Page 16 of SEAL's Angel
Then Jake pulled out his phone to call Dawn and let her know they’d found him. Except there were no bars. They’d have to wait until they got back to the parking lot.
“I got lost. I’m sorry.” Tears slid down the child’s dirty cheeks as Rafe checked him over for injuries.
“It’s okay. We’ll figure it out when we get you home. I’m just glad we found you. Are you hurt anywhere? Can you walk?”
“I tripped over something, and I hurt my ankle. I don’t think it’s broken.”
Jake moved closer to hold his flashlight near Rafe’s for more light. The swollen ankle didn’t look great, and he’d need X-rays, but no bones protruded from the skin. Definitely a reason to celebrate.
“We should carry him out of here. Keep the pressure off that ankle and anything else that hurts.”
“Jake? You came, too. Wow, you guys got here fast.” Chase sounded calmer now that he wasn’t alone.
“As fast as the plane could fly us. And of course, I’d be here. We’re friends, aren’t we?”
Chase’s eyes got big in his face as he nodded, then looked at both SEALs. “But Mom said not to tell Uncle Rafe, that talking to you was a secret. I guess it’s not anymore?”
No, it wasn’t, and Jake wasn’t sorry about it, either.
“It’s okay,” Rafe soothed. “Your mom was just worried I’d get upset, kiddo. But Jake is one of my best friends. I couldn’t get mad at him. How about we get you home now, though? Your mom is worried sick.” Rafe stood and then bent over to pick him up.
Jake took all the gear and pointed the flashlights toward their way out. “What happened today to make you want to run away? Or did you just get stuck out here when you fell?”
“I don’t know. Joey made me mad, and then I got mad at Dad for dying and leaving me alone. I just want to go camping with everyone else, and now, I can’t. Mom can’t take me. Only guys are allowed.”
Rafe stopped walking, and Jake turned around to make sure there was nothing wrong.
“Chase, the last thing your father wanted to do was leave you. You know that, right? He was always careful so he could come home to you. But sometimes during war, things happen. But he’ll always be with you, watching over you, Cindy, and your mom. As long as you keep him in your heart, he’ll never leave you.”
Rafe met Jake’s eyes and nodded. It was the primary reason Jake had never pursued a relationship before—with anyone. But Dawn was different, like having a burst of sunshine in the middle of a rainstorm. If he could convince her to take a chance on a relationship, he’d never try to replace Bob for any of them.
But as Rafe’s words sank in, he wondered if maybe he wasn’t being fair to her. Pushing for more. But the attraction between them sizzled whenever they were together. He’d hoped he could be the one to help her heal, but maybe he was doing more harm than good.
“Joey is my best friend. I don’t know why he was being so mean to me.” Chase’s voice sounded wobbly.
Jake’s heart hurt for the kid. Life sucked, and he’d learn that lesson countless times before he was an adult. At least, he had a family who loved him more than life itself. Not everyone was as lucky.
The hike back to the Jeep took longer since the brush was dense, and Rafe had to be careful while carrying Chase. It was an immense relief that they’d found him as quickly as they did, and that he wasn’t seriously injured.
When they finally reached the Jeep, Rafe helped Chase get into the back seat. Then Jake pulled his phone out of his pocket and dialed Dawn.
