Chapter 40
Amelia held Lainey's hand as they made their way up the walkway to Thario's house.
Lainey was excited to see Frog. Apparently, Frog was doing well.
A little more than a week had passed, and Thario had sent multiple videos showing how well Frog was doing.
Lainey had insisted on sending videos of herself dancing so Frog could see them.
The door opened, and Frog stood beside Thario in the doorway. The dog wagged his tail slowly and stepped out. He was moving slower, limping a little as he moved. Amelia's heart squeezed.
She moved to Thario and gave him a big hug. “Is Frog going to be okay?”
Thario nodded. “Yes. The doctor said he’ll lose his soreness after a few weeks. He might baby the injury for a while, but he will be good.”
She went down on one knee and patted Frog’s head. He moved close and put his head over her shoulder. She wrapped her arm around the dog, hugging him close. “You’re a good boy. Thank you for saving us.”
Lainey was beside her, patting Frog's head. “Awe, what a cute baby dog. I love you, Frog.”
She had little doubt that Frog would have fought hard to keep Lainey safe. Avery was shaking Thario’s hand, thanking him for taking care of them.
“Come on in. I have some pizza if you want any.”
Lainey punched her hand into the air. “Yes! Pizza.”
Amelia chuckled as they headed inside, happiness filling her. Her family was okay, and her friends were, too. Frog would heal, though he had been hurt. That made her sad, but Frog seemed to be doing okay with it. He was still the nice dog he’d been before.
Avery took her hand, and she glanced up, meeting his gaze. Her heart was full. She’d never thought Avery would be a part of her life, but she was here with him. They were a family, and nothing would rip them apart.
Lainey was sitting beside Frog, eating her pizza. Avery tilted his head toward Lainey and spoke quietly. “She’s doing fine. It’s like that night never happened.”
“Frog will get there, too. I’m glad our kids are good.”
Amelia chuckled. “He is your kid. I’m glad he’s a part of your family.”
“Same,” Thario said.
They stayed and chatted for about an hour but left when it was obvious Frog was exhausted.
When they got home, it was almost Lainey's bedtime. Thario helped her get their daughter ready for bed and read a story to her. When her eyes started to droop, he finished the page and stood.
“Goodnight, Lainey.”
“Goodnight, Daddy,” she said softly before pulling the covers up to her chin.
Apple thought his heart would burst from hearing her call him daddy. Thankful didn't even begin to describe how he felt. He had a good woman and a child he loved.
They left the room and headed down. When they hit the last step, he pulled Amelia into his arms and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around him and held him close. Her lips found his, and the kiss deepened.
“Bed,” Amelia whispered.
He picked her up, loving the little yelp from her as he carried her into the bedroom. “Tonight, I’m going to make love to you.”
“Oh yes. I want you.”
He placed her on the bed, and she started pulling her clothes off. He couldn't wait to sink into her and take her to heaven.
“Amelia, I love you so much.”
She removed the last of her clothes and pulled him down beside her. She moved to straddle him, and he moaned as excitement filled him. He ran his fingers over her face, taking in her beauty.
“I love you.”
Her voice warmed him. Her words filled him with hope. He had never been happier in his life. “I’m going to show you how much I love you.”
“Good, because that’s what I’m going to do.”
This was living. He would be happy forever with Amelia in his life. They had some bumps along the road, and still had some things to work out, but this relationship was it for him, and he knew Amelia felt the same.