Chapter 51

fifty-one

LIAM

"Why do you have to leave?" Amy asked, her voice trembling.

"I have to help other people in Boulder," I explained, my heart breaking a little more with each word.

Amy clutched Dolly to her chest. "But I'll miss you."

Her eyes were filled with tears, and it took everything in me to keep my own from falling. The reasons for my leaving didn't seem to matter when faced with the sorrow in her eyes.

"You can draw pictures of Sunrise Bay for Liam," Paul suggested gently. "And we could email him photos of the cakes and cookies we make."

I knelt in front of Amy, trying to offer some comfort. "If you ever want to talk to me, I'm only a phone call away."

"It won't be the same," she whispered, wrapping her small arms around my shoulders. "What about my Christmas wish?"

My heart clenched tight. "Santa will bring you something different."

"But I want you," she said, her voice breaking .

"I know, but it'll be okay." I kissed the side of her face, then stood beside Paul. "Good luck with your business."

Paul looked as upset as I felt. "Thanks."

"I meant what I said about calling me. If you need anything, I'm only an hour away."

Paul nodded, but I knew the chance of him calling me was slim. Neither of us was happy, but there was nothing I could do. My last marriage had ended because I was a part-time dad and husband. I'd promised myself that if I ever fell in love again, it would be an all-or-nothing kind of relationship. And living an hour away from the two people who meant the world to me wouldn't work.

With one last look at Amy, I walked to the truck. Staying any longer would only make things harder for everyone.

"Liam! Wait!" Amy let go of Paul's hand and ran toward me. "Dolly wants to go with you."

I knelt again, gently taking her small hands in mine. "I can't take her. She needs to stay with you."

"But she wants to go to Boulder, to keep you safe," she insisted, her voice breaking my heart all over again.

"I'll be all right. Dolly will miss you if you're not with her."

Amy held my hand tightly. "I don't want you to go." Her bottom lip quivered, and tears ran down her cheeks.

"I know you don't, but it'll be okay. How about I call you when I arrive in Boulder? That way, you'll know I'm all right."

Amy nodded, sniffling. "Can you take a photo of your Christmas tree and send it to me?"

"As soon as I find a tree, I'll take a photo."

"Your daddy could help you choose one."

I straightened her hat, trying to keep my voice steady. "He could. Come on, let's get you back to Paul."

Once Amy was holding Paul's hand, I returned to my truck and drove toward the front gate. One day, I'd look back on this assignment and be thankful no one was hurt. But right now, it was hard to feel thankful for anything.

I'd fallen in love with the man I was supposed to protect, and there was nothing I could do about it.