AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I followed a small path that went into the woods behind the resort. I walked slowly, moving my flashlight to try to get a glimpse of her. I started calling her name, but doubted she could hear me between the howling winds and loud thunder.
The longer I went without finding her, the more panicked I felt. I tried to take deep breaths and remain calm, but the thought of her out here alone, shivering in that tiny dress she’d on, made my blood pressure rise.
I should have called the main resort number. They would have sent out people who were professionals in finding lost people. I paused under a tree that gave me a little bit of shelter and took my phone out to text Dale, instructing him to call. Of course, my phone had no service though.
Fuck.
I stood there, trying to figure out what my next plan of attack should be. Did I continue looking around for Marley? Go for help? Or wait here and hope she came by?
I couldn’t just sit and wait for her and I wasn’t going to leave her out here alone. That left the only option to continue to look for her.
Before continuing my walk, I slowly moved my flashlight around again, looking for any sign of her. My heart jumped into my throat when I saw a figure on a log with blonde hair, shivering. She looked up and immediately recognized Marley.
“Marley, it’s me! It’s Silas.” I ran to her as quickly as I could among the brush and trees. “Don’t move.”
“Silas?” She cried out. I could hear her crying.
After what seemed like forever, I finally got to her. She threw her arms around me. “I thought I’d never see you again.”
I held her and stroked her soaking wet hair. “Shh, little girl. Daddy’s here.”
She continued to sob and cling to me for a few minutes before pulling back. “How did you know I was out here?”
“Your dad came to me and told me. He told me everything.” I took off my coat and wrapped it around it. “Now let’s get you warm and dry. We can talk about all of this then.”
I helped her walk slowly back to the path and back to the cabin. At this point, the rain was coming down almost sideways and there were a few moments I thought we might need a rescue party. I finally saw the lights from the path and headed that way.
My cabin wasn’t far and we went inside to find Dale frantic on the phone, pacing back and forth.
When he turned and saw us, he threw his phone down and wrapped Marley into his arms. “Marley, god I was so scared I was never going to see you again.”
“Daddy!” She sobbed, burying her face in his neck.
“I’m so sorry I said those things and I didn’t mean it. You’re a smart girl. God, I’m so sorry, Marley.” Dale was crying now too and I found myself getting emotional.
I finally decided to break them up when I noticed Marley shivering. “Marley, you have to get warm or you’re going to get sick. Get in the bathroom. I’ll come help in a minute.”
Marley squeezed her dad one more time before doing what she was told and going into the bathroom. She shut the door behind her.
“Thank you for finding her. I can see how you feel about her. It’ll be an adjustment, but I only want you guys to be happy.”
“So you’re okay if I take care of her? Get her warm again and rested.” My plan was to join her in the shower and then wrap myself around her in bed until she stopped shivering.
“Yes,” Dale nodded reluctantly. “I'll get a cart or something to take me back to my cabin. Just make sure she’s okay.”
I nodded and put out my hand for him to shake. “I will literally guard her with my life, Dale.”
“Thank you.” He picked up his phone and I went to the bathroom.
I knocked gently before going in. The room was already steamy from the hot shower and she was standing there under the water. “Little girl, don’t worry, I’m here. Daddy’s here.”
EPILOGUE
MARLEY
“Come on, Marley girl! You’re going to be late for your own wedding.”
“Dad, it’s fine. They can’t start without me anyway.” I opened the door to the dressing room and let him in. “How do I look?”
