AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Her chest seized, and for a brief second, she stopped breathing. Of course, Caden would share her past with Jack and Trevor. She just hadn’t been prepared to talk about it. She recognized the great strides she’d made since being here with them and opening up to Caden. But she had a long way to go. This moment was proving it. She licked her lips, wishing she knew how to respond.
He turned his head, the corner of his lip curling. “Bet she was sweet like her mama.”
Marissa tightened her lips and tried to combat her tears. She nodded, unable to speak.
“You got any pictures?” Jack said, moving closer to Marissa. He reached out, covering his hand over hers. This was sweet. Jack trying to console her was shifting her breaking heart and mending it, just a little. “We could hang it up on the wall at our place next to Trevor’s.” He glanced around the room. “When you’re ready.” Jack turned and shifted his stare to Marissa. “But Coll, ya can’t hide her away. She’s your baby, here or not, she’s yours.” His hand lifted to her cheek, wiping a tear she hadn’t even realized had fallen. Her lip trembled. She was going to lose it if he said another word.
“Don’t try and erase her because it hurts too much to remember her.”
Her vision of Jack blurred, and he was merely a haze as her body shook. She was losing it. She was prepared to crumple when her body locked against his chest and his arms curled around her back. It took her a second to realize she was in Jack’s arms. His hand caressed over her back.
“We ain’t much of a replacement for your blood, but we’re your family too. We may not seem like much, but ya got us, Coll.”
Marissa smiled. “I’d be lucky to be a part of your family, Jack.” His arms tightened around her body, and she rested her head against his chest. This right here, I miss this. A dad’s hug.
She didn’t know how much time had passed, but when she pulled away from Jack, she caught sight of Caden standing in the doorway, leaning against the frame. His gaze penetrated hers.
“Hi.”
He dipped his chin.
Jack cupped her jaw, wiping her cheeks with his thumbs, and smiled. “Cade, for Christ’s sake, get your girl something to eat. She’s probably starving. I know I am.” Jack stepped away from her and winked. He headed toward the door, and all she could do was watch him. “You need to take care of your woman, or she’ll find someone else to do it.” Jack shook his head. “Better men were made sixty years ago.”
Marissa chuckled. Only Jack could go from sweet to barking orders in five seconds flat.
“That’s why I’m here, Pop.” Cade rolled his eyes, his brow cocking up with a small smile playing on his lips. “Coming to get you guys for dinner. It’s ready.”
Jack glanced back at Marissa. “You’re gonna be okay, Coll. I’m gonna see to it.”
“Thanks, Jack.”
Jack walked to the door as Caden came toward her. “Pop, her name is Ma…”
“Colleen,” Marissa blurted. Caden jerked his head to her and narrowed his eyes. She shrugged. “My name is Colleen.” She paused and mouthed, “Please.”
It didn’t matter what Jack called her. If it helped him, what did it matter?
Caden sighed.
Jack turned around and pointed at Caden, narrowing his eyes. “Best to know the name of the woman you’re bedding, son.” Jack shook his head. “This is why ya been single for so damn long.”
Marissa waited until Jack left the room, but she could no longer contain her soft chuckle.
Caden smirked. “Fucking old man is a pain in the ass.” He grasped her hand and pulled her closer to him. His lips grazed over hers softly. “Had to tell them.”
“I know.”
“Figured it would be easier on you if I did it. Didn’t think he’d say something before I got a chance to tell ya. Sorry.”
“Don’t be, it’s fine. Jack has a very sweet side, and he showed it with me.”
“C’mon, I gotta feed ya before Pop goes ape shit on me. Finally got a woman who’s good to me, someone who cares about my family, someone who makes me want to be better for her.” He kissed her lips, pulling back slightly and resting his forehead against hers. “Someone who appreciates my ugly mug.” He winked. “Can’t lose ya now.”
She giggled, rubbing her nose against his. “I like your face.”
“So you keep telling me.” He snickered. “Let’s get you something to eat before Pop slices off my balls.”
She chuckled and glanced up at him. “He wouldn’t do that.”
