Tinsley

I place strips of bacon in the frying pan, then stir the eggs. Looking out the window, I think of how amazing the last few weeks have been. Sami and Damien moved in a couple days after the wedding. Sami has my old room and loves it. She says it’s a room for a princess because of the purple walls. Things went smoother than I imagined they would. I guess I figured it would take a little time for Sami to get adjusted, but it didn’t. She has been as happy as a clam from day one. She loves this whole family thing so much, she keeps asking for a brother. We both just laugh when she asks and tell her maybe someday. I want more kids, but for right now, I want to enjoy Damien and Sami before we add someone else to the mix.

Strong arms wrap around my waist from behind and I lean back into his muscular bare chest, sighing. Our bodies fit so perfectly together, like we’re made for each other. He kisses the top of my head and inhales the scent of my shampoo. A small chuckle escapes me.

“Sami still sleeping?” he asks as he runs his nose along my exposed neck. Goosebumps break out all over my body. “Can I help with breakfast?” I shake my head no. I’m unable to form words when he’s this close to me. His hands explore my body as he pushes himself against me, showing me how much he wants me. Just as his fingers slip into the waistband of my sleep shorts, a sleepy little voice comes from the doorway.

“Morning, Mommy and Daddy,” Sami says, rubbing her little eyes. Damien groans from behind me.

“We will finish this later,” he whispers in my ear before releasing me and moving to make us both a cup of coffee.

“How did you sleep, baby girl?” I ask, and Sami smiles up at me. I will never tire of that smile. It warms my heart every time she directs it my way. I never thought I could love another human being as much I love this little girl. She and Damien are my world.

“Good. I had dreams about kittens,” she says. I look over at Damien and he shakes his head. She has been asking for a kitten for weeks now, but Damien keeps telling her no since we decided to get her one for Christmas. It will be more fun as a surprise. She’s a sly little one, though. She finds a way to bring it up all throughout the day without actually coming right out and asking for one.

“That’s great. What would you like to drink with your breakfast?” I ask, trying to change the kitten subject.

“Orange juice please,” she says, her attention moving to her DS. As I’m patting myself on the back for the easy subject change, Damien’s cell rings on the counter, his work-related ringtone shrill in the quiet of the room. I look over at him, my stomach flip-flopping as I watch him pick up the phone, his brows furrowed.

“Hello,” Damien answers, offering me a wink as he walks out onto the back porch to take the call. I watch him carefully, trying to figure out what’s being said. When he turns and I can no longer see his face, I focus on serving breakfast, trying to ignore the unease knotting my stomach. By the time Damien walks back in, I’m about to crawl out of my skin.

“I need to go into work today. They’re shorthanded and a couple hikers have been missing since yesterday,” he says as he takes a seat at the table and fills his plate with food. He looks calm. Like this is any other day, but I am anything but calm. Why? I have never had this feeling from him going to work.

“No one else can cover?” I ask. As soon as the question leaves my mouth, I regret it. This is a small town with a small sheriff’s office.

“I’m sorry. I know today was supposed to be a family day. They’ve even had to call in the state troopers so we have more bodies to help search. The first big snow of the year is coming and we need to find these people before then,” he says, his tone apologetic. I know he values our time together, and I also know how important his job is to him and everyone he helps. I decide to keep my fears to myself. The last thing he needs is to be worrying about me.

“Don’t be sorry.” I smile at him. “Sami and I will have a girl’s day.” I smile and look over at Sami. She glances up from her DS, her eyes shining with excitement. Damien places his hand on mine and squeezes.

“Have I told you how much I love you today?” he asks me, and I tap my finger on my chin, as if I’m trying to think.

“No. I don’t think you have.”

“Well, in that case, I love you so much.” Leaning over, he places a quick kiss on my lips, then goes about finishing his breakfast. The unease I was feeling vanishes with his words and the world is back to normal.

After breakfast, I clean up the kitchen while Damien gets ready for work. Sami and I discuss what we’ll do on our girl’s day. She decides on painting our nails and a marathon of watching Disney princess movies. Her idea sounds good to me, it’s too cold out to do any outdoor activities. Staying in the warm house wrapped in a blanket on the couch is very appealing. Sami is on the floor in front of the television trying to choose the first movie when Damien comes down the stairs. He has so many layers of clothing on, he resembles the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. Sami and I both giggle as he waddles into the living room. He turns and mock glares at us.

“And what are the two of you laughing at?” he asks.

“We are laughing at you, Stay Puft,” I tell him. He busts out laughing.

“Stay Puft, huh? Well, at least I’ll be a warm Stay Puft when it’s below zero tonight out in the woods.” Suddenly the unease is back along with a little side of fear. The smile fades from my face. He’s going to be out in the woods in freezing temperatures at night. I know this is his job, but I’m beginning to wish he was a mechanic or teacher—something safe. “Don’t worry, baby. I’ll be just fine, and I’ll check in as often as I can. Depending on where we’re at, cell service can be spotty.” That fact doesn’t put my mind at ease in the least. I plaster a smile on my face, hoping he doesn’t notice my worry. The last thing he needs is to be distracted because he knows I’m home worried.

“Just check in when you can. We’ll be fine,” I say.

“I love you both.” Leaning down, he kisses Sami on the cheek. I stand from the couch, wrap my arms around him, and plant my lips on his.

“I love you too. Please be safe.”

“Always.” He runs his hand gently down my face, then kisses me one last time before heading out the door. The minute I hear the door click closed, my stomach knots. I have a gnawing feeling something bad is going to happen.