Chapter 25 – Jordan
CHAPTER
TWENTY-FIVE
JORDAN
When Reagan called me to say that Mack was heading to the hospital with a head wound and was in and out of consciousness, I jumped in my truck and drove ninety the entire way from Charlotte.
Thankfully, we’d had an early practice, so I could get away without any issue.
Seeing her in the hospital bed broke my heart.
I’ve never known fear like that—thinking something horrible could’ve happened to her and the baby.
Then I saw him. Reagan recounted their interaction in the food court before Mack’s fall, and while I know he didn’t do anything to cause her injuries, seeing his smug face after everything he did and how he’s ignored her these past months sent me straight over the edge.
Thankfully, Conrad stepped in and put a stop to the brewing tension between us.
While they talked alone in her hospital room, I paced outside in the hallway, running my hands through my hair and cycling through the absolute worst-case scenarios.
“Jordan, you have to stop pacing! You’re driving me crazy.” My sister puts a hand on my shoulder, guiding me toward a vending machine, out of earshot of Mack’s parents.
“Okay, Brother, talk to me. I know you’re in your head about all of this. Give me your truth.” That stops the chaos that’s taken over and I take a deep inhale, connecting my eyes with my twin.
“What if he wants to be a family with her? What if she takes him back again? Oh my gosh, I think I’m going to puke.”
“Jordan, you’re a mess. Take a step back and let’s look at this. When you walked in, was he with her?” I shake my head, remembering him in the corner—like a coiled snake ready to strike.
“Exactly. And did she let you dote on her in front of him? After all the times he lost his mind with jealousy, do you really think she’d show you an ounce of attention or affection if she wanted to be with him?” My shoulders slump with relief as I realize I’m losing it for no reason.
“I can’t go through this again. This is our time, I know it. But he’s manipulative. Toxic.”
“Yeah, and she sees that now. She’s no longer rationalizing things and they’ve been broken up for months. Jordan, you have to put your faith in her—and in the relationship you’re building together.”
“When did you get so smart with relationship advice? I clearly remember our roles being reversed not too long ago.” She snorts, probably remembering everything she went through last year with Drew and Riggs.
“Well, I am an engaged woman now.” We both laugh at that and then I see that goofy smile take over my sister’s face as she thinks about Riggs. I know that face well. It’s the same one I get whenever I think about Mackenzie.
We grab drinks from the vending machine, a Dr Pepper for her and a Gatorade for me. I bend down to grab my drink out when I hear a door open with a loud smack against the wall. I turn and I see a raging Trey storming my way. He doesn’t say a word, just shoulder-checks me as he leaves.
My anger pulses to life as I sprint to Mackenzie’s doorway, Reagan hot on my tail. One look at Mack tells me their conversation didn’t go well. My sister must sense it as well because she diffuses the tension easily with her next words. “I take it that went well.”
Within a few hours, the anger and frustration transform into smiles and laughter for my girl. Her doctors discharge her with strict instructions to rest, avoid stress, and follow concussion protocol for the next several days.
I pull into the driveway, just behind Conrad and Sarah’s SUV as the sun begins to set. Before she can move, I jump out to help Mack out of the car and into the house. Since she can’t use screens, I walk with her up to her bedroom instead of letting her rest on the couch.
While she gets changed into pajamas, I get her bed ready, adding extra pillows, putting her phone on the charger, and refilling her water bottle. She walks in and stops in her tracks. I feel her eyes on me as I finish up and turn to see her with misty eyes and a grin on her gorgeous face.
“What?” I get the question out just before she takes a few steps to me and presses her soft lips to mine.
We both melt into the kiss, as I grab her waist pulling her in just a little bit closer.
Her hands reach up, fingers play with the hair on the back of my head as the kiss deepens and fire races through my veins.
I’ve kissed girls, a lot of girls. I’m not being conceited, it’s just the truth. Not a single one holds a candle to her. Mackenzie kisses with her whole body, telling me exactly how she feels without saying a word.
Pulling back, I tuck her hair behind her ears and smile down at the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. “You are absolutely beautiful.” The whisper of my words pinkens her cheeks and it’s become my favorite color.
“Thank you, Jordan. For everything.” Her sincerity shines through in her blue eyes and I know with a surety in this very moment she’s it, my endgame.
Getting her settled in bed, I lay on top of the blankets beside her, pulling her to me and she lays her head on my chest. I could get used to this. It’s not the grand gesture moments, but these tiny snippets that make me fall harder for her.
“Tell me about your conversation with Trey.” I finally speak the words I’ve been equally dying to say and dreading all day.
“About how you would expect. He tried to turn things back on me, but ultimately he needs time to digest it. I don’t know what’s going to happen with him and how involved he wants to be, but we’re going to talk again in a week when he’s back in town.”
“Do you want him involved?” The words come out shaky, giving voice to my deepest fear. I’m afraid that she’ll go back to him and I’ll never recover. Not this time.
Lifting herself up, Mack turns her head, her ocean eyes boring into mine. She sees my vulnerability because she raises a hand to cup my cheek. That simple touch eases the storm raging inside.
“Jordan, if he wants to be involved with the baby that’s all it will be.
I won’t ever go back to him because I don’t love him anymore.
I know I put you in horrible situations before, not knowing how you really felt.
I won’t do that to you. Trey is not the person I’m meant to be with. He’s not who I want.”
“Who do you want?”
She takes only a second to answer. “You.”
And then she kisses me.