Page 119 of Beautiful Storm

Amelia pets Shadow for a little while longer until I drag her away, leading her through the house until we get to my theater room. “Since I can’t take you out to a movie without being seen, I thought we could try this.” I guide her into the room to show her the mini movie theater I’d set up, complete with popcornmachine and snack bar. Amelia gasps before covering her mouth with her hand and turning my way.

“This…I…I’m speechless. I want to say something about how I didn’t think you had it in you, but I’d be lying. Because I’ve come to realize you can be a sweet guy when you want to be.”

“I know when to pull him out of hiding. I’m clever like that,” I joke so things don’t get too mushy.

“Thank you. I love it. What movie are we watching?”

“I have options. From old favorites to new releases, the choice is yours.”

Without picking a movie, Amelia beelines for the snack bar and starts filling a bowl while I get set up withLabyrinth, almost certain it will be her choice. Especially after I admitted to being freaked-out by the red fiery things.

“Would it be okay if we watchLab—” She cuts herself off when I press play and an image of David Bowie takes over the big screen.

“What were you saying?” I tease, getting a light slap on my arm in return.

“I wanted to see your reaction with the fire things.”

“Really?” I say, holding back my sarcasm. “That thought never crossed my mind.”

After grabbing a small bag of popcorn, I make myself comfortable on the couch but groan when Amelia sits down on the opposite end. “This is a date, Amelia. Do you know what people do on movie dates?”

“Watch a movie?”

“They snuggle and make out.”

“Are we fifteen?”

“Nope. But I’m still going to need you over here.”

She doesn’t budge, but when she senses me glaring her way, she lets out the cutest little laugh. “Okay, fine. I’m coming.”

“Good girl. That can be your first for the day.”

“My wh—” She rolls her eyes when my meaning hits, and then sits beside me. “Very funny.”

“I thought so. Now come here.” I slide her closer and wrap my arm around her shoulders, pulling her into me until she wriggles around to get comfortable.

“Happy?” she asks as the opening title music begins.

“Very. Thank you. Are you?”

She glances up at me, her body snuggled into mine, her eyes full of the warmth I mentioned earlier. “I am. Thank you.”

We talk and laugh throughout the entire movie, with Amelia reciting random lines and trying to scare me in the moments she thinks might make me jump. To no one's surprise, I’m no longer freaked-out when we get to the fiery part. In fact, I actually find it comical. And when the movie ends, I’ve got to admit, after all these years, I still enjoyed it. But maybe I enjoyed the live commentary more than anything.

“Good choice for your all-time favorite. And even better that it’s one you can show your kids.”

“Exactly.” Amelia sits up excitedly. “What’s your favorite? You used to loveRemember the Titanswhen we were young.”

“Still do. That will always be one of my favorites. But I also really love biopics likeA Beautiful Mind. Oh, andMoneyballwas great too.”

“I love both of those movies. Do you ever go to the movies or do you tend to stay away?”

“I avoid them. I could go, but it’s easier to watch in the comfort of my own home or with friends at their places.”

“That’s sad.” She frowns. “We’ll have to organize a private screening of the first episode of your series. Maybe we can hire out one of the smaller theaters.”

“You mean we don’t get a big fancy premiere?”

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