Page 126 of Airborne
“True. I’m not sure where to begin or how long you’re willing to listen. But I’ll make this fast since your attorney is on his way. I apologize for the years we were together as boys. I should have stood up for you countless times instead of siding with Father or ignoring his inexcusable actions toward you and our mother.”
“She’s dead.”
Jackson choked back a sob and swiped at his nose. “I’m sorry.”
Thomas exploded with the similar curses he’d tossed at her. “A little late, Jackson.”
“We could start over, commit to a relationship as it should have been.”
“I grew up fine without you, made millions, and I don’t need you now.”
“What if I need my brother?” Jackson said.
“You’re as weak as Thomas. You deserve each other.”
Jackson slowly rose. “I’ve read the charges and what you’re up against. Regardless of the outcome, I’m staying in Houston for as long as it takes.”
CHAPTER SEVENTY-FOUR
CHAD LOWERED THE BAGof Tex-Mex food outside the door of his and Heather’s condo. His gut fluttered with the anticipation of a kid on a first date. He leaned on a cane and pressed the bell. The roses in his other hand tickled his nose.
“You can do this,” Javier said from the end of the hallway. He’d driven Chad there and waited to see if Heather would let him inside with a surprise visit.
Tonight Chad planned for them to start over in their relationship by dating her as she deserved. He’d been a lousy husband, and no number of heroic attempts to save his wife’s life made up for the hurt he’d caused. His plan wavered from how to give her room to choose him to outright falling to his knees and begging forgiveness. She said she loved him, but was that enough? She might laugh all the way through the drama.
Heather opened the door, her eyes wide. “Chad, you should be at home. Did your doctor release you? Did you drive here?”
He presented the roses and she inhaled the rich fragrance.“This is not how I planned our evening,” he said. “The doctor released me. Javier drove me here after we stopped at Gringo’s.” He glanced at the bag beside him. “I have southwest egg rolls, diablo chicken, fajitas, and queso loco.”
Tears welled her eyes. “This is what we ordered on our first date. You shouldn’t have gone to all this trouble.”
“It’s a start for being a jerk. You saved my life today.”
“You took a bullet for me.”
“Are you two okay?” Javier called from down the hall.
Heather laughed and waved at him. “I’m letting him in. You’re relieved of taxi duty.”
“What time should I pick him up?”
“I’ll be his chauffeur. Thanks.”
Chad peered into his wife’s green eyes. Her beauty stole his breath.
“Are you okay?” She reached out to steady him.
“I’m good. Just thinking I’d like to kiss every freckle on your cheeks.”
She shook her head. “I think you’re hungry. Come inside, and let’s have dinner before you get delirious. You brought a ton of food.”
“For you, Levi, and me.”
“You’ve made me incredibly happy.”
“We have a long way to go, but I’m going to be the man God purposed for me.”
“I called Andy this afternoon,” she said. “He apologized for thinking I’d framed you.”
