“I know. It’s fine. I’m not lying.” She raises her chin, but I don’t miss the smile on her face.

“Never said you were. I want to see this now.”

“I can teach you.” Amelia cups my face and moves it to look at her.

“Okay. That means I’ll have to come back and visit again when it’s warmer.”

“You will, and now it’s time for bed for one tired little girl.”

Amelia pouts, but it’s clear she’s fighting a yawn.

“How about we go and get you into your nightie and your teeth brushed, and then Josh can read you a story.”

Amelia stares at me. “Could you?”

I nod. “Of course.”

As Delaney gets up to guide Amelia out of the room, I touch her arm.

“Thank you,” I murmur.

“You’re welcome.” She gives me a warm smile, and my heart swells. I never thought I’d feel so fulfilled, but just being in their presence does that.

This is my family.

Or at least, it will be.

* * *

“She’s ready for her story.” Delaney stands in the door of the hallway, and I walk to her. She places a hand on my chest.

“I want to tell her.”

“I know you do. I do too, but give her a chance to get to know you a little.”

Nodding, I place my hand on hers. “I know. You’ve done an incredible job. She’s so much like you.”

“I’m not sure that’s a good thing.” Delaney laughs.

“I am. She’s not afraid of anything, is she?”

Her lips twitch. “Very little. You’d better get in there and read her that story or she’ll riot. Second door on the left.”

I laugh. “I’ll be back soon.”

She lifts her hand, and I make my way up the hall.

Amelia gives me a sleepy smile as I walk into the room.

“Okay. What am I reading?”

She hands me the book as I sit on the bed. “Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy.”

“Does he live on a farm?”

She laughs. “No. He lives in a dairy.”

“I thought that was where cows live.”

Amelia shakes her head. “It’s like the supermarket.”

“Oh.” I nod, but that’s another thing I’ll have to look up. Opening the book, I start reading. “Out of the gate, and off for a walk …”

She’s well asleep by the time Hairy Maclary has gathered all his friends together, but I read to the end just in case.

I reach down and stroke her cheek with my knuckle. She shifts in her sleep, her little lips pursing. She’s so beautiful, and she’s mine and Delaney’s. I’ve missed so much of her life, and I don’t want to miss another minute.

But that’s going to be difficult.