But unmistakably Rose.
She looked at the sheriff.
Then at Mason.
Her lips parted.
“Mason?”
He couldn't answer.
Nine years of questions stood between them.
Rose looked past him.
“Where's Lily?”
“She's safe.”
Rose covered her mouth.
Tears filled her eyes.
Then she whispered:
“The wolf.”
Mason looked at the pendant.
“You told her to find me.”
Rose nodded.
“I never thought she would.”
“Why didn't you find me?”
Rose looked down.
“Because I tried.”
She told him everything.
After Mason had disappeared, she had discovered she was pregnant.
She had tried calling.
She had written letters.
She had contacted people who knew him.
Every trail ended.
Then Darren appeared.
At first, he helped her.
He gave her a place to stay.
He helped with Lily.
He seemed kind.
But slowly, he became controlling.
He decided who Rose could see.
Where she could go.
What she could say.
When she could leave the house.
By the time Rose realized what was happening, she was already trapped.
And she had a child to protect.
Mason listened without interrupting.
When she finished, he asked only one question.
“Is Lily my daughter?”
Rose looked at him.
“Yes.”
Mason closed his eyes.
Nine years.
Nine birthdays.
Nine Christmas mornings.
Nine years of a little girl growing up without knowing her father existed.
He opened his eyes again.
“Why didn't you tell her about me?”
“Because I didn't know if you were alive.”
Mason's voice broke.
“I was.”
“I know that now.”
Rose looked toward the parking lot.
“Darren found out recently.”
“About me?”
“No.”
She hesitated.
“About Lily.”
Mason frowned.
“What changed?”
Rose looked frightened.
“He discovered who Lily's father was.”
Mason understood.
Darren hadn't been chasing Lily because he wanted her.
He had been chasing her because Lily was the one person who could connect Rose to Mason.
And Mason was the one person Darren feared.
The sheriff moved Rose and Lily to a secure shelter.
Mason stayed nearby.
He didn't force himself into their lives.
He didn't demand that Lily call him Dad.
He didn't tell Rose what she should have done.
He simply showed up.
The next morning, Lily found him sitting outside.
She approached slowly.
“Are you really the wolf?”
Mason smiled.
“Apparently.”
“Mommy said you were brave.”
Mason looked away.
“Your mom remembers me differently.”
“She said you were funny too.”
Mason laughed.