April-

Sean was back at college, Olivia was off of spring break, and spring was starting to arrive. The nicer weather put everyone in a happier mood and in brighter spirits.

Olivia and Cody were still together so of course they spent every moment of the day together. Since he worked at the farm he hung out around the house a lot. Olivia also started working for Sam too.

Everyone was just ready for summer, saying hello and goodbye to Sean so much made them miss him even more. They were ready for school to be out and to make it a great summer. They still had some time to go, though.

"Off to work my love?" Sam asks

"Yep! And you too I'm guessing?" She says giggling at his bright rain boots and overalls

"Yes ma'am. Are we still on for tonight?"

"Of course... why wouldn't we be?" She says kissing him goodbye

"Just making sure. I've had this dinner planned for a while. I'm anxious to spend a night out alone with you."

Things had been hectic lately, Sam really just wanted the two of them to get out of the house and enjoy themselves for the night.

"Hey mom I'm heading out... umm after school Cody and I are going to the mall. So we'll probably have dinner and I'll be home after." Olivia says in a rush

Jessica crosses her arms and huffs "Excuse me?"

"What?" She says

"You just make plans and don't ask anymore?" Jessica snaps

"I didn't think it mattered, especially since you and Sam are going out tonight. Can I go?"

Jessica sighs "Fine. Remember just because you're sixteen doesn't mean you can do whatever you want without asking."

"Okay, sorry! I'm going now." Olivia runs out of the house and Sam puts on his hat.

"You seem a little tense this morning." He says coming up behind her and rubbing her shoulders.

"Yes, I am. This case is stressing me out... but
I'll be okay for tonight. I just need the work day to be over. And Olivia! She's just... ugh!"

"She's just a teenager trying to have fun... they think when they get a car they have all the freedom in the world." Sam chuckles

"Exactly... but I'm running late." She says as Sam begins to kiss her neck

"Let me take away your stress tonight" He whispers

Jessica giggles and grabs her purse. "Goodbye mister Shepard." She says breaking away from him.

//-//

Later that day Jessica got home and was in a terrible mood. She was stressed and tired. Work had thrown her through the ringer and she just wanted to sleep. But, she promised Sam that they would spend the night together.

He was getting dressed when Jessica got out of the shower.

"I'm so excited for tonight! I've heard such good things about this restaurant, babe." Sam smiles

Jessica gives him a soft smile and starts brushing her hair.

"Bad day?" He asks

She shrugs her shoulders "A little bit, but it's fine... I'm excited."

"Cheer up sweetheart. You have a date with some man who is in love with you and cant wait to make your night." He says kissing her lips

Jessica giggles "you're right, you're right! Just let me get ready and we can leave honey."

//-//

"wow, look at my sexy lady." Sam says helping her out of the car

Jessica blushes "You're too much."

"Let's go get our table." Sam takes Jessica's hands and walks her into the restaurant. He couldn't take his eyes off her. Sometimes he would pinch himself to remind him that Jessica was real, and that god was lucky enough to give him such an amazing woman.

They order their drinks and food then sit outside on the patio overlooking the beautiful scenery. The restaurant overlooked a beautiful river. It was a perfect night.

"Thanks for tonight, Sam. I'm sorry that things have been so hectic lately.." Jessica sighs

"Honey it's okay, I understand. Life throws curve balls once in a while. But we have each other, it's alright." He says reaching for her hands.

She looks into his eyes and chuckles.

"Jess, I'm ready to marry you." He says suddenly

Jessica widens her eyes. "Were you not ready before?"

"No, I've always been ready, but we've been setting it aside, the wedding. This summer I want it to happen. I want to be able to call you my wife."

"I'm sorry if you feel as if I've been pushing it aside. I guess I wanted to take in the engagement stage. I'm ready too."

"Great... Where do we start?"

"Oh god, I don't know!" She giggles

//-//

It was settled, the wedding planning was going to begin. They were both clueless as to were to start, but getting ready to start was the first step in their minds. The night ended up being amazing as expected. They always had such a good time together and this date night was much needed.

"Well miss Lange, how about I take you home and make your night?"

"You've already made it, but I wouldn't mind something a little extra." She whispers.

//-//

May-

Everyone was over Jessica and Sam's house for a Memorial Day party. Sean was officially home for a the summer and Olivia was finished with junior year. There was lots to celebrate.

Everyone brought their own dishes. All of the cousins were together as well. The energy throughout the day was amazing and just what everyone wanted and needed.

After everything was off the grill everyone sat around the tables outside. Before everyone ate Jessica and Sam wanted to make a toast.

"Before you all dig in, we just wanna give a little toast." Sam says standing up with Jessica

Everyone's eyes were on Jessica and Danny.

"First we just wanted to say how blessed we are to have you all here, on this very, very, hot day! It's always so great being able to get everyone together and just celebrate."

"We want to celebrate Heather and Sean's first year of college! And all the other ones for getting through another school year." Jessica chuckles

Everyone laughs along with them.

"We have an announcement that we'd also like to celebrate today."

"She's pregnant!" Jane yells

Everyone widens their eyes

"What! Mom!" Olivia says

"No! I'm not pregnant." Jessica says

"We have finally set a date for the wedding!"

Everyone gasps and smiles

"Thank god, finally." Dorthy says

"When?" Ann asks

"November first, here at the farm over at the top of the hill."

"Ahhh, Jessica! Yay!" Everyone says

"Haha, we can't wait." Jessica says turning to Sam and kissing his cheek

//-//

Later that evening everyone was sitting around a big bonfire that Sam had put together. As most of them were outside Jessica,  Sam, Jane, and her husband were inside helping clean up.

"Jess I'm going to help you plan!"

"It's going to be simple.... remember!"

"Yes, of course. Just don't let Ann get her hands on this. It's my turn to plan something!"

"Whatever you say."

Then, Olivia comes running into the kitchen.

"Mom, I found your phone, it keeps ringing. Dennis keeps calling you."
Olivia says handing it to her

"Dennis? Why is he calling me on a holiday?" Jessica wipes off her hands and takes the phone.

"Sam, who's Dennis?"

"Some lead detective Jessica works with."

They all watch her as she moves to the corner of the room to exclude herself from the noise.

"Dennis? It's almost ten on a holiday night. What's going on?"

"Jessica, I have someone here that wants to talk to you."

"What?"

"Miss Jessie?"

Jessica hears a soft little voice. She could hear the fright in his tone and the sniffles echoing through his tone.

"Hello? Who is this?" Jessica asks

"It's Logan! You told me to call when I was scared!"

Jessica's heart sank. She quickly ran out of the room.

"Okay, now who's Logan?"

"Sam, is that the little boy?"

"Yeah, that is... excuse me." He says chasing after Jessica

"What's going on!" Jane says

//-//