Page 81 of Surprised By Love

“Here ya go sweetie,” Mary says, placing a bowl of chicken noodle soup on the tray and passing Amelia a spoon. “You need to eat all of this, okay?”

“Kay, but where’s Tiger?” Amelia asks.

“Tiger? Oh… is that the cat’s name?”

“Mm-hmm,” Amelia places a spoonful of soup into her mouth.

“Tiger is in the kitchen drinking some warm milk and warming up just like you. I’m sure you can see her when she’s done.” Mary grins.

I pull Doc to the side. “Doc, are you sure she’ll be alright?”

“Yes Sam, like I said, keep her warm, make sure she eats the bowl of soup and keep her hydrated. She should be fine.” He squeezes my shoulder.

“Thank you so much Doc,” I hug him. “Thank you!”

Doc hugs me back. “If you need me, call.”

“Okay.” I let out a breath.

“Hey Doc,” Joan calls from the entrance to the dining room. “We got lots of sandwiches, tea and coffee. Come help yourself.”

“Thank you, Don’t mind if I do.”

There is a knock at the front door.

“Come in,” Vicki shouts from the living room.

“Make sure you take off your boots!” Maureen yells at Emily and Jake as they enter the house. Walking in behind them, John, Sloan, Mac, Brandon, Clark, Dave, Max and Josh.

“Hope you don’t mind us all coming by,” Sloan asks, as the men enter the house. “We want to check on the little one.”

“I don’t mind at all,” I say, standing in the foyer. “Thank you guys all so much for taking time out of your night to help us look for Amelia. I appreciate it so much.” I try to swallow down the lump in my throat.

“We have lots of sandwiches and coffee in the dining room. I think Mary went a little overboard.” I laugh, trying to hold back the tears.

“Sounds good,” Dave says. “I’m starving!”

Josh

The men settle in the dining room enjoying the food, while Vicki, Rebecca, Joan, Margaret, Mary and my mom take their place around the kitchen island where they could see Jenna, Emily, and Jake on the couch with Amelia and Tiger. I reach over, grabbing Sam’s hand. “Can we step outside for a minute?”

“Umm… sure,” Sam says, pausing for a moment to look over at Amelia.

“She’s fine. There is a house full of people watching her. She won’t even notice you’re gone.” I lift her jacket off the coat rack, holding it open. She gives me a small smile and slides her arms into the jacket, then turns to me. “Thanks.”

“Come on,” I say, opening the door for her.

Stars coat the sky, and the air is crisp as the temperature has dropped a few more degrees. I don’t want to keep Sam out here for long, knowing she wants to be near Amelia, but I want to talk to her alone for a minute.

I look at the porch swing sitting partially in front of the living room window, then look to the other side at the table and chairs. I shake my head.Not in front of a window where I’m sure they all will be watching. Walking over to the table and chairs, I take a seat and pull Sam onto my lap. “What did Doc say?”

“She’s going to be alright. Just needs some food, has to stay warm and get some rest.”

“That’s great news. I told you she’d be okay. What about you? You okay?” I say, running a finger along the side of her head, tucking her hair behind her ear.

“I’ll be fine. It’s been a long night. I don’t want to let her out of my sight, ya know?” Sam whispers, turning her face towards me.

“I know baby,” I wrap one arm around her waist, gently pulling her towards me. She rests her body against mine with her head on my shoulder. I lean in and kiss her forehead tenderly.

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