Page 24 of SEAL's Angel
But Chase had been difficult, refusing to talk to Jake. When he’d come in a few times while she was video chatting, he’d stayed out of camera range. Dawn was sure it was because he missed his dad and didn’t want another man to replace him. Not that anyone ever could. But Jake was definitely special.
“What’s all this giggling in here?” Rafe asked as he strolled into the kitchen wearing sweatpants and a T-shirt.
“Uncle Rafe, your hair is standing up. You look funny.”
Jake chuckled. “Yeah, Uncle Rafe, you’re a disaster. Go hit the showers. But don’t take too long if you want some of my famous French toast.”
“What are you talking about? You aren’t famous for anything other than being a pain in the—”
Cindy cocked an eyebrow at Rafe, and he stopped before finishing his remark.
“Umm yeah, you need to watch your mouth,” Dawn warned. “And we’re about to find out if it’s really that good or not. While you’re cooking, I’m going up to check on Chase. Coffee is ready if you want some. Cindy, don’t cause any trouble.”
As Dawn climbed the stairs, the laughter coming from the kitchen warmed her heart. It really was the best sound ever, and it had been missing from their home for too long.
Dawn listened at the door of Chase’s room before quietly opening it to check on him. She expected him to be sleeping, but he was sitting up in bed.
“Hey, buddy. How are you feeling this morning?” Dawn walked over and sat on the edge of his bed. She wanted to give him a big hug, but he’d been saying he was too old for hugs lately. It hurt her heart when he said it, but it was all part of growing up.
“I’m okay. My foot hurts. But it’s not too bad.” He had lots of scratches on his cheeks and a purple bruise on his chin, but it could have been so much worse.
“I’m glad to hear it. We’ll pick up some crutches for you today. It will help you keep the weight off that foot.”
“Okay. Mom?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m sorry. I should never have gone into the woods alone. But I was so pissed off at Joey. I just wanted to get away from everybody, but I didn’t think I’d get lost.” Then he burst into tears, and Dawn’s heart twisted in pain.
She scooted closer and pulled him into a hug. He snuggled against her and cried while she rubbed her hands up and down his back. She hated that she hadn’t known how much he’d been hurting. She’d failed her children. Instead of being there for them, she’d been trying to keep the house running and make sure they had whatever they needed. But what they’d needed was her, especially after losing their dad. And she hadn’t been there. But that was going to change.
“I’m sorry, Chase. Joey was over here last night and was crying, too. He felt terrible that he was mean to you.”
“Really?”
“Yup. He wanted to help the police look for you. I’m sure when he finds out you’re home, he’ll want to come see you after school.”
“I’m not sure I want him to.”
“That’s up to you, baby. But it might be good to talk about it with him. You’ve been friends forever.”
“Yeah, maybe. I dunno.”
“The police will be here later. They need to talk to you about yesterday.”
Chase pulled out of her arms, and his eyes were wide with fear. “Am I in trouble? Will I have to go to jail?”
Dawn missed the feel of him as soon as her arms were empty. He’d always be her little boy, even if he didn’t think so.
“No, you won’t go to jail. But the police spent a lot of time looking for you. What if someone else needed them?”
“I guess it was pretty stupid, huh?” He looked away from her, and he rounded his shoulders as he wrapped his arms around his stomach.
“Well, I wouldn’t say it was stupid, but it was definitely not something you should do again. As punishment, you’re grounded for a week. No video games or computer time except for school.”
“Okay, I deserve that.” Chase sighed. “I’m kinda surprised it’s only a week.”
Dawn hid her smile and nodded. “Well, I think you got a pretty good scare. That’s punishment, too.”
