Jackson walked toward his mother and bent to wrap his arms around her. Tammy’s tiny frame disappeared within his embrace. I watched in awe as he held her close and gently, and even though I could not clearly hear the words he spoke, I was sure they were gentle and sweet. When she leaned back and kissed his cheek, the lump lodged in my throat settled, and my chest constricted as she lifted her hand to wipe at his cheek. The idea of Jackson shedding tears made me want to hold him myself and kiss away the hurt.
When Tammy looked up over Jackson’s shoulder and her gaze locked on mine, I forced a smile. In reality, all I wanted to do was rush to her and hug them both close to me.
“Bailey,” she whispered hoarsely. “Come in, sweet girl.” Tammy waved her hand toward the empty spot at the table. “Don’t mind the mess.”
I looked around, wondering what mess she was talking about but decided not to question it. I walked over to the table and sat in the chair next to Aunt Jeannie while Jackson took the one next to his mother.
“So what are you two up to?” Aunt Jeannie asked as she looked between Jackson and me, a curious look on her face. “And do I finally get the chance to meet this lovely girl?” She clearly wanted to ask more but refrained from saying anything else.
“Of course, Aunt Jeannie, this is Bailey.” Jackson offered her a knowing smile, and my stomach knotted immediately. He liked to tease, and I was all for it, but this wasn’t the place or time. I gave him a look to try to tell him not to do what he was thinking, but he just leaned back in his chair, slouching in his usual cocky, confident manner and chuckled before averting his eyes from mine.
“I’ve kidnapped Bailey, and I’m trying to keep her busy. If she keeps trying to get away, I may have to tie her to my bed. But since my girl likes being tied up, I’m not sure that would get my point across.”
Aunt Jeannie choked on the drink she had just taken and fanned her face as she attempted to catch her breath. Shaking her head, her cheeks reddened. “Well,” she said. Her mouth opened as if she had more to say before she quickly shut it once more.
Heat erupted across my own cheeks, and my palms started to sweat as I closed my eyes and let my head fall forward to stare at the floor before me. I wanted to strangle him.
He chuckled, and my irritation only grew more intense. Then I heard the sweet laughter of his mother. I stared at her in awe. It wasn’t the kind of laugh you offer when someone makes a joke you don’t find funny but you don’t want to be rude by being quiet. No, this was a “cackle until your ribs hurt as the tears run down your cheeks” kind of laugh.
Her laughter eventually turned into sobs. My stomach tensed again, and I wasn’t sure if I should offer her a hug or join her for a good cry.
“Jackson Michael, you are so much like your father,” she said through her tears. “He took every chance he had to make me blush. The both of you were cut from the same cloth, I tell ya.”
Jackson placed his hand over his mother’s and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
“I don’t think I’ll ever stop missing that stubborn, ornery-as-hell man, but I gotta look at how lucky I am too. I have my boys,” she whispered through her tears.
“Yeah, you sure do, Momma.” Jackson’s voice was strained, and it made my own throat feel raw.
***
“That was intense,” I whispered as we came to a stop in front of Jackson’s place. We sat in silence, staring through the windshield of my Jeep. I had no idea what was rolling through Jackson’s mind, but I felt as if I had been to hell and back.
“Um.” He cleared his throat. When I turned to face him, his eyes were bloodshot.
I rested my hand on his forearm as I tried to think of what to say, because I honestly had no words. It was hard to see Jackson hurting. He was always so strong, yet in that moment he looked so frail.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
He nodded and took in a deep, calming breath. “I’m good,” he assured me. “We need to figure out dinner. Amber and Ryan will be here soon.”
Before I could respond, he turned and crawled from the Jeep and off toward the cabin.
Chapter Ten
Jackson
Humor was my way of hiding my sadness. If all else failed, I’d crack a joke. Direct the attention at me and give everyone something else to focus on.
Lately, that task had become more difficult. My laughter was always soured by the fact my father was no longer here to share our good times. Now, instead of having a beer with him on the back porch, I sat there alone in silence. Having Bailey stay with me was a welcome distraction. She may think I was only doing this to save her, to offer her peace. Hell, I know that’s what everyone was thinking, but in all honesty I’d asked her to stay here for more selfish reasons. Her presence was consoling; I needed her around.