Guarding Hearts (Living Again #3) by L. L. Collins Page B

Rachel.
    “You guys ready to go meet Sam? I think she’s done.”
    The group all murmured their excitement, and the kids led the way down the stairs, eight year old Alexis leading the pack, holding her brother and sister’s hands like the little mommy she was.
    As they made their way across the sand, Sam saw the group and started walking towards them. He watched as she looked at all of them, a big smile on her face.
    “You guys must be Ellis’ friends,” she said in her adorable Southern accent.
    “We’re so glad we got the chance to meet you,” Rachel piped up. “Thanks so much for inviting us. We’re big fans.”
    “I love your songs,” Alexis agreed, her blonde pigtails bobbing up and down as she jumped. “My mommy let me get your album right after it came out. We loved watching you on TV. I want to be a singer like you when I grow up.”
    “Well aren’t you just the cutest little thing,” Sam crooned. “What’s your name?”
    “Alexis Kayley Carson Nichols, but my mom and dad call me Lexi,” she said, holding out her little hand. Sam took her hand in hers, and Ellis could tell she was suppressing a laugh. Alexis was a character. He knew that from the few months he had known her. “This is my mommy, Kayley, my daddy, Ben, and my little brother Benji, he’s five, and my little sister, Cierra. She’s three. And my mommy is pregnant, too!”
    Kayley shook her head, and Ben ruffled Alexis’ hair. “Well, now that you know the whole family,” Kayley laughed. “It’s nice to meet you, Sam. As Alexis said, we’re big fans. You have a wonderful voice.”
    “Thank you,” Sam said, a blush creeping over her cheeks. Ellis watched her, amazed that even with all of this fame, regular people admiring her could make her blush.
    “I’m Rachel,” Rachel stepped up. “And this is my husband, Devin. He and Ellis have been friends for several years. These are our babies, Chance and Faith. I’m also a big fan of yours. I forced Devin to watch the show.”
    “True story,” Devin agreed, shaking her hand. “Nice to meet you, though.”
    As the rest of the group introduced themselves to Sam, Ellis sat in a lounge chair, watching them. She was so at ease, at home with people she had just met. He had never been like that. Acting the part had always been just that—acting.
    The group settled around what would become the campfire when the sun went down and continued getting to know each other. Trevor and Emily’s daughter, Cate, sat right next to Sam, peppering her with questions. She took it like a champ, answering every question they had with the upmost patience.
    Jessica reached over and touched his hand, and he jumped. His eyes met hers and she smiled. “You okay?”
    “Great,” he answered. “Just getting a kick out of listening to the kids hammer Sam with questions. They really are something, aren’t they?”
    “She’s taking it well.” Jessica stood up. “Can we walk for a minute?”
    Ellis looked over at Sam, then scanned the crowd for Brian. “Just a second. I need to see if Brian can watch Sam.”
    “Watch Sam? Is it that dangerous?”
    “We have no idea how this person gets to her, so yes. We have to be extra vigilant, especially since we’re outside.” Spotting Brian in the crowd, he walked over to him and asked if he could take a few minutes. He agreed, and Ellis walked away with Jessica.
    “What’s going on?”
    Jessica laughed. “Am I that transparent?”
    “I can tell something is on your mind. I’m a cop, remember? I’m good at reading people.”
    He could tell she was nervous, so he took her hand in his. “What is it? Are you okay?”
    Jessica nodded. “I don’t know how to say this.”
    “Just say it. Whatever it is can’t be worse than what my mind is coming up with.”
    She nodded, indicating she wanted to sit. After they settled in the sand, she turned towards him, her eyes shining with tears.
    “Jess,” he started, but she held up her hand.
    “I didn’t mean