Page 42 of A Little Christmas Wish

“Although running away in the middle of the night is something you won’t be doing again, is it?” Ink said sternly.

Betsy bit her lip, wanting to tell Ink not to be too harsh with her. But she also knew that they needed to make sure that Zippy knew not to do this again.

“Because we don’t want anything to happen to you,” Royal added.

Baron nodded. “You gotta keep yourself safe, Zippy. No running off and scaring us. Even though we know you can take care of yourself.”

Zippy nodded solemnly. “I can.” She glanced at Betsy again. “But, I won’t do it again. Promise.”

Betsy smiled at her and walked into the kitchen. As she was getting the drink ready, she felt Ink walk in behind her. He wrapped his arms around her.

“Thank you for finding her,” she whispered.

God, when she thought about what could have happened to Zippy out there . . . she shuddered.

“She’s safe, baby,” Ink told her, turning her to hug her tight. “I know you were scared, so was I. But she’s safe.”

“I can’t believe she left to protect me,” Betsy said.

“Because she loves you. Just like the rest of us and we’d do anything for you.” Leaning down, he kissed her softly, lightly.

And her heart felt lighter.

Thirty minutes later,Betsy stepped outside onto the front porch to take a few breaths.

Zippy, Baron, and Royal were all asleep. The new kitten was purring on Zippy’s bed. Bandit was still in the boys’ room. They’d have to introduce the two of them tomorrow.

She’d just needed a few minutes of cold air to let go of the remnants of her worry and fear.

“Is the girl okay?”

Betsy let out a small scream as she heard the voice coming from the darkness of the forest.

Ink stepped out. “Betsy, what are you doing out here alone?” he scolded.

Uh-oh.

She knew she should have told him she was coming out here, but he would have insisted on coming with her. And she’d just needed a moment to herself.

“I . . . I needed a moment. There’s someone there.”

“Don’t stress, it’s just me,” the voice said.

Wait. She knew that voice.

“Fox?” Ink asked. “What are you doing here?”

“Besides scaring me half to death,” Betsy muttered, her hand on her heart.

“You should really keep track of your woman, Ink,” the Fox scolded. “I thought you’d be more protective of her. I could be anyone, you know. I could’ve easily hurt or taken her before you came out here.”

“He didn’t know I had come out here,” Betsy defended Ink. “He was busy on the phone.” He’d been updating a few people about what had happened. And she probably shouldn’t have snuck out. But she’d been feeling overheated. Lightheaded.

She’d just needed a moment.

Plus, she’d thought she’d be back inside before he noticed.

“What are you doing here?” Ink asked, sounding tired.

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