Page 15 of Then Came Love
“You’re welcome anytime.” His mother sipped her wine. “I’d love to know more about your family. Where are you from?”
“Prairie View.” Jordan ate a forkful of vegetables.
“That’s right around the corner,” his mother said. “Does your family still live there?”
Discomfort rose in Jordan’s eyes, and Jax said, “Jordan lost her parents when she was young.”
“Oh, honey, I’m so sorry,” his mother said.
“Thank you. It was a long time ago.” Jordan took a drink of water.
“That must have been very difficult for you and your sister,” his father said empathetically. “Did you have other family to stay with?”
“Yes, my aunt and uncle in Massachusetts.”
“That’s good, but it must have been awful hard to be uprooted after such a tragedy,” his father said. “Has your sister returned to the area, too, or is she still in Massachusetts?”
Jax wasn’t sure he should divulge what Jordan had told him, but at least he could try to change the subject. He opened his mouth to speak, but Jordan beat him to it.
“I don’t often share this because it can make things awkward with people that I’ve just met and because I don’t want it to define me. But I told Jax, and I trust you to keep it between us. My sister has been missing since my parents’ car accident nineteen years ago.”
“Missing?” His mother’s brow furrowed, and then sadness rose in her eyes. “Oh, honey. Did the accident happen in West Virginia?”
Jordan’s eyes remained trained on her plate as “Yes” slipped softly from her lips.
Jax took her hand, holding tight this time.
His parents exchanged a tortured glance. “That was a horrible tragedy,” his father said. “My brother, Ace, and I went to West Virginia with a number of other friends and neighbors and helped with the search for your sister. Is her real name Cassandra?”
“Yes.” She squeezed Jax’s hand and met his father’s gaze. “Thank you for helping them search for her.”
“We all kept our kids closer after that,” his mother said. “I’m sorry they never found Casey.”
“Me too, but I’m hopeful that one day I’ll see her again.”
“You hang on to that hope, honey,” his mother said. “You never know what kind of energy travels through our universe.”
“I am, thank you.” Jordan’s grip eased like a sigh of relief.
They ate in silence for a few minutes, and Jax thought about what it must be like for Jordan, not knowing if her sister was alive or dead, being cared for or harmed. That was a heavy weight for anyone to carry, but without the support of family or her fiancé, it was unimaginable. He was starting to understand how strong Jordan Lawler really was.
His father glanced at Jordan, and Jax recognized the paternal ache of the man who had watched his sons suffer and had taught him how to love. He knew his father wanted to take her into his arms and tell her everything would be okay.
Join the club, Dad.
“So, Jordan, did you retain your love of fashion through the years?” his father asked.
Jax sent him a silent thank you for trying to put Jordan at ease. “Did you see her dress at the wedding?”
Jordan smiled sweetly, and as much as he wanted to continue holding her hand, it felt too good, and he reluctantly let it go.
“Yes, and she looked beautiful. But you know me, son.” His father smiled at Jordan. “Despite my stylish children, I know nothing about fashion.”
“I think you dress nicely. My father’s idea of fashion was flannel shirts and jeans. And to answer your question, I did retain my love of fashion.” Jordan sipped her wine. “I even thought of making a career of it. But after my first year of college, I took the safer route and went into health administration and marketing.”
“Trixie mentioned that you’re the director of volunteer programs at Pleasant Care Assisted Living,” his mother said. “That must be very rewarding.”
“It is. I love my job, and Rising Hope has been a big hit with our residents.” Rising Hope was Trixie’s miniature horse therapy business. Jordan eyed Jax. “I can’t stop thinking about you missing Homecoming for Fashion Week. Is that when it all started for you?”
“Heavens, no,” his mother said. “Jax’s love of fashion started way before that. The first time he saw Cinderella he wanted to be the Fairy Godmother, so he could magically turn scrappy dresses into gorgeous gowns.”
“Really?” Jordan looked amused. “I would have pegged him for Prince Charming.”
Touché.“With a little effort, any man can be charming, but very few can make a gown that makes a woman feel like a princess.” And if ever there was a woman who deserved to be treated like a princess, it was the woman beside him, hoping to find her sister and spinning tales of being happier if she broke her own heart and moved away.
“Clint, remember when Jax was four and refused to believe mice couldn’t sew?” his mother asked.
His father chuckled.
“I don’t think we need to tell this story.” Jax drank his wine.
“Now they have to tell it,” Jordan said.
