Gabriel's Promise (A Romantic Comedy) Read online




  Gabriel’s Promise

  By Jordan Silver

  Copyright © 2013 Alison Jordan

  All Rights Reserved

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Epilogue

  Chapter 1

  Samantha Holder is a handful. Anyone who knows her knows the hellcat would as soon spit in your eye as shake your hand. She had the gumption of ten men and a mean streak a mile wide. That was of course if you were stupid enough to get on her bad side and pretty much everyone was the enemy except Charlie Holder. Chief Holder tried to do his best by his only surviving child after losing his son Phillip in the war when Sam as she preferred to be called was just twelve.

  Now Phillip was the only one who could curtail little Miss. Spitfire. According to the doting big brother she just needed a guiding hand. What she needed was a swift kick to the backside and that's that. No one had been able to control her since her brother's demise.

  Who am I you ask, oh nobody really, just Delilah Spelman, town librarian and unofficial historian. I was born and raised in these parts and I know the comings and goings of pretty much everyone around here. That's how I knew trouble was brewing when I saw the fancy Hollywood type in his fancy sports car pull up outside the Holder residence. I hope to God he wasn't a salesman or something. The last one of them Samantha had sent packing with Charlie's old shotgun.

  That must've been a good three months ago and we hadn't had any shenanigans since then so I guess we were due. I headed out to my porch with my afternoon libation to watch the fireworks.

  SAM

  I saw the fancy man in his fancy car when he pulled up outside, I was watching from my upstairs bedroom window. He looked vaguely familiar but I couldn't quite place him. Probably seen him on the TV though what a highfalutin television star would be doing in Lexington New York was beyond me. No one came to Lexington unless they were lost.

  Well anyway like I said, he looked vaguely familiar. I hope he wasn't selling anything cause there wasn't anything I hated more than a snake oil salesman, pretty or not if I didn't like what he had to say I would just run him off with my dad's trustee shotgun. That always did the trick.

  GABE

  This trip was long overdue and I felt the familiar pang of sorrow at the loss of my old friend once more when I took my first look at his childhood home. The place could do with some repairs maybe I'd look into that first, a little paint and maybe some new shutters. Looking around it wasn’t in much different shape to its neighbors but still it’s something my old buddy would’ve wanted. From what I could remember Phil's dad had been the chief of police here in Lexington, population eight hundred, until a freak accident had left him in a wheelchair when Phil was seventeen and his sister Samantha eight.

  Phil had already enlisted and couldn't get out of it for some obscure reason or other, so when he had been called up four years later he had left his then twelve year old sister at home with their dad. If I remembered the stories Phil had liked to regale me with about his precocious little sister, she had opted for homeschooling so she could be home to help out with their dad, since their mother had died giving birth to her.

  I could still envision the toothy little urchin in pigtails. Phil had carried that picture with him everywhere. I'd been unable to attend his funeral seeing as how I was in a coma at the time. When I was finally released some three months later after extensive therapy that had helped to get me back in tip top shape after a bullet had shattered my femur he was long in the ground. I'd had other wounds from the shrapnel that pierced my body, but that had been the worst. The docs didn't hold out much hope of me walking again, but they didn't know my will. The Sweeney strength of will was legendary.

  Within six months not only was I walking, but in another three the limp was gone. After I made a full recovery I was officially discharged from the army at the ripe old age of twenty-two. That's when my grandpa had his near fatal heart attack and it was left to me to take over the reigns. Dad had no head for business so it skipped a generation and fell to me. My older brother by two years Jonathan also had no interest in the business arena, preferring to be a professional football player instead.

  I put on my ray bans as I exited the car, hoping it wasn't too late to keep my promise, late in coming as I was.

  Chief

  I sure hope this fool wasn't here to sell anything; I was in no mood to save another backside from my infuriating daughter's buckshot. I should just put up a sign, ‘Strangers beware of rabid teenager’, that would sure save me a lot of aggravation. As the young man drew closer to the front where I was hiding out behind the window I got a good look at his face. Well now what have we here? It was about damn time, I was getting tired of keeping my little hellion in line, looked like the Calvary had finally arrived. It had only taken him six years but better later than never is what I say.

  Chapter 2

  GABE

  It was pretty quiet for the middle of the day, and I wondered as I walked up to the door if maybe I should've called before I came. Well, it was too late for second guessing myself now, besides the door opened as I reached the top step. " Hello Gabriel."

  "Sir?" I was sure because of the wheelchair that this had to be Charlie Holder, but how the hell did he know who I was?

  "I recognize you boy, from the pictures my son used to send home.” He had a wistful look for just a moment at the mention of Phillip.

  Of course, how could I forget, Phil and his damn snapshots, he had been determined to make a scrapbook for his little Sammy. I'd completely forgotten all about that.

  Reaching out my hand I came back to the present. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you sir." We shook hands and I could've sworn he grumbled something like "It's about damn time."

  "Sorry?"

  "Nothing son just clearing my throat." He made the universal sound of throat clearing.

  "Come on in son." He wheeled around and led me deeper into the living room. The place was neat but threadbare and I felt a pang of guilt, how could I have gone six years without keeping my promise? The least I could've done in all that time was make a phone call, but I'd been so busy with my life I'd let down a friend, I'd broken my word. Charlie wheeled himself to the bottom of the stairs.

  "Sam honey we have company." Did he just roll his eyes, looked like chief Holder was a bit eccentric.

  “Samantha Eliza Holder get down these stairs." He didn't quite yell but it was close, I was about to tell him it was okay, I could wait but then she answered.

  "I'm coming pop, keep your shirt on." There was some stomping around and grumbling coming from above and I didn't know whether to laugh or frown when Charlie started grumbling again.

  "And he better not be another one of those salesmen we don't need no vacuum cleaners, we have no use for high speed Internet and let me see, what else are they selling these days? Whatever, whatever it is we don't need it, so if he's here for that you better get rid of him before I get down there, that's all I'm saying."

  "Sam..." now he was shouting.

  "I'm sorry about that son, I raised her better than that she's just having an off day; I'm sure my son told you all about little Sam, she didn't have a mom poor little thing, so it was just me and her brother and I'm afraid she's kind of rougher around the edges than most girls."

  "Pop I can hear you and why the blazes are you discussing me with a complete and total stranger anyway?"

  Wow, she sounded like a real shrew, I hope I was going to be able to fulfill my promise, but I had no tolerance for shrewish behavior. The stomping finally reached the head of the stairs before it sounded like a stampede was descending.

  This little ball of fire flew down the stairs, long legs, hair in a wild abundance of curls down to her ass and what an ass it was .

  "I'm here now what?" She turned to me.

  Oh my fucking word, I think my dick just took a bow. She was fucking magnificent.

  Chapter 3

  GABE

  Have mercy, this couldn't be her could it? That face, that body, no way, I think my mouth watered I can't be sure but I know for damn sure every sense I ever had headed south.

  "Hello Samantha." I kept my hands in my pockets, the girl's father was in the room after all it wouldn't do to throw her on the floor and ravish her the way I wanted to. What the hell happened to my self-control? She’s a kid for crying out loud, and your dead friend's baby sister you perv. Yeah remember him? Your good buddy, I don't think he had this in mind when he asked you to make that promise. Hands off.
I think I heard my dick whine.

  She cocked her head to the side, hands on her hips and those big blue grey eyes staring me down.

  "Do I know you?"

  "Sam!" Charlie sighed and shook his head.

  "What dad? I'm just asking a question. So what the hell are you selling anyway, whatever it is..."

  "Yes I heard, you don't need it, are you always this rude to your guests young lady?" She raised her head a notch.

  "Since when are scum sucking salesmen guests?"

  "Lord give us strength." Charlie closed his eyes as if in silent prayer.

  "Gabriel Sweeney meet Annie Oakley."

  "Very funny dad, so who are you now?"

  "He was your brother's buddy in the army.”

  And just like that her whole persona changed, her body deflated slightly and there was a slight tightening of her mouth, and a glistening sheen formed in her eyes. She obviously still felt the loss of her brother deeply. Good now maybe you can get back on track.

  "Phil talked about you constantly." I gave her a reassuring smile.

  "Phillip." It was a heartfelt whisper; why did I have the uncontrollable urge to wrap her in my arms and shield her from all future hurts? She seemed to collect herself rather quickly though, it was to be admired.

  "Okay well Phil's not here he's dead."

  "For the love of... Samantha what is wrong with you?"

  "Uh pop news flash, Phil's been gone for six years, why would one of his buddies be showing up here now? If he was a buddy then he would know he's dead, you're so gullible pop." With that she headed towards what I assume was the kitchen in the back of the house.

  "Don't even think about it, get back in here."

  She returned with a shotgun pointed right at me.

  "Okay slick you got ten seconds two are up, who are you and what the hell do you want?"

  Okay it was official she owned my dick. Did she have any idea how hot she was right now? If she ran off all unwanted guests like this it was a wonder some man hadn't snatched her up already. I felt anger and unfamiliar jealousy rise inside me at the thought, no one better have laid a hand on her.

  That totally came from a place of guardianship, not because I wanted to be the only man to put hands on her. Yeah right, keep telling yourself that Sweeney.

  SAM

  My heart was beating so fast I was in danger of passing out. He was so hot I felt like fanning myself, but I couldn't let him see that. Of course I knew who he was, as soon as I heard the name the face clicked. I had an old dog eared picture of a younger him up in my dresser, I'd had plenty of unSam like thoughts about him during my younger impressionable years, okay still did sometimes but not as much, well okay maybe...whatever. What I wanted to know was what was he doing here now. It had been six long years why would he be here now? And why was he looking at me like that, did I have something on my face or something?

  I could swear he was fighting a smile while I pointed my gun at his head, was he too stupid to understand danger? Maybe that coma that he’d been in all those years ago had addled his brain. Bless his heart.

  Pop was back to grumbling, but he didn't understand, this was my shield, my protection. If I didn't do this I would probably sit on the couch and simper at him like that stupid cow Diana Thorpe did with Dan Young, it was sickening.

  "Samantha Eliza Holder..." Pop was three naming me again but I'll deal with that later; for now I just gave him a look, to which he glared back at me.

  "Would you put that damn thing down and offer our guest something to drink."

  I kissed my teeth and headed back to the kitchen glad for the reprieve, my legs were ready to give out so I sat down at the table. Well genius what's your next plan of action? I bit my nails as I contemplated my next move. I got up and opened the fridge, there was nothing but beer and soda in there and since I didn't know if Mr. Fancy drank domestic I went with a soda.

  Returning to the room I called a heads up and threw the can at him, to which pop proceeded to have a conniption.

  "What did I do to deserve this? Tell me, you took my legs and I took it the best I could, but did you have to send me one of Satan’s imps to put me in an early grave?" Pop was having one of his many daily asides with our maker.

  Meanwhile Mr. Cool caught and opened his can in one smooth move.

  "It's okay sir, I think I'm kinda getting use to Samantha's antics." Oh you thought so did you? We'll just have to see about that, they didn't call me the hellion of Lexington for nothing. I wonder how long he was staying in these parts? I'd show him antics.

  Chapter 4

  Chief

  I kept a stern face on but inside I was snickering, who did these two think they were fooling? I might've lost the use of my legs but the old noggin still worked very well thank you. I'd been a cop and a damn good one, I knew how to read people. There were more sparks flying off these two than a welder's flame, I guess my boy was right after all. Phillip had had some hair brained idea that these two would be perfect for each other, mind you when he first mentioned it I thought he'd lost his ever loving mind after all his sister was a child of twelve and Gabriel was already a grown man, but Phil had insisted that he knew what he knew and since the boy had always had a bit of the fey in him I let it be, after all who am I to stand in the way of destiny?

  Right now Samantha was sneaking looks at our guest out the side of her eye, it was a wonder she didn't go cross eyed, meanwhile he was trying his best to play it cool but I knew for damn sure if I wasn't in the room he would've probably kissed her already. Either that or throttled her, the damn girl was a handful. Well, if nothing else it was sure going to be hopping around here for the next little while. If I knew anything about my daughter it was that there was never a dull moment. Lord knows what she would come up with to torture the poor man.

  "So Gabriel you're staying with us of course." I broke the silence.

  My dainty little flower huffed and snorted at the same time, I kid you not you had to see it to believe it. I didn't even look in her direction if I did I was sure she would be spitting fire at me with her eyes.

  Delilah Spelman AKA Miss. Marple

  Well, looks like no show for me today that young man's been over to Charlie's going on a good half hour and nothing, not a peep, unless Samantha killed him and buried him in the backyard. Lord I hope Charlie was home and not out gallivanting with that Geoffrey Godwin, those two still thinks they're teenagers with their beer swilling and caterwauling sometimes at all hours of the night. No wonder Samantha was such a hooligan, between her father and her Godfather she sure was getting an education.

  Well I might as well head on inside, this infernal rain was starting to come down again, I could always stay close to the window just in case.

  SAM

  Now why would pop go and do such a stupid thing as to invite him to stay here? And who pray tell was supposed to look after him, huh?

  "Pop"

  "Sam."

  I gritted my teeth he still wasn't looking at me.

  "Maybe Mr. Sweeney has other plans."

  "What other plans he can't be planning to head back all that way after only a short visit and there's no hotel in Lexington, use your common sense girl." At least he didn't use his usual refrain of " You don't have the good sense that God gave a duck".

  "That's no trouble Charlie I was thinking of heading back to Annandale to find a hotel for the rest of my stay."

  "Boy that's more than two hours back and forth nonsense, you'll stay here and that's final, Miss. Priss will make up Phil's old room it'll be fine."

  I wondered what was the penalty for patricide in the good state of New York, and if that damn Gabriel didn't stop his snickering I was really going to lose it. Maybe I should put a little surprise in his bed, let him see how welcomed he was. Very mature Sam and damn if he wasn't looking at me like he expected just that. I turned my glare on him instead to let him see just what I thought of this state of affairs.