She felt tugged in two different directions. Part of her wanted to go with him, not wanting to be alone in the dark during a storm with Mr. Ellinger wandering around. The other part wanted to stay out of defiance and anger. How could he not believe her?

"I'm only coming with you because of the storm! In case lightning strikes the house again...."

"You can use my flashlight if you need to gather some clothing. I'll take Webster to the truck."

She nodded and went to the kitchen. Grabbing her laptop, she felt a chill that ran deep under her skin. She couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching her.

******** "Oh, children, you are both soaking wet," Maria squealed as Noah guided Amanda into the house. He released Webster, who immediately crept toward Amanda and huddled at her feet.

"Amanda will stay with us tonight," he scanned the many candles lit throughout the house. "Would you mind lighting some candles upstairs in the guest room for her?"

"Ok, and I will light some candles in your room, too. And mine of course," she chuckled. Skipping to the staircase, Maria made her way up.

Noah snickered. "She loves the rain. And oddly, the more severe the storm is, the happier she is."

Frowning, Amanda looked at him. "Why is that?"

"I think because she married on a stormy day."