KELLY
Kelly watched Jon scamper up the rope like a spider. When he got to the top, he called down in a loud whisper, “Come on. I’ve got you.”
She nodded but knelt beside Chris first. “I’m so sorry we have to leave you, but Jon will take care of you. We’ll get help as fast as we can.”
“I know you will,” said Chris. “I wish Jon would go with you. I want you kids to be safe.”
“I love you.” Sometimes when your life was in danger, your feelings became clear. Kelly wanted Chris to be their next father, the permanent kind, and she gave him a big hug. Chris lit up, surprised. His eyes got teary as he swelled with happiness. Travis smiled. The love Chris felt for each of them was genuine, just like Angie’s. Kelly knew Travis had hardly experienced that before, except when he was too young to re
