The truck missed Riley by inches. I breathed a sign of relief when I saw him on the other side of the street, seemingly unscathed. However, his close encounter had clearly spooked him and he ran towards the woods behind the houses at the edge of the neighborhood.

"Mom what's wrong? I heard you scream." Mason had appeared on the front porch, a worried expression on his face.

"Riley took off after a squirrel and got spooked." I explained.

"Let me grab my shoes, and we'll get him back." He assured me.

******

After combing the woods and surrounding areas for nearly two hours, there was no sign of Riley. I couldn't imagine where he was. He couldn't have gotten that far right?

"Why don't you go wait back at the house in case he shows up, and I'll keep looking." Mason suggested. My fourteen year old, the voice of reason.

"Okay." I agreed. I went back home and sat on the front porch steps. I posted to my Facebook neighborhood page, my Twitter and Instagram accounts with pictures of Riley. Explaining he had gone missing approximately two hours ago. I gave my location and reassurances that he was friendly, just probably scared, asking if anyone had seen him to please notify me immediately.

Now all I could do was wait. The stress of the last weeks events playing heavily on my mind, and all I could do was the one thing I had done all week: lay my head in my hands and sob.

A vehicle pulling into the driveway caused me to lift my head, and the sight of the familiar black Bronco brought my heart into my throat. I could not believe it.

"What...what are you doing here?" I stammered.

"I needed to see you." Ryan replied, taking in my obviously disheveled appearance. "What's going on? Are you okay?"

I burst into tears again. "No. Riley is missing. Mason is out looking for him. I'm waiting here in case he shows up."

He kissed my forehead and wiped my tears away. "Don't worry. We'll find him."

"How? How did you get here so fast?" I asked, still not believing he was actually here.

"We'll talk later. Just sit tight. We have a missing dog to find."

Then he was climbing back into his Bronco, backing out of my driveway. The fact that he had shown up, at a time I needed him the most, warmed my heart. How could I have been so stupid in letting him go? I just prayed it wasn't too late.

I checked all of my social media posts to see if anyone had responded, that if Riley had been spotted or located, but nothing.

About a half hour later, the Bronco was pulling back into the driveway, Mason in the passenger seat. When Mason climbed out of the vehicle, a very wet, very muddy Riley, who was now on a leash following behind him.

Riley was literally covered head to paws in wet mud. Burrs and twigs clinging to his fur, but other than that, he looked none the worse for wear.

Forgetting I was wearing a white T-shirt, I flung my arms around his furry neck. "You are a very bad dog for running away. You're lucky I love you." I scolded.

"A neighbor around the corner caught him. He pulled your number off of Riley's collar and was about to call you when we stopped him to ask if he had seen a missing dog. I had one of Sturgill's leashes in here, so we got him secured so he wouldn't get spooked again." Ryan explained.

I finally got a good look at Ryan and Mason, both of them, as well as myself covered in mud.

"I'm going to take him around back and hose him off. Y'all need to talk." Mason said, taking the end of Riley's leash from me. When did my son suddenly get so grown up?

"Be careful you don't get your cast wet." I reminded Mason.

He rolled his eyes slightly. "I know mom."

Ryan and I did have a lot to talk about, but I honestly had no idea where to begin. We sat down on the swing, both of us needing to say something, but neither of us sure where to start.

"Chase's day ended early too, so I caught a ride on his plane back here." Ryan said, answering my earlier question.

"Ry...I" I began.

"Kels, I love you. Nothing else matters to me." He said, cutting off what I was about to say, taking my hand and lacing his fingers through mine.

"I'm so sorry Ry. I got scared, and I worried I wasn't enough for you. This week has been absolute hell without you. I realize I made a huge mistake by letting you go. I love you too. I hope you can forgive me for everything."

"I told you I wasn't going to give up, and I was going to fight for you. I want you and Mason in my life. I'm also willing to take another crazy dog. There is nothing to forgive Kelsie. Just tell me you're all in, because I am." He rested his forehead against mine, his ocean colored eyes pleading with me.

"I'm all in. Me, teenager and crazy dog. We're all in." I replied, as his lips sought mine out. A sweet lingering kiss filled with hope and promise.

I then heard Mason clear his throat. "I guess this means y'all are good." He grinned widely.

"We're all good." I replied, grabbing his good hand, that was holding Riley"s leash, and pulled him to Ryan and me, where we all shared a group hug."

"Riley is hosed off, but he smells awful, so you'll have to give him a bath." He pointed to his cast. "Is it okay if I go to Uncle Shane's tonight? I think y'all might need some alone time." Mason flashed another ear splitting grin.

I could feel my cheeks heat up. Kid was way to smart. "I think that's an excellent idea." I agreed.

A/N: I know this chapter was short, but I hope everyone enjoyed it. I couldn't keep them apart any longer. XOXO