Page 74 of Surprised By Love

She nods. “I checked all around the house and outside. I asked the neighbours and nothing.”

I lean in and kiss her on the forehead. I want to pull her onto my lap and hold her close, but I have a job to do. “I’m going to look around. Did you call Vicki?”

“I couldn’t.” She sniffles.

“Okay. Would you like me to call her?”

She nods.

Max puts his front paws on Sam’s lap. She leans forward to pet his back, and he gives her a wet, sloppy kiss on the cheek.

“Awww, thank you, buddy.” Sam kisses Max on the top of his head.

I double check all the rooms in the house as I make the call to Vicki.

Vicki

It’s not busy at the diner, it’s just after five and the dinner rush rarely hits until after six. Mary and Joan are having a great time sitting in a booth enjoying an early dinner. Chatting softly and laughing a lot, no doubt talking about the latest town gossip.

A couple of local teenagers stuff their faces with nachos and sodas at the corner booth by the jukebox. Mrs. James stands looking at all the help wanted, babysitter available notes and business cards that are displayed while she waits for her to-go order.

Standing behind the counter in my Miller diner uniform of red T-shirt, black slacks and black apron with big pockets, I look over at Bruce and point at his coffee, silently asking if he needs another. He shakes his head; I turn to Rick as he holds out his cup for a refill. As I’m pouring the coffee and passing him the plate of sugar packets, milk and creamers, the diner phone rings.

Walking over to the edge of the counter, I pick up the phone. “Miller Diner, Vicki speaking.”

“Hey Vicki, It’s Josh. You need to come home right away. Do you have someone to watch the diner?”

“Why? What’s going on?” I say, my chest tightening. Something must be wrong.Why is Josh calling and not Sam?“Is Sam ok?”

“Amelia might be missing.”

“Oh dear God!” I gasp. “I’m on my way!” All eyes are on me as I end the call and race into the kitchen. Sloan stands behind the stainless steel table wearing black pants, white shirt, and apron, finishing a to-go meal of burgers and fries.

“Can you handle it here? I have to run home. Amelia’s missing!” I say, my hands shaking as I quickly untie my apron and hang it on the wall.

“Missing?” he asks, coming over to me and grabbing my hand.

“Yes, I don’t know the details. I’ll call you when I find out, but I have to go.” I grab my purse off the side table.Did she wander off? Did someone take her? How did this happen? Sam must be a wreck.

“I got this. Go!” he orders.

“What’s going on?” Mary yells as I exit the kitchen. I don’t answer. I couldn’t even if I wanted to with the lump in my throat. I run past everyone and out the door.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Sam

IstartlewhenJoshputs his hand on my shoulder. I’m staring out the window, Max sitting right beside me. He hadn’t moved an inch.

“Vicki’s on her way and so is Mac. We will find her. I’m sure she didn’t wander off too far.”

“Wander off too far?” I say, turning to face Josh. “She knows she’s not allowed to leave the yard without me.” I fight the tears stinging my eyes. “What am I going to do? She’s all I have,” I say, looking down at the floor.

He takes my hand and pulls to a standing position. “Hey, look at me.” He places one finger under my chin and lifts my face so we’re eye to eye. He wipes a tear off my cheek with his thumb. “That’s not true. You have a lot of people. This town adores you. I adore you. You are not alone, you got me and your sisters. We’ll find her. I promise.” He pulls me into him and wraps his powerful arms around me, kissing the top of my head. A moment later, I wrap my arms around his waist, squeezing him tight.

“Hey, look,” Josh says, turning me around to face the window. “See, I told you, you’re not alone.”

My eyes grow huge as I see what’s going on outside. “What…” I look back at Josh. “Oh, my g… Oh my god. There’s so many…” I place my hand over my mouth and the tears flow again.

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