Page 116 of Thunder with a Chance of Lovestruck

“You don’t know that,” said Drest. “She could be dead.”

Stratton stared blankly at him. “Pretty sure we can rule that one out.”

“We can’t,” protested Drest. “What if whatever the hell Gil and Nile did to her was too much for her system? What if my little girl is…?”

Stratton pointed past Drest at the staircase.

Drest spun around to find Goodfellow there, carrying Demi down.

Struggling to speak, Drest simply opened his mouth and closed it again.

Stratton laughed. “See. She’s alive. You can stop pacing now.”

Demi flashed a smile at Drest, melting his heart.

Goodfellow carried her by him, going toward the family room.

Stratton and Drest followed.

“Here is good,” said Demi softly to Goodfellow, who then eased her to her feet. He remained close, nodding to the large white sofa. “Thank you. I swear, I’m good now.”

Goodfellow stepped back, worry in his eyes.

Drest stayed back, unsure how to handle the situation. He wanted to rush to her and hold her, but he didn’t want to overwhelm her either.

She smiled up at him. “I don’t bite.”

He chuckled.

She patted the spot next to her on the sofa.

Stratton touched Drest’s shoulder. “I’m going to give you two some privacy.”

“Thanks,” said Drest.

Goodfellow left the room with Stratton.

Drest went to the sofa. “You sure you don’t mind if I sit next to you?”

His daughter shook her head. “Not at all.”

He sat, his knee touching hers in the process. “I don’t know how to handle this or what to do that’s acceptable.”

“What do you want to do?” she asked.

“Hug you,” he confessed.

Demi leaned against him and slid her arms around his before putting her head on his shoulder. She squeezed his arm.

Drest put his head on hers and closed his eyes. The next he knew, he was crying silent tears, so incredibly thankful to have his daughter next to him. To know she was alive and well. To be able to touch her.

Demi leaned harder against him.

He realized then that she was crying as well. He eased his arm out of her hold and lifted it.

She pressed against his side and buried her face in his chest, gripping his shirt as she clung to him.

He wrapped his arms around her, holding her firmly. “I’ve got you, sweetheart. And I won’t ever let go of you again.”

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