Erin's Way by Laura Browning Page A

update his farmhouse, maybe install an updated kitchen where someone who really enjoyed cooking would feel at home. Sam nearly smacked his thumb with the hammer. With a shake of his head, he returned to the backbreaking work of rebuilding his fence.
    He knew some of his neighbors laughed at him for the wood fences when woven wire would have been a hell of a lot cheaper. When it came right down to it, though, he’d rather be hefting boards and pounding nails than trying to stretch wire in cold weather. He glanced along the road, eyes narrowing, at the neat line of fence that fronted not only Richardson Homestead, but his farm too. And there was the whole issue of appearances. Having Richardson Homestead as a neighbor wasn’t easy, in more ways than one.
    At six that evening, he knocked at the door, tired but dutifully on time as he’d promised. Peterson was there to let him in, looking every inch the British butler he was. Sam nodded to him, then looked past him to Stoner, who stood in the doorway to his study.
    “Sam, come on in.” Although his welcome was friendly enough, Stoner was tense. When Sam entered the study, he discovered why. Everyone was there except Erin. No doubt waiting to make an entrance. Creating dissension came as second nature to her.
    Never one to ignore the obvious, Sam asked, “Where’s Erin?”
    “Just a little late, I’m sure.” Catherine’s smile was just a bit tremulous.
    Sam studied all of them. Stoner, Catherine, and Evan looked ready to chew nails. Jenny, Tabby, and Joseph were calm, but then they didn’t know her. Sam wouldn’t put it past Erin to walk in wearing nothing but her diamond belly button stud. Never had he met anyone quite so able to throw things into complete chaos.
    “I’ll get her,” he stated to Catherine and Stoner, totally unsurprised when they made no protest.
    No lights shone in the guesthouse. When he knocked and got no answer, Sam’s first thought was she had bolted again, and that was quickly followed by the thought she had found more drugs and was high as a kite. He tried the door and found it unlocked.
    “Erin!” he called as he opened the door and stepped inside.
    “Here.” She stood near the rear window that overlooked the pool, her profile only dimly outlined from what remained of the waning light. Sam turned on the lamp next to the couch, half expecting her to be in a micro mini skirt and a halter top. She turned toward him, wearing a simple black jersey dress with high-heeled pumps that gave her some added height and did great things for her long bare legs.
    “Everyone’s waiting on you,” Sam stated.
    “I can’t…” she began, swallowed, and started again, “No one wants…”
    “To miss dinner,” Sam interrupted. He stifled the urge to rub the tightness in his chest as he noticed the haunted look that had entered her eyes again. Wanting to erase it, he continued, “And as usual, you wait to make a big entrance.”
    Her chin lifted and she straightened to her full, if meager, height. “Shut up, Sam.”
    He held her coat for her and smiled behind her as he slipped it over her narrow shoulders. He would much rather have her angry than blue. As soon as they entered the house from the den, Sam took her coat and tossed it carelessly across the back of a chair. His hand rested lightly between her shoulder blades as he guided her into the study. She trembled, and for an instant he could see why. With the exception of Jenny, they were all tall and regal looking, but even Jenny had a presence that intimidated.
    Neither Peter nor Melody, Joe and Tabby’s adopted daughter, were there. Sam’s mouth tightened. So, not a family night. Adults only probably meant a lot more serious discussion. Sam began to wonder if his presence was motivated by more than a desire to even out the numbers. He restrained the urge to wrap his arm tightly around Erin, an action that would make neither Erin nor Stoner happy. Joseph and Tabby were the first to smile and