AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yes, we did find her, and buried her beside the man who’d lost her. They’re the reason we’re all here now. Me and my people. The town of Jubilee. All of it.”
Tears were rolling down Amalie’s face.
“What a beautiful love story that finally had its ending. I can empathize with Meg. I feel lost all the time because I was given away. I used to hope someone would come find me, but they didn’t. And the only reunion I’ve ever had is with you, so don’t you ever think that didn’t matter. It meant everything to me.”
Sean couldn’t bear the tears. When he took her in his arms, she laid her cheek against the front of his coat.
“I don’t quite know how to explain this, but I don’t think you’re lost anymore. I think you belong here…somehow…and you found your own way back. I’m just grateful I was here to welcome you home,” he said.
She looked up, lost in the intensity of his gaze.
He wiped the tears from her face and kissed her, then again and again until her lips were no longer cold and her arms were locked around his neck, giving back as good as she got.
When he finally turned her loose, she was trembling.
He tilted her chin until their gazes locked.
“You’re shaking from the cold. I’m sorry, baby. I need you get you back in the car.”
“I’m nowhere near cold. I’m shaking because of the fire you just lit.”
Sean blinked. “Jesus wept, woman. I cannot lay you down in a cemetery in the middle of winter, but I want to.”
“Another time. Another place,” Amalie whispered.
His eyes flashed. “Promise?”
“Promise,” she said, and let him walk her back to the car.
Once inside, silence surrounded them. It was so quiet Amalie heard the whispers.
“Goodbye,” she said softly.
Sean shook his head. “I’m still here.”
“Oh…sorry. Not you. They were whispering.”
Sean shook his head again as he started the car and headed back down the mountain. It was getting late. The sun was already sliding below the treetops, and in winter, sunset came early. He didn’t want this day with her to end, but she was so quiet.
“Amalie, honey, are you tired?”
She sighed, then laid a hand on his knee. “No, just thoughtful. You’re like sunshine. It’s wonderful being with you.”
Sean felt like a kid again, trying out his best tricks in hopes the little girl with the long dark hair, sitting two desks ahead of him, would ever look his way.
“Would you like to stop by our house on the way down? It’s either that, or lie to my mom about having you this close without stopping to say hello.”
Amalie smiled. “I would love that if you think it wouldn’t be an intrusion.”
“I know it won’t, but if it would make you feel better, I can give her a heads-up call now,” he said.
“Yes, do.”
Sean made the call.
Shirley answered on the third ring.
“Hi, Sean. Are you on the way home?”
