Chapter Sixty - Seven

MAX’S POV

I returned from the hike with a heavy heart. The revelation that Gabriel had just shared with me weighed heavy in my soul. It was difficult to process it. Once I got into the house, I heard running footsteps towards me, and Amelia collapsed into me, enveloping me in a big hug. Her face was animated with excitement, and she looked incredibly beautiful.

Her cheek was rosy with a blush, her lips were soft and pink, and her eyes were bright with mirth. Her curly hair was falling freely all around her, and she was wearing a bright pink dress. She said, “You’re back Max! I missed you!”

I hugged her back. “I missed you too, but alas, I reek of sweat.” I said, trying to be careful not to rub it off on her. Instead, she snuggled deeper into me. “I like the scent. It’s manly, and you smell of the woods too. You’ve been there, haven’t you?”

“Yes, I went hiking with Gabriel.”

“My Dad?”

“Yes. He had some future son-in-law grueling to do to me.”

Amelia laughed, her eyes dancing in exci