The reunion was in full swing, as I took in the sight of fellow classmates from my graduating class. Skyline High School was the pride of Salt Lake City, Utah; Go Eagles! Ten years wasn't a long time, but it was a good chance to get reacquainted with some of my old friends. To be honest, I was a little bit of a dick back then. The crowd I sort of ran with, like to harass some of the other kids. We were jocks, without a clue of the effect we had on others. Today it would be called bullying. Back then it was entertainment. I didn't really get into it like others did, but I didn't try and stop it either. I didn't want to rock the boat, but sometimes the others got a little carried away. It was stupid, but many of the guys were good at stupid.

The war in Iraq changed things for me. I was a field medic and saw my fair share of the kind of misery that only man is capable of inflicting. We fight about differences in ethnicities, Religion and boundaries. If we could just see that everyone of us is different in some way; maybe we could get past our fears and discover that our differences are really our strengths.

Anyway, I set about to mingle and see who had changed and who hadn't. Some of the former cheerleaders had approached me. I was center on the offensive line, only because I was big enough to stop most of the opponent's defense till our QB Brad Johnson could get rid of the ball. Cindy and Melanie both said hi. I had a little crush on Melanie at the time, but she was dating one of the half backs. That's when I saw Brad. He was a big prick back then.

" Murphy, you old hound dog. How's it hanging?"

"Hey, Brad. What you been up to?" I shook his hand and he tried to crush mine like always. Change 'back then' to 'still is'.

"Got myself a sweet deal selling cars, Rick." Football player to car salesman, boy there's a stretch, if I ever saw one. "What do you do to occupy your working time?" Wow; occupy; he was up to three syllable words now.

"I'm a paramedic at LDS hospital, Brad. I was a medic in the Army and it just seemed natural."

"Bet you seen some gory stuff, Ricky boy!" He smiled and nudged me with his elbow.

"I have seen some nasty shit, Brad. Sometimes it's hard to forget."

"Seen any naked puss?"

I shook my head. "You plan on growing up this decade Brad?"

His eyes narrowed. "Maybe you need me to remind you about the good old days Murphy." He was still a big bastard. Brute force was always his answer. Back then it worked. After my 4 years in the army, he was a joke.

"Don't waste your time Brad. I'm sure some of your other cronies would be more than happy to put up with your bullshit."

"Just watch yourself Ricky." A pretty blonde woman approached and put her arm around Brad's waist.

"Honey. Is this another one of your football buddies?"

"No baby, he's just some jerk I used to know." He gave me a withering glare and lead her off to greener pastures. Good thing too, cause I really didn't want to cause a scene.

I talked to a few more people and quickly realized I had very little in common with any of them. I was just about to say goodbye to this part of my life, when I got the strange feeling I was being watched. The hair didn't stand up on my neck or anything and it wasn't like my spidey sense went off. But something was nagging me so I turned around.

She just stood there. Her eyes smoldered as they locked on mine. If the statue of Venus De Milo grew arms and turned to real flesh; this is what she would look like. Shoulder length dark hair fell in ringlets around her olive complexioned face. Full, extremely kissable lips formed a smile that was half way between innocent and erotic. My mouth dried up entirely as I took in the low-cut crimson dress that almost failed to encompass her sensuous charms. She was sex incarnate, atop a pair of matching 'fuck me' heels. The vision glided forward and I turned to see who she was smiling at. There was no one behind me. When I turned back, she appeared in front of me and her scent was almost intoxicating. I had dreams similar to this, but they fell far short of her beauty.

"Hi, Rick. Been a long time." The voice she spoke with was low and sultry. It matched the mirage before me. Her name tag announced her as Samantha Martin. She smiled as I hunted in vain for my voice.

"You might not remember me Rick. I'--ve changed a bit."

I swallowed hard. "H---hi." I stammered. "H--how have you been?" I had no clue of who she was.

Her smile widened. "It's Sam; Sam Martin, Rick."

The only Sam Martin I knew of was the boy that lived down the street where I grew up. His parents adopted him from Columbia and was the same age as me. He would come down and we'd shoot hoops or watch movies. This couldn't be him.

"Remember when we would watch cartoons after school?"

Holy shit! It was him! "S--Sam?" I paused "When did this happen?"

"I'--ve wanted to be a girl forever, Rick. I just never said anything to you about it."

"Wow Sam, I wouldn't have ever guessed." I was still backpedaling.

"I don't answer to Sam any more Rick. I'm either Samantha or Sammy. I began transitioning just before graduation. I started T blockers and hormones back then. Mom and Dad thought it was just a phase, but they finally came around and they have been cool ever since."

"O-kay, Samantha." I was wondering what to say next when Brad returned.

"Hey Murphy. Did you know you were talking to a freak?" Samantha blushed red.

"Yes Brad, but I try and make allowances for you anyway."

He grabbed me by the collar." That's it Ricky! You've been asking for this."

I wasn't first in my platoon in martial arts for nothing. I took hold of his fist and applied some pressure. It was a very painful grip. He dropped to one knee as he yelled. Sammy's eyes grew wide as I turned toward her.

"Want to blow this dump Samantha? Maybe we could get some dinner." She nodded as Brad whimpered on the floor. This hold didn't break fingers, but it sure felt like it would. I released him.

As we walked away, Brad yelled. "Take your nasty tranny and get out of here Murphy." I stopped and thought about going back and having a 'man to victim' talk with him.

Samantha slipped her arm in mine. "He's not worth it Rick. Let's go." She whispered.

_____________________________

An hour later we were eating at La Trafois, in the downtown area. It was a bit more upscale than where I usually went to dine out. But we were both dressed up and I wanted to give Samantha a good impression.

There was no awkward silence at all. I know this should have been a bizarre situation, but somehow it wasn't. It was like we had never lost contact. We talked about what use to be. She talked about what she did to change her life and then we talked about how much of a jerk Brad was and still is. The time flew by. I found out that she lived by herself and sold real-estate up in Bountiful.

" I still get the occasional nasty comment from people that use to know me. I just ignore them." She shrugged. "I have a new life now and I love it."

I finally had the nerve to say what I had been thinking all along. "I don't know if this was meant to be Samantha; but you are truly beautiful! I can't see why anybody would object to you as you are. You are 100% female in my book and I am not afraid to say so." My time in the military taught me to make swift decisions and I always ran with them. It was very rare that I was wrong.

She put her hand on mine. "That was so sweet of you, Rick. But the percentage is more like 95." She hesitated and her features reddened slightly, she glanced down at the table. "I have to admit, I had a slight crush on you back in school. The chance of seeing you was the only reason I even went tonight."

It was my turn to blush. "I don't know what to say Sammy." I really turned crimson when I realized that we were holding hands. I gently pulled away.

A slight sadness crept into her beautiful eyes. "I didn't mean to embarrass you Rick. It's just so nice to see you again." I was so attracted to her. As far as I was concerned, my friend Sam had vanished and never returned.

We finished eating and it came time for us to leave. Before we could exit a rather beautiful woman in a chef's uniform approached us. Samantha broke into a wide grin when she recognized her. They hugged.

"Why didn't you tell me you were here Sammy? When I came out to chat with a friend, I saw you two about to leave."

"Kim, this is a high school friend of mine; Rick Murphy. Rick; this is Kimberly Myers. She is one of the chefs here and a good friend." I shook her hand and we exchanged pleasantries.

"That's a coincidence. My boyfriend is named Rick also."

"He's-- not my boyfriend Kim." She reddened nicely. "Just a friend."

'Boy that wasn't awkward.' I thought.

Out in my Blazer, Samantha spoke up. "I am sorry Rick. I didn't mean for that to happen."

"You mean the part where Kim mistook me for your boyfriend?" I smiled. "I didn't notice."

She batted my arm playfully. "Oh you!"

I took Sammy home. She had taken a taxi to the reunion, so it was the least I could do. She stopped at the door. "Any chance you want to come in or have I scared you off yet?"

"It's early." I stated. She smiled, unlocked the door and we went inside. She checked her messages and offered me a beer. We talked for a few hours and a few more beers. I looked at the time. It was starting to get late.

"I think I had better get going Sammy. I don't want to overstay my welcome."

"You don't have to rush off Rick. It's not that late!" We both rose off the sofa and moved toward the door.

"I would say that you need your beauty sleep, but that would be a damn lie." I looked into her eyes. I had the feeling I could get lost there forever.

Her smile lit up the room. "That was so sweet Rick. It really is good to see you again."

"I have your number." I replied. " Maybe we can go out again sometime." She opened the door, but I just stood there. I was going to shake her hand and suddenly she hugged me. "Funny how Kim thought we were boyfriend and girlfriend."

"I know Rick,----- it was funny." She didn't look convincing. " Will you call me?" She kissed my cheek.

"S--sure Samantha. I think I will. Night." I walked out into the dark. When I got out to my car I hesitated and then finally pulled my phone out. I dialed her number.

"Rick? Is that you?"

"Is this too soon to call, beautiful?"

She giggled. "No handsome."

The phone went dead. "Samantha. Samantha." There was no answer.

"I'm right behind you."

I turned and there she was. I had been fighting something all evening and I finally gave in. I took her in my arms and kissed her. It was a surprise at first, but soon her arms were around my neck and the kiss became intense. After a bit we parted.

"I was wondering how long it was going to take you, handsome."

"How long have you wanted me to kiss you?"

"Since I first saw you tonight." We kissed again. This one was longer. "That was wonderful." She purred. I couldn't help myself. It was like I was a junkie and she was my fix. My arms slid around her waist and I was lost again. We came up for air.

"We might be more comfortable inside." She offered, slightly out of breath.

"I have the feeling that if I went inside, I would be hard to get rid of."

"I'll take that chance Rick." She took my hand. Her eyes seemed to hold a question "Are you alright with who I use to be?"

I smiled. "Samantha, as far as I am concerned, you were already my friend. That's a good start."

She hugged me and her tongue grazed my ear. "What kind of a friend do you want baby?"

Well, it didn't take a house to fall on me. We were inside scant moments later. Our clothing left a trail to her bedroom. Her crimson bra and panty set showed off a figure that would put any Hollywood actress to shame. I was down to my briefs as we slid into bed. Samantha's tongue grazed my lips and the race was on. She was warm and sensuous and in my arms. Samantha told me earlier that she hadn't had her final surgery yet. I would have like to say that I wondered about how she wanted to proceed, but my other head was doing the thinking for me. Her mouth assaulted mine and I surrendered with no terms. I could feel her tears on my face when she rolled on top of me.

"You don't know how long I waited for this moment Rick. I- hope you are ok with th---."

"Less talking and more kissing." I interrupted. She squealed and we were kissing again.

She shifted and slowly slid down my body. "Would you mined if I sucked your cock?"

"W--why, no." I stammered. "Help yourself." I have to admit I am average in size, but it felt like I had a 4x4 between my legs as she inhaled me. Lord almighty. I have had a few women obliged enough to do this for me, but they paled in comparison to Samantha. Her eyes locked on mine as she slowly pumped her mouth up and down my cock. Her tongue swirled around me on every upstroke. I was going to blow if I didn't stop her. I pulled her up to me.

"I wasn't done Baby. We were just getting to the good part." She complained.

"There is no doubt that I want you Sammy. But I want it too be good for you as well."

"Are you ready for this?" She slid her hand around my cock and pumped it a few times.

I was going Crazy. "Samantha, I'm harder than Chinese algebra."

"Good." She giggled and reached for something in her nightstand. She motioned me to slide over and after a bit pulled me on top. " Easy Baby. Nice and easy." She guided me into her. I slowly slid in till I bottomed out. "Oh, Fuck." She purred.

It took everything I had not to pound her little asshole. I slid out, just as slow, but not completely. Then back in. It was almost agony!

"Fuck, yes Baby! That's it. Faster!"

I am a gentleman so I had to oblige. Besides, neither of us were in control. It was mutual. We kissed. The build up was quick and we came together. I have never felt like this with any other woman. I slid down beside her. She cuddled up to me.

"I think I could get use to this Sammy."

There were tears in her eyes. She sobbed. "I lied to you Rick. I have loved you since we were kids." She buried her face in my chest.

I held her as she cried. I stroked her hair and kissed her forehead. "No need for you to cry Samantha. So you got a head start on me."

She sniffed. "What do you mean Rick?"

"I mean that I have a strange feeling I'm going to want you in my life, from now on."

Samantha's tears stopped flowing. "Really?"

"Really!" I replied. She nuzzled into me tighter. "I don't suppose I could bunk over tonight?"

"Got any references?" She giggled. I took hold of her hand and placed it on my hardening member. "Hmm. I think that will do Baby."

_______________________________________

The next morning I was roused by movement next to me. My eyes opened as I caught the aroma of Sammy's hair. She was spooned up against me, with my arm over her form. We were both naked.

"I had a dream that I made love with a beautiful woman." She rolled over to face me. "Did you see her?" I asked.

"You are a rat Mr. Murphy!" She lightly punched my chest.

I pulled her close. Even in the stark light of day, she was beautiful and exotic. I took in her form. She had grapefruit sized breasts with dark brown areolas. They crushed up against me. Her lips were just as soft as last night.

"Can I make you some breakfast?" I finally asked.

"You want to make me breakfast?" She grinned. "I can't pass up an opportunity like that."

I like to cook so the cream cheese and fruit crepes were a snap. As we ate, Sammy made sure I heard the proper amount of yummy sounds. I gave her a strange look. "Have to make sure you are motivated so you'll cook like this more often." She muttered in between bites.

A shower was next and I watched her ass as it sashayed into the walk-in. It was a true mystery how the hell could Samantha's booty be so perfect? Her entire body was amazingly feminine! She turned around and laughed.

"My eyes are up here baby!"

"Just taking in the sights sweetie. Got a nice swing on your back porch."

"I bet you say that to all of the women that you fucked the shit out of last night."

"Only if they're as beautiful as you, my dear."

We showered and toweled off. Her breasts wiggled as she dried off her back. I couldn't help myself. "Is that a stick or are you just happy to see me?" Samantha giggled.

I looked down and exaggerated surprise. "Where did that come from?"

She reached over and took hold of my erection. She smiled. " I don't know where it came from, but I know where it's going."

We slid back into bed. My hand reached down to her cock. It was small and slightly darker than her olive skin. "Baby." She reddened and pulled back a bit. A tear appeared in her eye. "I--- I don't want you to have to----."

"Shhh Samantha. This is you." I said. "If you want to do surgery later on, it's okay. But I am willing to accept you as you are. Please don't be ashamed."

"Baby. I don't want you to think I'm not a real---."

"You are a real woman, Samantha." I interrupted. "Don't forget that." I rose up on one elbow and looked into her eyes. "I laid awake last night for a while, thinking. I finally realized a few things. Number one: You make the cutest sounds in your sleep." She smiled. God; was she beautiful!

"Number two: It has been hard for me to trust anybody completely since Iraq, but I trust you. Don't ask me why." Sammy's eyes started to turn glassy and I reached over and held her face with my hand.

"Is there a number three?"

"Yes." I smiled. "I have thought about it a lot and I have come to a conclusion."

"And that would be?"

"That I am pretty damn sure that I love you too." She buried her face in my chest and sobbed. After a moment I raised her chin to face me and kiss her sweet lips.

Her hand found it's way down to my cock. "Think your friend here, wants to play?"

"Could be, Rabbit." I watched as she slid down pulled my erection into her mouth.

She pumped her toy and licked the head. "I'm going to get my treat this time." She stated flatly.

"If you want it so bad, then you're going to give me mine." I slid under her and she squeaked. Her cock was in my face. It was smooth, light brown and hairless. I would have bet good money that I would never have thought about doing something like this before, but since last night I threw caution out the window. My lips pulled her into my mouth and she groaned, her mouth full of my own cock.

Never in a million years would I have thought that this would have been this erotic. She tasted so good and became more ridged. Our mutual groans only made the experience more intense. I grabbed her ass cheeks and forced her farther into my mouth. I lavished her with my tongue and did a little of my own pumping.

Samantha groaned and her cock swelled. She spewed into my mouth as she pulled away from my erection and yelled. It tasted sweet and salty, but came from the women I loved. Sammy clamped back down on me and soon I was filling her mouth as well.

After it was over she slid beside me. "That was incredible Baby."

"You weren't too bad yourself, pretty lady." She snuggled up to me. We kissed.

"Ricky, I have to show a house in an hour. I have to leave. I'm sorry"

"Can I come back over tonight? If you liked my breakfast; you'll love my dinners."

She pouted. "I would love that, but I made plans to go to my parents for dinner. Can I have a rain check?"

"Do you think that they would mind if I tagged along?"

Her eyes narrowed. "You really want to do that? My Dad is a little over protective."

"It's going to have to happen sooner or later, my love."

"Okay, Baby. Meet me back here at four and we can drive together." That worked for me. I had a errand to run before we got back together anyway.
They still lived in the same home. Robert and Emily Martin, looked pretty much the same as they use to. A little older maybe. We briefly got reacquainted and Sammy went to help her mom finish dinner. Robert offered me a beer from a fridge in the garage. He unscrewed the cap from his and took a sip. He eyed me and crossed his arms.

"How long have you known you were gay, Rick?"

"E--excuse me sir?"

"No need to play games son. How long you knew?"

"I am not gay sir."

"I wasn't born yesterday, son. I saw the way you looked at each other. You've been boinking my son. So how long?"

"Number one: she is your daughter and what we do is none of your business." I thought that he understood. Evidently not!

"He's got a pecker, doesn't he?"

"She is a woman Sir!" I was starting to get pissed. " I don't care what you say about me, but I am not going to let you run her down, understood?"

"So you're going to defend her, even to her own father?"

"I'll defend her to anybody, Sir!" I was really pissed now!

The man had the gall to smile. "Settle down Rick. I had to test you. We have accepted her as Samantha for quite a while now. I just had to know if you had the stones to take care of her."

"Daddy! What did you do?" Sammy and her Mom had just entered the garage.

"Rob! What did I tell you?"

" Emma, I was just making sure Sammy's boyfriend had her six." I had forgotten that he use to be a cop. He reached out his hand. My anger faded. I guess I would do the same thing in his place.

"I understand sir!" I was relieved and took his hand. Sammy slid into my arms and hugged me.

"If you two are done sparing, dinner's ready." Her Mom announced.

We had just finished a wonderful meal. I had forgotten how good of a cook Sammy's mom was. I took a sip of my coffee. "That was wonderful Mrs. M."

"You always had a good appetite, Rick. It really is nice to see you again."

I set back in my chair. It was now or never. " Are the two of you ok with Sammy and me?"

Mrs. Martin glanced at her husband and took his hand. "We accept Samantha as a woman. Believe me, it took a while. But once we did, all we could want for her is to be happy. Samuel was unsure and sad, but Samantha--- she's like a butterfly." A tear formed in her eye.

"Sam was our baby." Robert continued. "We looked for years to find ways to help. Then one day he told us he wanted to be a girl. We balked at first, but realized that with each small step, Samantha came alive. Samuel didn't die, because he was never really there. Each day brought her closer and closer. We came to the conclusion that it was meant to be." He smiled and looked her way. " Besides she's a little hard to shut up."

"Daddy!" Samantha complained as her dad chuckled.

"She was out of school and we helped in the ways we could." Sammy's mom continued. "She started taking transition drugs and we made changes in her wardrobe. Samantha blossomed and we realized that she was happy. We financed some of her surgery. She learned how to be a realtor and eventually moved out. One night she was over for dinner. She confided with me that she had always loved you, Rick." Mrs. Martin glanced at her daughter. "Samantha told me she was going to the reunion to see you. I was afraid she was going to be hurt. I never in my wildest dreams thought that you two could be together as a couple. We are so happy for the two of you." She smiled.

I set back and took it all in. "I know that we have only been together for a day." I took Sammy's hand and looked into her eyes. "But I truly love you Samantha." I patted my leg.

"I love you too, Baby." She climbed into my lap. She leaned back against me. "Oh, what's in your shirt pocket?"

"I don't know Sammy. You'd better look."

She reached in. "What the heck is---?" She gasped as she pulled out my surprise.

"I hope you like it Samantha. I picked it up while you were showing your house." She just stared, her mouth open."

"Looks like you finally found a way to shut her up son." Robert Martin grinned.

"My God Samantha, it's beautiful." Her mom was almost as shocked. Sammy held up the engagement ring I bought her.

"Hope it fits. Not sure if they will take it b-----." Samantha's kiss cut me off.

_____________________________

I moved in with Samantha, seeing as I only had an apartment. Surprisingly enough, the adjustment was minor. As a paramedic, I worked a 24 on and 48 off shift, so every third night she spent by herself. We got to where we worked together like spokes on a wheel. On the nights I had off, we fucked like bunnies. You know; I was never much of a ladies man, so I never dated a lot. I never really knew what I was missing till Sammy showed up. Who knows; maybe it was meant to be.

It was our third month Anniversary and her birthday. My pretty lady had come home after showing four homes in a row. I could tell her ass was dragging. I was waiting for her with a surprise. Sammy called out to me, confused, because I usually met her at the door. By the time she found me I was set up in the extra bedroom with the new massage table I bought her, for her birthday.

"Happy birthday Sammy. Care to take it for a spin?" Her smile said it all. She stripped and I helped her on. I pre-warmed the oil and started on her back and shoulders.

"Oh!" She groaned. "That is so heavenly!" Her beautiful olive skin glistened as I worked her trapezius and deltoids. "Might have known you would find another way to get your hands on my body."

"Am I making you uncomfortable?" I teased. "I could stop."

"Don't you dare." She moaned. "Yeah, Baby. Right there!"

I worked the oil in to her arms, her back and then her ass. As much as I've seen her lovely butt, I never got use to how perfect it was. I did a real bad impression of broken English. "You want Happy Ending? Cost you extra!"

She giggled. "If you give me happy ending; I love you long time Joe." She teased back. She rolled over. Her erection was only about four inches, but it was harder than last year's fruitcake.

"What do you expect me to do with that?"

Samantha smiled. "She needs a kiss, Baby." Her hand reached up to my head.

"I don't kiss on the fir---." I guess it didn't matter, because she pulled me down and soon my mouth was full of her cock. Sure; like I didn't want that to happen.

I bobbed a few times. "Yeah, Baby. That's the way Momma likes it." She breathed. I pulled up.

"Sammy, it's a shame that you are so shy. I think th---." She pulled my head down again.

"Less talking; more sucking." I was going to say 'my pleasure'; but it's rude to talk with your mouth full. After a bit, she pulled me off again and jumped off the table. My shorts were pulled down around my ankles and she swallowed my dick.

"Hey, I thought you were tired, Sammy?" She could really suck cock! She worked me over good. Soon she was up again and bent over the table.

Sammy looked over her shoulder. "I hope I don't have to paint you a picture."

"Damn it Baby. You are so HOT!" The oil I had used on her ass helped me to slide in. She gasped. "What nothing to say, Samantha?"

"Fuck me Baby! Make me cum!" She growled.

I started pounding her ass. I knew she liked it rough sometimes, but she started ramming herself back at me. I had her sandwiched between me and the table and really gave it to her. She screamed and laid limp on the table. I thought I had hurt her, I took Sammy in my arms.

She looked up at me, a little glazed over. "Damn, that was good baby!" She reached for my cock. "Does my Ricky need to be finished off?" I simply nodded. "Good, 'cause Sammy needs her protein." I slid onto the table and Samantha slid her mouth onto my dick. Within moments she had milked me dry.

______________________________

We were on our way back from the Snowbird, ski lodge. We had reservations for Sammy's birthday dinner. The late Autumn sun was just setting over the desert as we traveled down the mountain road. I held her hand. Even after three months, it was hard to believe that this lovely woman was mine.

Samantha saw it first. The headlights of a car shone, upwards down by the next curve. That bend had a nasty reputation for being an wreck magnet. I could see in our headlights that the guard rail had been taken out. It was a shallow swale, so there weren't many fatalities, but the insurance companies still hated it. I pulled over out of the way and flipped up my cell. The 911 operator answered.

"Automobile accident. Parley Canyon Rd. One vehicle. Switchback Ravine." I handed my phone to Sammy. "Stay here." I told her. But she was already pulling on jeans and sneakers, she had stashed in the blazer.

"You might need help Baby."

"Damn it Sammy!" I didn't argue. "Be careful my love."

"You too baby!" We started sliding down the slope. Funny thing, the last time I was here, I picked up a man who had been stuck by lightning, trying to rescue a woman from another accident. The car was on it's side. Unfortunately the closer I got, the more I could smell gasoline. The tank must have ruptured. The vehicle had a big sunroof. Thank God it was open.

There were two people in the car; a man and a woman. He was moving; she wasn't. He raised his head up when I pounded on the roof. Fuck! It was Brad Johnson. He yelled when he saw me. The car was upright on the driver's side and the blonde woman was suspended by her seat belt.

"Brad, we got to get you two out of there. When I say now, I want you to pop her belt."

"Save Shelly. Leave me if you want, but save her." He was crying.

"We're going to get you both out Brad." I positioned myself to drag her out through the roof. Sammy came around from the other side of the car.

"Better hurry Baby. There is gas pouring from the tank." My Samantha had the same guts as her dad.

"Now Brad." He popped the seat belt and supported the woman as I took hold of her. She woke up as I hauled her out. Sammy put her arm under her shoulder and helped her limp away.

"You're next Buddy." I grabbed his arm as he unbuckled his own belt. It was a lot more effort, but soon he was standing on his own. We headed back for the slope as two fireman helped Sammy and the woman back up to the road. Two more pulled Brad and I down the swale farther as a bucket chopper dumped it's payload of water on the car. This insured that the car wouldn't catch fire.

I recognized the fire engine company as one of the ones I worked with, in the past. The guys got Brad and myself back up to the road, as paramedics treated the woman. "Man, you guys got here fast."

One of the fireman, John Desoto, helped Brad over to the ambulance. "The driver called 911 ten minutes before you did Murphy. By the way, thanks for doing our work for us, Buddy." He smiled.

The woman turned out to be the same blonde I saw at the reunion. Shelly was Brad's wife. She ended up with a broken arm and a minor concussion. I think that the worst that happened to Brad, was he came close to shitting his pants. They were transported to LDS hospital and Sammy and I headed for home.

________________________________

Two weeks later I had pulled a large tray of my homemade lasagna out of the oven, when the doorbell buzzed. Sammy checked on our visitor as I placed the pan on the table. I heard some people talking. I thought it might be her parents, so I headed for the living room. Samantha was being hugged by someone with his back to me.

"Thank you for saving Shelly, Samantha."

"Brad?" Sure enough, it was Brad Johnson. He turned to me as I saw his wife also hug Sammy.

He saw me. "Rick. Thank you and Samantha for what you did. You saved us!" I hated to tell Brad that the fireman would have had no problem, but I wanted to see where this was going. I stuck out my hand, which he bypassed entirely and got me in a bear hug.

"Thanks Buddy. You can't imagine how grateful we are." Well, the man was sincere.

"Brad, Baby!" Shelly spoke up.

"Oh, yeah. Samantha I wanted to apologize for what I said, back at the reunion. Not only was it way out of line, it was plain wrong." My, God. What, did Hell freeze over?

"We don't want to intrude on your day any more, but we want you to know, Samantha and Rick; we are very grateful to the two of you for what you did." Shelly smiled. I was really beginning to like her.

Sammy looked at me. "You two hungry? We just took dinner out of the oven and we have plenty?"

"We don't want to be a bother guys." Brad offered.

"No bother at all. Right Honey?"

I hesitated and swallowed hard. "Uh--no bother guys."

"Come on. Lets eat." Sammy took Shelly into the kitchen with her.

Brad put his arm around my shoulders and hugged me a little too close. "Buddy, the next time you need a new vehicle; come see me. I'll get you one at cost."

You know, I think I liked the old Brad better. We walked into the kitchen. "Don't suppose you guys play cards?"

I got the strange feeling it was going to be a long night.