Chapter 10 - REUNION AND RIDE
Mason dropped back down onto one knee in front of Emma, his expression softening into one of overwhelming love and emotion.
Emma stood wrapped in his massive black leather motorcycle vest, her tangled light-brown hair framing her small, tear-stained face. She looked into his dark brown eyes—the exact same eyes she saw in her own reflection every morning.
Mason reached out his broad, tattoo-covered hands, gently cupping her pale cheeks. Tears welled in the corners of his eyes, tracking down his sharp features.
"I didn't know about you, Emma," Mason rasped, his voice thick with raw, unfiltered emotion. "I swear to you... if I had known, I would have searched the entire world to find you. I'm so sorry, sweetheart."
Emma looked into his eyes, feeling the warmth of his hands, seeing the undeniable truth and love in his tears. A beautiful, radiant smile broke across her small face, wiping away every trace of the fear that had consumed her for days.
She leaned forward, throwing her small arms tightly around his neck, burying her face into his broad, tattooed shoulder. "I knew you'd come, Daddy," Emma whispered softly. "Mom told me you were strong."
Mason wrapped his massive arms around his daughter, holding her close against his chest, feeling her tiny heart beating safely against his own. He closed his eyes, letting out a long, shuddering breath of profound relief.
He stood up, lifting Emma easily into his left arm, holding her securely against his hip as she held onto his neck with complete trust.
Mason turned toward Tank, his voice clear, decisive, and filled with tactical purpose. "Tank, you and Miller stay here with the kid until State Police arrive. Keep her safe."
"You got it, Mason," Tank replied, offering a warm, respectful nod to the little girl.
Mason looked down at the silver barrel key in his right hand, his dark eyes igniting with a sharp, burning focus.
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"The rest of you... mount up," Mason ordered, his bare torso glistening in the morning sunlight as he prepared to ride out. "We're going to get Sarah back."
Outside the bakery, the thunderous, roaring rumble of five heavy motorcycle engines erupted into the quiet morning air, shaking the glass windows. Mason stepped out onto the sunlit sidewalk, holding his daughter safe in his arms, knowing that the long years of separation were finally over, and that his family would soon be whole once again.
