He gave me a look that said, “What did you expect, asshole?” and didn’t give me time to respond as we quickly got into our cars. I pulled out into the snowy afternoon, the roads slippery and messy, starting to panic that something terrible would happen between Ari and his uncle before I got there. I tried not to let anger and frustration at Ari’s uncle take hold and focused on getting there as quickly and safely as possible. I could only imagine the things that the man had said to him, the humiliation of having that done to him in front of Yin. And poor Yin must’ve been terrified.

I sighed as I turned onto the road to the house and decided to call Ari again to let him know I was on my way. He answered after one ring.

“I should be there in a few minutes, Ari.”

“Merci, Patrice. I’m waiting at the post office that’s down the street from my uncle’s house.” He could barely talk from how hard his teeth were chattering. How could that man do this to him? After everything he’d already gone through.

“Did you see Yin? I’m scared that he’ll get lost, the snow is so heavy. I can’t see anything.”

I hesitated then, only realizing now that maybe Ari wouldn’t like Easton being involved in this.

“Actually, I was at Easton’s place when you called and he’s right behind me in his car trying to look for Yin.”

“Good.” The sigh of relief on the line was unexpected, but not a surprise once I thought about it. Easton had been in touch with Ari since arranging things with the lawyer. Of course Ari trusted him. It also wasn’t exactly like he didn’t know about us either, not after that big pep talk he’d given me.

Before Ari could respond I spotted him standing in the snow-filled entrance to the small post office. “Can you see my car, Ari?”

I saw him end the call and come out to the side of the road. He had his backpack and a fairly large suitcase with him. Which must’ve been hell to drag through the snow. I jumped out to help him get his stuff in the trunk and noticed he was soaked through and I was glad for the towels that Easton had run to get before we headed outside.

Even though it was a mess with the snow, I had to pull Ari into a hug. As soon as I did I heard a strangled sob escape his throat.