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Finally, Tristan’s phone rang, Bennett’s name flashing on the car’s display.
“Savannah and Maddox are with us,” Bennett said in a rush.
“Oh, thank god,” Tristan said, loosening the grip on the wheel. “Are they okay?”
“They’re a little dirty. And have a few scratches, but they’re okay.” His calm tone was reassuring.
“Is Rex with them?”
“No, but I emailedThe Vine,and they already posted about it.”
“Thank you.” Tristan slowed at the stop sign, turning on his indicator. “We’re on our way.”
“See you soon,” Bennett said before Tristan ended the call.
Tristan was silent on the drive over, breaking several traffic laws to get there more quickly.
“It’s all my fault,” I said, sobbing into my hands. “I’msosorry.”
He gripped the wheel tighter and clenched his jaw but said nothing. Which only made me feel worse.
As soon as he pulled up to the curb, he threw the car in park and jumped out. He jogged up to the house, and I followed, eager to see the kids safe and whole.
He pounded on the door, and it swung open.
“Hey,” Bennett said. “They’re just through here.”
Tristan followed him inside, and I quickly dried my tears.
“Dad!” Savannah called, flinging herself into his arms as Maddox barreled toward me. “Ellie.”
I caught him, and we nearly toppled over. “Hey, Mads,” I whispered, trying not to cry as I glanced over his face, searching for any injuries. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”
“Thank you for taking care of them,” Tristan said to Bennett, Savannah still clinging to him. “Where did you find them?”
“Down by the creek,” Bennett said. “They’d followed it for quite a way.”
“I can’t thank you enough,” Tristan said, heading for the door. “We should get home.”
Maddox let out a deep sigh and rested his cheek on my shoulder. I carried him to the door, thanking Bennett for his help.
The drive home stretched in silence. I tried to get a read on Tristan while attempting to keep my emotions in check. I couldn’t fathom how he was possibly keeping it together. But that was Tristan—calm, steady, in control. Sometimes it was sexy and reassuring. But other times—like this—it was confusing and infuriating.
“Daddy,” Savannah said when we got home. “Are you mad at us?”
“Oh, sweetheart.” He sat on the couch and patted his lap. “I’m not mad at you. I was scared. I’m so glad you’re both okay,” he said, hugging them both. “You’re more important to me than anything.”
“We’re sorry we scared you,” Savannah said. “But Rex got out, and we knew Ellie had to finish her paperwork, and…” She started crying, big fat tears. Maddox took one look at her and joined in.
“Hey,” Tristan said in a soothing voice, rubbing circles on her back. “You’re safe. We’re here.”
“But Ellie’s leaving,” Maddox wailed. “I don’t want her to leave.” He clung even tighter to me.
In that moment, my heart was breaking. I glanced to Tristan for assistance, but he lifted his shoulder. He was just as helpless as I was.
“I know it’s going to be a change, and I will miss you like crazy. You and Savannah.” I hugged Maddox closer while placing a hand on Savannah’s back. “But I’m always just a phone call away.”
“But I thought—”
