Michael wrapped his arms around them both, his head resting on her shoulder, his hand cupping Josh’s back.
“It’s okay.” She stroked Josh’s head. “Nobody’s mad at you. We were just so scared. You can’t run away like that without telling anybody.”
“I know. I’m sorry. Brian told me you were all really sad.”
Lifting her head, she looked over Josh’s shoulder at the young man. His hair was looking worse for wear, the sleek ponytail of earlier all twisted and fuzzy. He was hanging around the car, twisting his hands. He swallowed hard when he realized Mia was staring at him.
“You must be tired,” she called out. “Would you like a drink?”
“Come on in,” Sam called out. “I’ll put some coffee on.”
“I could really do with a bathroom break,” Brian said, his cheeks reddening. “And then coffee would be great.”
As he passed Mia, she lifted her hand from Michael’s shoulders and grabbed Brian’s, squeezing it tight.
“Thank you,” she said, her voice low. “Thank you for bringing him back.”
“Am I in trouble?” Brian asked, glancing warily at the officer.
“No trouble,” the officer told him. “We can talk inside.”
Sam, Brian, and the officer walked into the house, leaving Mia and Michael on the porch with Josh. She hunkered down into a squat, checking Josh over with her eyes and her soft hands. “You sure you’re okay?” she asked him.
“Yeah. I’m tired, though.” He yawned. “And hungry. Brian wouldn’t stop for food. Told me Cam wouldn’t let him.”
Mia smiled with relief. She could deal with hunger and exhaustion. She had a little of that herself. “Let’s go in. I’ll make you both a burger.”
“Actually, I brought some food with me.”
She looked up to see Cam standing at the bottom step, his duffle slung over his shoulder and two brown takeout bags in his hands. Her heart seemed to freeze in her chest for a moment, her breath catching in her throat as she took him in.
It had been less than two weeks since she’d seen him, yet it felt like a lifetime. His eyes were soft as his gaze caught hers, and she felt dizzy, as though she was falling.
“Cam!” Josh shouted. “You’re here.” He pulled away from Mia and threw himself at the tall, muscled man. Cam put the takeout bags on the steps and caught him easily, lifting him into his arms. “Hey, pal. You okay?”
Josh nodded, as Michael walked over and stood in front of Cam. “Hi,” he said softly. “I’m glad you came.”
Cam swallowed, his neck undulating. “I am, too,” he said gruffly. “Thanks for calling me.” He held out his hand to Michael, but instead of shaking it, Michael hugged his side. Cam met Mia’s eyes over Michael’s shoulder, and curled his fingers to beckon her over.
Mia walked down the steps as Cam gently put Josh down on the ground. Her heart had started up again, hammering a fast rhythm against her chest.
“Hi,” she said. Her cheeks lifted in an attempt to smile.
His gaze didn’t waver from hers. “You doing all right?”
She tried to nod, but her body wouldn’t play ball. Instead, she swallowed a sob as she shook her head.
“Come here,” he told her, wrapping his warm, strong arms around her, cradling her against his body. “It’s okay.” He kissed the top of her head. “Everybody’s fine.”
The mixture of adrenaline and fear and relief made her body feel weak. Her legs shook as he held her tightly. “Guys, you want to go in and eat?” Cam asked, nodding at the brown bags in front of him.
“I’m starving,” Josh said. “What’s in there?”
“Burgers and fries from Logan’s place.” Cam was still holding her tight.
“Come on, Josh,” Michael said, sweeping the bags into his hands. “Let’s go in and eat.”
Mia heard the thump of their feet as they ran up the steps, then the click of the door as they walked inside. Cam didn’t loosen his hold on her for a moment. She was glad. Because right now she wasn’t sure her legs were strong enough to hold her up.