Page 41 of A Package Deal

“I don’t think she’s happy.”

“She made her bed,” Jackson said, sounding unsympathetic.

“But what if she thought that was the only bed she’d get? I think she gave up more than just me.”

“You think I should forgive her? She hid you from us?” Jackson huffed, and Nelie’s heart warmed. It sounded like he wasn’t upset about gaining her as a sister, but about all the lost time.

“They hid all of you from me.” Nelie leaned toward him. Jackson could boo-hoo all he wanted, but Nelie had been the true loser in all of this. “I grew up thinking I had no family. Sure, I had Stella, but she was mygreat-aunt”—Nelie used air quotes—“I didn’t have any close relatives. And now? I’ve got a brother and a sister. A grandmother. A birth mother, and birth father, who she’s still in contact with. I’ve got family crawling out of the woodwork.”

“You don’t sound happy about that,” he said.

“Honestly? I’d be happier if they wanted me as much as I wanted them.”

“Is Pris giving you trouble?” he asked, and she snorted.

“No, you are, which is where we started this conversation. I’m not going anywhere, Jackson. You’re going to have to deal with me.”

“It’s not you I have an issue with.”

“They did the best they could. Accept it and move on. I’m trying to.” Nelie touched his knee, hoping he’d stop bouncing it. The movement was driving her crazy.

“It’s not them, it’s me,” Jackson said, leaning back in the chair and staring at the ceiling. “Don’t you see? I failed.”

“How did you fail?”

“My son was born with a genetic defect.”

“So?”

“And my sister was the one to save him, not me. I couldn’t even match with my son.” Jackson sounded disgusted.

“Oh, Jackson. You really are as big of an idiot as Emily claims you can be. I don’t think genetics works that way.” Nelie pressed her hand against his knee, but he bounced the other one. “I know you’re a planner and a protector, but you can’t control everything. You had nothing to do with Nate’s illness but everything to do with his recovery.”

“All I’ve done is driven endless miles back and forth to the hospital.”

“And changed his diaper and walked the floor with him when he was home. Took care of Emily. Took care of yourself so you didn’t make them sick. Ruined my vacation.” His head snapped to hers. “I was supposed to go to Florida, but someone reminded me Nate’s life was more important.”

“I hope he told you nicely,” Jackson said, sounding chagrined.

“Nah, he was a bit of an overpowering ass.”

“I’m sure he regrets it.” Jackson smiled.

“I know he does. He’s not that kind of guy. He’s one of the good ones.” Nelie winked.

“Finally,” Jackson said, standing and pulling her into a hug. “A sister who truly gets me.”

“Are we good then?” Nelie asked into his chest.

“We were never not good. I was too much in my head to see what I jerk I was being. But I’m done.”

“For now,” Nelie said, and he laughed. “I’ve heard brothers can be jerks.”

“But not half-brothers,” he said, sounding like he was defending himself. Nelie looked at him, hoping he’d understand and accept what she was about to tell him.

“Jackson, even though it’s technical, I don’t have time for this half-crap. In my heart, you and Pris are my brother and sister. You’re all I’ve got, so you’re getting my all.” His arms tightened around her in a bear hug, and he lifted her off her feet. Nelie laughed and squirmed out of his arms. “I need to get back to the Galley, and you need to run your empire.”

“Ourempire,” he said as she neared the door, and her heart warmed. “Hey, will you still love us if you have another set of siblings in Norway?” Jackson asked as she walked toward the elevator.

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