Page 69 of The Bear's Reluctant Mate

“You made your choices, Heather. You chose Razor, remember?” Marion replied, trying to keep calm as anger burned inside her.

“I made a mistake,” Heather said.

“A mistake?” Marion’s voice cracked. “Do you know what Charlie went through while you were off chasing after that loser? The neglect? The nights he cried himself to sleep?”

“I’m still his mother!” Heather insisted.

“That doesn’t mean you’re what’s best for him!” Marion replied sharply.

“I’ll get my life together,” Heather snapped. “I’ve got a place lined up, and...”

“Charlie is happy here, Heather. He’s got friends and stability, and you want to take that away from him?” Marion asked.

“I can give him all those things,” Heather said.

“Heather, for once, think about what is best for Charlie.” Marion moved to the back door, casting a glance out into the yard, needing to see the little boy who deserved the best in life.

Empty.

She stepped onto the porch, eyes sweeping the garden. “Charlie?” she called. The only reply was the rustle of leaves. Panic flared inside her and she had to force air into her lungs.

“Heather,” she said slowly, trying to keep her voice even. “What did you do?”

“What do you mean, what did I do?” Heather asked.

“Charlie!” Marion called, but no answer came.

“Marion, what’s happening?” Heather demanded.

“Do you expect me to believe it’s a coincidence that Charlie disappears the same day you arrive in town?” Marion snapped. “Just tell me what you did!”

“Nothing! I haven’t seen him!” Heather replied.

“Then why is he gone?” Marion’s voice rose as panic consumed her. “He’s not in the garden. He’s not here!”

“Don’t blame me...” Heather said.

Marion hung up and rushed down the porch steps, her blood pounding in her ears. “Charlie!” she called again, louder this time. She checked around the lavender bush first, then behind the shed, growing more frantic with each passing moment.

He couldn’t have gone far. She’d only been on the phone for a minute or two. Unless...had he been planning this? Had he slipped away while she was clearing the dishes, determined to find his mother on his own?

“Charlie!” she shouted, hysteria taking hold as she finally accepted the truth. Charlie was gone...

Panic clawed at her throat as she looked at her phone, the screen a blur through her tears. Swiping them away, she tapped the screen and dialed Alfie’s number. Her fingers trembled so much she nearly dropped the phone but at last, it began to ring.

He answered on the second ring. “Hey there…”

“He’s gone,” she said, not even bothering with hello. “Charlie. I told him about Heather, and then she called, and now he’s gone.”

“Stay put,” Alfie said. His voice was calm, steady, and already focused. “I’m coming right now.”

Marion didn’t even nod. She ended the call and circled the yard once more, checking every possible hiding spot, even places too small for a boy his size. But she knew he was gone. She could feel it. The emptiness…

She stifled a sob as a car door slammed out front. Marion ran around the side of the house to find Heather standing in the driveway, out of breath and defensive.

“I swear I had nothing to do with this,” Heather said, holding up her hands. “I came as soon as you hung up.”

“We were doing just fine until you showed up,” Marion snapped, fury and fear making her voice shake. “He was happy here. He was healing.”

---