CHAPTER 57 : The avoided disaster

MELISSA’S POV

Before I could move, Knox was already out of the truck, running toward the front door. “Stay here!” he shouted over his shoulder.

But there was no way I could stay still. Ignoring the burn in my chest, I sprinted after him. “Knox, wait!” I yelled.

He ignored me, throwing the door open and disappearing inside. The smell of smoke hit me like a wall, thick and suffocating, but all I could think about were my boys.

I rushed toward the side of the house, my eyes scanning frantically for them. Relief flooded through me when I saw Dylan and Tyler huddled together by the tree in the front yard, their little faces streaked with tears.

“Mom!” Dylan cried, running toward me with Tyler close behind.

I dropped to my knees, pulling them both into my arms. “Oh, thank God,” I whispered, holding them tight. “You’re okay. You’re okay.”

“We were so scared, Mom,” Dylan sobbed into my shoulder.

“I know, baby. I know.” I kissed the tops of their heads, fighting back my own tears. “You did the