Love Me Back (Amelia and Daniel) novel Chapter 205

The plane touched down, and Amelia returned to Silkwood without telling a soul.

She wore a light tan trench coat over a cream blouse and flared blue jeans—an effortlessly simple outfit that only made her look more graceful and striking. At her side toddled a little girl in pink overalls, her hair in two playful pigtails. The child hugged a black-eyed teddy bear and sported white-rimmed sunglasses, the very picture of adorable attitude.

As they made their way through the terminal, they drew more than a few curious glances.

Once they settled into a cab, the driver glanced back, his accent pure Silkwood. “Where to, ma’am?”

“The General Hospital, please.”

The little girl turned to her mother, her voice sweet and clear as a bell. “Mommy, are we getting shots again?”

That word—again—stabbed at Amelia’s heart. She squeezed the girl’s soft hand. “No shots today. I’m just going to see a doctor at the hospital. He’s someone who can help Ruby get better.”

“Really? No shots?” Ruby grinned, flashing a row of tiny white teeth. She caught herself mid-beam and quickly tucked her smile away. “But even if there are shots, I’m not scared. I’m the bravest!”

What child isn’t afraid of needles? Amelia knew Ruby was doing her best to sound grown up, trying to comfort her.

She pinched Ruby’s chubby cheek. “I know, sweetheart. You’re my little star. When we’re done at the hospital, how about we go get something yummy to eat? Maybe visit one of Mommy’s best friends, too?”

“Yay!” Ruby cheered.

The cab driver listened to the mother and daughter, feeling both a pang of sympathy and a surge of warmth. When they reached their stop, he offered Ruby a fist-bump. “You got this, kiddo!”

Ruby’s laugh rang out, clear and bright as a bell. She mimicked his gesture, her tiny fist bumping his. “Yeah! I got this!”

Dr. Martinez at the General Hospital was a renowned liver specialist. After considering every option, Amelia had decided Silkwood was the best place for Ruby’s treatment.

Dr. Martinez pored over Ruby’s medical files, his tone gentle but direct. “There’s hope, even with advanced liver fibrosis. But Ruby’s case is complicated. The best course of action, in my opinion, is a liver transplant.”

Amelia checked the phone’s location. Ruby was still in the building. The call connected, and Amelia’s voice was firm. “Ruby, what did I tell you about wandering off? Where are you? I’ll come get you.”

Ruby sounded both remorseful and just a little bit incorrigible. “Oh, sorry, Mommy. I’m… I can’t read these words, but there are lots of pictures of bones… Ow!”

“What happened?” Amelia’s heart leaped.

“It’s okay, I just bumped into a man.” Ruby rubbed her forehead.

“Stay right there. Don’t hang up. I’ll be there in a second.”

Ruby lowered her hand and peered up at the tall man who’d just ended his call.

Charles Johnson quickly said, “I’ll call you back,” into his phone, then knelt down to her level. “Hey there, sorry—I didn’t see you…”