It felt as though they'd been walking for hours. As they pushed through a cluster of trees, Benny paused, sniffing intently. His ears perked up, and Heather felt hope surge within her. “What is it, boy?” She crouched down next to him, smelling the earth and foliage as though hoping to catch a whiff of Charlotte’s familiar scent.
With a swift shimmy of his tail, Benny bolted ahead, glancing back at Heather to let her know he was on the right track. Holly and Scout picked up a scent as well and raced to join Benny.
“Come on!” Lyle urged as he broke into a sprint behind the dogs, with Heather hot on his heels.
A flood of memories surged up, long hours spent training the dogs, allowing Charlotte to help as they taught them how to find hidden toys. Now Charlotte was the toy they were seeking.
Pride in these dogs’ abilities sent a flutter of encouragement through her.
Benny led them deeper into the woods behind the barn, the scent obviously becoming stronger as he nosed through the underbrush, his breath quickening, energy renewed. “You can do this, buddy,” Heather murmured. “Show us where she is.”
Then, through a thicket of bushes, she caught a flash of red. A reminder that Charlotte had worn her favorite shirt today. Heart racing, they pushed through the branches, Lyle’s hand protectively on her arm as they closed the distance.
And there she was, a tiny figure curled up in a narrow ravine, hidden beneath layers of brush, resembling a frightened rabbit ready to bolt at the slightest noise.
“Charlotte!” Heather cried, sliding down the slope of the ravine, ignoring the brush that poked at her and clung to her hair. Lyle was right beside her, his arm shooting out to break her fall. In a brief flash of thought, she realized he was always protecting.
As if sensing their presence, Charlotte stirred and blinked slowly, her eyes widening. “Mommy!” she squeaked, springing up and rushing toward Heather, arms wrapping around her in a desperate embrace before Heather could fully get her feet under her.
Heather was stunned that the child had called her mommy. She was sure it was just a frightened reaction. But the single word touched her heart and squeezed. Because it was her deepest wish to be a mother. She hadn't realized until this very second just how deep.
And against her better judgement, she’d fallen in love with this little girl. A maternal love she knew would never release her heart.
“Sweetheart, I was so scared! Are you okay? Are you hurt?” Heather choked, wrapping her arms tightly around the girl’s small frame, tears staining her cheeks.
Charlotte alternately nodded and shook her head. “I’m okay,” she said through sobs.
Lyle dropped to the ground beside them, relief flooding his features, and in that moment, everything melted away except the bond that tethered them together. Charlotte turned from Heather and launched herself into Lyle's waiting arms.
"What happened, baby?" He swiped his thumb over Charlotte's soft cheeks, kissed her forehead, just rested his lips there and held on.
“I went to the barn to get a toy for Pudge,” Charlotte said in a small voice, burrowing deeper into his embrace. “And there was a strange man! I was afraid he was here for Miss Heather.”
Heather felt a cold shiver race down her spine. “A strange man?” she whispered, looking into Charlotte's wide blue eyes, so familiar and innocent.
“He said… he said I shouldn’t tell anyone, but we should play a game. I didn’t want to play, so I ran and ran! But I got lost. I didn’t mean to fall in the ditch, but I thought maybe it was good because I could hide better.”
“It’s okay, baby,” Lyle said. “You did good. You’re safe now. That man can’t hurt you. We’re going to make sure of it.” Still holding Charlotte in his arms, he spoke into his radio, giving their coordinates and summoning the others.
Quentin's voice crackled over the radio. "From my vantage point, I'm happy to report that those two black, unmarked SUVs have a guy in a red crew cab truck pulled over. They've got the sap-sucker on the ground at gunpoint."
Lyle keyed the radio. "Thanks, Grandpa. Does it look like McGowen?" They’d already circulated his photo among the family.
"Sure does. Heather can sleep easy tonight. Glad little Miss Charlotte is safe."
"These dogs are pretty amazing." He glanced at Heather. "And so is their trainer." Setting the radio aside, he drew Charlotte in tightly, then draped his other arm around Heather.
After the adrenaline surge and ebb, Heather had absolutely no control over the fat tears streaming down her cheeks.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in warm oranges and pinks, Heather reached out to rub her hand over Charlotte's back. Neither she nor Lyle wanted to let go of the little girl. “You did so good, sweetheart. And we’ll make sure no one bothers you again.”
“I was so scared," Charlotte admitted again, her small hands still gripping Heather tightly. "But I knew you would come.”
Heather sniffed and reached inside the pouch riding against her chest. "Look who also came to find you."
"Pudge!" Charlotte reached for the kitten, and Heather transferred the sling-like carrier so Pudge could ride in style with her favorite little girl.
Lyle sat behind them, one hand on Heather’s back and the other gently brushing Charlotte’s hair out of her tear-streaked face. “You were so smart to run, sweetheart. So, so smart,” he said, voice thick with emotion. “And you were so brave to keep going.”
