Page 80 of Surprised By Love

“Shhh… No buts, they’re going to bring her to you. She’ll be fine. You want me to call Vicki, let her and Doc know?”

I nod and turn my head back to the rescue.

“Umm guys,” Lucas hollers. “You better make it quick.” Lucas turns his head towards the guys pulling them. “The ice is…”

“We got you,” Josh says, giving Ethan a look. The men pull the rope faster. Gavin and Bobby get on their knees and lean forward to grab the front of the sled, pulling them in the rest of the way. Josh bends down and scoops Amelia up into his arms, cat and all.

Cheering erupts. Josh turns with Amelia in his arms to see a crowd of people all standing behind me, clapping and cheering. I run to them and hug them both so tight. Tears in my eyes. Josh passes Amelia to me, kisses her forehead and turns toward the crowd.

“Sloan called Vicki and told her we found Amelia. She and Doc are still at the house waiting for us. They must have called everyone and told them where we are,” I tell Josh.

“Yeah, looks like it.” He chuckles and shakes his head. “This town.” I agree with him, but if it wasn’t for the closeness of this town, we might not have found Amelia as quickly as we did and for that, I’m grateful.

Sloan reaches out with the blanket and I walk into his arms with Amelia and the cat in mine. He wraps us up and gives us both a huge bear hug. Rubbing his hands vigorously up and down Amelia’s arms.

“Why are there so many people here, momma?” Amelia looks around.

“When I couldn’t find you, all these people came out to help look for you,” I tell her.

“I’m in big trouble. Huh,” she whispers.

“I’m just glad you are safe, but we’ll be having a big talk later,” I say, kissing her cold cheek.

“Can I take a look at her?” Sandy says, coming up behind Sloan.

“Sure.” I nod at Sloan, and he passes Amelia back to me. Checking Amelia over, Sandy gives me the all clear to head back home. “Keep her warm. Doc will want to do a more thorough check once you get home.”

I wrap Amelia back up in the blanket and turn to Josh. “We need to go home. I need to get this one something to eat. I’m sure she is starving.”

“I am,” Amelia admits. “Tiger is hungry too.”

“Alright, I’ll be there soon, if that’s okay.”

“Of course.” I smile.

We take a few minutes to say our goodbyes. Everyone hugging each other, patting the men on the back, telling them good job, way to go.

I thank everyone for all their help as they come by to give me and Amelia kisses on the cheeks, telling me if we need anything to call.

This is what I missed so much while living in the big city. I love how this little town always came together to help whenever anyone needs it. I look into the crowd, smile, then turn and walk towards Sloans’ truck.

I open the front door of the house and hold it open for Sloan, who’s carrying Amelia. He places her on the couch and reaches for the cat.

“No Momma please,” Amelia begs.

“It’s okay pumpkin, we’re going to give the cat to Mary, and she’s going to get the cat some milk, alright?”

“Kay,” Amelia whispers. Amelia looks so sad as she watches Mary walk into the kitchen with the cat, as if her best friend had moved away.

Doc and I take off Amelia’s boots, snow pants, jacket, hat and wrap her up in a fresh fleece blanket. Doc then kneels down in front of Amelia and takes her temperature, checks her heart rate and looks over her hands, nose, ears and feet for any signs of hypothermia.

“She’s going to be alright,” Doc looks over at me. “Her temperature is a little low, but not dangerous. Her hands and feet are a little red and cold, but I think she’ll be fine. Keep her warm, give her some warm fluids and a warm bath shortly. If you have any worries throughout the night, please don’t hesitate. Call me.”

He pats Amelia on the head as he stands up. “You stay warm, eat something and get lots of sleep tonight, alright?” He smiles at Amelia. “And no more chasing cats down the creek.” He waves his finger at her.

“I won’t, I promise,” she says, grinning.

Margaret grabs a TV tray from the stand against the wall and sets it up in front of Amelia.

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