Chapter 23 #2
“But she’s not sure if she’s justified in divorcing Dray.”
Beckett didn’t miss a step. “Reckon we need to find evidence that proves he’s the crook we all suspect he is.”
“Do you think we can?” Jameson turned to follow Beckett.
“I know we can.” He halted, his eyes fixed on someone in the hallway. “And I know just the person who can help us do that.”
Jameson allowed himself a breath of hope. Beckett’s family had a lot of connections in the area. Surely with Sunshine’s private investigator and the person Beckett had in mind, they would be able to learn more about Dray.
If they found out nothing major? If Dray was simply a drifter like he claimed? Could Jameson accept that?
He wasn’t sure.
Beckett waved at the person in the hallway. “Might as well come in.”
As the man stepped into the dining room, Jameson swept his gaze over the fellow. He recoiled at the familiar sight of wavy brown hair, brown eyes, and the handsome and charming face of the one person he’d never wanted to see again. His brother Coleman.
The young man met his gaze, his expression serious. He was attired in a crisp blue suit with a tie and vest and even shiny leather shoes. He’d shed the look of a cowboy and was taking his new role as a lawyer seriously. “Hey, Jameson.”
Jameson glared at Beckett. “What’s he doing here?”
Beckett peered back at him as directly as always. “He came to make peace with you.”
“Tell him to go home, that he’s wasting his time.”
“C’mon, Jameson.” Beckett’s tone was stern. “He came all this way to apologize. The least you can do is hear him out.”
“I don’t have to do anything.” On top of everything that had just happened with Lottie, he didn’t need to deal with Coleman.
“I can see that now’s not a good time.” Coleman’s features had matured over the past two years. He held himself with a seriousness that hadn’t been there before, and he didn’t have the same carefree aura. “You have a lot going on—”
“It’s great that you can finally see beyond yourself.” Somehow the bitter words fell out.
Coleman nodded, as though he’d expected the loathing. “I was a fool. And incredibly selfish.”
Jameson wasn’t prepared for the admission. For a moment, he wasn’t sure how to respond. Was Coleman being sincere, or was he saying what everyone expected in order to get something out of the situation?
“I never should have encouraged Sue Ellen,” Coleman continued. “I was insensitive and thoughtless, not only to her but to you.”
“You stole the woman I loved.” Jameson waited for the hurt to come flooding back, but at the moment, the only woman he loved was Lottie. All that had once happened with Sue Ellen didn’t seem so heart-wrenching anymore, especially in comparison with everything he felt for Lottie.
Coleman’s shoulders slumped, and he hung his head. “I’ve lived with deep regrets over my callousness, and I always will.”
“Good. You should.” Even as Jameson blurted out the words, he wished he could take them back. He’d changed over the past two years. The hardships had disciplined him and turned him into a stronger man—just as he’d told Kace and Bo.
He was here facing Coleman whether he wanted to or not, whether he was ready or not, whether he liked Coleman or not. He needed to draw from the new strength he’d developed and let go of his bitterness.
“Listen.” Jameson still couldn’t meet Coleman’s gaze and instead stared at his suit. “I didn’t mean that. You don’t have to live with the regrets.”
“But I do.” Coleman’s voice wavered before he cleared his throat.
Jameson sensed Coleman’s sincerity. “What happened, happened. I’m moving on from the past and making a new life for myself. You should too.”
“I’m glad to hear you’re doing well.” Coleman hesitated. “I just hope someday you might be willing to forgive me.”
Could he forgive Coleman? Jameson had never thought he’d be capable of it. In fact, he’d never thought he’d be able to stand in the same room and have a conversation with his brother. But here he was. Not exactly by choice, yet he was forcing himself to stay.
“I don’t deserve your forgiveness,” Coleman continued softly, “but I covet it anyways.”
Jameson opened his mouth. Could he really let go of everything that had happened?
Silence descended over the dining room.
Finally, Coleman spoke again. “I just wanted to let you know that I am truly sorry. Everything was my fault. I’m responsible for Sue Ellen’s death. I’m responsible for your leaving our family. And I’m responsible for the heartache that has affected so many people.”
Jameson nodded. That was all he was capable of at the moment.
Coleman nodded back, seeming to accept the small offering.
He appreciated Coleman’s willingness to apologize so humbly. But they could never go back to being friends, not even acquaintances. As far as Jameson was concerned, their relationship could never revive, not after all the hurt and heartache that stood between them.
Coleman stepped out of their way. “I’m sorry for interrupting. I know you’re in a hurry to get to town.”
Beckett wasted no time in exiting the room. Jameson hurried after Beckett.
“If there’s any way I can be of help,” Coleman called from behind them, “let me know.”
“We’ll handle it.” Jameson might be willing to talk to his brother, which was more than he’d thought possible. But that’s where the exchange needed to end.
As Jameson rushed after Beckett, he was relieved that Coleman didn’t follow. It would be better this way. They’d made peace—or at least, as much peace as they could. And that would have to suffice.