TWELVE
Jaxson
(Two years ago)
Visiting my childhood home always sets me on edge. A flood of memories threatens to drown me as I pull through the circular drive and put my truck into park.
I loathe this place. This extravagant mansion, so out of place in a small town like Blackwood. Stepping out of my truck, I stare up at the expansive house. A feeling of dread washes over me, a shiver coursing through my body.
My parents and I don’t get along well, to say the least. We have entirely different views regarding what my life should be like. I hate coming here. I usually only visit for one reason and one reason only.
Henley.
I adore my younger sister, and no matter how I feel about my parents, I will always come when she calls. Truthfully, I hated leaving her alone with them when I left at eighteen. I still feel guilty for leaving her behind, but I couldn’t tolerate another minute living under their strict rules and constant pressure. Only two more years and Henley can escape the madness.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t my sister’s call that brought me here today. I’ve officially been summoned and to ignore that summons would bring the wrath of my mother.
Making my way to the front door, I ring the bell and wait. I expect to be greeted by Frederick, my parents’ butler. And yes, they have a butler. Not only that, they also have a chef, a maid, a personal shopper, and who knows what other staff. Heaven forbid my mother actually lift a finger to do something for herself.
Nothing but the best for Phillip and Cynthia Blackwood.
Their ostentatious house is a perfect match for their pretentious personalities.
The door swings open and I’m almost knocked on my ass when Henley flies out, jumping straight into my arms. I manage to catch her, balancing us both as she wraps her legs around my waist.
“Jax! I’m so happy to see you!” she says, burying her face in my neck. “I didn’t know you were coming by today.”
Chucking, I wrap my arms around her small frame, giving her a tight squeeze.
“I’ve missed you, half-pint.” Kissing her temple, I set her down on her feet and give her a look. “I’ve been summoned.”
“What’d you do?” she groans.
The familiar click of my mother’s heels alerts us to her presence.
“Please, Henley. I do wish you would let Frederick answer the door. It is what we pay him for, after all.”
Frederick, standing at my mother’s side with his hands clasped behind his back, lowers his face to hide his smirk. I see it and throw him a wink.
“My apologies, ma’am.” He turns to me. “Good evening, Master Jaxson.”
“Hey Fred. How’s your family?”
“They’re doing well, thank you.”
Mother scoffs, ushering us inside toward the formal dining room. “Your father is waiting. You’re already late. Let’s not make him wait longer.”
Spinning on her heel, she walks down the hall expecting us to follow.
Biting back a laugh, I clap Frederick on the back as we walk past. He tips his chin and smiles. Good man.
We all know my tardiness was intentional. Anything to ruffle a few feathers.
I don’t understand how Frederick continues to work for a wretched harpy like my mother, but it’s not my place to question his choices. I’m sure he has his reasons. Besides, I know he looks out for Henley as much as he can, so I’m grateful for his presence in the house.
In the dining room, my father is sitting regally at the head of the table. His expression says he’s indifferent to my arrival, but I can see the anger simmering just below the surface.
It makes an appearance in the form of a sneer the moment he opens his mouth.
“Nice of you to finally join us, Jaxson.”
Pulling out the chair to help Henley into her seat, I grit my teeth and resist the urge to roll my eyes. I’m not that late. Less than ten minutes, but he acts as if I’ve made him wait hours. Ignoring his condescending tone, I take my seat and greet him with a polite nod.
“Hello, Father.”
If I thought this dinner was anything less than a planned opportunity to attempt to get me to toe the line, I’d have been a damn fool. I’m no fool. I know exactly why I’m here. Nothing stays secret in Blackwood for long.
I already regret my decision to come, but there’s no ignoring a summons from the Blackwoods. My father has motives for inviting me here. He wants something and I’m sure it won’t be long before I find out exactly what it is he wants.
We manage to get through dinner, barely making small talk.
Henley excuses herself. My father and I move to his office. Mother follows.
“I’m not a man to beat around the bush, Jaxson.” He says, sitting behind his desk. “I’ve heard word around town that Madelyn is finally out of your life. Since she’s no longer here to influence you and manipulate your decisions, I’d like to make you an offer.”
This time, I let my eyes roll. He says Madelyn’s name as if it leaves a bad taste in his mouth.
My parents have never hidden their deep hatred of Madelyn. I’ve never understood it—or where it came from—but I’ve always pushed it to the side. Ignored it because nothing they could ever say or do will stop me from loving her, wanting to be with her. Even now.
I wait out his silence, knowing that he’ll continue with or without a response from me. My father feels he’s too important for people to ignore.
“Now that she’s gone, you can make things right. I’d like for you to move home and go back to school. It’s not too late for law school and I can pull some strings…”
He’s still talking, but I tune him out. I’ve heard this a million times before. No matter how many times he tries, how many offers he makes, or strings he pulls I have absolutely no interest in college. Law school, or otherwise.
I tune back in to hear him offer to pay for my schooling and use his connections to get me a job when I’ve finished. As if I can’t do anything on my own merit.
“I told you years ago that girl was no good for you and would cause you nothing but trouble. Instead of listening to me, you got that girl pregnant and when things got difficult, she left you high and dry to deal with the fallout. You’ve made a mockery of the Blackwood name. Our family is a pillar of this community and the fact that you got that little...tramp pregnant—especially out of wedlock—well...it’s an embarrassment. It’s not too late to correct those mistakes.”
I can’t listen to this shit anymore.
“That’s not going to happen.”
Mother gasps, shocked at my interruption.
“Which part?” Father asks, raising his brow.
“You don’t have to move home, Jaxson, but please consider—” Mother starts.
“All of it. I’m not moving home. Not going to school. Not using your connections.” I run my hand through my hair, breathing out a huff of frustration. “Madelyn had nothing to do with any of those decisions. She never did. It’s not what I want.”
“What is it that you want?”
I’m genuinely shocked at his question. It’s the first time that either of my parents have ever bothered to ask. Too bad it’s not genuine. There’s nothing genuine about either one of them.
“That’s easy. I want Madelyn. I want a family. I want—”
“Madelyn?” He scoffs. “How can you say that after what she’s done? Things got tough and she ran. That’s the type of woman that you want by your side? She left you here, alone and broken.”
“It doesn’t matter. I love her. She’s the best thing to ever happen to me.”
“Foolish boy. She obviously doesn’t feel the same. You don’t matter to her. She did you a favor, honestly. Now you can find someone better suited. Take my offer son. You obviously don’t know what it is that you want. This is the only way for you to make up for your negative impact on the reputation of this family.”
“You’re wrong. I stand by my decision. I won’t take your offer.”
He’s the picture of perfect calm. Looking me dead in my eyes, he drops the bomb.
“Your choice leaves me none. You’re no longer part of this family. I will not have you continue to bring shame to the family and our good name. You’re disgracing not only our family, but God. You should be ashamed.”
Mother opens her mouth to argue, but one glare from him and her lips slam shut.
“You’re no longer welcome in our home. You can see yourself out.”
With a wave of his arm toward the door, he starts ruffling through paperwork on his desk.
I’ve been dismissed.
Silently, I stand and turn for the door. Before closing it behind me, the man that used to be my father throws the final nail in my coffin. Hitting me where it truly hurts.
“Jaxson.”
I stop, but don’t look back at him.
“Absolutely no contact with Henley.”