The London Paradigm (book 4 of Adopted by the Josephs)

22. Tyler

I drove towards Josh and Debby's new house.  I'd told them not to say anything to Sam if they heard from her while she was away, and they'd agreed. I knew they were home because we'd arranged for this surprise. Most of their redecorating was done since there wasn't much that they needed to do. They'd only changed some flooring and paint colors.

Samantha had dozed off on the drive and as much as I hated to wake her up, I think she'd agree this was worth it.

"Sam, honey," I said, as I opened her door. "Wake up. We're here."

Sam opened her eyes and looked around.

"Where are we? This isn't home. Did we move?" She asked.

I smiled.

"Nope," I said. "This is the surprise."

"You bought me a house?" She smiled.

"Cheeky," I said. "Come on, get out of the car."

Sam undid her seatbelt and unfolded herself from her seat. Jake got out and took Rosie out of the car.

We walked up the driveway but before we could get to the door, it opened and three figures came running out.

"Welcome home, String Bean!!" Josh cried as he ran down the driveway and engulfed Sam in a huge hug.

"Uncle Josh!" She cried, returning the hug.

Debby wrapped her in a hug as well and they laughed and squealed and jumped around.

"You got taller," Josh said. "Again."

"I told you, I'm trying to be taller than you," she smiled.

"You never met Jim," Josh said, calling his dog over. Jim came over and sniffed Sam, licking her hand as she pat his head.

"He's cute. So, what are you doing here?"

"This is our house," Josh said. "Debby and I moved to Ohio."

Samantha's jaw dropped open.

"What?  Really?" She said, in awe. They nodded.  She launched herself at them and hugged them both.

"Come inside. Come see the house. You know you're welcome any time. If your Dad gets too annoying, or you just want to hang, we're not too far from you guys. You could walk here," Josh said.

Samantha smiled widely.

Josh took us through the house. Jim kept close tabs on Samantha. He kept nudging her for pats and ear scrubs. I had a feeling either we were in for a lot of 'can we get a dog?' or Sam was going to want to come over to play with Jim a lot.

The house was very modern. Lots of open space and windows. It was a really nice place.

"I can't believe you're moving to Ohio!" Sam said, hugging Debby.

"Moved. We're done. A few more things in California to get sent but we're here," Debby said.

We visited for a short while but didn't stay long. Jake had to get back and Samantha was jet lagged and starting to fall asleep.

We said our goodbyes and got back in the car to drive home. I didn't have the heart to wake Samantha up again, so I carried her into the house and put her to bed. I smiled, looking down at my daughter.

We'd both survived her first trip alone, away from us.