I’ve loved him my whole life.”
“I know. I still remember the day you asked me to take you to a guitar store to buy him something. At the time, I thought it was an innocent crush. I didn’t think much of it. He was your babysitter who was sweet to you. It’d be hard for any little girl not to develop their first crush on the boy who sang to her. You guys would get lost for hours, listening to music. He’d sing, and you’d dance. It was harmless.” She shrugged. “After he left, I thought you’d forget all about him, but you never did. If anything, you remembered him more. I always knew you’d reach a point when you’d want to find him again. It’s why I agreed as long as it didn’t interrupt your schooling.”
I smiled. My mom was by far the most supportive person in my life. She always had been, always would be.
“Of course, you found a way to get the school on board for you to do exactly that. I’d expect nothing less from you. You’re smart, just like your daddy. You all are. He has those genius genes.”
“I’m going to find him again.”
“Journey, I don’t like this. I don’t like this one bit. It’s obvious he has much bigger problems.”
“That’s why I need to help him.”
“I can’t tell you how to live your life.” She sighed heavily, caressing the side of my cheek. “You’re an adult, and you’ve always been an old soul, Journey. Wise beyond your years. I’m trusting you to make the right decisions. Please don’t make me regret that.”
“I won’t. I promise.”
Pulling me into a hug, she added, “I’m here if you need anything. I don’t care what time it is or where you are, I’m here.”
“I know. Thank you for understanding, Mom.”
She pulled away, grabbing ahold of my chin. “From the first time I stepped foot into your house when you were only six months old, I loved you. I wanted to help you and your brothers. The feeling didn’t change when I met your father. Instantly, I wanted to help him too. I understand how powerful that emotion can be. I went through it myself.”
“You were soul mates.”
“We are.”
“Cash is my soulmate. I know it. I feel it. I’ve always felt it.”
“I hope you’re right. I want to hear from you every day, Journey Pierce.”
“You will, I promise.” Unable to hold back, I asked what I wanted to know since the beginning of this conversation. “Are you going to tell Dad the truth about Bailey?”
“He already knows.”
“What?”
“Mija, parents know more than kids give us credit for. Dylan and Aubrey are close to Bailey. Why do you think that is?”
“Oh.” They had a special relationship with her also. I didn’t put two and two together. “So they know too?”
“I’m assuming.”
She changed the subject. “You need to go talk to your brother before you leave. Make things right. Don’t let Cash come between the bond you’ve always had with Jackson.”
“I won’t.”
“I love you, Mija. You’re my heart.”
“You’re mine too.”
She hugged me one last time, kissing my forehead. I didn’t waver, going to find my brother. It didn’t surprise me when I found him leaning against the doorframe to Bailey’s bedroom. Lost in his own thoughts.
“She’s my daughter, Journey,” he adamantly stated, feeling me standing behind him.
“I know.”
“I don’t think you do, or else you wouldn’t have brought Cash here today.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I’d never want to hurt anyone, and you know that, Jackson. You’re my brother, I love you.”
“You’re standing up for a man who abandoned his daughter. His own flesh and blood. Do you know that?”
“People make mistakes.”
“He abandoned his best friend too. When she needed him the most, he threw her out like she meant nothing to him.” He abruptly spun, gazing deep into my eyes. “What do you think he’s going to do to you? Huh? Tell me.”
I was taken aback. “I don’t know the details of what happened between them, but I’m sure he had his reasons. You’ve made plenty of mistakes yourself, especially where your wife is concerned.”
He shook his head, scoffing out, “You’re blind. Just like Harley was until he showed her his true colors. Cash doesn’t care about anyone other than Cash, and you’re going to learn that the hard way. It might not be today, or tomorrow, or even a year from now. Eventually, a snake always sheds its skin. Remember that when he breaks your heart like