed.

"Have you had a chance to talk to Sami, since Friday?"

"Yeah, we talked yesterday. After Nicole explained everything, I felt horrible about the whole thing. I wish she would've just said something, you know?"

Katelyn nodded. "I know Bill and I told her that…but we all know how she is."

He shook his head just as the doors opened to a deflated Sami shaking her head. "Nadine said he's still refusing…they're prepping him for surgery now."

Billy handed Sami a coffee. "Here take this. You did all you could, Sami."

Sami gave an acknowledged smile, before sighing and looking at Gwen.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Jensen…"

"It's okay honey. I'll just give him a piece of my mind after he wakes up."

Katelyn watched Sami give her mother an amused smile before taking a seat next to Donna and Sophie. Sami had glanced toward her but gave no acknowledgment. She knew Sami couldn't give her the friendship she wanted and maybe it was for the best, she wouldn't feel any side effects if Sami continued to remain absent from her life as much as possible. Sami showed her she was a lot less selfish than she was, as much as being close to Sami tortured her, she still ached for it, something she couldn't quite understand. Her heart and body wanted Sami's love…starved for it, but her head couldn't move on from their past… So, Sami's method, she was thankful for, it seemed to be the only solution to help the two of them finally move on, deep down the distance and lack of interaction for right now was certainly the right thing to do.

After a few hours passed Katelyn got up to stretch her legs, the sound of the waiting room television being the only sound filling the room. They'd exchanged humorous stories of their separate time with their Uncle Mick, their mother shared amusing stories of them growing up, but now conversations had stopped as the hours on the clock grew. Sami hadn't said much of anything. She sat and held Sophie for most of it. Katelyn tilted her neck, stretching it out and glanced to Sami, her elbows on knees and head down in silence while Sophie's eyes stay stuck on the local news and continued rubbing Sami's back.

Katelyn took in a deep breath while stretching her back out, feeling jittery after her third cup of coffee, she was well and truly caffeinated. Her eyes darted to the door opening, her hopes dashed as Billy entered from having a smoke, she sighed once again pacing, and checking her watch. It was three thirty, Mick had been in surgery for just over four hours. She wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing, just remembering Nadine explain it could take up to six hours for open heart surgery. The knots in her stomach suddenly tightening.

Suddenly the door opened, startling her. Relief and anxiety washing over her as Nadine appeared from behind the door. Her presence pulling everyone from their seats. She pulled off her pink surgical cap, twisting it between her fists. Katelyn tried to read her demeanor, her expression… But Nadine kept the best poker face.

"Okay guys, he's out of surgery. Everything seems to have gone very well, halfway through we did have an issue but managed to stop the bleed and keep his heart rate up. Right now, they're wheeling him to the ICU and we're going to keep him there for close monitoring for the next twenty-four hours, or more just depending on how he's doing." She paused to gently grasp Gwen's trembling hands. "As soon as he has woken from the anesthesia, I'll send a nurse to come get you so you can go see him. I will warn you he will still have a breathing tube in, it's just to assist in him breathing, and a bunch of machines wired to him and it will look overwhelming but it's perfectly normal."

Gwen nodded. "Thank you so much, for everything Nadine."

Nadine smiled. "If you have any questions, call me at any time day or night I gave you my personal number. I know this is a very scary time, but I promise you I have the best team taking care of him. Okay, I should get back and check to see how he's doing, a nurse will come get you soon."

Nadine turned to the clenching jaw of Sami. Briefly she rested her stroking fingers on the crossed arm of Sami and sent an understanding nod before leaving the room. Sami closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. Katelyn accepted Donna's tight hug.

"He's going to be just fine." She whispered.

Katelyn broke from the hug, giving a tearful nod. "I think I'm going to go back to the office while he's recovering. This room is driving me nuts."

Arthur nodded. "You all should go and get something to eat. Your mother and I will stay, and call after we've visited with him."

"I think I'll stay here…" Said the trembling raspy voice of Sami.

Nicole moved to her rubbing her back. "Why don't we all come back to our place and let me make us all something to eat. It's probably best we all stay together, incase…"

Sami clenched her jaw. "I'm not gonna be great company if I'm honest, Nicole."

"None of us are my dear." Stated Nicole, tucking her head into the side of Sami's neck.

"I should probably see how Erika's getting on at the parlors, call my parents and make sure Greyson's behaving, and then check in on Tara and Jordan at the bar. Y'all go to Nicole and Bills place I'll be there a little later, just keep my food warm."

"How much longer do you guys have Greyson?" Asked Nicole.

Sami shrugged. "Next week I think…his mom called Erika saying she'll be back from Japan on Thursday but asked if she could keep him one more weekend."

"Promise you'll come over, Sam." Insisted Sophie.

Sami looked over at the small fragile frame of Micks only daughter. She clenched her jaw before making her way to her and embracing her tightly. She felt Sophie grip her arms around her neck and suddenly sob against her. Sami kept her eyes clenched shut, holding in her own tears as a painful lump throbbed against her throat.

"I promise." She whispered, before kissing the top of Sophie's head.

Sami looked toward Gwen. "If you guys hear anything, please call me."

Gwen nodded, approaching Sami and holding her jaw between each palm she kissed her cheek.

"I will my dear…thank you for everything Sami. I don't know where he would be without you." Said the shaken voice.

Sami grabbed Gwen's hand, lowering them from her face and keeping her eyes on them.

"He did more for me than I ever have for him…" Sami trailed.

The small interaction between her mother and Sami, formed a lump in Katelyn's throat. She took in a slow deep breath and crossed her arms. Her heart broke for her mother, but it broke even more for Sami. She was a lost soul before meeting her Uncle… He took her in when she had nowhere else to go and Sami always tried to repay that debt even though Mick not once asked for repayment. It was just Sami's good nature to always show her gratitude. She knew it was one of the traits that tugged on her heart, kept her loving the only woman to make her unsteady, the only woman that challenged her self-control. She sighed, closing her eyes for a short moment while she gathered her thoughts, reminding herself of why she continued to push Sami and her love away.

Chapter 34

Katelyn placed her purse on the stool next to her, she looked over the breakfast bar to her mother loading up the dishwasher. Moving toward her, she took the plates from her and finished loading it.

"How're you holding up mom?" She asked.

Gwen smiled. "Better honey, he's making great progress. Nadine thinks we might get him home by Monday, so keep your fingers crossed. Your father has his room all set up and ready for him."

"That's great news. It's been a long few days that's for sure, I'm just relieved the breathing tube is out and he's eating solids…he's a fighter that's for sure."

Gwen giggled. "Yes, he is honey, and how are you holding up? I've noticed you've been at the firm a lot." She paused to Katelyn's arched brow. "Honey, Richard is worried about you, he happened to mention something to your father about catching you sleeping in your office on Tuesday night."

Katelyn sighed. "This is what I do during criminal cases mom, especially murder. I need to go over every detail, go over the evidence so I know exactly how I want to bring it to the jury, not to mention play out every scenario the prosecution may have and debunk it." She shrugged. "They have nothing to worry about, just a girl doing a job."

"And you're sure that's just it?" Asked Gwen, her tone doubtful.

Katelyn laughed. "What else would it be?"

"Oh, nothing dear…I'm sure you would come to me if you needed to."

Katelyn nodded. "Of course, I wou—" Her mother's ringing cell phone interrupted.

Katelyn began to feel nervous, any call since her Uncle had been in hospital had everyone on edge. She listened intently.

"Arthur, tell her I said she needs to go home and get some rest, or I'll go down there myself…" She turned rolling her eyes at Katelyn. "If she keeps this up, she's going to get admitted for exhaustion…okay, well I'm coming down there." She paused. "Oh, she'll listen to me." Snapped Gwen before abruptly hanging up.

"What's going on?" Asked Katelyn while her mother gathered her coat and purse.

"Sami, refusing to leave Mick's side. She hasn't been home since he woke up on Monday night…Nadine, the nurses…everyone has been telling her to go home, but she refuses."

"Listen, you stay here and put your feet up. I was going to go visit Uncle Mick anyway, I'll make sure I get her home so she can at least shower and get a bite to eat."

"Are you sure honey? I know you're busy with your case I don't want to put you out." Said Gwen.

"Yes, I'm sure mom. I need a small break anyway and what a better way for me to unwind that to tell Sami what to do?" She replied with a small giggle.

Gwen rubbed the top of Katelyn's arm smiling. "You two kill me, honey. I wish you'd both come to your senses already."

Katelyn rolled her eyes. "Not this again mom…"

"Yes, this again, and every day you both continue being idiots and wasting more time canoodling other folks and not each other. Didn't your Uncle's dance with death teach you kids anything?"

Katelyn couldn't help the uncontrollable laughter that escaped. "Okay firstly, ew and secondly, canoodling? Really mom?"

"I don't know what you kids call it these days…"

"Okay, so this conversation is over, I'm gonna get to the hospital and get this stubborn ass woman to go shower." Insisted Katelyn, before giving her mother a kiss on the cheek.

***

Before Katelyn knocked the large brown door, she peeked through the narrow window, silently she watched her frail Uncle laughing with Sami. Her usually flawless slicked back hair disheveled. She sighed and knocked lightly before entering. She smiled softly as her Uncle's face lit up when his slightly sunken eyes rested on her. She scrunched her nose before bending down and kissing his forehead lightly, then playfully ran her fingers through his untrimmed beard.

"We need to take care of that before it starts housing birds." She said through a small laughter.

Mick laughed lightly, coughing softly. "I'll take care of it when I get home on Monday." He winked.

Sami stood up pushing the chair toward Katelyn. "Here, have a seat."

"Thank you." She said softly, before sitting down and resting her purse on the floor next to her.

"I'll leave you both to talk." Explained Sami, grabbing her hoodie from the foot of Mick's bed.

"No, stay." Insisted Katelyn.

"I'll just be right outside." Explained Sami.

"Sit, Sam…"

Sami clenched her jaw and sat at the bottom of Mick's bed. She watched his eyes scanning back and forth between her and Katelyn.

"So how are you both doing?" He asked, propping himself up a little more.

Sami nodded with a small smile, while Katelyn matched it.

"Oh yeah? Then why could I cut the atmosphere with a knife in here?"

Sami laughed. "That morphine's gone to your head, I'm afraid."

Katelyn giggled. "We're fine Uncle Mick, so much so that I'm here to bring her back to mine to cook us dinner…we planned this weeks ago."

Sami's brows drew together, and Katelyn refused to meet the darks.

"You did? That's great, what are you cooking?"

Katelyn shrugged, "Chicken alfredo and garlic bread, nothing too fancy."

"We should probably do it another time, if you don't mind…just with him being here…"

He waved away Sami's dismissal. "Absolutely not. Y'all made plans and you're not gonna cancel them for me. I'll be right here, it's not like I'm going anywhere, kid."

Katelyn watched Sami frustratingly rub the bottom of her palm against a brow, she knew she was biting her tongue, but she would deal with the wrath later.

"Go have a good time, kid. They're taking great care of me here…I'll be fine. Now get going!"

Sami stood up clenching her jaw while tightly gripping her hips. Katelyn could see she was beyond anxious at the thought of leaving Mick alone. She stood up, gave her Uncle's now blush red cheek a kiss before pressing her palm on Sami's back to lead her out of the room.

"Mick, you'll call me if you're not feeling good, right?" Asked Sami, holding the edge of the door.

He waved her away and grabbed the television remote. "I'll be fine, I have the motocross and room service, go relax for a few."

Sami shut the door behind her, with a clenched jaw purposely firing her irate darks toward Katelyn.

"I don't know what you're playing at, Katelyn. He shouldn't be alone right now."

Katelyn kept walking as Sami followed. "He will be fine, we can go to the cabin, you can shower while I cook. Then when we're done, you can come right back."

"I don't have any ingredients for a chicken whatever." Sami said unamused.

"Okay, then we'll go to the cabin, you can shower…I can wait, and we'll go back to mine and cook for us." Countered Katelyn, resting an amused smirk.

"This isn't you trying to be friends, right? Beca—" Katelyn turned abruptly pointing her finger.

"Listen Sam…I don't care whether we have a friendship or not, regardless of the situation between us…I along with everyone else still care about you. I'm trying to take care of someone who means something to me. I don't care if you want it or not, but in order for Mick to be okay, he needs you to be okay. So, quit questioning what I do and get in your damn truck and follow me to the cabin." Snapped Katelyn, her brow arching to the now amused smirk resting on Sami's face.

She nodded. "Yes ma'am…lead the way."

Chapter 35

Katelyn pulled up to the cabin, the heavy rain had finally turned into a mist. She got out of her car and watched as Sami pulled up next to her, her attention suddenly caught by the subtle waves of the lake and the sounds of the waving branches from the surrounding trees, flowing from the whistling wind. She took in a deep breath and shut her eyes to the therapeutic sounds and aromas the dreary weather offered.

"Are you coming in? Or are you gonna stay out here and get pneumonia?" Inquired Sami, holding the front door open.

Katelyn smiled with rolled eyes and followed Sami into the cabin. Instantly drawing her hands to the tops of her arms as the chill set in.

"Jesus don't you have central heating in here? I'm more than likely to get pneumonia in here than out there." She asked through gritted teeth.

Sami shook her head, "I have it set to sixty-four. I'm not a fan of it getting too hot, so if it's gets too chilly, I start the fire and let the fireplace heat the room up."

Katelyn moved to the windows to close them. "You really should close these Sam. Anybody can just come in here."

Sami came back out from the kitchen with a towel over her shoulder.

"All right Princess. I'll be back in ten minutes."

Katelyn arched a brow as Sami moved down the hall, shutting the bathroom door behind her. Turning to the cobblestone fireplace she grabbed a picture of Sami, Donna and her parents. A smile forming, it was a teenage Donna and Sami, proudly holding their largemouth bass. Putting it back she noticed another picture off to the left, grabbing the frame she stared intently, she didn't recognize the stunning woman standing next to Sami who stood proudly. Turning the frame over she saw 'S + C'. Her heart jumped into her throat. Christine? Katelyn put the picture back in its place, unable to look away from the soft, beautiful face that always held Sami's heart from the very beginning. Sami's eyes weren't dark, they smiled, her skin radiated an olive she hadn't witnessed, of course Sami was slightly tan, but she never radiated like she had in that picture. She didn't know why but her stomach sank slightly. Could Sami love another like she did Christine? Not that she should've cared but right then she couldn't help but wonder if the love Sami had… Has for her even compares.

Katelyn took a seat on the recliner, letting her head roll to the side to look out of the large bay window as the evergreens swayed effortlessly back and forth, the mist smacking the windows harmoniously before she knew it her eyes closed effortlessly. Suddenly she jumped to a hand softly grabbing her shoulder.

"Oh, Christ…sorry I drifted off." Explained Katelyn, feverishly trying to get her bearings.

Sami smiled, sitting on the other recliner to put on her socks and shoes.

"We can skip dinner, and you can go home if you're too tired. I'm not so hungry anyway."

Katelyn shook her head. "Nice try, no I'm making you a decent meal before you go back up there for days on end."

Sami shook her head, tying her shoes before getting up and straightening her hoodie.

"All right fine…let's get this over and done with."

Katelyn stood up smiling. "Okay, just follow me."

***

Putting the key in the door, she opened it letting Sami pass through, her hands firmly tucked into the front pocket of her hoodie. Katelyn threw her car keys on the table next to the door before walking to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee.

"The cable remote is there on the coffee table, find something to watch. I'll start some coffee and then dinner." She explained, reaching for two mugs above the coffee machine.

Sami sat down and grabbed the remote before sitting back into the comfortable couch and finally left a basketball game on the television.

Katelyn began prepping the chicken and stirring the alfredo sauce. The aroma of coffee exciting her as the pasta boiled slowly.

"Need help with anything?"

Katelyn turned to a tired looking Sami. Offering her a sympathetic smile, before dipping a spoon into the sauce and blowing lightly, she walked to Sami with a hand under the spoon.

"Try this…"

Sami swallowed hard and doing as she was told, finally letting the sauce hit her tongue. Her eyes suddenly widening.

"Damn…that's actually really good."

Katelyn laughed. "You're surprised I can cook?"

Sami gave a small smile. "I guess I never thought about it."

Katelyn scrunched her nose, nodding back into the living room.

"Go sit down, I'll bring you some coffee."

"No, no. I got it…"

"Sam, go sit down." Insisted Katelyn, stirring the pasta.

"Will you let me do something?" Sami insisted back.

Katelyn sighed. "Okay, fine. Make our coffee's. Dinner should be done soon."

Sami nodded, grabbing the coffee pot and pouring their drinks, then the creamer and sweeteners in both. She turned to Katelyn leaning back against her counter and watching intently.

"Here you go." Said Sami, offering the steaming coffee in turn pulling Katelyn from a small trance.

"Thank you." Replied Katelyn before making her way into the living and putting her coffee on the coffee table, before sitting down on the couch noticing the game was on.

Sami joined, sitting next to her and took a sip of the much-awaited coffee.

"Ah…always—"

"Hits the spot." Interrupted Katelyn.

Sami smirked with a small nod. "Just some things you don't forget, huh?"

Katelyn looked at Sami with a small smile cushioning against her cheek.

"You already know…" Katelyn trailed.

Katelyn grabbed her coffee and sat back tucking her feet under herself, cozying into the couch, but still keeping a safe distance from Sami next to her. Every once in a while, she'd glance over to Sami, sitting back with a foot over her knee and coffee tucked against her chest watching the game attentively, her eyes falling victim to a heavy blink here and there, pushing a smile from Katelyn.

"Listen, it's already nearing seven, why don't you just stay here tonight, and I'll wake you up early before I go to work so you can go be with Mick?" Queried Katelyn.

Sami rolled her head to look at Katelyn her darks fatigued. "No…I don't want him to be alone."

"He has an entire hospital team with him, Sam."

"Yeah but they're not family. If something happened, I'd never forgive myself." Claimed Sami.

Katelyn gave a sympathetic smile. "Sam, he's pretty much out of the woods…take a break for one night, this couch is super comfortable. I'll make you breakfast…fresh coffee, it'll be a great way to start your day."

Sami smiled slightly before turning away. "It just wouldn't be a good idea, Katelyn."

She sighed. "Okay Sam."

Katelyn got up going back into the kitchen to prepare their plates. Since their talk, Sami was different, not a bad different just not herself. Held back on her humor, her personality…even her stares were blank, instead of always feeling like they could look right through her and read everything she was feeling, Sami had them only focus on the surface and pull them away the minute they would become intrigued or begin studying her browns. She knew Sami was fighting herself… Fighting Katelyn, silently. Although appreciating it for both of their sanity, she missed Sami, and that wasn't surprising. She always did.

"Okay, bon appetite." Stated Katelyn, placing the plate on reaching hands.

"Thank you, it looks and smells great." Insisted Sami, admiring the first real meal she'd had in nearly a week.

"There's more in there if you want it."

"This should be more than enough, thank you though." Replied Sami before shoving a fork full of chicken and pasta in her mouth.

The two sat in silence, eating their meal and once in a while yelling at a foul on the television. Not a word muttered to each other but both enjoying the company they had for the evening. Sami made sure to keep her distance and just when she'd feel her heart soften to the browns, she'd remind herself Katelyn would never trust her, and instantly it hardened her. She missed having Katelyn in her daily life, but a friendship was something she couldn't stomach, not for a while. But if she was honest with herself, there was nowhere else she'd rather be at that moment. In years she finally felt like she was home, felt at peace and content. Not forgetting her internal battle for the woman sitting next to her, she was happy Katelyn pushed to have dinner with her and just be there.

Sami got up, and shimmying between the coffee table and Katelyn she stopped reaching her hand out to Katelyn.

Katelyn looked up confused. "Yes?"

"Your plate."

"Oh…it's fine, I'll take it in, I have to load the dish washer any way." Explained Katelyn, pulling her legs from under her to get up.

"I got it, give me your plate…it's the least I can do."

Finally, Katelyn submitted and handed the plate to the offered hand.

"You really don't have to, Sam."

"Is the dishwasher soap under the sink?" Sami questioned, walking into the open planned kitchen.

"Yes and thank you."

Eventually Sami walked back into the living room, and shimmying past a comfortable Katelyn she sat back down, resting her elbows on the tops of her thighs as the fourth quarter drew closer to ending.

"If these guys don't win tonight, I quit being a fan." Stated Sami, nervously chewing her nails.

Katelyn laughed at the nervous demeanor of Sami. "That's not the Pines way…we love our sucky teams no matter what."

"You're a Pines native, Kate and I'm sorry to hear that." Said Sami with a slight smirk that pushed a giggle from Katelyn.

Lightly she sat forward briefly slapping Sami's arm. "Don't start talking bad on us natives."

Sami looked over her shoulder with a smirk and shot a wink to Katelyn before looking back at the television. Once again, Katelyn studied her. Biting her lip as her slicked back hair had fallen to the side. Sami looked relaxed and if she wasn't mistaken…happy. Katelyn sighed contently, and grabbing the fleece blanket behind her she wrapped herself up in it, her legs curled up under her, letting her fingers push her bottom lip between her teeth while she chewed nervously during the last seconds of the fourth quarter. She giggled as Sami threw her hands up and herself back onto the couch as the final buzzer went off.

"That's it…I quit!"

Katelyn reached over lightly patting Sami's shoulder before grabbing the remote to change the channel.

"Until next time, right?"

"Right."

Katelyn giggled. "That's what I thought."

Sami patted her palms against her thighs before getting up. "Okay, thanks for dinner, it was honestly…great. But I should get back to Mick."

"Sam, please stay…" Said the soft whisper.

Sami clenched her jaw, taking in a sharp breath as the soft whisper winded her.

"Katelyn…I…" She shook her head.

"What? You're exhausted, you need a good night sleep."

She closed her eyes momentarily, then opened them to the pleading browns.

"Katelyn, being around you for too long, just isn't all that good for me. Not right now." Replied Sami, hating that she had to be so honest about her feelings but for her sanity, she had no choice.

"Sam, I hate this, I really do." Replied a frustrated Katelyn, flinging the blanket from her and getting up to face Sami.

"What do you want from me, Kate?"

Katelyn ran her fingers through her hair. "I want nothing more than to give in to all of my fears with you…I want…"

"Why do you fear me so damn much?"

"Because when I let you in…you have a hold on me that I've never experienced before Sam." Explained Katelyn, falling back on the couch with her hands clutching her head.

Sami stayed standing. "Don't you realize, if we gave us a real go, I'd never do anything that would jeopardize what we have?"

Katelyn looked up. "What if we have a fight? What if you get hurt again? I know there would be a long line of women waiting to comfort you in your time of need."

Sami let out a frustrated laughter. "You're delusional Katelyn…and even if that were the case, which it isn't but I don't have any self-control?"

Katelyn sighed heavily, gripping her hair in her fingers. "Sam—" A knock at the door interrupted Katelyn.

Sami closed her eyes, clenching her jaw as a frustration hit once again. Katelyn got up, fixing her messy bun before opening the door.

"Mom, dad? Is everything okay?"

Sami turned quickly, her concerned brows forcing Arthur to raise his palm in peace.

"Everything is fine, we were passing through and decided to drop by." He paused looking at Sami. "To make sure everything's okay."

Sami gave him a faint smile. "All right, I'll leave you guys to it."

"We just got here, where are you going my Sami?" Asked Gwen, unwrapping her scarf.

"I gotta get back to Mick, I haven't been there for a few hours." Explained Sami, shoving her hands in her pocket.

Gwen waved her velvet gloves. "I just got off the phone with him, he's doing fine. Sit with us."

"No, honestly Mrs. Jensen. I'd feel better if—"

"Sami, please stay." Interrupted Katelyn.

Sami shot her darks toward Katelyn, her unamused expression piercing Katelyn's chest. She knew this was the last place she wanted to be but Katelyn although being the one keeping Sami an arm length away wanted her with her, selfish she knew but it dimmed the ache Sami's absence created.

"Okay, what's going on between you two? I've noticed any time we've been in any room together neither one of you exchange a single word." Stated Arthur, as he took a seat on the couch.

Sami kept her eyes on Katelyn, her jaw clenched. "Nothing, Arthur…" She trailed.

He took in a doubtful deep breath and nodded. "Okay, and now the truth please. We're going to stay here until you air out what is going on."

Katelyn rolled her eyes. "Please drop it, dad."

"What are you both waiting for exactly? Why are you both still fighting the love you clearly both exhibit?" He turned to Gwen. "I don't understand it, I really don't. Okay before…sure. There was a lot of issues but now…what?"

"Okay fine! You want to know?" Katelyn snapped, with hands on hips.

Arthur nodded, tracing his fingers against his trimmed beard.

"I'm the one putting a halt to everything…I'm so fucking scared of how she makes me feel, how my heart rips out of my chest when she hurts me. I'm so scared to put my trust in someone who easily derails all of my senses and emotions. She's hurt me before…and every time I even consider giving in, to every ache in my body I'm reminded of the absolute turmoil she put me through." She shook her head. "She's too much of a risk…" She turned to Sami who sat with her head down, shaking it. "You're fucking Sami Wilson…." She finished in a whisper.

Sami jumped up her penetrating darks bloodshot. "I explained why I did what I did back then…I didn't do it just because I could…I did it because I was hurting and being someone not used to any of that I did what I thought would take the pain away. I'm not who I was before, I've had every opportunity to jump into bed with a few around here since ending it with Nadine, but I've chosen not to because you're back…" Sami paused as her breaths deepened. "I've literally put it all out there again…and once again you shot it down. I can't keep putting myself through this with you and the only way I can keep any part of what sanity I do have left I have to keep you away. I can't pretend, not like last time. It killed me…I just can't do it, Katelyn."

Katelyn let a tear balance against her lashes. "And I can't see myself ever feeling comfortable enough to trust you again…"

Sami threw her hands up. "Then we're done here. Like we agreed, we'll keep it cordial around the others…other than that, I need you to be a stranger."

Sami turned to a speechless Arthur and Gwen and shrugged. "I tried…she'll never." She sighed. "If you'd both excuse me…"

"Never say Never, Sam…" Arthur trailed.

Katelyn clamped her eyes shut to the slammed door left behind Sami. She opened them to disappointed stares from her parents. Shaking her head, she rolled her eyes.

"And that's where we are." She stated, moving to the kitchen.

Arthur looked over from the couch. "Katelyn would it make any kind of difference if I told you, I genuinely believe she would never hurt you again?"

"Never say never, right dad?" She countered.

"That's not how that goes, Katie…"

"Says who?"

Chapter 36

"All right kid, I think I have it from here." Said Mick, finally making it to up the cobblestone steps and to the front door of Gwen and Arthur's Cedar home.

Sami kept her arm around his waist. "Not, yet…" Reaching for the doorknob she pushed it open.

"Honey, we're home!"

She laughed as heads moved around the corner of the archway from the kitchen with small cheers and smiling faces. Quickly Zack and Billy rushed to take the weight from Sami and guide Mick to the sectional. Sami laid his large duffel bag on the floor, before standing up and stretching her back out, to then be met by a hug from her sister.

Sami held her tight, swinging her subtly side to side. Their embrace soon interrupted by a rushing Greyson, insisting it was his turn for Sami cuddles. Sami lifted him up, roughing his hair, then tucking him into her side.

"My mommy is here, Sami!" Said the little excited voice.

"Oh yeah?" Sami asked, looking past him. Noticing Erika and her sister approaching.

Her heart dropped slightly. Greyson had been a great distraction for her, she enjoyed teaching him how to draw, and fish. Especially loving when he'd beg her to sit with him at bedtime and read a story.

"Welcome home Molly." Said Sami as Molly approached.

"Thank you, Sami and thank you for everything you did to help with Greyson. From what I heard you were a God send."

Sami shook her head. "Not quite…I'm glad I could help. Don't hesitate to come visit with him. I loved having him, we had a lot of fun."

Molly gave Sami a small hug before being interrupted by a hyper Greyson. She brushed her fingers through his hair. "Okay, I guess we'll get going and leave you guys to enjoy Mick being home."

Both Sami and Erika nodded as Greyson said goodbye to everyone, enjoying their hugs and kisses. Katelyn leaned against the archway crossing her arms and waving goodbye. A surprise hitting her as Greyson ran to her for a hug. She'd spent maybe only thirty minutes with him but in that time, they shared a fruit salad and colored dinosaurs together. She admitted it had actually been a lot of fun. Katelyn was never sure she was good with kids, she loved them, and always wanted kids of her own but she never felt they loved her back. This time her heart filled as the little hands clutched her.

"Okay, go see mom. You be a good boy okay?"

He nodded. "When I come back can we eat more fruit salads and color more things?"

"Absolutely, I'll have it all waiting."

Greyson kissed her cheek before running back and grabbing his mother's reached hand. Katelyn rose from bent knees, catching Sami staring with her signature clenched jaw. Once again, she crossed her arms, and instead of holding Sami's darks, she turned and walked back into the kitchen to finish her coffee.

Placing some files on the kitchen bar, she opened them spreading some papers, analyzing her case some more. She felt a hand gently rest on her shoulder, looking over she noticed her father's eyes studying them.

"Hey, dad."

"Do you think you're ready for next week?" He asked with concern.

"Are we ever one hundred percent ready when it comes to these?" She asked, sipping her cup.

He laughed lightly. "That's a good point." He took in a deep breath, squeezing her shoulder. "I have all the faith in the world that you'll get her set free."

"You're still coming right?" She questioned as Donna and Zack entered.

"Of course, and when you win. I'll take us out for a celebratory dinner at the Wallace."

"Okay, it's a date." Replied Katelyn with a scrunched nose.

"Are you gonna go see Mick?" Asked Zack, grabbing an apple from the bowl and rubbing it against his shirt.

"Yeah, I was just waiting for everyone else to be done."

He nodded suspiciously.

"What?"

Zack shrugged. "Nothing…"

"Jesus, spit it out Zack." Snapped Katelyn.

"Damn sis, what's wrong with you?" Just as he asks, Sami walks in with Erika and Nicole.

Katelyn gathered her papers, putting them back in their file. Saying nothing she left the kitchen to finally welcome her Uncle home. She smiled noticing his color had finally coming back, the dark circles around his eyes shrinking. She bent down, holding him. His tight clutch pulling an elated laughter from her.

"I'm so glad you're home…a few more weeks and we'll have you running circles around us."

"You already know, Teddy." He replied, puffing his chest out with pride.

"Yes, well…we're not going to push anything. He's still at risk of infection so we need to keep a close eye on him."

Mick rolled his eyes at Gwen. "Oh, stop worrying, I'll be fine."

Katelyn gave a sympathetic pout, before squeezing his shoulder with a wink.

"The bar hasn't been the same without you."

"I haven't been the same without that place…I'll feel better when I'm back on my feet and back to work."

Sami approached with a glass of fresh OJ and handed it to Mick.

"All right, here you go old guy."

"What, no coffee?"

Sami laughed. "You haven't lost your humor, that's for sure."

"If I don't get coffee soon, I'll lose my will to live at this point."

Sami along with Katelyn shook their heads. "One day at a time Uncle Mick…" She bent down kissing him lightly on the head. "Okay, I have to get back to the office. I'll come see you tomorrow."

"Okay Teddy. I want to come see your new place when I'm better. I've heard good things." He stated, taking a sip of OJ.

Sami lightly nudged Katelyn. "Let me help you out with your bags. I gotta talk to you about something."

Katelyn nodded. Hating the fact that any type of acknowledgment from Sami caused her heart to instantly pound through her chest. Once again, she bent down to kiss her Uncle, and grabbing her files and bags, letting Sami take one she said her goodbyes before walking out and down the cobblestone steps to her car. Opening the rear car door, she placed her bag on the floor and stacked files on the seat, moving aside she let Sami place the heavier bag on top of the files.

Slamming the door shut, Katelyn opened the driver side door before turning to face Sami rubbing the back of her neck.

"So, what do you need to talk to me about?" She asked, resting a palm on the top of her car and curling the other around the doorframe.

Pausing to prevent any stuttering, Sami cleared her throat. "My parents are throwing a party for my mom's birthday on Saturday at the ranch, they wanted." She paused rubbing her nose briefly. "They wanted me to extend you an invite. I know you have court next week, and maybe don't have the time but…I just wanted to let you know."

Katelyn nodded, her eyes narrowing. "And Donna couldn't have done this?"

Sami narrowed her eyes moving her stare from Katelyn with a head shake. "She refused." Sami tilted her head. "Told me I had to do it."

Katelyn laughed with an arched brow. "Tell them I'll be there…can we bring someone?"

Sami's darks jolted to Katelyn's brown's, pushing the tip of her tongue hard against the bottom of her top teeth. Desperately trying to give no reaction.

"Are you—" She looked away laughing, then returned to the stare shaking her head. "The more the merrier." Sami finished before walking away.

"Thank you for the invite…" Said Katelyn, slamming the car door shut.

"Sure thing." Sami mumbled.

Chapter 37

"Okay guys, I think if I have to read another word my heads going to explode." Stated Katelyn, dropping her glasses on the array of papers in front of her.

She pinched the bridge of her nose as the groans of Richard, Gavin and Melissa filled the conference room. Richard stood up, stretching, then tilting his neck from left to right.

He looked at his watch, then adjusted his leather belt and dress pants. "It's nearly one a.m. I think we should call it a night and pick this back up tomorrow."

Katelyn leaned back in her chair, stretching her arms above her head, and released a relieved moan. "Agreed." She looked to Gavin and Melissa as they gathered the papers, filing them and putting them in the filing boxes. "I want to thank you both for all of the hard work you've put into this case since I've been here and the months before I got here. You made my job a hell of a lot easier."

"As crazy as it's been, I had a lot of fun. Kind of bummed it's all gonna be over soon." Stated Gavin, putting the lid on one of the filing boxes.

"Don't you worry, there'll be another case on our desks within a day or two." Stated Richard, pressing his palms on the table, arching his back.

"Really?" Questioned Melissa.

"There's no rest for the wicked." Stated Katelyn, looking at her phone. Noticing a few missed calls from Tara.

She put her finger up. "If you guys would excuse me, I gotta make a quick call."

They nodded as she quietly closed the conference door behind her, her phone ringing in her ear.

"Hey, you. Sorry I was going over the case with Richard and our paralegals. Is everything okay?"

"Katie…we were supposed to meet at the bar tonight…for my birthday?"

"Oh my God Tara, I am so sorry. I completely forgot! Are you guys still there I could come now?" Katelyn bit the inside of her cheek.

"No, it's fine honey. Don't be sorry, I understand you've been super busy recently. It's not every day one of us tries to free an innocent person from a murder charge."

"I know but still…I've been such a shitty friend since I've been back. Once this is all over and done with, I'll make it up to you, I promise."

"I'll hold you to that. Okay, I'll let you go and finish what you were doing."

"No, I can talk for a bit…did you at least have a good time?"

"It was a great night. They gave me free drinks all night, I'm pretty sure Sami let me win a game of pool. Your brother and Nicole got completely shit faced, which is always hella fun…then Jordan's friend from the fire department came and made the night just that much better."

Katelyn giggled. "I'm so glad you had a great night. I'm so sorry I forgot."

"Oh, stop. It's fine. We'll have a night together when you're done. Okay honey I gonna get some sleep…love you."

"Love you too. Happy birthday honey."

Katelyn hung up, rolling her eyes. Hating herself for forgetting her best friend's birthday, she groaned at herself before making her way back into the conference room.

"Uh oh…what did you do?" Asked Richard, smirking at Katelyn's deflated stature.

"Oh, nothing…just forgot my best friend's fucking birthday and that I was supposed to go out with her tonight."

"Ouch!" Stated Richard, laughing.

Katelyn fell into her chair, dropping her phone on the table while cradling her head in her hands.

"Okay, everything's packed up…is it okay if we go now?" Asked Gavin, shimmying his suit jacket over his shoulders and on.

"Of course, go get some sleep you guys. Thank you again." Stated Katelyn, playing with a strand of hair.

"Bye Richard." Said Melissa, her voice somewhat timid.

Katelyn arched her brow as she watched Richard smile sweetly toward their paralegal before she walked out, shutting the door behind her. She instantly recognized that smile.

"Something you want to share, Mr. Sinclair?"

He looked over at her, shaking his head. "What're you talking about, Miss Jensen?"

She rolled her eyes. "Oh please, we dated for nearly a decade Richard. I think I know you quite well…"

"What're you getting at?" He asked with a slight smirk before taking a seat and resting his legs on the table, crossing at the ankles.

"Got a little thing for your paralegal?" Questioned Katelyn with a slight smirk.

"Would you judge me if I confirmed your suspicions?" He asked, pressing fingers against his temples.

Katelyn chewed the inside of her cheek, tapping her fingers against the table.

"I wouldn't judge you…but I'd advise against it, Richard." She said softly.

Richard raised from his chair, hands gripping his waist. "I know, I know." He rested his palm against his forehead before looking back toward Katelyn. "It just happened, and I don't want it to stop Katie…I think I'm falling for her."

Her mouth fell open. "Richard…she is your paralegal, you're Senior partner. You are her supervising attorney…"

"I know all of that Katelyn…that's why I'm thinking we take her off my team after this case. We've discussed it and she said she'll do what she has to."

"Richard…she has literally been the backbone to this team. Gavin is great too, don't get me wrong but she is in a league of her own." Explained Katelyn.

Richard sat back down, loosening the top button of his shirt to pull the knot from his tie.

"What if, I take Gavin, you take Melissa?"

Katelyn sat forward, resting her elbows on the desk. "I guess we can do that. But you need to keep this relationship quiet. I don't know how my father would feel if he found out one of his leading attorney's was dating his paralegal."

"I get it, ethically it doesn't look great for the firm, but you of all people should understand, you can't help who your heart wants." Stated Richard, grabbing his water.

Katelyn's eyes narrowed slightly. "And that's the exact reason I'm not blatantly telling you no, Richard."

Richard lowered his water bottle slowly from his lips, taking notice of the sharp toned reply.

"That wasn't a dig, Katelyn…"

She took in a deep breath, giving him a subtle nod. "Kinda felt like it, I'm not gonna lie."

He scrunched confused brows. "Katie, I would never. I just know you of all people would understand my predicament."

Katelyn pushed her chair back. "Okay as much as I love spending all of this time with you, my darling…I love my bed more."

He smiled, getting up with her, before moving toward to wrap his arm around her, and kiss the top of her head. "I'll see you in the morning, sweet dreams."

Chapter 38

Sami pulled into the long dirt road driveway of her parent's ranch, with Erika in the passenger side. She was thankful it was a beautiful clear blue-sky day the soft sun's heat was enough to keep the breeze's chill at bay. With her window down and shades on, she hung her arm out, spreading her fingers to enjoy the breeze flowing effortlessly between them. Although a beautiful day, she'd been dreading it since Katelyn accepted the invitation, especially knowing that she was bringing company. Sami had a choice whether to ask Nadine, just to keep face but she decided against it. She didn't want to give Nadine false hope and she honestly didn't want to hear Nicole's mouth over it all. She cleared her throat as soon as her eyes fell on Katelyn's pearly white car parked next to Zacks latest sports car. She pulled her matt black truck next to her father's old SUV. Jumping out she moved to the passenger side to open Erika's door for her.

Erika smiled, handing Sami the gift bag and cards Sami had her hold while driving.

"Thank you, ma'am." Said Sami, holding her hand out for Erika to take while jumping out of the truck.

Sami smiled as Erika tucked her arm inside her own as they made their way into the flawless white ranch home. Sami held the door open, letting Erika pass through. They smiled as everyone greeted them separately.

Sami made her way into the open planned ranch kitchen, she placed the gift bag and cards on the long breakfast island, moving trays of food to make space. Snatching a deviled egg, she popped it into her mouth before turning to eye the faces in the living room then off to the left to the opened dining room. Only a few familiar faces but none she wanted to strike up a conversation with. She raised her head looking through the opened French doors that led out into the patio, briefly noticing Gwen and Arthur. She looked over her shoulder to Erika talking on the phone. Just as Erika caught her stare Sami nodded toward the patio and Erika nodded before turning her back and continuing her phone conversation. Grabbing a beer from the large stainless steel, double door fridge Sami finally moved passed a few people to make her way out onto the patio. She smiled, before sneaking up behind her mother and wrapping her arms around her to give her a surprise kiss on the cheek. Sami laughed at her mother's elated screech once her sights set on her.

"Happy birthday, momma."

"Thank you my darling." Her mother's smile big.

"I put your gift on the breakfast bar." Stated Sami, finally taking her first sip of beer.

"Oh, you know I didn't want anything. You being here for once is enough." Stated Brenda, pinching Sami's cheeks.

Quickly Sami pulled away with a small smirk, her eyes falling on Katelyn in a white dress, a white shawl draped effortlessly on her shoulders. She swallowed hard as a small trance seemed to set in, something she was powerless too. Suddenly clicking fingers in her face broke her away, and she rolled her eyes at her father's suspicious grin.

"What's up pops?"

"I'm sorry do I know you?" He asked tilting his head slightly.

Sami rolled her eyes, sighing with a smirk. "Yeah, yeah. Have I missed much?"

He stood next to her wrapping an arm around her shoulder. "Well, if you could keep your eyes off that woman, you'd realize you haven't missed much." He whispered, keeping his eyes on a laughing Nicole and Katelyn.

"I don't know what you're rambling on about pops. And the doctors sure you aren't exhibiting any dementia traits?"

Ron laughed a hearty laugh, pulling Katelyn's attention from her sister and Donna. Noticing Sami, a relaxed Sami as she joked with her father. She cleared her throat, dropping her stare and joining back into the conversation with the others.

Sami took in a deep breath turning back to Katelyn's direction and finally realizing Richard was standing next to her, a sigh of relief washing over her.

"All right, I better go entertain some folks around here…eat something, you're looking a little thin." Explained Ron, his thick brows narrowing.

Sami waved her father away before walking toward Gwen and Arthur, to say her hello's as they talked with her mom before joining the other's gathered on the patio furniture, seeing Erika had found them before she did.

"What's up, y'all?" Sami asked, giving Richard a nod and clinking their bottles together before sitting down on the glider between Nicole and Tara.

"Glad you came to finally join the party." Said Zack, walking behind the glider and messing her hair.

Sami jerked from him, quickly fixing her hair. "It's not my fault Erika takes ten years to get ready."

Erika threw a pretzel at Sami. "Lies…it took her ten years to pick out a card for her dear momma." She sent a playful pout.

Sami rolled her eyes to the laughter.

"Bless, big tough Sami is just a big ole softy when it comes to momma Wilson." Laughed Billy.

Sami gave a nod in Billy's direction. "Y'all already know."

"Cute." Stated Nicole pressing a playful kiss on Sami's cheek, before snatching her sunglasses and putting them on.

Katelyn laughed, turning to a tap on her shoulder. Her brow arching to Donna's nervous browns.

She placed her palm on Donna's shoulder. "Are you okay?"

Donna shifted her sights from Katelyn and toward Zack. "I really need to talk to you and Sami, will you both meet me out front?" She whispered.

Katelyn nodded, giving her purse to Richard explaining she'd be back soon. She waited as Donna whispered in Sami's ear then finally followed Donna out the front door. Sami shut the door behind her, her concern matching Katelyn's as both crossed their arms.

"Okay, so what's going on Don?" Asked Sami.

She ran her finger through her curls, pacing slightly as she blew her thundering breaths out through her mouth.

"Don, are you getting cold feet?" Katelyn asked.

"Oh God no. Quite the opposite actually." Replied Donna, finally standing still crossing her arms.

"I need to tell you both something, but you can't say anything to Zack, okay?

Katelyn nodded and Sami followed suit but with a half nod.

"No, I'm serious Sam…you can't say anything."

"Jesus, okay. What's wrong?" Sami snapped.

"I'm…." She paused taking a final deep breath. "Y'all, I'm pregnant."

Katelyn mouth fell open, she couldn't believe what she was hearing but the exhilaration overwhelming her. Swiftly she moved to her friend and wrapped her arms around her, the two laughed and cried simultaneously.

"Donna, this is the best fucking news." Katelyn said through giggles.

Katelyn broke their embrace to a tearful Sami clearing the lump from her throat. Katelyn smiled softly as the darks smiled gently toward Donna. Instantly Donna fell into Sami crying as Sami's eyes clamped shut, holding in the tears, but happy tears Katelyn knew.

"Congratulations Don…" Sami whispered tearfully, before breaking their embrace and once again clearing the lump from her throat.

Donna wiped tears. "I told the new grandparents this morning, they're beyond excited."

"When are you gonna tell Zack?" Asked Sami, taking a few steps away from Donna as she lit a cigarette, not wanting her now pregnant sister inhaling any of her smoke before offering Katelyn one. Katelyn sent a gentle wave of refusal.

"Well, his birthday is next Sunday. I figured I'd surprise him with the news then."

Katelyn scrunched her nose. "God, I'd love to be a fly on the wall for that."

"He's gonna be a stuttering fool…" Laughed Sami.

Katelyn giggled. "Maybe we should book a table off into the corner. Surveillance?"

Sami shrugged with a smirk. "I'm game."

Donna shook her head laughing. "Absolutely not, y'all can wait for the story when we get home."

"Sheesh, my sister is a party pooper."

"Agreed. You're being pretty lame, Don." Explained Katelyn, her smirk firmly set against a cheek.

"Okay, I should get back in before he wonders why we've disappeared." Said Donna, before hugging Katelyn and placing a kiss on Sami's cheek.

They both stood in silence as they watched Donna walk back inside. Sami took in a deep breath, feeling a little uncomfortable but trying not to show it. She looked at Katelyn, who still stared at the closed front door.

"In a few months we're gonna be aunts…I'll of course be the cool fun one." Stated Sami, before exhaling her smoke.

"We'll let the bambino be the judge of that Sami Wilson." Katelyn joked.

"So, it was Richard, huh?" Sami asked, an embarrassed smile presented itself.

Katelyn smiled. "Of course, it was Sam. Do you really think I'd subject you to someone else?"

Sami shifted, kicking the dirt from under her. "Well…you technically have every right. I'm sorry I acted, a little off."

"I would never Sam, I can imagine exactly how it'd feel, and I'd never try to put you through that." She replied, taking in a deep breath.

"I'm working hard to try and get back to us being friends, Katelyn…not having you around at all feels just as bad as loving you at this point." Said Sami, laughing lightly.

"I don't think there's a lesser of two evils in this case, unfortunately." Katelyn smiled, sympathetically.

"Tell me how you can stomach a friendship…what am I doing wrong?" Sami asked, dropping her cigarette and putting it out with her shoe.

Katelyn tucked a hair behind her ear and crossed her arms. "I don't think I could…had you not made the call I think I eventually would have."

Sami nodded, visibly relieved. "All right, let's get back inside and enjoy this shindig."

Katelyn smiled, following Sami back inside. Her heart aching slightly, it had been tough being back and keeping with Sami's no friendship rule. Again, she knew it was for the best, it just didn't make it any easier.

Chapter 37

Katelyn sat nervously behind the desk of the defense side of the courtroom. She fiddled with her ring as her hands shook under the desk, before feeling Richards gentle squeeze on her knee, his reassuring smile settling the nerves that danced inside her stomach. She'd done all she could, she presented every piece of evidence to free her client, she made sure to keep her confidence in check just like her father advised. Shoulders back, voice loud, assertive, clear. They'd all worked so hard for this case, endless hours, late night phone calls. She took in a deep breath as the judge sifted through the papers received from the jury, knowing only too well he was reading their decision. Suddenly her heart jolted into her throat as the judge asked if the jury were sure about their decision. Looking over her shoulder toward the gallery behind her, Katelyn caught a small smile from her father, his small pride like smile calming her. She swallowed hard and watched as the foreperson raised to announce their decision. Katelyn cleared her throat, resting her palm gently on the back of her defendant. Her pounding heart rang through her ears. She closed her eyes.

"Okay, would the defendant please rise." Said the judge.

Katelyn stood up, buttoning her black dress jacket. Clasping her fingers together as she cleared her throat.

"On the count of murder on the first degree, we find the defendant…Not Guilty."

Katelyn blew out a sigh of relief as her client collapsed into her. She wrapped her arm around her holding her up as the juror continued.

"On the count of Manslaughter, we find the defendant…Not Guilty."

Katelyn turned to hold her now sobbing client as the judge announced that the court has been adjourned. Releasing her client Katelyn turned to hug Richard.

"I knew you'd do it." He whispered.

"We did it, Richard, we." She countered before releasing him and moving toward her smiling father. He held her arms shaking her lightly before pulling her into an embrace.

"Absolutely ruthless, and I love it. Well done, Katie."

She squeezed her father tightly before thanking him.

"Now what do you say we go out and get that celebratory dinner?"

Katelyn looked at her watch, "Dad, it's five o'clock there's no way we'd get a table."

"Then I guess it's a good thing I already assumed you would've won this and already had a table booked huh?"

Katelyn giggled. "Okay, let me grab my things. Do you want me to drive?"

"I'll drive us. We'll pick your car up after we're done." He insisted.

After congratulating her client one more time, she gathered her things and met her father in the parking lot. Putting her files in the back she got into his car and strapped herself in. Watching intently as the flashing streetlights flew by.

"You were a little firecracker in there today, Katelyn."

Katelyn smiled, rolling her head to face him. "Thanks dad, I learned from the best."

"I want you to take a break, just a week. You deserve it." He announced, keeping his eyes on the road.

"What about Richard and the paralegals…honestly dad they did—"

"Yes, them too." He interrupted with a smile. "This firm needs a leader like you, I'm glad you'll be my successor once my retirement goes through."

"God, owning a firm at my age? Did I really earn it dad? Or is it because I'm your daughter?" She asked, chewing the inside of her cheek.

"Katelyn, you deserve every part of this firm. You've worked so hard…lost not one case…do you realize how rare that is?" He asked, looking over at her, stopping at a red light.

She smiled. "Can we now talk about you becoming a grandfather?"

He laughed. "Wow…how times have changed in such a short amount of time. I'll make sure to be the cool grandfather though. Ron better get ready to compete."

Katelyn giggled. "Sami said the exact same thing about being aunts." She shook her head.

"This little baby is going to be loved like no other. I can't wait to watch your mother be a grandmother…watch my son be a father." Said Arthur choking back his tears.

Katelyn reached over cupping his beard in her palm. "I love you dad…"

She watched as the light turned green, then to her father looking at her with his warm smile.

"I love y—"

Chapter 38

Faint whispers could be heard coming in and out as Katelyn grimaced. Her head pounding like she'd never felt before. She tried to move, but the sharp shooting pains moving through her body caused another grimace from her. Her whole body throbbed, the bothersome dull beeping in the background infuriating her quickly. Eventually she managed to open her eyes, squinting them to the long fluorescent tube lights beaming down at her as silhouette's appeared. She squinted trying desperately to focus, but her throbbing eyes forced her to clamp them shut as a groan escaped.

"Katie…someone get the doctor, she's awake!"

Confusion consumed her as she tried to talk but her aching jaw prevented such a thing. Closing her eyes again, she tried to move but the pain pulsed through her legs one more time eventually causing a wince. Swiftly she could hear faint noises of rushed footsteps drawing closer. Squinting once more she heard a low voice, before feeling a rush of cold against her hand.

"Katelyn can you squeeze my hand for me?" The low dull voice asked.

Without hesitation she began squeezing, the ache in her fingers as she bent them around the cold hand pushing another pained groan.

"Okay, I'm going to shine a small light in your eyes, honey."

Katelyn felt a cold thumb push against her lid as it slowly pried her eyes open. Her lingering headache intensely throbbing as the small bright light hit her pupils. Moving her head from side to side she pulled her teeth apart, finally feeling her dried lips separate as she rushed in a long breath.

"Okay, she's responding well to commands. I'm still waiting on a few more tests, I'll be back in a minute." Katelyn heard before trying to open her eyes one more time to the bright lighting that hung directly above her. Slowly she let her eyes focus on the silhouettes in front of her, the face of her mother, and Nicole slowly appearing from her eyes blurred state.

"J..Jesus Christ, what is…wrong with me? Dad?" Her dry throat exasperating the rasp in her voice.

Her eyes examining the red swollen eyes of her mother and Nicole hovering over her, as their hands gently stroked her forearms.

"Mom?" She questioned her confusion.

She felt her mother's soft fingers brushing her hair back as tears streamed down her cheek.

"Mom? What…happened? Why are you crying?" She once again questioned, wincing again as she tried lift her arm. "Jesus!"

"Shhh, relax. You were in an accident honey…stay still." Announced Gwen stroking Katelyn's cheek.

"An accident? What're you talking…" She paused, coughing from her dry throat. "What're you talking about? Where is dad?"

Katelyn shifted to Nicole's sobs, then back to her mother's falling tears and silent sobs.

"Mom…Nicole. Where is my dad?" Asked a panicked Katelyn as her senses finally adjusted.

Gwen shook her head. "Honey…your father didn't make it."

Suddenly Katelyn's breaths deepened, every gasp didn't seem to bring in enough oxygen as an almighty pain enthralled her entire body. She released a blood curdling scream, enough to be heard out in the hallway.

Sami clamped her eyes shut as she heard Katelyn's screams echo down the hall and into the family room while she held a completely distraught Zack. Rocking him back and forth, his sobs not stopping. Her heart broke for their entire family, shattering more so at the sight of Gwen walking out of the room the love of her life wasn't leaving. Sami looked over at Donna as she cried into their father's chest.

"Mom, can you take him? I need to go see Katelyn." Sami asked.

Brenda nodded, before moving to Zack and wrapping her arms around him his hands grasping at her. Sami stood up then bent down to kiss the top of her best friend's head. She cleared her throat before hugging a speechless Billy as he stood with a coffee in each hand, not knowing what to say.

Sami sighed. "Go take a seat with those guys, Bill…drink some of that and be there for Zack." Billy swallowed his tears and gave Sami a small nod. She wrapped her arms around him and almost immediately felt him squeeze her tighter than she'd ever felt but she knew they were all lost at this point. She ushered him to the chair next to Donna.

"I'll be back…" She whispered.

Katelyn pushed through the debilitating pain in her arms and legs while she desperately tried to pull the wires from her chest and the IV out of her arm.

"I need to go see him!' She yelled through tears.

Gwen stood back forcing her hand over her mouth as she watched Nicole trying everything to keep a devastated Katelyn in her bed. She turned to an entering Sami who rushed to the bed to help Nicole calm a completely shattered Katelyn.

"Kate…stop this!" Yelled Sami, gripping Katelyn's arms and forcing her to focus on her darks.

"Sam…Sam, my dad…oh my God my dad…." Said Katelyn, the overwhelming pain in her chest consuming her once again as sobs followed.

Sami nodded slowly, letting tears fall as the once full of life browns became lifeless right in front of her. Sami closed her eyes just as Katelyn clawed at her, the waves of devastation and desperation hitting her once again, Sami knew. She sat on the edge of the bed and wrapped her arms around a sobbing Katelyn, slowly rocking her back and forth. Gently she kissed the top of her bloodied head.

Adrenaline had kicked in so any kind of pain, was numb to Katelyn. But nothing in this world could numb her from the ravaging pain as the realization of the death of her father hit her, and kept hitting, harder than before.

Sami looked over her shoulder to the doctor as he entered, his sympathetic stare pulling a small smile from Sami as she pulled away from Katelyn. She traced her thumbs against the lightly grazed cheeks, her darks forcing the lifeless browns on them.

"The doctor's gonna wanna do some more tests, let him okay? And when he's done, we'll be right here." Sami explained, kissing Katelyn's forehead softly.

"Don't leave me, Sam…" Pleaded Katelyn.

Sami looked at the doctor, he nodded toward her. "It's fine, you can stay if that's what she wants."

Sami nodded, getting off the bed and moving toward Gwen and Nicole. Wrapping her arms around Gwen she looked at Nicole.

"I'll take care of her…" Said Sami before reaching out to Nicole and bringing her into the tight embrace. "I'm here for all of you…I promise. We all are." She pulled Gwen from her, "I promise you, Gwen…" She swallowed hard. "You'll never be alone, we all got you, okay?"

Gwen nodded, wiping her nose with a tissue.

"My mom's outside, why don't you go out there and get some coffee? I'll take care of Katelyn." She paused looking at Nicole. "Billy's waiting for you, he's worried sick about you…go be with him."

Nicole nodded, wiping her tears but just as she wiped them away more came streaming. Sami rubbed every tear away with her thumbs. "I got you, Nic." She said before placing a soft kiss on her cheek.

Sami turned to a silently sobbing Katelyn as the doctor checked her cuts and bruises. She moved to the side of the bed, taking a seat, she reached for Katelyn's bloodied hand, squeezing it lightly as she watched Katelyn turn to her. Stretching slightly, Sami moved some hair from the injured face, realizing the shards of glass is what did most of the damage.

"It's okay, I'm right here." She whispered.

Once again tears started flowing down her cheeks as the doctor felt each bone and joint, squeezing lightly. Desperately apologizing if he was causing her any pain. Eventually after confirming Katelyn had regular body function and mobility, he took off his gloves, and throwing them in the trash he started writing on a chart.

"Okay, I think she'll be okay to go home. I am going to send her home with some pain meds. Please give them to her when she needs them but every six hours, her body is going to be incredibly sore due to stiffening on impact. She was definitely lucky to only escape with minor abrasions."

"I don't think she'd agree with you on that, doc."

The doctor turned to Katelyn, gently pressing her hand between his palms. "I am so sorry for the loss of your father Miss. Jensen. He really was a great and generous man, he always donated to this hospital, making sure the burn unit got a little extra. His visits to the kids will be greatly missed. We're all mourning with your family." Gently he released her hand, before moving to Sami as she stood up, and shaking her hand he walked out leaving them alone.

Sami looked over at Katelyn as she stared at her blood-stained hands.

"He taught me everything I know…" She looked over at Sami. "He just never taught me how to be without him." Explained the trembling voice.

Sami clenched her jaw and moving to Katelyn she got up on the bed, and tucked an arm behind Katelyn's head. Gently she placed Katelyn's hand in hers and lightly kissed the side of her head while Katelyn cried into her. Sami wished nothing more than to take away the inconsolable pain Katelyn was feeling right at that very moment.

"Why don't we get you ready and get you home?" Sami whispered.

Katelyn pulled away nodding. "Can you ask Nicole or my mom to come in and help me get ready, please?"

"Of course." Sami replied, before slowly getting up and walking out into the waiting room.

She watched as her father held Zack, Billy held Nicole, her mother held Donna and Gwen. She took in a deep breath as Gwen's head lifted to look at her.

"The doctor gave her the all clear to go home, he's given her pain meds. She's wondering if you could help her get ready."

Gwen nodded. "Thank you, my Sami." Said Gwen as she approached to leave a small kiss on Sami's cheek.

"I'll give Sophie a call and let her know how she's doing, and she can pass the message on to Mick. I know he's losing his damn mind." Sami stated as Donna and her mother approached.

"I'll bring Zack, Nicole and Billy back to Gwen's can you drive Katelyn?" Donna asked, running her fingers through her curls.

Sami nodded. "Of course." She looked at Brenda. "Will you and dad bring Gwen home?"

"Yes honey, that was the plan." Stated Brenda, cupping Sami' jaw in her palm. "They're so lucky to have you both."

Brenda reached to Donna bringing the two of them into her embrace. "We're never guaranteed tomorrow, so after everything settles, I want you both home, twice a week to have dinner. Do you both hear me?"

Both Donna and Sami nodded. "I promise." Stated Sami.

Sami turned to Gwen pushing Katelyn's wheelchair through the doors of the family room. She watched as Zack and Nicole rushed to their older sister. Gwen held her sobbing children as they all cried together. Everybody stood with their heads bowed, Billy grabbed Sami's hand squeezing it tightly. She looked up at him and nodded.

"We'll get through this." She paused sighing. "We'll get them through this." She whispered.

Billy wrapped an arm around her as the two let their tears fall while they watched the shattered family in front of them. Eventually Sami approached them, rubbing Nicole and Zack's back.

"Let's get you guys home." She whispered softly.

They both stood up, Zack moved to his mother, tucking her under his arm as Sami pushed Katelyn down the hall while everyone followed. Nurses and doctors dropped their heads out of respect. Sami smiled slightly, realizing Arthur wasn't lying when he said they were the Pines Royal family. Finally getting outside, their cars were already ready and waiting thanks to the parking valets. Sami opened the passenger door as Zack rushed to help her get Katelyn into the truck. Patting him on the back then bringing him in for a hug Sami held her best friend tightly, and he returned it.

"I'll see you soon, bud." She said, folding the wheelchair and putting it in the bed of the truck.

Sami moved back to Katelyn's side, and grabbing the seat belt, she carefully wrapped it around her clicking it in place before gently shutting the door. Moving to the driver side she jumped in and started their journey back to the Cedar mansion. Both sat in silence, the soft noise of the radio played, but neither paid any attention. Katelyn's eyes followed the rushing trees as she replayed her last conversation with her father, trying desperately to remember the blank parts. Tears still flowed, but they were silent…the pain came in waves. Progressively killing her on the inside, wishing she'd been taken instead of him.

Chapter 39

With the help of Zack, Sami finally got Katelyn up the cobblestone steps and into the house. After a few more winces from Katelyn, Sami was finally able to get her comfortable on the couch. Grabbing the red flannel fleece blanket that hung along the top of the couch she gently tucked her in, before bending down and gently kissing the cut and bruised forehead of Katelyn as her eyes fell heavy, leaving her with Zack as he ran his fingers through his eldest sisters hair.

Walking into the kitchen she moved to Donna prepping the coffee machine and hung her arm over her, kissing the top of her head. Soon Donna tucked her face into Sami's neck as her soft cries forced Sami to fight back the forming lump in her throat. She glanced over to Mick escorting Gwen into the kitchen and helping her up onto one of the stools by the breakfast bar. Sami moved from Donna and straight toward a fragile Gwen as she sat with her head in her hands. Wrapping her arms around the woman that always had her back, she held her tightly as her fingers clutched desperately against Sami. Her silent sobs finally turning into painful ones, unable to hold it in anymore Sami finally let her tears fall as she held Gwen. She felt Micks hand gently pat her back as they stood trying to console the shattered woman in her arms.

Gwen finally pulled away, wiping her nose gently with a tissue. She looked up at Sami, and gently rubbed her thumbs against the dampened cheeks.

"Thank you so much for being here, my Sami." Said the trembling voice.

"Don't thank me, I'll always be here for you guys, anytime of day…always." She replied, clearing her throat.

Sami turned to an entering Nicole with Billy right by her side. Joining Gwen at the breakfast bar, Nicole rested her head on her mother's shoulders, her eyes bloodshot like Sami had never seen before. She moved to her and kissed the top of her head before wiping a tear from Nicole's cheek. Sami sighed as Donna poured coffee for everyone, her bottom lip quivering as Zack joined them. Sami clenched her hurt as she witnessed an agony in his once large happy browns, he sat down next to his mother, tucking her under his arm as tears still fell down his five o'clock shadow. Sami couldn't help but feel helpless as the people she cared for so much held a throbbing pain she could never fix.

"Drink up, kid. Your mom and dad told me to tell you to call them when you finally made it home." Said Mick softly, sliding a cup of coffee to Sami.

Sami cleared her throat before nodding and taking a sip of the freshly brewed coffee, but she tasted nothing. There was no euphoria as it hit her tongue, just a distasteful sting.

Gwen looked up and studying the sorrowed faces in front of her she cleared her throbbing throat.

"I know…I know this is a terrible loss for all of us." She paused taking in a hurtful breath. "But we will get through this, it's what he would've wanted…"

Sami clenched her jaw as the ache in Gwen's voice damn near broke her heart. She'd just lost the man she'd spent her whole life with and built a family with and here she was trying to comfort everyone else.

"Let us help get you through this, Gwen…not the other way around." Said Sami softly.

Gwen gave her a soft smile. "I was put on this Earth to take care of my children, Sami, not for them to take care of me."

"Mom, it's time to let us take care of you." Replied Nicole, gently dabbing her soaked lashes.

Sami looked at Zack who stayed silent, looking into his coffee, she knew he was going to take the loss of his father hard. They'd only recently started having a relationship, Arthur had finally accepted him, and Zack lost him.

"Zack…" Sami trailed.

He looked up at her, his eyes empty.

"One day at a time, okay?"

He nodded as his eyes filled up again. Sami walked over to him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. She felt his hands wrap around her forearms as he sobbed against them, forcing her to desperately squeeze against his jolting body as it shook with every deepened sob. And with Zack's painful sobs, Sami watched as everybody's tears remained silent while they witnessed their brother, son, and nephew's anguish through pained groans being dulled by Sami's hold.

"I'm going to go check on Katelyn." Stated Nicole, unable to watch her brother's heartache anymore.

Finally, Donna took Sami's place and held Zack as Nicole called for Sami and Gwen. Sami guided Gwen into the living room. Katelyn's eyes were open, but Sami could see the discomfort in them as she tried to get comfortable.

"Sami will you be able to help me get her upstairs so she can shower?" Asked Nicole.

"Yeah, of course." Replied Sami, slowly removing the blanket from Katelyn.

Katelyn winced as she leaned against Sami, as she firmly wrapped her arm around Sami's neck. Through every exhausting and pained step Katelyn listened to the soft whispers of Sami encouraging another step. As they eventually made it up the last step, Nicole excused herself for a few minutes after being called downstairs by Donna. Sami gently pushed Katelyn's old bedroom door open, moving her to the bed and slowly sitting her on the edge.

"Okay, give me a second, I'm just gonna get the shower ready for you." Stated Sami, brushing the blood-stained hair from Katelyn's face.

Katelyn sat for a few minutes, she felt completely numb as she sat there alone for the first time. The image of her father running constantly in her thoughts, but her heart felt nothing…She felt completely empty. Soon Sami appeared, with a faint smile.

"Okay, I'll help you to the bathroom." Said Sami.

Slowly she wrapped Katelyn's arm over her head and wrapped an arm around her waist eventually guiding her to the bathroom as the large neo-angle enclosed shower ran in the background. Gently she sat Katelyn on the toilet and knelt down in front of her, placing a finger under the grazed chin.

"I'll go get Nicole to help you get undressed, okay?"

Katelyn shook her head, shoving her hands in between her thighs.

"No, it's okay. I think I can do it." She stated.

Sami sighed, as the spark in Katelyn's browns were nowhere to be found.

"Okay, well I'll be right outside, just shout if you need me, okay?"

Katelyn nodded, before reaching for Sami's cheek, she studied the darks for only a moment then dropped her browns as a numbing emptiness moved through her.

As Sami quietly shut the bathroom door behind her, she walked to Katelyn's bed and falling on it she took the time to finally try and gather her thoughts. Not knowing how she could even begin to help heal them all from the loss of Arthur. Granted the two couldn't stand each other in the beginning but after the truth of Christine came out and Arthur lifted his blinders the two of them had gotten closer more than she could've ever imagined. He always advised her on the best way to market the parlors… He even spent long nights with her on the deck at the cabin, fishing and talking about her heart ache over losing Katelyn. He'd become her secret sanctuary, and her his when he'd have a hard time trying to connect with Zack, she'd advise him always and he took it, no questions asked. They helped each other more than anyone truly knew, except Gwen of course. Sami looked at her watch, before she knew it twenty minutes had past, and she still hadn't heard a thing from Katelyn. Sitting up she stared at the bathroom door, listening in to still  hear the shower running.

Sami got up from the bed, and knocking gently on the door she called for Katelyn… She waited a little more before knocking a little louder and raising her voice calling for her one more time, but to no avail.

"Kate, if you don't answer me, I'm coming in…" She said, pressing her ear against the door.

Still she heard nothing, and clearing her throat she slowly opened the door, her eyes finally locking onto a still fully dressed Katelyn sitting on the floor with her arms wrapped around her knees in the corner of her enclosed shower, crying. Sami swallowed hard, slowly she approached, and opening the shower door, she kicked off her shoes and walked in. Gently she slid down the tiles, finally sitting down next to the grief ridden Katelyn. Sami wrapped an arm around her, letting Katelyn fall into her and tuck her face into her neck as she sobbed. Sami held onto her tightly as the water fell on them and closing her eyes Sami pressed her lips on Katelyn's head, resting them there as an inconsolable Katelyn cried out a torturous scream. Sami pressed her palm over Katelyn's head, spreading her fingers and holding her head right there, letting her neck silent the pained cries.

As Katelyn's cries began silencing Sami reached up to grab the washcloth resting on a glass shelf, and gently she grasped Katelyn's hands, slowly spreading her fingers she carefully began wiping the blood from Katelyn's palms. She rested her head against Katelyn's as her thumbs softly caressed the grazed palms. Sami's attention was soon taken by the bathroom door as Zack and Nicole appeared, their sorrow showing as they watched their older sister's turmoil. Slowly Nicole opened the shower door and knelt to Katelyn.

"Come on Katie, let's get you out of here huh?"

Katelyn said nothing and grabbed the offered palms of her sister. Sami watched as they walked out, and watched Zack reach his hand to her, without hesitation she took it and pulled her up. Her clothes were soaked but that was the last of her worries, all she cared about right at that moment, was Katelyn. Sami gave Zack a small smile, grabbing the offered towel and drying off her hair she hung the towel around her neck. Her eyes falling on Zack with his head down leaning back on the bathroom sink, gripping the edges. She stood next to him, holding tightly onto the edges of the towel that hung over her neck.

"I can't imagine what you're going through Zack, but know I'm always here, my door is always open, and my phone is always on. I don't care what time of the day, or night…call me without hesitation."

Zack looked over at her, his big browns red and swollen, pained and exhausted. He offered her a comforted smile before leaning his head on hers while they both remained silent as they waited for Nicole to get finished helping Katelyn get into something more comfortable.

Finally, Nicole popped her head around the door, letting them know it was okay to come out. Zack lead Sami out their eyes falling on Katelyn sitting on the edge of her bed, in a large loose shirt and sweatpants. Nicole had managed to put her hair in a messy bun, although she wasn't as dolled up as Sami was used to seeing her, she appeared even more beautiful to her. Nicole ran her fingers through her hair before resting her hands on her hips, clutching them tightly and looking at Sami sympathetically.

"Sami, you're soaked honey."

Sami looked down at herself and shrugged. "It's okay. I should probably get home and leave you guys alone for a while. If you need any—"

"Sam, can you stay here with me tonight…please?" Interrupted Katelyn.

Sami swallowed hard as the captivating, but drained browns rested on her. Sami moved her stare to the hopeful stares of Zack and Nicole.

She gave small nod. "Yeah, if that's what you want…let me just go to the cabin and grab some dry clothes, okay?"

"Okay." Whispered Katelyn.

"I'll be back soon…"

Chapter 40

Once Sami showered and changed, she made sure to check all the windows were locked, locked the front door and got into her truck. Her drive to the cabin had been much of a blur, all she wanted was to be by Katelyn's side. She did make sure to call her parents, then Erika to check in and make sure she was okay. A little relieved to hear Tara was going to stay the night with her to keep each other company for the next few days. She was appreciative of Erika offering to keep a parlor open for business but Sami insisted she keep them closed and take the time off, it was going to be rough few days for everyone and she knew the East and West would be pretty bleak for a while, a lot of people would be in mourning over the loss of Arthur. He'd done so much for both towns especially donating to most of their charities and putting money into extra building projects for the West, remembering one of their last conversations was Arthur telling her he would one day bring the West back to the prosperous city it once was being that that's where he was originally from but eventually moved himself and his parents to the East as his law career began taking off. Eventually admitting to her he hated the fact that he lost his true self and got lost in the lifestyle of the riches, and as much as Gwen would always try to remind him to stay humble, his stature in the East got to his head.

Soon Sami made it back to the Jensen's home, pulling in, she got out, and moved up the cobblestone steps. Finally walking in she walked into the kitchen while Mick was pacing on the phone as Gwen sat at the breakfast bar quietly, her fingers wrapped around a cup of coffee. Sami moved to her, draping her arms around her and squeezed tightly, then gave the grieving widow a soft kiss on the cheek. Gwen smiled patting gently at Sami's forearm before leaning her head against her.

"Nicole and Billy went to get some clothes they want to stay here for a few days. Zack and Donna went to get some food, they said they know what you'd like." She stated just as Sami broke away to take a seat next to her.

"That's fine…how're you feeling?"

Gwen nodded. "Trying not to get overwhelmed. Mick is already on the phone with the funeral director…I just can't face that yet."

Sami rubbed her back gently. "We're all here to take as much pressure as possible from you, and just let you grieve your loss."

"This is why I love you, my Sami." She said patting the top of Sami hand.

"Has Katelyn come down yet?" Sami asked.

Gwen shook her head. "No. Nicole did tell me she asked you to stay with her tonight."

Sami nodded. "Yeah, I hope that's okay…" She trailed.

"Of course, it is my dear, I'm relieved actually…she needs you Sami and I think she finally realizes that."

Sami clenched her jaw. "I'm gonna go up and check on her, do you need anything before I do?"

"No, my dear. Go be with her, I'll be up to check on her soon."

Sami nodded with a soft smile before getting off the stool and making her way up the oak staircase. She took in a deep breath once met with Katelyn's bedroom door. Lightly she knocked.

"Come in…"

Sami pushed the door open slowly and moved around it to Katelyn laying curled on her bed, her eyes weren't as puffy, but she looked exhausted.

"Hey, you…can I come in?"

Katelyn nodded, struggling to sit up and get comfortable. Sami shut the door behind her and sat on the edge of Katelyn's bed, leaning an arm over Katelyn's legs. She reached over to slowly move some hair from her face.

"What me to get you anything?"

Katelyn shook her head. "No, I'm okay. Thank you though…and thank you staying with me tonight…" She said softly, wincing as she tried to reach for her glass of water.

Sami leaned over and grabbing the glass of water she gave it to Katelyn.

"No thank you needed."

Katelyn took a sip of water and rested her head on her pillow as a small yawn escaped.

Sami stood up. "Listen, I'll let you get some sleep…I'll be right downstairs if you need anything."

"Sam, lay with me…please."

Sami swallowed hard to the soft voice, she knew she couldn't say no and nodded slightly before moving to the other side of the bed and laying above the covers she gently rested her arm behind Katelyn's head, staying still as Katelyn tucked her face into her neck. Gently Sami stroked the soft arm of Katelyn that wrapped effortlessly around her stomach and for the first time she finally felt at ease as Katelyn's soft breaths brushed against her, and before she knew it those soft breaths deepened and right then she knew Katelyn had finally fallen asleep. Sami soon let her heavy eyes close as she rested her head on Katelyn's and fell asleep right there with her, right where her heart needed and always wanted to be.

***

 Katelyn's eyes opened to the bright sun peering through the small cracks of her blinds, squinting she winced with a small stretch. Her aching body instantly reminding her of her father. Her stomach sank as her pained heart ripped through her chest, tears immediately forming. She reached for the empty pillow, digging her fingers into it hating that Sami must have left her throughout the night. Digging her face into her pillow she tried to calm her pained breaths, praying that the ache from the loss of her father would just numb already. Slowly she sat herself up and wiping her tear stained cheeks, she painfully guided her thighs off the edge of the bed. Sitting for a moment she traced the cuts and bruises along her arms, she knew she should be thankful she made it out alive, but she wasn't. She sighed heavily before slowly raising herself from the bed, and through every throbbing ache she pushed through. Her body was screaming for her to quit and collapse on the stairs, but she refused and slowly she conquered each step and eventually made it to the foyer.

Holding onto the thick oak banister she looked through the archway, her eyes being met by Donna's concern. Quickly Donna rushed to her, with Billy following. Both took an arm as Katelyn limped slowly down the hall, hating she had to rely so much on others to even walk the smallest distance.

"Jesus Katie. You should've called one of us, we would've helped you." Insisted Billy.

"I'm fine, Bill." She said sharply as the pain soon moved from bearable to excruciating.

"Right." He replied sarcastically.

Gwen quickly pulled out one of the stools and helped them get her onto it.

Gwen stroked her face before kissing her forehead. "Let's make you something to eat so you can have some pain pills."

Katelyn sat. "Sit mom, I can get it."

"Nonsense honey…Billy will you pour her a coffee?"

Billy nodded, moving to the coffee machine. Katelyn shook her head.

"Please stop fussing…mom sit down. You shouldn't be running around after anyone right now. I'm fine, I just need a damn minute." She snapped.

"Kate…" Sami said sternly, appearing from the opened French doors, a coffee in her hand.

Katelyn's chest suddenly felt heavy. "No…she just lost her husband! Why is no one catering to her?" Questioned Katelyn, her voice rising more.

Sami took in a deflated deep breath and approached Gwen lightly squeezing her shoulder and offering a gentle smile.

"Go into the living room with Mick, Gwen. I'll bring you guys some coffee." Insisted Sami.

Gwen shook her head. "No, I am more than capable." She looked at Katelyn. "My kids are all I have left, and if I want to continue to take care of them to keep myself from losing my mind, then that is what I'll do, and no one will question it. Understood?"

Katelyn dropped her head as everyone remained silent to Gwen's usual soft voice turning to a strict one.

"Now that we seem to be on the same page…Sami, sit. Donna call Zack and tell him to come home, I'm going to make us all some lunch."

Donna gave a slightly timid nod before walking out onto the porch and pulling her phone from her pocket. Gwen looked at Billy, "Where is Nicole again?"

"She went with Ron and Brenda to look at flower arrangements."

Katelyn's eyes clamped shut as did Gwen's. Sami clenched her jaw as she stood by the sink still holding her coffee. Looking up she watched Billy start pouring Katelyn's coffee, without saying anything she nodded at him letting him know she'd finish it.

"Why don't you come sit out on the porch with me?" Suggested Sami.

Katelyn nodded, slightly grimacing once more, instigating Billy and Sami to rush to her aid.

"I've got it." She snapped again.

Both stepped back saying nothing knowing her sharpness was completely understandable, so they watched her slowly lower herself off the stool. Just as she made it, Sami offered her forearm and Katelyn took it and let Sami guide her out onto the porch. The gentle breeze pulling a relieved sigh from her. Sami set Katelyn's coffee on the small table, before helping to lower her down on the lounger. She grabbed the small knitted blanket and rested it on Katelyn's legs and handed her, her coffee before taking up the other lounger.

Donna turned to them, "Zack's on his way home."

"Where is he?" Katelyn asked, taking a small sip of coffee.

"He went for a walk said he needed some time." Replied Donna, putting her phone back in her pocket, then looked at Sami. "Tara called, the delivery came in for the bar so I'm gonna go and help her get it put away…I'll be back soon."

Sami nodded. "I'll come help." She stood up to instantly be met by Donna's palm.

"No, stay here. I'll be back soon we've got it under control." Stated Donna before leaning down and kissing the top of Katelyn's head. "Love you, sweetie."

Katelyn shut her eyes to the gentle kiss from her close friend and nodded. "Love you too, please drive safe and text one of us when you get there."

Donna nodded leaving the two of them laying on the loungers. Sami looked up at the bright blue sky, the pearly white clouds moving swiftly across them as the breeze caressed her face.

"How're you feeling, body wise?" Asked Sami, keeping her eyes on the moving clouds.

"I've felt better." Replied Katelyn sharply.

"Do you want me to leave you alone for a while?" Sami asked, rolling her head toward Katelyn.

Katelyn sighed. "Where did you go last night?"

"I woke up around eight this morning, I didn't want to wake you, so I went home, showered, changed and then came right back." Replied Sami.

"Will you stay tonight?"

"If that's what you need…" Sami trailed.

Katelyn rolled her head to look at Sami. "More than anything." She whispered.

Sami shut her eyes, trying to tell herself it was because she needed her as a friend through the toughest time of her life. Sami took in a deep breath, as hard as it was to be so close to the woman she ached for but couldn't have, she pushed it aside because being there for her, especially now meant more to her.

"Lexi at the bakery told me to tell you she was sorry to hear about…your dad."

Katelyn cleared her throat. "Right before we got hit, he was busy telling me how excited he was at the thought of being a grandfather. How excited he was to see his wife be a grandmother, and to see his son be a father." Her voice began trembling.

Sami clenched her jaw and swallowed hard. "I'm sorry, Kate…"

"Why him, Sam? Why not me?" Suddenly her eyes filled up.

Sami got up and sat on the edge of Katelyn's lounger, she gently grabbed her hand, placing it in between hers. Her darks demanding Katelyn's attention.

"I know it's hard, but you can't think like that. If I'm honest I don't think your dad would have been able to face this world without you in it."

With a single blink tears began streaming down Katelyn's face. She sat forward slowly and wrapping her arms around Sami she silently cried against her chest. Sami swallowed the lump from her throat, and slowly she laid down with Katelyn, keeping her in her arms. Gently she kissed the top of her head whispering that it would all be okay. Katelyn spread her fingers across Sami's back, clawing as the pain intensified, taking over every ounce of her, and with every painful sob Sami held her tighter.

Part 5

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