Chapter Twelve
Jinx pulled on the jacket and checked his reflection. He hadn’t been dressed up in…well ever.
He hoped Justice was okay with what he picked out, with Ilene’s help. Dark denim, a new button-down, and a jacket. And his best Stetson.
The door opened and Sam stuck his head in. “Can I come in, son?”
“Sure.” Jinx wasn’t sure how the conversation would go, but he needed to clear the air with his soon-to-be father-in-law.
Sam appeared awkward, which was unusual for the rough and rugged cowboy. He came in and shook Jinx’s hand. “Looking good.”
“I hope Justice will like it.” Jinx smoothed his hands down the lapel of the jacket.
“I think she’ll be just fine.” Sam gave Jinx a buddy slap. “Do you have a moment?”
“Yeah, I do.”
“Let’s have a seat.” Sam jutted his chin toward the chairs.
Once they were seated, Jinx cleared his throat. “I’m glad you stopped in before the ceremony. There’s something I’ve been meaning to speak to you about.”
“Lafferty already told me. That man can’t keep his trap shut if his life depended upon it,” Sam growled. “Can’t a man have some secrets?”
This wasn’t what Jinx wanted to discuss, but now that the can was popped, he had no choice. “Sir, I haven’t told anyone, and I won’t, but don’t you think your daughters would like to know?”
Vulnerability shone through Sam’s usual tough facade. “When I got the news about the cancer, I didn’t think of myself. Hell, I’ve faced bigger challenges and fears than death. I can’t say I’m sad about finally seeing my wife again.” His chin quivered, but he quickly gained composure. “I just hate the thought of leaving my girls. I know forcing them into marriage must seem like a cruel thing to do, but I know it’s the right thing to do. They’re so fiercely independent that not one of them thinks they need someone. They do, though. They will. Especially when…” His words trailed off.
“I understand, Sam,” Jinx said. He felt a lot of emotion for the man larger than life.
“You don’t. Not yet, but maybe one day you will.” Sam’s smile was weak.
“There’s something I need you to know, sir.” Jinx swallowed against the constriction in his throat. “I’m not marrying Justice because you asked me to. I’m marrying her because she makes me feel something I’ve never felt. She makes me want to have all those things in life that I wasn’t sure I’d ever be granted.”
Moisture filled Sam’s eyes, but he blinked and the rigid mask returned. “I sort of had that feeling.” He stood. “Just understand though. I might not be what I used to be, but you harm one hair on her head and I’ll make my way back from the grave to make you pay.”
Jinx stood. He and Sam were close in stature, but the old man had something Jinx hadn’t reached yet. A seasoned regal bearing that came with age. “I wouldn’t expect any less, Sam. You have my word that Justice is safe with me.”
*****
“You’re so pretty.”
Justice offered Ilene a smile. “And so are you.” The teen looked so beautiful in the dress she and Justice had picked together. The pale pink brought out Ilene’s olive complexion. Justice had wanted Ilene to feel special today at her brother’s wedding, so Justice had hired a stylist to do her makeup and Ilene and Ness’, too. “And your makeup is on point.”
“Do you think Jinx will get mad because I’m wearing so much?” She stopped in front of the full-length mirror and gave the hem of her dress a subtle twirl.
“I think he’ll be okay since it’s a special occasion. This is a wonderful day for all of us. Not only am I marrying Jinx, I’m gaining a sister.” Justice felt the sting in the back of her eyes. Although she was all on board with marrying Jinx, she couldn’t deny that this wasn’t the wedding she had envisioned for herself. She imagined wearing a lace dress with her hair in an updo and her sisters serving as her bridesmaids. A reception full of dancing and laughter. Throwing the bouquet and having one of her sisters catch it. Sharing cake and laughter.
There would be none of that today.
She had only invited her daddy, and not even one of her sisters. She couldn’t bear to have them see her marry for convenience. They had seemed to drift apart lately, busy with their own lives. The closeness they once shared had seemed to fade.
She’d picked out her dress just yesterday. She’d stopped at a bridal shop in the city and picked one off the rack. It had the lace she wanted, a simple cut, and the hem landed at her knee. It was simple but pretty. The stylist had done an excellent job with her hair and makeup. She had to make the best of things.
“I don’t think I’ll ever wash my face or hair again,” Ness said as she came rushing into the room. “I look twenty years younger.”
Ilene giggled. “You don’t even look like yourself.”
“Is that a compliment?” Ness patted Ilene on the shoulder. “You look like a princess. And so do you,” Ness said to Justice. “Jinx better not ugly cry.”
“My brother? Cry? Not happening,” Ilene scoffed as if the mere idea were comical.
“Maybe not, but he certainly is a lucky man. You’re both lucky.” Ness’ eyes filled with tears, and she used a handkerchief to dab at the corners of her eyes. “I jinxed myself. The wedding hasn’t started, and I’m already boohooing.”
“I loved meeting Andi and it was so nice of him to come to visit. You two will be next,” Justice said with a wink.
Ness blushed. “We shall see.”
“I like him,” Ilene added.
“Now that’s a step in the right direction.” Ness beamed.
Justice looked from Ness to Ilene, listening to them tease each other about one thing and another. They would be family after an hour. She already cared for them both. Without a doubt, her life was about to change. When they were told about the wedding, they seemed happy and content, especially Ilene. She and Justice had become fast friends—fast sisters. They’d spent time shopping and eating ice cream while watching Hallmark movies, and Ilene had even shown interest in taking an art class. Ness had joined in on the fun. A few nights ago, they’d had a spa day where she and Justice bonded over mimosas and seaweed facials.
With all the excitement, Justice could momentarily forget that this wasn’t an average marriage. She and Jinx barely knew each other, and yet she looked forward to getting to know him better.
They would be living at the main house for a while, until they found somewhere to move. Justice had one of the guest bedrooms redecorated with everything that should make a teen feel welcome. Justice and Jinx didn’t want to enlighten Ilene on the details of the marriage of convenience, so when they told her the news, they explained that it was fast, but they were happy. Aunt Ness might have had her suspicions, but if she did, she hadn’t mentioned them. She seemed wrapped up in her own fairytale romance.
“I’m going to go see my brother. It’s my job to make sure he’s dressed right,” Ilene said.
“Good idea. Make sure he’s not getting cold feet.” Realizing how her words might be taken the wrong way, once Ilene left Ness said, “I didn’t mean that he has cold feet and doesn’t want to do this.”
“It’s okay. He might have cold feet. I think it’s normal.”
Ness placed her hands on Justice’s shoulders. “On days like this I realize how much we miss having their mother. You understand the loss too. I can’t take your mother’s place, but I want you to know that I’m here for you. We’ll only be a phone call away and if my nephew misbehaves know I will jerk a knot in his tail and set him straight.”
Tears misted Justice’s eyes, and she blinked them away. Once the waterworks started, she wouldn’t be able to stop them. “Thank you. That means a lot to me.”
Ness pulled the chair closer and sat down. Her expression became somber. “It might not be any of my business, but I feel like I need to get something off my chest.”
Justice swallowed hard. “What is it?”
“Jinx is a good man. Yeah, yeah…I know. It’s my job as his aunt to be his biggest cheerleader, but when I say he’s a good man, I’m saying he’s salt of the earth.” Tears filled Ness’ eyes, and she dabbed the moisture away. “When his ma got sick, he gave up everything and went and got a job after school. He was there for her and Ilene. When he was eighteen, he left home, not to escape, but he needed to support his family. And he hasn’t stopped yet. He is still the protector and the supporter. I know you two must have your reasons for getting married—”
“Ness, I—”
“Wait, let me finish. I only want to say that he’ll protect and support you because you will be part of this family. There’s something about you that is different. He would never marry someone unless he cared. Give love a chance. Love only needs a seed to bloom into the most beautiful flower. And please handle his heart carefully. When he loves he loves with everything.”
Justice took Ness’ hand. “I care for him a great deal. And Ilene. I promise that I won’t hurt either of them.”
“Then that’s enough for me.” Ness leaned in and hugged Justice. She stood and shook out the wrinkles in her dress. “Look at me. You can’t take me anywhere. I’m going to leave you alone now.”
Alone with her thoughts, Justice stared at her reflection. Why wasn’t she feeling the desire to flee? After all, this wasn’t the wedding she dreamed of. Something about Jinx calmed her, making her feel safe and secure.
The door swung open and she expected to see Ilene or Ness, but it was Hope.
Justice turned and a tear fell down her cheek. “Hope, what are you doing here?”
She closed the door and sashayed into the room, the knee-length skirt swished about her legs. “Did you think I’d let you face today alone?”
“H-how did you find out?”
“Daddy told me. He knew you wanted to keep it private but thought you might want at least one of your sisters here.”
Justice stood and walked into Hope’s awaiting arms. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
Hope pulled back and smiled. “Don’t cry, or you’ll make me cry.”
“I’m trying not to.” She inhaled and slowly exhaled, gaining her bearings.
“You look beautiful, sweetie.” Hope sucked back tears.
“Isn’t it bad luck to cry before the ceremony?”
“Only if you’re crying because you don’t want to follow through.”
Justice shook her head. “I want to do this.”
Hope sighed. “You and I need to have a long conversation. Somehow, we got from first base to a home-run in a matter of what…a week?”
“We will talk when we have time.”
“Can a father visit his daughter?”
Both Justice and Hope turned to find Sam standing in the doorway.
“Take a look at him, would you?” Hope whistled through her teeth. “Daddy, you clean up well.”
“Yeah, I can manage to shine up sometimes.”
“Daddy, you do look very handsome,” Justice said.
He shifted from one polished boot to another, looking slightly shy. Even with his larger-than-life reputation, the spotlight wasn’t quite his favorite place. “Can I have a moment with Justice?”
“Sure.” Hope gave Justice a kiss on the cheek. “You got this, girl. See you on the flip side.”
The door shut quietly behind Hope and Justice crossed the distance to Sam. She fixed his skewed tie. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“You look lovely,” he said, beaming with warmth, though his eyes held a hint of something deeper. “I’ve got something for you.” He reached into his jacket pocket and revealed a beautiful piece of fabric. As Justice leaned in, she discovered it wasn't just any fabric but a gorgeous lace handkerchief.
“Is that…” Justice couldn’t finish her words.
“Yes, it belonged to your mother. I thought you might like to have it.”
She took the handkerchief and felt its softness. “Thank you. I love it.” The tears that she’d been holding back were no longer contained.
“Hey. Don’t cry,” he said softly. He grabbed a tissue from a nearby box and delicately wiped away her tears. “Your mother would be very proud of you.”
“Would she?”
"From the moment you were born, she admired your fierce spirit, believing that your powerful cry was a beautiful indication of the incredible force you would become." He chuckled. “You wanted to be held by her all the time. It seemed you couldn’t find calm unless you were in her arms.”
“She was a good mother, wasn’t she?” Justice laid her cheek against Sam’s chest like she did when she was a child. It had been too long.
He wrapped his arms around her. “She was. The best. And I wish you and your sisters will find your mother's happiness one day.”
“I’m sure in time.”
“Are you still angry with me?” he asked.
She lifted her face. “Daddy, somehow you always see the right thing to do even when it’s so wrong.”
“It’s taken me years to perfect the skill.”