After settling Ethan back at home and making sure he was safe and calm, Jackson felt the weight of his earlier harshness towards Melissa heavy on his heart. He knew he needed to make things right, to acknowledge her role in bringing Ethan back unharmed. With a deep breath, he made his way to the living room where Melissa was sitting, her eyes fixed on the floor.
"Melissa," Jackson began, his voice softer than before. "I owe you an apology."
She looked up, her expression guarded but curious. "For what, Jackson?"
He took a seat beside her, his gaze earnest. "For the way I spoke to you earlier. I was angry and scared, but that’s no excuse for snapping at you. You did the right thing by bringing Ethan back, and I should have thanked you instead of jumping to conclusions."
Melissa’s eyes so
