25. Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Four
As we walked out of the chapel, the only thought that echoed in my head was, “Never in a million years.”
We were both too dazed to speak. Isaac’s invitation had blindsided us. Judging by the stunned expressions of the Jackson clan, it wasn’t part of anyone’s predicted programming.
Still, I couldn’t help but think Isaac had chosen his moment deliberately. In church—where tempers stayed cloaked in civility and reputations remained intact. He knew it would mute the reaction. Especially his wife’s.
Brady’s momma looked ready to detonate. We cleared out quickly, just in case her fuse ran short. I could only imagine the car ride home—with Isaac calm as ever and his wife quietly vaporizing in the passenger seat.
Christmas Eve dinner was sacred—practically the Holy Grail of Jackson traditions. And somehow, I’d been invited.
We were so stunned, we skipped Sunday School and walked straight to Brady’s truck. Neither of us said a word until we pulled out of the church lot, rain threatening overhead.
“Brady,” I whispered, staring out at the gray sky. “Why do you think your daddy invited me?”
He was quiet for a beat before saying, “I think it’s his way of making peace. Making up for the past.” He hesitated. “Will you come?”
I thought for a moment.
“I don’t know if I can say no. I want the truth—my aunt deserves that. And your daddy might be the only person who can give it.” I let out a half-laugh, uneasy but honest. “And really, how could it be worse than last time?”
Brady reached across and took my hand, fingers threading through mine like they’d done it a thousand times. And they had.
I swallowed hard. “You’re not saying it couldn’t get worse.”
He squeezed my hand, warm and sure. “Darlin’, I wish I could promise that. But the only thing I can promise you is that I love you. And you’re right—your aunt deserves the truth. Today, I’m going to give her some.”
I tilted my head. “What do you mean?” Did he know something I didn’t?
“I mean, I’m done playing games with our families. It’s insane that you have to be so worried about coming to dinner at my parents’ house, and your aunt refuses to call me by my God-given name. So we’re ending this nonsense starting today.”
Apparently, his daddy’s invitation had set a fire under him. I liked it. A lot.
“She’s going to know exactly how I feel about you. And she’s going to say my name. And come Christmas Eve, you’re going to get the answers you’ve been waiting for.”
I blinked, stunned—and maybe a little breathless. “Wow. Not gonna lie, that’s kind of sexy, Brady Jackson.”
He gave me that impish grin that always undid me. “You ain’t seen nothing yet.”
I bit my lip thinking of all the possibilities. Those would have to wait.
But first things first—we had to face my aunt. No doubt she’d already heard what had happened at church.
She was propped up on the couch when we got back, her phone in hand, looking like she’d just finished fielding calls from half of Kaysville. Judging by the narrowed eyes and tightly pursed lips, none of them were congratulatory.
I let go of Brady’s hand and sat beside her, kissing her cheek.
She said nothing.
“So . . . you heard?” I ventured.
Aunt Lu didn’t answer me. She just turned and gave Brady a look that could wilt.
“Aunt Lu,” I whispered, trying to keep my voice even. “Sitting with the Jacksons and spending Christmas Eve with them doesn’t mean I love you any less.” I needed her to understand that.
Her lower lip quivered—just for a second—before she stiffened and replaced it with a grimace.
“Why did my daughter have to fall in love with you?” she asked Brady, the words hitting harder than any shout. She didn’t give him time to respond. “I know why,” she muttered darkly. “Damn Jackson men.”
My heart twisted.
Brady didn’t hesitate. He sat down beside her—brave or foolish, I wasn’t sure—and reached for her hand.
She let him take it.
She let him.
“Luanne,” he said, quiet but sure, “I think it’s time we laid it all out.”
She didn’t respond, but she didn’t pull away either.
“So, here it is. I love Ellie. And I want to marry her. I’ve wanted that since I was sixteen years old. I’ve made mistakes. Big ones. And you have every right not to like me—or my family. You don’t know how sorry I am for all of it. But I’ve already lost ten years, and I’m not losing one more.”
“We don’t need anyone’s permission. We don’t need anyone’s blessing. But it matters to Ellie. You matter to Ellie. So I’ve been trying— really trying —to earn that. To earn you. I want to be part of your family, Luanne. And more than anything, I want to make Ellie happy. So, what do you say?”
He looked her straight in the eye.
“Can we let the past be exactly what it is—the past?”
Wow. That quite honestly took my breath away. I watched as my aunt contemplated his words, squeezing the life out of his hand. That gave me some hope.
Before she spoke, she sat up taller and poised herself. “Well, Brady Jackson , that was quite the speech.”
I couldn’t believe it, she said his name. Brady and I both smiled at each other for a moment, but he immediately turned back to my aunt.
“I hope my trust will not be misplaced in you. You know the kind of money I have, and believe me when I say, I’m not afraid to use it,” she warned.
He kissed her cheek. “I would expect nothing less of you. Thank you, Luanne. Or should I call you Mom now?” He added some levity to the moment.
“Don’t push your luck.”
I threw my arms around her. “I love you, Aunt Lu.”
“I love you more than air, Ella Lu.”
I knew that now more than ever.