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“You really think so?” I ask her.
“Yep. Think about it. We have proof. Jordyn’s mother doesn’t have a leg to stand on when we have it in black and white. The PI might not have been able to dig up any skeletons, but we don’t need him to. Jordyn’s had the best of what we need this entire time.”
“I didn’t even think about using them.” Jordyn blows out a heavy breath. “It’s so simple, but I really think it’s our best option, and you’re right. I think this will work.” I meet her gaze and nod. The smile that I get in return lights up the entire room. This is it. We’re going to tell the world about her mother’s threats, and the past two years will be nothing but an afterthought.
“We do have another course of action,” a male voice speaks up. “I’m an attorney.”
Deacon.
“We could compile a gag order. She’ll have to agree to never doing anything to the family, or we’ll release what we have.”
“I don’t know. I kind of want to expose her. I know that sounds bad, and please don’t think less of me, but she’s put me through hell. Put Ryder and all of you through hell as well. I want her to pay for that.” Her body is rigid as if she’s worried my family is going to attack her for speaking her true feelings.
“This will ruin your relationship with your family.” It’s one of my sisters-in-law, but I’m not sure which one. I think it’s Crosby. We really should have done a video call for this.
“I have no relationship with my family. I was raised by nannies and after my brother died….” She pauses, and I wrap my arms around her a little tighter. “After Jeremy died, it was as if I was just there. I can’t ever remember getting a hug from my mother or my father. I’ve never told them I love them. They’ve never told me they love me. I have no happy memories from my childhood. If this saves the reputation of each of you, your businesses, your family, and if I get to be with Ryder, to be in the presence of each of you, I’m all in.”
The room is quiet, and there is silence on the other end of the line. I hate that she’s going to sever any kind of relationship with her parents. However, from what she’s told me, there wasn’t much of one there to begin with.
“Jordyn, it’s Raymond.” Dad pauses. “Welcome to the family, sweetheart.”
Jordyn covers her mouth to try and stop her sobs from escaping, but it’s no use. They heard them, and I feel them as her body shakes.
“It’s Carol,” my mom speaks up. “When you need one of those hugs, sweet girl, you come on over. I can’t make up for what you missed out on, but I can promise you that I’ll do my best.”
“Thanks, guys,” I say, my voice cracking.
“We’ll let you go,” Declan says, and I can tell he’s taken the phone off speaker. “Take care of her, and we’ll do some more brainstorming. We got you, brother. It’s all going to work out.”
“Love you, Dec.”
“Love you too, Ry. Jordyn. We’ll see you soon.” The call ends and I drop my cell to the chair next to me and hold Jordyn as tightly as I can, considering the position we’re in.
“Hell yes!” Gianna stands. Before I know what’s happening, she’s pulling Jordyn from my lap and is wrapping her in a hug.
“Sounds like we have a plan.” Calvin grins from where he’s casually sitting on the couch, watching as the ladies hug and cry, with blinding smiles on their faces. “Count me in for whatever you need.”
“Thanks, man. I appreciate that.”
“Text your mom and tell her you’re not coming home. I’m going to order pizza. We’re celebrating!” Gianna’s smile is infectious.
Her eyes find mine and I nod and mouth, “Thank you.”
She nods and gives her attention back to Jordyn. “This is it, Jordyn. You’ve got her, and this deserves a celebration.”
“Not yet. We don’t know if it will work.”
“Oh, it’s going to work. Ryder has an army of brothers and their wives. The social media reach is going to be out there, and we’ll be sure to tag some news outlets. Even if your mother has them on her payroll, they won’t be able to not report on the scandal with how big we’re going to blow it up.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to let Deacon handle this through the law?” I ask.
“I’m certain. She doesn’t deserve that kind of grace from me.” Jordyn is quick to answer.
“All right then.” I reach into my back pocket and pull out my wallet. Grabbing my card, I hand it to Gianna. “Let’s celebrate.”
“I knew I liked you.” She laughs and gets to work ordering way too much food.
