Chapter 281 Don't Worry About It
Riley was about to say she could manage, but Donovan held her tighter.
"Don't move, or I can't get up," Donovan's voice was a bit rough.
Hearing him, Riley felt something stir inside and let him lift her.
Once up, she quickly pulled away from Donovan.
"Ms. Monroe, you're so good to Finley," Paxton remarked, clearly impressed.
Seeing Riley with Finley at the bottom of the pit had shocked him. Riley going into the woods at night for Finley was surprising enough, but finding her before they did was even more so.
Without her, who knew how long it would've taken to find Finley.
Riley smiled. "It's what I should do."
Donovan looked at Riley and said, "It's not your fault."
Riley was taken aback, realizing Donovan was comforting her. She didn't know how to respond.
"Finley ran out after arguing with Hollis," Donovan explained. "If anyone's to blame, it's me. I knew she was stubborn but didn't stop Hollis or keep an eye on Finley."
Riley's guilt eased a bit, and she thanked Donovan. "Thank you."
Donovan picked up the flashlight and said seriously, "I should be thanking you. You found Finley."
If Riley hadn't found Finley, they might not have located her.
He had only come over because he saw a light.
Riley looked at Finley in Paxton's arms, worried. "I don't know how Finley is. She's been here so long; she must be terrified. She was crying earlier."
Thinking of Finley's earlier tears, Riley felt a pang of heartache.
Donovan's mood was heavy too. "We'll know once we get back."
Paxton, holding Finley, said, "No serious external injuries, but I'm worried..."
Finley already had some psychological issues, and this might make things worse.
Donovan and Riley understood, their expressions grim.
On the way back, everyone was silent and somber.
At the hotel, Donovan reported their safety, called his mom, and had Paxton pack up. They checked out and headed straight to the hospital.
In the car, the two little ones looked at Finley, worried. "Mommy, will Finley be okay?"
Riley patted their heads. "She'll be fine, don't worry."
The little ones looked up again, concerned. "Mommy, your voice is hoarse."
Riley smiled but said nothing.
A hoarse voice didn't matter; finding Finley was all that counted.
Donovan, in the front seat, watched Riley and the little one in her arms through the rearview mirror, his eyes unreadable.
Soon, they arrived at the hospital.
Paxton got out, took Finley from Riley, and quickly walked into the hospital.
