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Disbelief widened Melanie’s eyes. “What custody papers?”
“I was planning to file for custody. Kendall needed stability, not someone who could show up and take her out of her school and home.”
“We’ve never had anything in writing.” Her voice was incredulous.
I ran a hand through my hair. “I needed it. I didn’t like the uncertainty.”
Melanie’s eyes widened. “You wanted to take her from me.”
I shook my head. “It wasn’t like that. I wanted something official. The school asked for paperwork. The attorney said it would be a good idea.”
“You talked to an attorney about this?” Melanie’s voice was steady, but anger simmered underneath the surface.
“I wanted stability for me and for Kendall. I didn’t want her worrying about what would happen if you showed up.”
“I’m her mother. I have a right to see my daughter.”
“Where’ve you been, then? Did you think about how Kendall would feel about you leaving?”
Melanie shook her head. “I deserved this.”
“What did you deserve? A vacation? Time off? I don’t get it. You’re always her mother. You can’t just disappear when it suits you.”
“Like you did.” Her tone was bitter.
“I didn’t disappear. You always knew where I was. I kept in contact when I was able to. I never left you or Kendall in the dark. I always supported you however I could. You just left.” There was no financial support, not that I needed or wanted it. But Melanie hadn’t even asked. She’d just left. There was no telling when or if she’d be back.
Colton rushed into the house without knocking, looking from me to Melanie.
I stood, my heart leaping. “Did you find her?”
“They were found in the woods behind the school, trying to build a shelter for the night,” Colton said.
The tension in my chest eased slightly.
Colton moved toward the front door. “They’re en route to the hospital to get checked out.”
“They’re okay?” I asked him as we approached one of the patrol vehicles.
“I’m not sure. I’ll take you to them.”
Colton held the car door for Melanie while she slid inside.
I paused in front of Colton. “Thank you for finding them.”
I couldn’t seem to locate the right words to show my appreciation. I wasn’t sure I ever would. My chest was full of repressed emotion. I was afraid if I let it go, it would consume me.
Colton nodded. “It’s my job.”
“It might be, but you’re my friend, too,” I said, getting into the back of the car. In the front seat, Melanie kept up a steady stream of chatter.
I wasn’t sure how she managed it. I was still tight with tension, unable to speak. I was afraid I’d lose it. Even though Colton said she was safe, I wouldn’t breathe a sigh of relief until I saw she was okay for myself.
At the hospital, I jumped out first, heading straight to the receptionist’s desk. I was barking out my information when Colton grabbed my elbow and pulled me down a nearby hallway.
“You know where she is?” I asked him.
“Uh-huh.”
