Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 60447 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 302(@200wpm)___ 242(@250wpm)___ 201(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60447 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 302(@200wpm)___ 242(@250wpm)___ 201(@300wpm)
“Want to tell me why Cade is at the club, breakin’ shit and refusin’ to talk to me or better yet, why my daughter is in here, cryin’ her fuckin’ eyes out?”
My bottom lip trembles.
“Fuck’s sake, darlin’, come here.”
Opening his arms, I rush in, and he closes them around me, warm and safe, a place I wish I had growing up. If Jackson was in my life, maybe things would be very different now. Maybe I wouldn’t be so god damned broken all the time.
“Tell me what’s goin’ on.”
So, I do, I tell him everything, including what Cade said.
Pulling back, his green eyes flash as he swipes a tear from my eye. “Want me to go and knock his fuckin’ block off? Because I will. I’ll put that motherfucker on his ass.”
I laugh through my tears. “While I like that idea, it’s partially my fault. I’ve been pushing him for weeks. This secret, I wish it had stayed buried.”
“Might seem easier that way, but believe me, the longer it stays hidden the longer it has time to create the ability to destroy. Secrets are best brought to the surface and dealt with, even if they cause pain.”
“He is just so disconnected when it comes to his sister, I don’t understand. That’s his family, the only one he has.”
“Let me put it another way for you,” Jackson murmurs, crossing his arms and leaning against the kitchen counter. “Sometimes it’s easier to justify actions than it is to accept that you went wrong. He was hurt, still is by the looks, and Cade don’t deal with hurt real well. He’s pushing it away, because if he admits he fucked up, he’s afraid it will break him.”
I drop my head, rubbing my hands together. “I get that, hell we’ve all made mistakes we wish we could take back, but he isn’t even willing to try and find her.”
“I think you’re wrong about that. I think he is lookin’ but his concern was for you, baby girl. Your safety is far more important to him than even her, that’s how much you mean to him. He doesn’t want to go into a world that could hurt his family.”
Dammit. I didn’t think about it like that.
“I love him so much, but it just feels like we’ve got a huge wall between us right now.”
“You need to talk, and both of you need to listen. Anger will fade, and then you need to fix this.”
I know he’s right, but the hurt swirling in my chest over what Cade said is so painful still, I’m not sure I even want to see him.
“Can I stay here tonight? Just so I can calm down.”
Pushing off the counter, Jackson cups my jaw. “Never need to ask to be in my home, because it’s yours, too.”
I smile, swallowing down the tears.
“Besides, Serenity is goin’ to lose it with Ava’s teethin’ soon, so I’m sure she wouldn’t mind the company.”
I laugh. “I don’t know if you know this, but you could take her and give Serenity a break ...”
He grins at me. “I’m too old for babies.”
I scoff. “Oh, quit acting like a tough guy. I’ve seen you with that baby, you’re quite literally obsessed.”
He chuckles. “Yeah, she’s fuckin’ somethin’ alright.”
“Besides, just because you’re old doesn’t mean you can’t change a diaper and make a bottle ...”
“Point taken.”
The front door opens, and Serenity enters with Ava in her arms. She looks to me and her eyes widen. “Who do I have to beat? Because I’m ready.”
I laugh. “You’re starting to sound like me, now.”
She grins. “I’ve spent too much time around you. But seriously, who made you cry but you’re Addison and you never cry.”
“Sometimes the strong fall.”
Jackson chuckles. “Good news, baby,” he murmurs, walking over to Serenity and taking Ava. “You get a girls’ night.”
Serenity’s eyes widen. “I do?”
“Yep. I’m takin’ Ava for the night, Addison is stayin’, and I’m sure you can work out the rest.”
She claps her hands and looks to me. “Do you want to call Ciara and Janine, or will I?”
Laughing, I pull out my phone. “I’ll call them, you get the booze.”
Jackson shakes his head. “Come on, darlin’,” he murmurs to Ava, “let’s get out of here, these women talk trash when they’re drunk.”
“Don’t taint her perfect ears, father,” I say, walking over and pressing a kiss to Ava’s cheek.
“Bit late for that with you lot around.”
Serenity grins. “Love you,” she practically pushes Jackson out the door.
I have to pick up Skye soon, but I’m certain that Jackson can handle two babies for the night. Skye sleeps through, he’ll be fine. Dialing Ciara’s number, I know she’ll be down for a night out, even if she does have to bring bubba. Janine might not be able to drink, but she sure as hell doesn’t miss a good night off.