“Just do me a favor. No more rides home with guys likeCurry.” He spits out his name like it’s a gross taste in his mouth. “Please, Zoey, I’m begging you.”
I laugh, but the look on his face tells me he’s dead serious, so I clear my throat and try to reply without giggling. “I’m not promising you that. What if I meet a really amazing guy who I fall madly in love with?”
He clutches his chest and looks about ready to throw up. The pained groan that comes out of him is ridiculous.
“Would you stop?” I lightly punch his arm with a laugh. “Seriously, Dad! Chill. It’s going to be fine. I won’t end up with a wankpuffin. I promise.”
He looks at me, his expression crumpled, and aw… he really does love me so much. I guess I should take it as a compliment that my pain and heartbreak kind of destroys him. He just wants his babies to be safe and happy.
But I’m not his baby anymore.
Curling my arm around his waist, I scan the forest ahead of us and softly murmur, “I love you, Dad.”
He squeezes my shoulder, kissing the top of my head again and replying in a husky voice, “I love you too, Zoey Bird. Always and forever.”
“Even when I piss you off?”
“Always and forever.”
I grin. “Ditto.”
Glancing up, I catch his grin just before he opens his mouth and starts calling for the girls again.
Oh man, I hope we find them soon.
I know if I was out in the woods, lost and cold… the only person I’d be wishing for is my big, strong dad.
CHAPTER 30
BLAKE
I walk the upper hallway for what feels like the millionth time. I can hear the older boys calling for Harley and Kendall, searching every nook and cranny in this monstrous house to try and find the girls.
But they’re not here.
I can feel it in my gut.
They took off outside.
A wounded, sad Harley walking away, and my precious little three-year-old following right behind her. They were probably holding hands, Kendall thinking it was some big adventure.
Why would she do that?
Just take off without telling anyone?
Because you never check that kid.
Because you let her do whatever she wants.
Why would she ask your permission?
I squeeze my eyes shut, pausing when I hear a voice softly singing. Pressing my ear to Wily and Satch’s bedroom door, I listen to the sweet lullaby. Satch is singing Paris to sleep. I’m pretty sure she knows what’s going on, but she can’t put that stress on her baby, so she’ll fight back her worry until Paris isblissfully asleep, and then she’ll join us in fretting over two little girls who are out there in the freezing cold.
Shit!
Paris is so lucky.
All of Wily’s kids are lucky.
