Mark pulled his red truck into the driveway of the Dallas mansion.
He noticed the front door was standing wide open in the afternoon sun.
His stomach dropped because he knew his baby boy was inside with Victoria.
Victoria was his ex-wife who had been trying to take his estate away.
Mark jumped out of the truck without even turning off the engine.
He ran up the white stone steps as fast as he could.
The quiet neighborhood seemed completely peaceful, but Mark felt pure panic.
He shoved the heavy wooden door open and stepped into the grand foyer.
The white marble floor reflected the bright light from the crystal chandelier above.
Mark called out his son's name, but no one answered his call.
The big house was totally silent, except for the hum of the air conditioner.
Mark ran through the hallway with his shoes squeaking on the smooth tile.
He knew Victoria was upset about the divorce settlement from last week.
She wanted the entire trust fund and the house for herself.
Mark had refused to sign the final legal documents yesterday morning.
Now he feared she had done something terrible to get back at him.
He checked the living room, but the plush sofas were completely empty.
He checked the kitchen, but only a dropped glass lay on the floor.
Then he heard a small splashing sound coming from the back hallway.
His heart beat wildly inside his chest as he sprinted toward the noise.
He slammed his shoulder against the bathroom door to push it open.
The room was filled with warm steam that smelled like baby soap.
Mark froze when he saw the porcelain bathtub filled to the top.
He rushed over to the edge of the tub immediately.
He reached his hands down into the water without any hesitation.
He scooped up the tiny baby who was wrapped in a dry towel.
Little Leo was crying loudly, but he was completely safe and sound.
Mark pulled the baby close to his chest and breathed a heavy sigh.
He held the boy tight while his own body trembled with absolute relief.
"Daddy's here, I've got you," Mark whispered into the boy's soft hair.