Chapter 74

The next few days Sam spent most the time in bed. Roxy had rushed to Long Island, New York to her own family's vacation home to be nearby and help Nick care for Sam. 

It was Christmas Eve-Eve and Sam had taken a short nap while Nick had gone to cut firewood for the fireplace. She woke hearing holiday music coming from down the hall and chatter she assumed was Roxy and Chris, or maybe the Ashford family had arrived for the holiday.

She was feeling a little better and able to walk around without Nicks help as much. She worked her way down the hall, holding her ribs, and using the wall to steady herself. As she made her way to the living room she heard unfamiliar voices and the smell of cookies and warm spices filling the air. Hearing her shuffling into the room, Nick looked up smiling. He went over and kissed her cheek and she winced slightly.