His commanding tone brought me comfort, and I needed to feel his arms around me. I stood up and wiped my face as John wrapped me in his arms. He kissed my face and my forehead, being very careful around my injury.
A bump of turbulence had us sitting back down, but he didn’t let go of me. As we sat on the sofa, I thought about what he’d said. I hated the thought of John seeing how I knew my mother was going to treat me. But I had to be there to bury my father. No matter how much of my life they’d missed, they were still my parents. He deserved my respect, even though they’d never returned it.
“You’re a good man, sweetheart. And you’re not alone in this life.”
I nodded but didn’t reply. Things were changing. My brothers had found their partners and with time, they’d go about living their lives and raising their families. I just hoped they didn’t leave me behind too.
I sat with my head on John’s shoulder as Sandra approached. “Gentlemen, can I get you anything to eat? Or bring some coffee or juice? We have about thirty minutes before we land.”
“Coffee would be great, ma’am,” John replied. “I take mine black, and he likes five pounds of sugar in his.”
I laughed. “Not quite that much, asshole. Three packs will be fine.”
Sandra smiled at us. “You two make the cutest couple. You remind me of the newlyweds. Have you been together long?”
John chuckled. “Funny thing. We got married on our first date on New Year's Eve in Vegas .”
Her eyes widened as his mouth broke into a big smile. “How romantic is that? And you work with my sweet Austin? That just makes my heart happy.”
I smiled at her enthusiasm. “Your sweet Austin, huh?” I couldn’t wait to call him that. “What makes him so sweet?”
“He loves my Greer. And it’s written all over both of them. It’s beautiful to see. They are going to make the best fathers someday. Do you two want kids?”
I sat up and held up a hand. “Oh no, I am a kid. I don’t think the Commander here wants more than that.”
John chuckled. “Never say never, sweetheart. I wouldn’t mind a kid or two in addition to you. Never got the chance to raise Laura, so maybe it’s something for us to think about.”
I slowly panned to him, making him laugh. I loved that sound and the look on his face that said he was happy. Not just in general, but because of me.
There was no denying it any longer. Despite every wall and obstacle I put between us, I’d never stood a chance. He was selfless and saw the good in me when I thought there was none. And if he’d survive a few days with my mother, he’d be a keeper.
“I guess we can think about it.”
He grinned at me. “I’d love to think about that with you.”
CHAPTER 25
JOHN
As we taxiedto the gate, Brent’s mood became more solemn. I reached for his hand and laced our fingers together, letting him know I had his back. Like some people, he dealt with difficult situations with humor.
When the plane came to a stop, both of our phones buzzed with a text from Daredevil that we’d been waiting for.
Dare: We got him. Portland PD has him in custody.
A sense of relief and calm settled over me, knowing the motherfucker had been caught.
Brent: Anyone we know?
The dots bounced as Dare typed away.
Dare: Calvin Turner. Clay’s younger brother.
Me: We just landed. We’ll call soon.
Dare: Sounds good.
Dare: By the way, the plane is going to return to Portland and will come back to get you. Don’t book commercial flights.
