She studied them for a moment. “I was hoping this time would be different.” She shrugged. “I guess the money part is, right?”
Sawyer thought it best not to answer. She was in enough pain realizing that her mother thought of them as nothing more than a bargaining chip, and he was not going to add more fuel to what she was going through.
“She wanted money and not us.” Savanna’s voice was just above a whisper. “My mom was willing to leave us for money.” Her words ended on a sob that had him and Ford on their feet immediately.
Sawyer walked over to his sister and pulled her into his arms. “I’m so sorry, Savanna.”
Could this day get any worse?
Savanna cried into his shirt, and he just held her. This was one of those times words couldn’t help.
“I’ve been pretty awful the past few weeks.” Her voice was small, and Sawyer suddenly wished for the sulky teenager with attitude. “I’m sorry.”
“You don’t need to apologize.” Sawyer’s voice was firm. “I get it. We uprooted your life. You lost your father”—he didn’t mention Cynthia—“and I was just some dumb guy—a stranger that took you from everything you know.”
Her shoulders shook, and he was glad he could make her laugh.
“You weren’t just some dumb guy,” she said, rolling her eyes and sniffed. “You’ve been an amazing brother, Sawyer. Thank you for being there for us.” She stepped back and turned to Ford. “And thank you, too, Ford. We’re lucky to have you both.”
Sawyer was at a loss for words at first. Savanna’s words touched him so deeply and were unexpected. He gathered himself and smiled at his sister. “Savie, I… we will always be here for you, Gavin, and Cal. We’re family, and I won’t let anything happen to you, any of you.” He held her gaze making sure he heard what he was saying.
Savie lips curved.
“And your words mean more to me than you know.” He looked over to Ford and shared a smile with him.
“I think this requires a group hug.” Ford chimed in.
Sawyer laughed but held his arms open. Savanna looked between them and rolled her eyes, which made him smile this time. His smile got even wider when she walked into his arms, though.
Ford joined them, and they all hugged. Sawyer said a prayer that they would all be okay.
Savanna pulled back and Ford did, too, giving her space. She wiped her eyes, then cleared her throat. “Uhmm, I should probably get some sleep.”
Sawyer nodded and stepped away from the door. “And so should the two of you.” She backed away and turned, opening the door. “Bye.”
Sawyer turned to Ford, opened his arms again, and his boyfriend stepped in.
“When I was in there talking to Gavin,” Ford began, “he told me that he had snuck out to see Cynthia. She convinced him to leave with her and that is how she was able to get into the house.”
“I never even thought of that possibility,” Sawyer responded, shaking his head.
“Don’t be mad at him,” Ford quickly put in. “He really thought she wanted to be with them.”
“I’m not mad at him. I am angry at her for taking advantage of her kids' love and using it to blackmail for money.” Sayer let out an aggravated growl. “Tomorrow, first thing, I am calling to have an alarm installed so we’ll know next time someone tries to get in or out of the house.”
“Everything is going to be alright,” Ford whispered.
Sawyer looked down at Ford in his arms and lowered his head for a quick kiss. Everything would be great. He would make sure of it. He and Ford would show the kids they were wanted and loved, and hopefully, they would come out a stronger unit from this. Eventually, Gavin would understand. He had to.
19
Ford
“Have a good day at school.” Ford waved at the kids as he stood at the door watching Gavin and Savanna walk down the driveway to their pick-up spot down at the corner.
Ford held Callum, whose sturdy weight felt good in his arms even the pressure on his chest increased watching the kids leave for school. He felt Sawyer’s eyes on him and turned to look behind him.
“What?”
Sawyer lips twitched. “You going to follow them to school?”
Ford shrugged “What? It’s the first time they’ve gone… left the house since…” His voice trailed off.
Sawyer’s smile faded, and Ford felt bad for bringing it up. “I know," he acknowledged while crossing his arms over his chest.
They’d kept the kids home the rest of the week since it had already been Thursday. It had been a traumatic experience, especially for Gavin, and they wanted to make sure they were handling what had happened with their mother before going out again.
Sawyer came over and kissed the top of Callum’s head. “At least you’re still young,” Sawyer said. “You won’t leave us soon right?”
Ford snickered and looked down at Callum. “For now…”
His boyfriend had turned into a total softie, not that Sawyer hadn’t always been if you knew where to look… or if he let you see that side of himself.
Ford walked into the house and Sawyer shut the door, then Ford followed after him. The weekend had been rough, since both he and Sawyer were both just waiting for something to happen. They’d gone down to the police station and filed the report, but it didn’t stop the worry.
They walked into the living room where Ford put Callum in his playpen with his toys. He made a mental note to get one a little higher, the little guy was getting bigger and would
