Numbness set in as I exited the bridal store. My mind raced with images of my mother in the hospital and memories of Gabe hanging lifeless from the ceiling. Once again, the tears took over, and when I reached my Jeep, I took a few minutes to allow them to fall freely.
***
I made every attempt to hide the signs of my breakdown as I pulled up to the ranch. A huge trailer and truck were blocking the driveway, so I had to park farther down the road. Walking up a gravel drive in five-inch heels was a tedious task, but I managed.
I knew Jackson was working; he had told me last night that he had a new horse coming in. The last thing I wanted to do was interrupt his day, so I decided I’d just quickly grab his house keys and be off.
As I rounded the barn, I heard a woman’s laughter. I knew that kind of laugh—fake and flirtatious with a capital F.
“I used to love watching you work, Jackson,” she cooed. “You’re so strong and full of power.”
I stopped along the edge of the barn and listened.
“That was a long time ago, Phoebe. Things are different now,” Jackson responded.
“They don’t have to be different. We could pick up where we left off.” My irritation rose as she simpered at him. “I remember how much you enjoyed our time together. All those nights we—”
“I said no,” he snapped. “I’m seeing someone, things are good with her, and I have no intention of changing that.”
“Well, if you change your mind…”
Oh my hell no. Who did this bitch think she was?
I stepped into the doorway of the barn and froze. There she was, all flowing, dark hair and fancy clothes. She was gorgeous, and I instantly felt like I was an outsider.
Chapter Eighteen
Jackson
I was just about to tell Phoebe enough was enough when I heard the scuffle of shoes in the gravel. I looked over her shoulder, and my gaze locked on Bailey. My stomach tightened as I took in her expression. Her eyes were red, as if she’d been crying. I rushed to her, placed my hands on her hips, and slouched enough to look her directly in the eyes. “Baby, what’s wrong? What happened?”
“I’m sorry to bother you. I know you’re busy,” she whispered as she looked up over my shoulder.
“Hey,” I said, pulling her attention back to me. “It doesn’t matter. You need me, I’m here. I’ve told you this.” I stood tall and placed my hands on either side of her face. “Tell me what’s going on.”
“I’d rather not talk about it here.”
“Okay,” I said, ushering her toward the house. “Phoebe, I’ll be back in a while.” I led Bailey away from the barn without waiting for Phoebe’s response.
“Jackson, really, it’s okay. I just need to grab your keys,” she said as I turned her once again to face me.
“Why?” I asked, right before I realized I hadn’t yet given her my spare.
“I have to go to Chicago.” She shrugged, and I put my hands on my hips, waiting for more of an explanation. “My father called. My mother is in the hospital.” Her eyes filled with tears. “She tried to kill herself.”
My chest fucking ached with sadness, as if her tears and pain were my own. This had to be so hard for her on top of dealing with the aftermath of her brother’s death and how distant her father had been ever since. I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her against my chest, not caring that I was shirtless and sweaty. Bailey immediately coiled her hands around my waist and gripped my lower back.
“When are you leaving?” I asked.
“I don’t know yet. Tonight, I hope. I still have to check flights and pack.”
Her sniffles and strained voice almost broke me. I pulled back just enough to allow some space between us. She tilted her head and looked up at me, tears staining her cheeks.
“I’ll go with you,” I told her without a second thought. When she shook her head, I placed a hand on her cheek to steady her. “I can’t let you handle this alone, sweetheart.”
“Yes, I have to. It’s time to face the past.” Bailey squared her shoulders and stood taller. “I can do this,” she assured me.
“I have no doubt you can, but I want to be there for you.”
“Please let me do this,” she whispered.
I wanted to tell her hell no, that there was no way I would let her deal with this without any support. Then I looked at her, really looked at her, and I knew that was exactly what she needed.
“I’m gonna miss you.” I leaned in and kissed her softly, because I had to feel her lips against mine. “I’ve gotten used to you next to me at night. Even though you steal the covers.”