Page 67 of Taken

Jamie coughed around a laugh. Madi didn’t beat around the bush, never had. She learned early on how to handle her three younger brothers. Jamie was only a few minutes younger, but it didn’t matter. She loved being the big sister.

I sighed. Time to fess up. Bite the bullet and get it over with. I stared down at the vegetables I was no longer chopping. “All of it. I wanted to help her, protect her, so I dug around into her past.” I looked up at her. “But I didn’t tell her.”

“Oh Jack.” Madi’s tone was somewhere between I’m sorry and you’re an idiot.

“I thought she had a stalker. All the signs were there.” After Isabella’s murder, a potential stalker was a serious and personal issue for us. “I should have talked to her, but I didn’t. Instead, I asked dad and Jamie to dig deeper, thinking I could help her without her knowing.” I shook my head and made eye contact. “I fu-screwed it all up. She thinks I betrayed her trust, and in a way, I did.”

“Are you in love with her?” Madi’s sympathetic tone didn’t help me feel any better. I preferred it when she was giving me shit. It was easier to handle. I didn't want them to be so sympathetic, I had fucked up and deserved their lectures and judgement.

I could hear a pin drop as they waited for my answer.

“I don’t know, I-” Jamie cleared his throat. Just what I didn’t need, an external conscience. “Yes. And now I’ll never get to tell her because I’m an idiot. Even worse, she’s still in danger and,” my voice cracked, “I can’t protect her.”

“No, but we can.” Dad snuck in during my confession. “She may not want your help, but we’ll still monitor the situation and we won’t leave her to deal with this alone. If her past comes knocking, we’ll answer the door.” He patted me on the back.

“Damn straight.” Jamie chimed in. I couldn’t find words strong enough to express my gratitude.

Dad saved me the trouble. “Smells good in here.” He kissed ma on the cheek. “I’m hungry enough to eat a deer.” He changed the subject with his favorite dad joke before patting me on the shoulder and going to shower.

Madi wrapped me in a big sister hug. “You’ll figure this out. You’re good that way.”

“Thanks.” I lifted her feet off the floor with my return hug. “I needed that.”

After over-eating, we headed to dad’s office to video call Jaden. The call was brief, but filled with love. We were grateful we could talk to the youngest Sheppard and see for ourselves he was alive and well.

I texted Meg after I cleaning up. I didn’t think she’d reply, but I had to try.

Happy Thanksgiving.

I sent the message, then stared at my phone. Any response was welcome, even if she told me to fuck off. At least I’d know she was okay.

“A watched pot never boils.” Madi plopped down on the couch beside me. “Tell me about her.”

I sat for a moment, deciding where to start but before I could, my phone buzzed. The tension drained from my shoulders.

You too.

Better than expected. My thumbs hovered over the screen. I could feel the weight of Madi’s stare. She leaned over and read Meg’s reply. Really? My sister had no shame.

“You too. That’s all it takes to make you smile?”

I put my arm around her shoulders and squeezed. “She’s safe.” I smiled. “And she didn’t tell me to fuck off.”

I ordered more flowers, Madi suggested adding chocolates or a cute teddy bear. I took her advice and ordered both.

Chapter 40

Meg

Imade myself a turkey sandwich for Thanksgiving dinner. I had wanted to do more research, but the stupid holiday meant the library was closed.

I tried reading, but the protective and passionate hero reminded me too much of Jack, so I stopped. The last thing I wanted to think about was Jack.

I thought about our time together. The lessons he insisted weren’t, the fundraiser dance, our first date, his sweet birthday surprise, our first kiss, the way I felt when I was with him.

I cried. Not pretty crying like women in movies. No, this was tears streaming down my face, snot running from my nose, ugly crying. I took a hot shower to wash away the tears and clear my head.

It didn’t work. Of course not. Did I really think a shower would erase my pain? I berated myself before finally admitting I missed him. It still hurt, but I was calmer and could think about it more logically now.

---