Sylvia continued to make comparisons between her ex-husband and Jessie’s husband as they entered the heavily forested Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Much to Robert’s dismay, the sun still shone as they reached the coast.
It’d be easier to bear the heaviness that had settled in the SUV if he could blame it on the weather rather than the things he’d learned about Jessie.
His stomach bottomed out as he pulled to a stop in the hospital parking lot. It had been five years since Jessie walked out of his life. Did she really want him to be the one to bring her home?
His footsteps slowed as they neared Jessie’s door. He rubbed damp palms down his thighs when Sylvia walked into Jessie’s hospital room. He froze in the doorway, unable to make his feet carry him any farther.
He couldn’t see Jessie, but her choked, “Mom,” closed a vise around his heart.
Jessie and her mother had always been close. The past four years must have been difficult for Jessie.
Sylvia hugged her daughter and stepped aside, revealing him standing in the doorway. His eyes met Jessie’s wide ones. At least, he thought it was Jessie. The woman in the hospital bed not only had a black eye and a swollen lip, she had long, blond hair.
He’d never seen Jessie with such long hair. She’d never let it grow past her shoulders because she loved experimenting with hairstyles and colors—often including a strip of blue, pink, or purple. It was the artist in her. She’d never gone full blond, though. There was something else different about her too, but he couldn’t figure out what before she tore her eyes away.
“Mom, you brought Robert?” Jessie’s voice sounded like she’d been betrayed.
“Yes, honey, I told you I’d bring Sheriff Winters.” Sylvia patted her arm.
“I thought you meant his uncle, not...him.”
Of course, she didn’t want Robert. If Sylvia told her she’d bring Sheriff Winters, Jessie would assume her mother meant his uncle Dawson, who was Sheriff when she left Providence.
Had Sylvia intentionally led Jessie astray, knowing she’d never agree to come home if Robert was the one bringing her?
Sylvia waved a hand in dismissal. “I’m sure I told you Robert was elected Sheriff a few years ago.”
Jessie gave a slight shake of her head and looked everywhere but at him.
Robert stepped into the room and cleared his throat. “Listen Jessie, I know this is...awkward, but I promised your mom I’d bring you home and keep you safe and I—”
“I know. You always keep your promises,” Jessie said. “I’m sorry, Robert. Forgive me. I just wasn’t expecting...” Her voice was full of remorse.
His name on her lips sent a jolt through him.
“I know. Maybe I should just wait out here.” Before either of the women could say anything, Robert retreated to the hallway. He took several steps before collapsing into a chair.
What have I agreed to?
* * *
As soon as Robert left,Jessie dropped her head against the bed and groaned. “I can’t believe you brought Robert.” She couldn’t believe the man whose shoulders looked broader and stronger than ever was even better looking than she remembered.
“Honey, I know you and Robert have a history, but that was all a long time ago. Neither of you are the people you were then.” Her mom fluttered around Jessie’s bed as though searching for something to focus her attention.
Which meant she’d intentionally led Jessie to believe she was bringing Sheriff Dawson, not Sheriff Robert. Jessie had only gotten a quick glimpse of Robert standing in the doorway, but something had changed about him. He was still tall, dark, and handsome, but his eyes had changed. His usually smiling eyes were guarded and brooding.
She suspected it was her fault.
“Don’t worry, honey, Robert holds nothing against you.”
Doesn’t he?He had every right to. Her mother’s choice of words reminded her that the abrupt way things had ended between her and Robert was all her fault.
“You know he’s a man of his word. He’ll keep you safe.”
“I know, but this is so...” Jessie shook her head. She’d been so selfish. “I hurt him when I left, Mom. And whether he holds it against me or not, I do.”
She thought of the years she and Robert had spent apart during college, rekindling their relationship every summer. They’d endured additional separations when he went to the police academy, and then again when she went on a lengthy study abroad program. Each time they reunited, their love for each other grew stronger.
