TJM41

Tommy carefully unlocked the door & tiptoed up the stairs, pausing only to listen to the soft sounds of Sam breathing peacefully in her sleep. He smiled. After leaving Derrick's hotel room, he went straight to the hospital where his dad reassured him that he was going to be just fine. Now Tommy couldn't wait to get in there & kiss his girl good morning. He entered her lilac colored haven, standing the doorway for a second to watch her sleep. Was it possible to love anyone more than he loved Sam, he wondered? Very gently he slid under the warm blankets, spooning his body next to hers. "Good morning, Sweet pea," whispered Tommy as he placed a kiss on her forehead.

Sam stirred out of her slumber, she reached out to find Tommy's face. "Morning, Baby." She kissed him on the lips.

Tommy was surprised to find Sam with minty fresh breath so early in the morning. "How is it you have fresh breath already?" He asked propping his head up with his arm.

Sam opened one eye to find Tommy smiling at her. "Okay, Okay, I cheated. I set my alarm for 6am so I could get up & brush my teeth. I didn't want you coming here to wake me up & getting my dragon breath."

Reaching over to pull her near, Tommy climbs on top of Sam, tickling her. "You just think you are so cute, don't you?" His eyes locked with hers. He leaned down tenderly caressing her lips with his. "I really love you, Sam," said Tommy breathlessly as his lips vacated hers.

"Tommy, I have never loved anyone as much as I love you."

After what seemed like an eternity his gaze broke from hers. "Sam, I need to tell you something. Please don't get upset."

Oh no, this is where he tells me it isn't going to work out & let's be friends, Sam's mind raced with fear. Her eyes started to well up at the thought of being without Tommy.

"Last night, while I was walking you home, Derrick attacked my dad. He's o..."

"WHAT!" Sam hopped out of the bed, slipping jeans on over her white cotton underwear. "My god, why would Derrick hurt Jeff?"

Tommy stood up trying to get Sam to calm down. "It is a long story, but Dad is fine. He had to spend the night at the hospital. But he gets to go home tomorrow."

"The hospital? I need to go see if he is okay. What was Derrick doing in River Run?"

"Well, apparently."

Sam stood in the doorway with her hands on her hips. "Can't you tell me in the car on the way, Tommy? I want to see if Jeff is okay." Sam asked impatiently.

Tommy was dumbfounded. Sam interrupted him more than Ginger did. He thought made him smile.