Page 27 of Surprised By Love

My gram was right. What a dick. “Mind me asking what made you decide to move back?”

“Not at all. On our seventh anniversary, instead of going out to dinner or getting flowers, he served with divorce papers. I wasn’t stupid. I knew something was up, but I never expected Derek to be so cruel as to give me them on our anniversary.”

“Wow,” I say, turning more towards her.

She shrugs and continues, “during the last year, things seemed different. Derek would be at the office longer than usual and he would fall asleep on the couch and not bother to come to bed. Out-of-town conferences would become more frequent. Something told me he was cheating on me, but he swore up and down that there was no one and I had no proof, just a bunch of red flags.”

She shakes her head and chuckles. “I should have trusted my instincts. A couple of months later, I found my proof in a receipt from a hotel restaurant in his pants pocket when I did his laundry. Sure… I guess it seemed to make sense since he was a doctor and was going to conferences. Of course, he would have to eat, but the amount of that bill… there was no way it was just for him. That’s when I knew… my gut was right. He ended up moving out the day after our anniversary and moved in with Abby, a nurse from his clinic. Talk about cliché.”

How could anyone do that to her and Amelia? Sam is so sweet and caring and not to mention beautiful, and Amelia is a great kid. I shake my head and she must have noticed because she continues.

“It’s alright. I’m back now. Things happen for a reason. I’m happy it happened now when Amelia’s still young and I can raise her here, not in a big city.” She takes another sip of her drink and places it back on the table. “Everyone has been so kind; they act like I never left. It feels right. Ya know.”

I nod.

“It’s so great to be back with my sisters. I’ve missed them so much.”

“I felt the same way after I moved back here with my kids,” I say, finishing my hot chocolate, placing the mug on the table.

“Can I ask what happened?” She clasps her hands on her thighs.

I wasn’t planning on getting into this, but there’s something about her. I feel comfortable with her. Like I can tell her anything, but I don’t want to go into too much detail. Not yet. “Sure. We lived in Mississauga, near her parents. There were some complications, and she died minutes after giving birth to Jake.”

She reaches her hand over and grabs mine. “I’m so sorry to hear that.”

“Thank you. It was difficult. Here I was, a police officer, widowed with a two-year-old and a newborn. My mom came and stayed with us for a few weeks and then she suggested we move here to be near them. It was a tough decision to leave our home, our memories, and move to a small town.”

Sam gives a slight smile. “I know how it is. It was hard to leave the only home Amelia has ever known. But like you, we have family here to help, so it makes it much easier.”

“Oh, it did.” I realize her hand is still on mine, and I like it. It feels right. Although it shouldn’t. What am I doing? I look into her beautiful hazel eyes and smile. “It is great to have family and friends around. My parents have been a tremendous help. My mom watches the kids whenever I need her too, and my brothers are here and my sister isn’t too far away.”

“How many brothers do you have?”

“I have three brothers. Ryan’s the oldest. He’s away right now on assignment. He’s an ex-marine turned bodyguard. Ethan’s next. He’s the fire chief in town and Lucas is a year younger than me, and he is a firefighter as well. Then there is Savvy, the baby of the family and the only girl.”

“Oh, she must have loved that. Having four older brothers.” Sam laughs.

I chuckle. “I’d be lying if I told you we didn’t take our role as big brothers seriously. Why do you think she doesn’t live in town?”

Sam throws her head back, laughing, making me chuckle. She has the most enchanting laugh. You can’t help but join her. I want to make her laugh some more. In fact, for the first time in a long time, I want to get to know a woman for more than just the night. I need to stop this. This can’t happen.Why am I doing this to myself?I don’t date girls from town. It’s a rule I have lived by since I took over as Sergeant.

“Well, it’s been a great day. I need to get the brats home and fed before I go on duty.” I say as I stand.

“Oh, of course. It’s been nice chatting with you. The kids are welcome over anytime.” Sam gets up and follows me to the bottom of the stairs.

“Emily, Jake. It’s time to get going,” I holler up the stairs.

“But daddy,” Emily says as she comes into view. “We’re having so much fun.”

“I know you are kiddo, but we need to get home and have lunch before daddy has to go to work.”

She huffs and places her hands on her hips. “Jake, come on, we need to go home. Daddy has to go to work.”

“They could stay and play some more. I can feed them lunch if you like?” Sam offers.

“Thank you for the offer, but not today. They have things to do at home this afternoon.” I lie. They have no plans, but I can’t ask her to watch my kids. Then I’d have to see her again when I come to get them and take them to my mom’s. I’m not sure if I could handle seeing her anymore today.

We get the kids bundled up and ready to go. “Say thank you to Amelia and her mom for having us over today,” I say to Emily and Jake.

---