Page 78 of Missing

Before long, Chase’s energy started to wane, so I offered to drive them home. I expected Beth to argue, but she didn’t.Thank God for that.

It took another thirty minutes for her to thank everyone again, and say her goodbyes. While I waited, John asked if I was planning to stay the night with them.

“Yes, if she’ll let me.”

“Good. Let me know if you need anything.” He shook my hand and pulled me into a one- armed hug. “Take care of them.”

“Yes, sir.” I blinked away the sting of tears. I’d never questioned John’s trust in me on a professional level, but this was different. This was his godson and his wife’s best friend and his trust in me to protect them was overwhelming.

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I boiled water for tea while Beth gave Chase a bath and put him to bed. I expected it to take a while, so I took out my phone and checked my emails while I waited. Beth was in a t-shirt and pajama shorts when she finally came back down.

“Chase got me soaking wet,” she explained with a shrug.

“Want some tea?” I asked.

“Please.”

“Chamomile?” It wasn’t hard to guess what she might want.

Beth nodded and reached for the cabinet.

“I got it.” I walked her to the couch. “Sit.”

I made two cups and brought them to the living room.

“Thank you.” She held the mug close to her nose and inhaled. “For everything. I know I didn’t say it enough, but I appreciate everything you’ve done the last few days.”

“You’re welcome.” I wanted to say more but now wasn’t the time to confess my love.

“I…” She trailed off, tears forming in her eyes.

“Come here.” I pulled her close and wrapped my arms around her, rubbing her back in slow strokes while she cried.

She’d cried a lot in the last two days. Tears of fear, of pain, of frustration. Even a few tears of relief. She’d been so focused on finding, then comforting Chase, she hadn’t released her pent-up emotions. It was time for her to let it all out.

Our tea was lukewarm by the time she stopped crying and pulled away. I offered to warm them up while she washed her face.

We drank in silence for a few minutes when I realized I hadn’t told her I was staying the night.

“Beth, I’m going to stay with you tonight.”

Her eyes opened wide as she processed my words.

“What? You-”

Fuck.That wasn’t what I’d meant.

“Not like that. I’ll sleep on the couch. I want to be here in case you need me.” Then I added, “If it’s okay with you?”

I should have started with that.

“Oh, okay,” she stared at her tea, “I thought…”

“I’d never do that to you. I just want to stay close by.” For me as much as for them.

“Thank you. I’ll get you a pillow and blanket.”

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