Page 84 of Rescuer
He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “I’ll stay as long as you want.”
She had the feeling he meant more than just for dinner. She nodded and turned back to stand guard over Jane.
Despite the horrors of the day, she felt lighter inside. She’d faced down Blaine and Jane. She’d let go of the lingering bitterness toward Jackson. She didn’t even feel bitter toward Jane anymore. Right now, the main feeling toward her cousin was pity.
She was not the same woman she’d been when she woke up this morning.
Seventeen
Jackson led Gus to the living room and helped her settle into the recliner she seemed to prefer. “Can I get you anything, Gus?”
Gus patted his hand. “I don’t need anything. Sit. Let’s talk, shall we?”
Jackson lowered himself onto the end cushion of the couch. His body kept going down. “I might not be able to stand up. This is the softest couch I’ve ever sat on.”
Gus laughed, though her eyes were still sad. “I approve of you, young man. I wasn’t sure when Mia started hanging around you again. I know you broke her heart once, though, of course, I don’t know all the details.”
Jackson would never tell Mia’s secrets, not even to her aunt. “We had a misunderstanding. I never meant to hurt her. And I’d do anything to keep her from getting hurt now.”
She leveled an appraising glance on him. “You’re a man of faith, aren’t you?”
He blinked. “Yes, ma’am. My grandfather was a strong believer too.”
“I knew Andrew Stewart, long ago. Good man. His wife and I were friends. Went to the same church.” She glanced toward the back room. “I’m worried about Mia. She’s not had it easy, although she doesn’t share all her worries with me. She’s a protective one.”
“What are you asking, Gus?” This conversation was not idle chitchat.
“Watch out for her.”
“I will. I promise. Her safety, her happiness, is a priority for me.”
This time, when Gus smiled, it lit up her entire face, and he realized he saw echoes of her smile in Mia’s. Where he’d never thought Mia resembled her mom, he imagined she’d resemble Gus more and more in the future.
He wanted to be in that future.
His phone rang. Chase. He excused himself and went into the kitchen to take the call. Chase was writing up his report and wanted to confirm a couple of details with Jackson. When the call ended, Jackson stood for a moment, thinking.
He needed to take care. He’d promised Gus he’d watch out for Mia. And he would. But he also needed to protect his own heart.
He heard the front door slam. He pocketed his phone and sauntered out to see the two women who had become so important in such a brief time.
“You okay?” He brushed a hand down Mia’s arm.
“I am.” She smiled up at him. “I really am.”
“You’re not scared to be here?”
“Me? Nah. I’m a big girl. Besides, I’ve seen more police cars on our road the past few days.”
“All right.” He nodded. “Then how about you let me help with dinner. What are we having?”
“Cheeseburgers and salad. Gus, want to sit in the kitchen with us?” she asked her aunt. “We can talk while we fix dinner.”
Jackson moved to assist the older woman. She waved him away. “This is a lift chair, young man. I can do it.”
He couldn’t recall the last time he’d enjoyed fixing a meal so much. It wouldn’t have mattered what they had. It was all about the company. Tonight, he was with the best.
Mia covered Gus’s legs with a quilt. “Do you want me to adjust the temperature?”
