“I know.” My voice is gruff, and I steal one more kiss before she leaves me.
We have a lot more talking to do about her future and what she needs, but for now, it’s good to know that we’re solid. She loves me, I love her, and no asshole from the gym is going to take that away from us.
I still want to throttle him for doing that to my wife, but I have more important things to deal with right now.
“You go first.”Sienna’s command was soft but firm, and she’s right.
I’m the one who growled at our daughter, confiscated her phone. I did it for a good reason, and Zoey still needs to apologize to Sienna, but maybe I can pave the way to make that happen.
I steal one more glance at my wife while she carefully picks her way through the forest, calling out for the girls, before rushing ahead to catch up with my lil’ love bug.
She’s not so little anymore, and I know she can’t always be mine, but I’m not going to waste the precious time I have left with her in some icy, silent standoff.
It’s time to end this mini feud, because if something were to come and steal Zoey away from me, I’d regret it for the rest of my life if we’d left things on bad terms.
CHAPTER 29
ZOEY
I hear the rush of footsteps behind me and immediately tense.
It’s Dad.
I can tell it’s him because he’s chased me in fun so many times. And now he’s chasing me because he can’t go another second with this angst between us.
I get it.
Two little girls are missing, and the fact that life is short and precious is being shoved in our faces right now.
Shit, I hope they’re okay.
“Harley!” I shout again, my voice cracking as a spike of fear pinches me. “Kendall!”
“Harley!” Dad booms from just behind me. “Where are you, kiddo?”
I press my lips together, listening out for a response and once again getting nothing.
We could be out here all freaking day.
A shiver rolls through me as I try not to picture where the girls might be and why they’re not answering.
“You okay?” Dad’s voice is soft and husky.
He’s right behind me now, and it’s taking everything in me not to spin around and beg for a hug.
No! I’m not okay. I’m scared for these girls and I’m still mad at you for taking my phone and I hate myself for what I said to Mom and Curry’s a dick!
But I don’t want to admit any of that, so I press my lips together and keep walking, scanning the trees for any signs of Harley and Kendall.
“Okay.” Dad sighs, and I steal a glance at his bobbing head. “I get that you’re mad at me. I took your phone, I probably overacted about that guy in the car, and you’re pissed.” He huffs. “But I’m pissed with you too. You insulted my wife. You hurt her feelings… and you never apologized.”
“I was about to, but then you got all shitty and took my phone,” I snap, then wince, dipping my chin before having to admit, “I hate what I said to Mom. I didn’t mean to. It just slipped out. I felt like you guys were ganging up on me, and I went into defensive mode. I wasn’t thinking.”
Dad sighs again, then reaches for me, lightly squeezing the back of my neck before running his hand across my shoulders. He’s saying he forgives me, and I lean my head into his chest for just a second when he pulls me close.
“We didn’t mean to get pregnant with you in high school, but… you have been the biggest blessing. You brought your mom and me back together. You have been… the sunshine of our lives. And we’ll love you forever.”
My lips curl, tears burning my eyes.
