Page 134 of Stay for Me
They found the plane about three hours ago, but it was empty.
I’ve prayed so hard. More than I ever have in my life. I just want him back safely. No matter what happens with us. I need him to be okay. One less loss in my life.
The search party was narrowing down the area they thought they’d go based on what was found in the plane. Not that I have any idea what the hell that means. Did they leave a message? Plans? A diagram? Was there any blood there or a body found?
No one will tell us anything. I’m losing my mind and just want answers.
Catherine arrived just after the news dropped. She was still in the area and is with the brothers, talking about possibilities and how to handle it as well as being a great support to all of us. They’re going over what information she was last told, but I can’t listen anymore. I understand that they need to strategize for whatever the outcome is, but I know what the reality of him being gone will look like.
Hell.
Alone.
Depression and a never-ending heartache that will destroy my heart for good.
Losing Jacob will be like missing my breath, and I can’t live without air.
“Brenna, breathe,” Ellie coaxes. “I know you’re worried, but you’re going to make yourself sick, honey.”
I look into her eyes, feeling helpless. “If he’s hurt . . .”
“We can’t go down that road.” Her hand rests on my shoulder. “Just stay on the one we’re on. They found the plane, and when they find them, we’ll be notified. Why don’t you try to rest? The kids are passed out, and you look like you’re exhausted.”
She must be out of her mind. “Could you sleep if it was Connor?”
Understanding fills her eyes. “I’ll get you caffeine.”
I smile at my friend. “Thanks.”
Ellie starts to walk away, but my hand grips her wrist. “If something happens. If they...if they find him . . . I know I’m not his wife or anything . . .”
She shakes her head. “You’ll be there, Brenna. The thing about these brothers is that they put the needs of each other first. Connor, Declan, or Sean would give up their seat for you. I know you think that, just because you haven’t been around that long, they wouldn’t, but they would. Jacob loves you, and they know that. No matter how this turns out, you’ll be there because it’s what Jacob would want.”
A tear falls down my cheek, and I look over at the group of them. Declan is pacing. Sean is sitting back, doing his best to look calm, but there’s tension on his face. Connor is talking to Catherine as his leg bounces. All three of them carrying this pain and fear the same as I am. Declan’s eyes meet mine, and he smiles softly.
I return the gesture and then get to my feet, making my way over to him.
“Hey,” Declan says.
“Hey. Is your family always this exciting?”
He laughs softly. “Pretty much. It’s definitely not a good thing.”
“I thought moving here was going to be boring and a new normal.”
“No one told you to fall in love with an Arrowood,” he jokes.
“I guess I couldn’t resist.”
Catherine’s phone rings, which we’ve learned to just ignore since it’s been nonstop since she got here. Her eyes are wide, and she clears her throat. “I understand. Yes.” A pause. “Of course. Yes, I’ll relay that to the family.” She’s quiet and starts writing things down. My heart is racing by the time she ends the call.
The four of us stand here, no one moving or breathing as we wait on whatever news she’s going to give. “They found him, and he’s alive and looks to have nothing life-threatening.”
The air that I couldn’t find moments ago fills my lungs in a quick whoosh.
Declan pulls me into his arms, and the tears that fall this time are relief.
He’s okay.
