Jordan gives me an encouraging smile. “Tell me what you’re torn up about and maybe we can figure something out together.”
“My rational side knows what Levi did was way over the line. He stalked me. He inserted himself into my life and deceived me. Even though he says his intentions were good, I don’t even know if I can believe that.”
When I’m quiet for a few seconds, Jordan tilts his head. “And how does your heart feel about it all?”
“My heart ...” My chin begins to tremble, and I shake my head. “My heart wants to run to him because I know it must’ve hurt him so much to see his mother after seventeen years. I want to comfort him and—” My voice cracks, and a sob sputters over my lips. “And I want him to hold me and tell me we can get through this, because I still love him.”
Jordan scoots closer and gathers me into a hug. He pats my back like he does whenever he tries to soothe Brady.
“Deep down, I know Levi never intended to hurt me,” I admit. “But he deceived me.”
“Did he say why?”
“He was scared he would lose me if I learned the truth.” I pull back and let out a forlorn sigh. “He admitted that he never planned to tell me.”
“I can understand where he’s coming from,” Jordan says. “He was scared we would judge him for what Porter did, and maybe we would’ve.”
I shake my head but stop when I’m forced to admit Jordan is right. I never would’ve given Levi a chance had I known he was related to Mom’s killer.
Jordan lifts his hand to my shoulder and gives me a comforting squeeze. “I think what you should focus on is whether you can forgive Levi. Do you love him enough to give him another chance, or do you end things and move on with your life?”
Knowing he’s right, I nod. “Yeah.”
My brother leans forward and presses a kiss to my forehead, the way Dad used to do with Sage and me.
“Take your time to think about it.”
I nod again, then meet his eyes. “Thank you for being the best brother ever.”
Emotion washes over his face, and his voice grows a little hoarse as he murmurs, “I love you, buttercup.”
Hearing the term of endearment our parents used to call me makes tears jump to my eyes. “I love you too.”
“Now get your butt dressed. I’m taking you out for lunch.” Jordan climbs to his feet. “Getting out of the house will do you a world of good.”
Not arguing, I drag myself out of bed, and while I change into warm clothes, I think about the conversation we just had.
Jordan is right. I need to figure out if I can forgive Levi or not.
Chapter 22
Levi
Since the disaster of Kelcie learning the truth about me, I’ve been a hopeless case. Poor Lick has had her job cut out for her, but she does her best to comfort me.
I moved to a better motel that’s not as run down as the previous one. It’s all I’ve been able to do because I can’t stop thinking about Kelcie long enough to figure out what to do with my life.
I’m lost without her.
This morning, while I took Lick around to the side of the motel to do her business, an idea popped into my head. I’m going to buy the farm Kelcie wanted.
It’s something that should keep me busy for a while, and once I have everything ready, I’ll give it to her as an apology gift.
At least this way, it will feel like I’m doing something worthwhile.
I’ve spent the entire morning searching for a realtor who can help me sell my two properties and look for a farm in the Sugar River Valley area. In the meantime, this motel room will be home for the unforeseeable future.
At least it’s quiet here and there aren’t a lot of guests. I’m half tempted to book out every room to guarantee I don’t have to run into any people.
