Chapter Jade
JADE
I WALK BACK to the room with a bag of baked goods Hart is craving. I try ignoring the tightness in my chest.
He is better now.
That’s all that matters.
But there’s more that I can’t say or discuss because he needs time to heal, and I need to be there for him.
I’m not ready when I walk into Hart’s room and my daddy sits next to his bed. I haven’t spoken to him in days, and he sits here now laughing with Hart like the last twelve years mean nothing.
He straightens when he sees me. His smile fades quickly, and he steps away from Hart’s bed.
“I came to apologize to Hart.” His voice is stiff. “And leave the truck for you two to take back.” He sets a set of keys on the side table. “I’ll be going now.”
I can barely breathe. All my anger simmers at the surface.
He places his Stetson on his head, gives me a slow nod, and walks out. I don’t look at him, but listen to the soft scrape of his boots fade as he disappears through the door.
I stand here with my heart in my throat, breathing deeply, my body trying to decide whether I want to scream or cry.
I meet Hart’s gaze. Concern is written all over his face. Concern and love.
“What?” I try to mask my sadness.
He shakes his head. “We’re not regretting our past mistakes every time one comes and bites us in the ass.”
“That doesn't include him.”
“It does. And my Pa.”
“But—”
“I forgave him,” he says. “And I know you want to.”
My wants are not a part of this. I can’t. For Hart, I can’t.
“Go get him, Jade.”
I hesitate. “He hurt you. He hurt us.”
“It’s in the past. Go.”
I didn’t think, just run down the hall, and to the elevator.
I catch him just before the doors close. Without a word, I threw my arms around him.
He stiffened at first, but then he wraps his arms around me.
“Thank you, Daddy,” I whisper, barely able to get the words out.
He squeezes me once. “Anything for you, sweetheart. Always.”