Page 15 of Redemption

“I’ll will inform Mrs. Shaw that you’ve arrived.”

He disappeared, and I scanned the suite. There were bags and wedding stuff everywhere, but the place was huge. I couldn’t even imagine what something like this would cost.

“Oh, Jackson.” Mom lifted a shaky hand to her mouth. “You look so handsome.”

I’d been so lost in my thoughts, I’d barely heard her enter. I shook my head as if to clear it. I was always aware of my surroundings. Always.

“Thanks, Mom.” I gave her a hug. “You look beautiful.” And she did. Radiant and happy despite the fact that it should’ve been my dad walking Greer down the aisle, not me.

“Always the charmer.” She gave my cheek a pat. “Greer is so relieved you made it. We all are.”

“Thanks, Mom. Where is she?”

“Through there. With the bridesmaids.” She linked her arm through mine. “Marcie’s daughter is free if you’re?—”

“I’m not.” I cut her off.

“Okay. I’m sure you don’t need my help with women, but, well—” She sighed. “When are you going to settle down? Give me grandchildren?”

“Mom,” I sighed, trying not to lose my shit. It wasn’t her fault that she didn’t know about Sloan. No one did. And it wasn’t like it mattered now. We were over. “I just moved to a new city. Started a new job. I’m still finding my footing.”

“I know.” She patted my arm. “I know. I just… I want you to be happy.”

“What makes you think I’m not?” I asked, thinking of it as more of a rhetorical question.

But of course, she didn’t. “I know it’s been rough for you. Leaving the SEALs, changing careers. Moving cross-country.”

She didn’t know the half of it. But at least I’d been granted an honorable discharge in time for my sister’s wedding, allowing me to wear the dress uniform everyone expected. Everyone except Sloan—the one person who knew the truth.

“You should talk to Sloan,” she suggested, and I tried not to panic. Did she suspect…something? I tried to get a read on her, knowing it would be best to keep my mouth shut despite my fears. But then Mom said, “She’s going through some similar changes herself. I bet she’d understand. I bet she’d appreciate a friend.”

I wondered if Sloan had felt as lost as I had. It didn’t matter that I’d moved across the country; I saw her everywhere. Even now, a year later, her face was the last thing I saw when I fell asleep. She was my home, and I couldn’t escape her, no matter how hard I tried.

Before I could ask what changes Mom referred to, she ushered me toward a bedroom. “They’re in there.”

“Is everyone decent?” I called, my heart rate ratcheting up at the idea of seeing Sloan.

“Come in,” Greer called.

I opened the door, and Greer stood in the middle of the room, a veil cascading down her back.

“Greer.” My voice cracked on her name. My baby sister looked stunning, but I couldn’t help imagining Sloan standing there, waiting for me in a white dress. My heart shuddered, and I blinked away the vision. “You look beautiful.”

Greer smiled. So serene. So mature. When the hell had that happened?

“Thank you.” A tear leaked out, and she quickly wiped it away. “I’m really glad you’re here.”

“Me too.” I hugged her, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Dad would be so proud of you.”

“I wish he were here,” she whispered.

“Me too.” I gave her another squeeze. “But he’s here in spirit.” I patted my chest, where a few of his medals were pinned to my uniform.

I felt the weight of them, the honor. He was a hero, and I was…a failure.

“Oh, Jackson.” She lifted her hand to my chest, admiring the awards. “Thank you. I love that.”

I subtly scanned the room for the one person I wanted to see. All the bridesmaids were dressed in black evening gowns, but my attention was pulled, as always, to Sloan. Even when she shied away from the spotlight. Even when she was trying to avoid me, I sensed her presence.

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