Page 72 of Surprised By Love

“It’s more than okay.” I stand and Max sits up, watching me as I reach my hand out to Sam. “Here, Let me help you.” She places her hand on mine and I pull her up, a little too forcefully, and she bumps into my chest. I wrap my free arm around her to steady her and pull her closer. The need to kiss her overwhelms me. I place my lips over hers and kiss her tenderly. “Hi.” I grin.

“Hi,” she giggles. “Come on, hot stuff, let’s make some breakfast before the munchkins wake up.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

Sam

Thesunisshiningso brightly the reflection off of the fresh snow from yesterday makes me wish I had sunglasses on. The temperature’s a little chilly, but nice enough Amelia wanted to come outside to play.

We finished building a snowman complete with an old scarf and mittens, a carrot for the nose and black buttons for the eyes. Amelia found some small rocks along the side of the driveway I used to create a smiley face.

It’s a few minutes before five, and I leave Amelia playing outside and go inside to prepare dinner. I would never leave her outside back in Ottawa, but here in Sunset Creek, it’s not even a second thought.

Sunset Creek has that old school feeling where you could play outside until the streetlights come on. Our street is pretty quiet, so I don’t worry about cars and traffic.

Ten minutes later, I place two bowls of tomato soup and a couple of grilled cheese sandwiches on the table.

I open the front door and look around. “Amelia. Dinner’s ready,” I holler. Where is Amelia? I looked out the front window about five minutes ago and she was playing by the big tree. “Come on sweetie, come have something to eat.”

I pause for a beat. “Amelia, this is not funny. It is not time to play hide-and-seek. Come in now, please.”

Frustrated, I turn and shove my feet into my black boots, reach over to the coat rack, grab my red jacket, and put it on as I exit the house.Maybe she’s at the side of the house or maybe in the back. I walk around the side and into the backyard, my pulse picking up pace. “Amelia!” I yell, with a little more edge in my voice. “Come here now! This is not funny!”

I’m getting angry.Where is she?The food is getting cold. “Amelia. No more games. It’s time to come in,” I shout, coming back around to the front of the house.

I let out a frustrated breath as I enter the house, not finding her anywhere outside. I glance at the stairs. Maybe she came inside to get something and I didn’t realize.

“Amelia?” I yell, opening doors and checking inside each room.

I run down the stairs and check all the rooms on the main floor, calling her name. No sign of her. My heart is pounding. I open the door to the basement and rush down the stairs.

“Amelia?” I look around the basement. She’s not here.

I run up the stairs, taking the steps two at a time. I check my phone sitting on the kitchen island, hoping someone saw her, and called to let me know. No calls or messages.Maybe she went to Emily’s house. Yes, that’s got to be it.I pick up my cell phone and call Josh.

“Hey Sam,” Josh says, answering the phone.

“Josh, is Amelia at your house?”

“No, she’s not here. I just came home to—”

“Is Emily there with you?” I interrupt.

“Yes. Why? What’s going on?”

Tears fill my eyes. “I can’t find Amelia.”OH MY GOD! Where is she?“I’ve looked everywhere. I can’t find her.” I try to swallow around the lump in my throat.

My chest tightens. “Oh God, Oh God!” Tears stream down my cheeks. I’m having a hard time trying to catch my breath.

“Okay, Sam. I’m on my way,” Josh says calmly. “Did you check everywhere?”

“Yes! Of course I did!” I snap at him, tears falling onto my cheeks. “I’m sorry. I just—”

“It’s okay. Please try to breathe. We don’t need you to hyperventilate. Don’t go anywhere. I’m on my way.”

Disregarding Josh’s advice, I run outside and across to the next-door neighbour’s house. I bang on the door frantically. “Have you seen Amelia?” I ask the second the door opens.

“No, we haven’t,” Mrs Reynolds says. “Is everything alright?”

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