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Corina and I sat on the roof until the last orange cloud turned dark.
“We should probably head back to the house,” I said, standing.
Corina reached for her phone and sent a text off before she helped me fold up the blanket.
“Just leave the chair,” I said, sounding defeated.
Using a flashlight that Mitchell had left, Corina led the way down the steps. My heart felt as if it was being ripped out piece by piece while we made our way through the house, down the steps, and to Corina’s car.
She opened the passenger door for me. Before getting in, I looked at her.
“Why are you here? Doing this for me?”
Her lips pressed together. “My father died when I was young, very young. But I remember seeing my mother sit in a rocking chair for days. Her heart was so broken and no one was there for her. I was, but I was so young I don’t think I truly understood her pain. I know if it was me and the man I loved was lost out there, I’d want someone next to me. Just to know they were there if I needed them.”
My eyes filled with tears. “I see why Paxton adores you. I’ll never forget your kindness, Corina. Never.”
She gave me a sweet smile. “I’m not giving up hope. I don’t think you should either. What does your heart tell you?”
I swallowed hard and tried to speak between sobs. “I don’t know. It’s too broken.”
Corina took me in her arms and gave me a good hug. “Let’s get you home to your family.”
It looked like every single light was on in the house. I was positive all of my brothers were staying here tonight.
“Why don’t you stay the night?” I asked as Corina and I walked up the steps to the front door.
“Oh, I don’t have anything to sleep in, and I wouldn’t want to be a burden.”
I laced my arm with hers. “You can borrow something of mine, and we have plenty of room. I would really love it if you would stay.”
She nodded. “Okay. I’ll stay.”
“Stay where?”
We both turned to see Mitchell standing at the door. “Here. I’ve asked Corina to stay the night. Would you let Mom know? We’re going up to my room to get her something to wear.”
My brother’s eyes lit up. He glanced at Corina and smiled before heading into the house. No one was in the main living room so we were able to get upstairs unnoticed.
Flipping through my drawers, I found a set of sleepwear I hadn’t even taken the tags off yet.
“Are these okay?” I held up the sleeveless, navy blue shirt and matching Capri pajama pants.
“Yes. Thank you so much.”
“You can use my bathroom. I’ve got shampoo and everything. The guest room is right next door to me. On the other side is Mitchell’s room.”
I wiggled my brows, and she shook her head at me. “Don’t even go there. I’m here for you, not him. Now, why don’t you hop in the shower and get ready for bed. You need sleep, Amelia.”
I nodded in agreement, stopping when my mother walked into my room.
“You’re home. Do you need something to eat?”
“No. I’m tired, and I think I’ll take a quick shower and head to bed. Did Mitchell tell you Corina was staying the night?”
My mother nodded and glanced over to Corina. “I’ve got the bed turned down for you, sweetheart. If you need anything, you’ll let me or John know?”
“Yes, of course. Thank you for letting me stay.”
My mother walked over to Corina, kissed her cheek, and whispered something.
I grabbed my phone and headed into the shower. I spent the next thirty minutes standing under steaming hot water crying until I had no tears left to cry
I would never leave you, darlin’.
The memory of Wade’s voice made my body tremble.
I’m coming, Amelia. I’m coming.
My eyes snapped open, and I fought to catch my breath.
I glanced over to the clock to find it was just after five in the morning.
My door opened and I sat straight up in bed. The light in the hall was on, illuminating Corina as she walked into my room. She ran over and jumped on my bed.
“Get up! Amelia, get up! Mitchell has Wade!”
My head was spinning. “What? Mitchell’s sleeping.”
She shook her head. “After you fell asleep he left again and went to help with the search party along with Tripp, Cord, and Steed. He got a call on his radio. Wade is okay! Mitchell is bringing him here as we speak!”
I stared at her in disbelief. Afraid to believe her words.
“He’s okay?” Tears streamed down my face. My heart raced as I waited for her to answer.
She took my hands in hers and stood, pulling me up. “Yes! He was able to find his way to a house! No one was home, and he had no idea where he was. The flood waters took him about forty miles downstream. Wade told Mitchell he had no clothes on. Everything had been stripped off of him. He managed to find something to wrap around himself and he slept on the porch until someone finally came home! They gave him clothes and fed him and the foal. They tried your cell and Trevor’s, then the police. They patched the call through to Mitchell!”
