Page 101 of Sebastian

“What is that?” she pointed to the two small stars over his heart. “You got a tattoo? I thought you hated needles.”

“I do hate needles,” he said as he stepped into the shower, kneeling in front of her so she could get a better look at it. “But when you were in the hospital, I knew I never wanted to be without you. I had two stars tattooed over my heart for my two girls. One for you, and one for Addie. Because even though things are really challenging right now, and she isn’t back home yet, I know one day our family will be whole and happy. I always want a reminder with me of the two strongest women I know.”

“Our family,” she traced her fingers over the bigger star first, then the little one. “I love it, Sebastian. I’m sorry we won’t be able to add more stars to our family.”

“You are everything to me, Emma. You have always been enough.”

Thirty-Two

“Sprinkles, come on, you need to wake up.” Why was Sebastian trying to get her out of bed? It was so warm and it felt like she had just managed to fall asleep in his arms. His lips pressed into her hair. “Emma, you’ve got to wake up.”

“Seb? What’s going on?” Her eyes felt like sandpaper as she struggled to open them.

“Baby, we found them.”

Her heart froze in her chest. She looked around the dark room until she found the calmest pair of gray eyes staring at her. “What?”

“We found Natalie and Addie. They both are being brought to the Sheriff’s department, but if we hurry, we can make it there before they get in.”

“They’re bringing them here?” she asked as she sat up in bed, flinging her legs over the edge as she tried to get her bearings.

“Natalie and Addie were in Dallas. Not sure why she kept Addie so close to Bell Ridge, but I’m so fucking grateful that she did.” The tears straining in his voice sent her into emotional overdrive.

“Oh my god, Seb. She’s really coming home?”

“Yeah, baby. She’s coming home.” He caught her just as she launched herself into his chest. “There’s more, Em.”

“What? Is Addie okay? She wasn’t hurt, was she?”

“Gage said she’s fine. A little shaken up and she doesn’t understand what’s happening, but she’s physically okay.”

“So what is it then?”

“We thought Natalie and Addie were traveling alone. No one expected him to be with them.”

“Marco?”

He nodded. “The FBI took him into custody.”

Her legs gave out and she fell towards the ground, but Sebastian was there to catch her like he had a million times recently.

“It’s over?” she cried.

“It’s over.” He pulled her into his chest. “Let’s go get our girl.”

* * *

“Where is she?” Emma rushed to the front desk of the sheriff’s department, Sebastian holding on tightly to her hand.

“Emma?” Her head whipped at the voice calling to her.

“John, is she here?”

“They aren’t back yet. I know Hank spoke with Stone a few minutes after they left. They should be back any minute. Why don’t you come back to Hank’s office and we can let you know what’s going on.”

She looked at Sebastian, who gave her an encouraging smile. “Let’s see what they have to say. I’m sure the guys are just driving extra cautiously because they have Addie with them.”

“Okay.”

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