Chapter 226

Cole’s POV

I shake my head softly, trying to get such crippling thoughts from my head as a sudden yelp, scream then tumble force me back to reality in time to scoop a falling Madilyn into my arms before she hits the ground.

“Ow, ow, ow!” She screams before she bawls.

“I’m sorry Lyn.” I apologize as I lift her and place her on a large boulder bordering the path we’re on.

“What happened, sweet pea?” I ask as her sister scrambles up onto the boulder next to her, wrapping her into a tight hug.

“I stepped on something. My foot hurts. I can’t get daddy. I want daddy.”

She blubbers through quickly before crying on her sister’s shoulder. Madisyn looks at me, worry in her eyes as she holds her sister.

I pick her foot up in one hand and despite the thick layer of sand and dirt a thick dark line appears down the length of her tiny foot.

“I’m sorry Lynnie but I have to touch.”

She whimpers at the thought, tugging repeatedly