Page 42 of Loving Justice

Ness placed her hands on Justice’s shoulders. “On days like this I realize how much we miss having their mother. You understand the loss too. I can’t take your mother’s place, but I want you to know that I’m here for you. We’ll only be a phone call away and if my nephew misbehaves know I will jerk a knot in his tail and set him straight.”

Tears misted Justice’s eyes, and she blinked them away. Once the waterworks started, she wouldn’t be able to stop them. “Thank you. That means a lot to me.”

Ness pulled the chair closer and sat down. Her expression became somber. “It might not be any of my business, but I feel like I need to get something off my chest.”

Justice swallowed hard. “What is it?”

“Jinx is a good man. Yeah, yeah…I know. It’s my job as his aunt to be his biggest cheerleader, but when I say he’s a good man, I’m saying he’s salt of the earth.” Tears filled Ness’ eyes, and she dabbed the moisture away. “When his ma got sick, he gave up everything and went and got a job after school. He was there for her and Ilene. When he was eighteen, he left home, not to escape, but he needed to support his family. And he hasn’t stopped yet. He is still the protector and the supporter. I know you two must have your reasons for getting married—”

“Ness, I—”

“Wait, let me finish. I only want to say that he’ll protect and support you because you will be part of this family. There’s something about you that is different. He would never marry someone unless he cared. Give love a chance. Love only needs a seed to bloom into the most beautiful flower. And please handle his heart carefully. When he loves he loves with everything.”

Justice took Ness’ hand. “I care for him a great deal. And Ilene. I promise that I won’t hurt either of them.”

“Then that’s enough for me.” Ness leaned in and hugged Justice. She stood and shook out the wrinkles in her dress. “Look at me. You can’t take me anywhere. I’m going to leave you alone now.”

Alone with her thoughts, Justice stared at her reflection. Why wasn’t she feeling the desire to flee? After all, this wasn’t the wedding she dreamed of. Something about Jinx calmed her, making her feel safe and secure.

The door swung open and she expected to see Ilene or Ness, but it was Hope.

Justice turned and a tear fell down her cheek. “Hope, what are you doing here?”

She closed the door and sashayed into the room, the knee-length skirt swished about her legs. “Did you think I’d let you face today alone?”

“H-how did you find out?”

“Daddy told me. He knew you wanted to keep it private but thought you might want at least one of your sisters here.”

Justice stood and walked into Hope’s awaiting arms. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

Hope pulled back and smiled. “Don’t cry, or you’ll make me cry.”

“I’m trying not to.” She inhaled and slowly exhaled, gaining her bearings.

“You look beautiful, sweetie.” Hope sucked back tears.

“Isn’t it bad luck to cry before the ceremony?”

“Only if you’re crying because you don’t want to follow through.”

Justice shook her head. “I want to do this.”

Hope sighed. “You and I need to have a long conversation. Somehow, we got from first base to a home-run in a matter of what…a week?”

“We will talk when we have time.”

“Can a father visit his daughter?”

Both Justice and Hope turned to find Sam standing in the doorway.

“Take a look at him, would you?” Hope whistled through her teeth. “Daddy, you clean up well.”

“Yeah, I can manage to shine up sometimes.”

“Daddy, you do look very handsome,” Justice said.

He shifted from one polished boot to another, looking slightly shy. Even with his larger-than-life reputation, the spotlight wasn’t quite his favorite place. “Can I have a moment with Justice?”

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