Page 58 of Blackstone's Heart
Ethan swiftly moved over her, his hands caging her head. "I love you Krista. No, I mean it. I do love you. I think I started falling for you fourteen years ago. All these years apart was for a reason. To make me a better man. A man worthy of you."
"Oh Ethan." She whispered reaching up and stroking his cheek. "I love you too."
Ethan kissed her tenderly. When her arms enveloped him, pulling him to her once more, he went on to show her how much he loved her all over again. This time slow and tenderly.
Chapter 16
Ethan pulled up at the airport and climbed out of his truck. He was slightly surprised to see his guys waiting on the tarmac. "What are you guys doing here?"
"Krista's our friend too. Plus, if this asshole shows up in New York, you could use a hand." Grant answered.
"Thank you." Ethan nodded, feeling gratitude wash over him at the loyalty of his men.
The five men turned as a green suburban pulled up next to Ethan's truck. They watched as Krista, her parents and Jerry's parents climbed out. Ethan met the group half-way. "My guys thought they'd tag along to say goodbye to Jerry."
"T... thank you Mr. Blackstone." Tessa smiled tearfully.
"It's our pleasure Mrs. Summerland." Ethan nodded.
He looped his arm with Krista's and led them toward the jet. Introductions were made and Tessa hugged each of Ethan's guys in thanks. Gage informed them that Jerry's body was loaded and they were ready to go. One by one everyone boarded and once they were all seated, the pilot taxied out onto the runway. Within moments, they were airborne and heading for New York.
"Tessa and I can never repay you men for this." Carl said.
"Mr. Summerland, it's our pleasure to help. Plus, over the weeks we all got a brief chance to get to know your son. He was a good man and he cared about Krista. That makes him a friend of Blackout." Tony stated.
"Jerry talked about meeting all of you when you took on Krista's case. He said that if anyone could find this man it would be you men. After hearing what Nick and Krista have told us about what you do I believe he's right. I know you men will help get justice for Jerry." Carl replied holding his wife.
Krista undid her seat belt and moved toward the back of the jet. She closed her eyes to hold back her tears. However, it didn't stop the shudders that suddenly washed over her. Moments later she felt the arms of her mother slip around her. Krista turned and hugged her.
"Sshh. Oh honey it's okay." Debbie whispered, easing them both into the sofa.
"I’m okay mama." Krista whispered.
Debbie stroked her daughter’s long hair. "Baby, you have been so strong through this whole thing. It's okay to break."
"I don't break." Krista argued, her voice wavering only slightly.
"Krista, listen to me. You have always been the strongest of all of us. You carry the weight of this family, but that's not your job baby. That's what your dad and I are for. You have nothing to feel ashamed of by crying. Jerry was your best friend and you two loved each other. You can't keep holding your feelings in like this. It isn't healthy."
Krista lifted her head. "I don't know how to be any other way mama. And I’m not holding my feelings in. I’ve cried enough over what this asshole did."
Debbie smiled and cupped her cheek. "You aren't alone. I know you won't share your burden with your Dad and I, that's not your way. But you do have a wonderful man sitting a few feet away that loves you. And I can tell you love him. If you won't share with anyone else, share with Ethan."
Krista let out a slow breath. She knew her mom was right. She turned her head and her eyes met Ethan’s. She had lied to her mother, she was keeping her feelings in. “You’re right mama, but how?”
Debbie chuckled. "Simple. Talk to the man. Tell him your fears, your thoughts. How do you think I got your dad to share the weight of this family? Hmm?" Krista's eyebrows rose. "Baby, you may look like me, but you have your father's soul. You both try to take on the weight of everything. Like your dad, it's time you share that."
Krista nodded in understanding and shifted so that her head was now in her mom's lap. Debbie began slowly stroking Krista's head. From her forehead, over the crown of her head, to her shoulders. Then started the process all over again. As she did, she softly began singing Krista's favorite lullaby. Within minutes she felt her daughter's breathing level. A look down showed that she was asleep. Debbie looked over as Nick knelt beside them.
"Nicky, she's so much like you."
Nick gave his wife a soft smile and stroked Krista's cheek. "I know, but she’s like you too Deb. How is she?"
"She's hurting. She's trying to carry this weight alone."
"Yeah, but that won't last long I think. Judging by the look on Ethan's face when you walked over here. I think once we land in New York and get settled he's going to have a few words with her."
"Good. He loves her. More now than when they were kids."
