Jett wasn’t a boy any longer; I noticed that every time he’d come home. Valleys of muscles, tanned skin, an air of authority, and a body to die for. But he still had the most magical voice; his singing could still melt my heart, and his kindness spoke to my soul.
Young, old, pale, tan, skinny, or muscled, Jett had been and would always be the only person for me.
“I never got to truly tell him,” I said softly.
Without elaborating, the wise old man seemed to know exactly what I was saying.
“Deep down, he knew.” He gave my hand a slight squeeze. “And you’ll get your time.”
I wasn’t sure how he knew that.
When Gramps released my hand, I felt a bit lost. I wasn’t sure what to do, or how to carry on, and yet I needed to put on a brave face for my son. However, it looked like he had his own cheerleading squad.
Turning, I saw that Embry and the other kids had rallied around Griffin.
“My daddy and the uncles can find him!” All the kids were nodding at Embry’s exclamation. “They can find anyone.”
Autumn looked at everyone. “My brother is very strong. He can get away.” The kids agreed in some way or another, whether with words or more head bobbing.
Stormi chimed in. “And my daddy can put the bad guys in jail.” More nodding continued. I was afraid they might begin to rattle their brains.
Beyond the kids, I didn’t notice the adults talking any longer. They seemed to all be tuned into what the children were saying.
Little Noelle, at almost six, was still a quiet thing, but the pride in her voice as she looked at Stormi and added her two cents was touching. “My daddy is a lawyer so he can help your daddy take them to court and put them in jail.”
There were some quiet chuckles as each of the kids kept adding more and more about their fathers. I looked around at my family and friends to see all the dads with love in their eyes.
A comforting arm wrapped around my shoulders, and I turned to find Ruby. I grabbed hold and hugged her close.
“We’ll get through this together. Somehow, we will bring him home,” she said softly.
I glanced toward the group of kids, their endless chatter and encouraging words easing something inside me just a fraction.
These children believed that Jett would be found, just like they believed in Santa Claus. And I realized that Gramps was right and that the amazing kids around me were showing me something very important.
Have faith.
Jett had never once given up on me. And I wasn’t giving up on him. I had to believe and be there for him—even if he wasn’t in our presence.
He was in my heart.
Allour hearts.
Chapter Two
JETT
MIDDLE EAST
Every blow broke my armor a bit more.
While every moan, howl, or shout of agony from one of my men—those that were left—pierced my soul.
And every time one more of them died, something inside of me died right along with them.
Even if I escaped the hell I was living, I’d never be the same. With all my broken pieces— physically and mentally—I knew that I could no longer be the man Patience needed.
Ordeserved.
