Tucker shouted. “You just let her leave?” Jake felt the impact of those words settle over him as soon as he entered the Carlton house. She’s gone. Those two little words echoed in his head like a mantra, over and over again, until Jared tugged on his hand to get his attention. “Who’s gone, Daddy?” Jake was frozen, rooted to the spot. For the first time in his life, he wanted to run. Away from here, toward Jess, he didn’t know. He just knew he didn’t want to be here if she wasn’t. “Uh, I don’t know, buddy. Let’s go find out.” He needed some answers, now. “Hey, y’all,” Jake said, entering the kitchen with his son in tow. Lorna wiped her damp cheeks with the tissue from the pocket of her floral apron and forced a smile for Jared’s benefit. “There you are,” she said, holding her arms out to the little boy. “I’ve been waiting for you. I need your help picking some berries for dessert. Think you can help me with that, partner?” He let his Nan Lorna sweep him up in his arms.
