After a late night keeping Dani occupied with a movie and snuggles, we'd fallen asleep on the couch. I woke up around two and had to use the bathroom, so I tucked Dani in and checked my phone on the way.
I did have a text from Kace, but it was only to say they were still looking and wouldn't be home anytime soon.
I slept fitfully the rest of the night. Exhausted and yet too wired and worried to sleep.
I must have dozed off though, because I feel Dani shifting beside me on the couch. "You awake, Dani-banani?"
I hear a giggle and a, "You're not. Your eyes are closed."
I make a show of blinking and fluttering my lashes, earning another giggle. There's my happy girl. "Good morning. How'd you sleep?"
"Good. Did Daddy find Madi? Did she come home? When are we going home?"
And she's off, I muse, having missed Dani's morning round of a thousand questions before breakfast. "Last I checked, Madi hadn't come back, but I'm sure she's okay."
"Can I talk to Daddy?"
Knowing how well Kace is able to calm Dani down on a bad day, I nod. "Let's get up and get ready to open up the bookstore, and we'll call. I'm going to need your help today with Madi gone. Okay?"
"Okay."
Dani scrambles off the couch and heads to the bathroom while I stretch and reach for my phone. The moment I see Kace's latest text, I sit up.
Pam is back. Madi ran away when they stopped for gas. Still looking for Mads. Police involved.
I swear my heart stops beating for a moment. Madi, where are you?
I say a prayer for her safety and shove myself to my feet.
I text back. Are you okay?
I will be once we find her.
My heart breaks for Kace and all he's been through, and my admiration grows that he's remained so strong through it all.
Some good news tho. Pam has agreed to sign guardianship to me.
I suck in a breath and clamp a hand over my mouth in surprise. I'm so happy to hear the news and only wish it had come before Madi felt so desperate she'd run away.
"Lindsey! Help!"
"What's up, Dani?" I call out.
"The toilet's getting big!"
The toilet's getting big? What did that mean?
I hurry to type out a text and hit Send before my typed words even register.
Dani and I will be at the bookstore. I'll keep a close watch on her. She's my helper today. Please be safe and find Madi. I love you.
I love you.
I said—texted—I love you.
To Kace.
Oh.
