Shattered: Steel Brothers Saga: Book Seven

by HELEN HARDT

  “We kept going, and when I couldn’t see any land at all, I got really nervous.”

  “Is that when you jumped off the Jet Ski?”

  “Not yet. I tried to get Juliet’s and Lisa’s attention. But they were laughing and having a great time. They didn’t seem worried at all.”

  “But you were.”

  “Yes. My father taught me to trust my intuition. He was a cop too. He’s dead now.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Thank you. It was two years ago. I still miss him. He was a great dad.”

  “Sounds like he really was. He gave you some good advice.” I patted her forearm. “What happened next?”

  “I can’t be sure. But I thought I saw…”

  “What?”

  “We were still so far away, but I thought I saw a ship in the distance. We seemed to be going toward it.”

  “A ship? Or a boat?”

  She shook her head. “I can’t be sure. It was so far away, and maybe I was seeing things. At that point I was really freaked out. I didn’t know what to do. I’m a good swimmer. I swam in high school and college, so I made a rash decision. Even though I couldn’t see a coast, I jumped off the Jet Ski into the water and started swimming as fast as I could. I had no idea which direction to go since I couldn’t see any land. All I knew was that I had to get away. I swam so fast because I feared J.J. would come after me.”

  “But he didn’t?”

  “No.”

  “Thank goodness.”

  “I can’t be sure how long I was in the water. Once I realized he wasn’t coming after me, I calmed down a little, but I still had no idea where I was, where the coast was. And the waves were strong. I treaded water for a while and then began to swim as best I could, but the waves got to be too much.” She closed her eyes, inhaling. “I swallowed some water. Started to have trouble breathing.” She choked on her words.

  “It’s okay. You’re okay. You’re safe now.”

  “I know.” She broke into sobs. “I’m so sorry.”

  “Don’t be sorry. You have every reason to cry. It’s okay.”

  She nodded and gulped. “I thought for sure I would drown, actually became resigned to it, and then a motorboat arrived. They dragged me on board. For a second I thought it was the boat that J.J. was heading toward, and I figured I was dead anyway. But it wasn’t. It was four locals, two men and two women. One of them gave me mouth-to-mouth until I coughed up a bunch of water. They calmed me down, told me they were friends. I wasn’t sure if I could trust them at first, but what did I have to lose? They brought me back to the resort.” She shook her head. “They are heroes. I’d be dead if it weren’t for them.”

  “Did they tell you their names?”

  “Yes. I have it all written down.”

  “Did they ask you what had happened?”

  “They did, but I wasn’t in any condition to speak at that point. I didn’t get the whole story out until I was back here, talking to security and then the police.”

  The security guard walked toward us then. “I’m sorry to cut this short, but the shuttle is at the front of the resort to take Ms. Thomas to the airport.”

  I smiled. “I’m sure you’re anxious to be on your way.”

  “I am. Very. I never want to come near this island again.” She stood.

  “I’ll get your bags, ma’am.” The guard walked into the room and came out with a suitcase and carry-on.

  I moved toward Shayna and gave her a hug. “Thanks for talking to me. Please, call me anytime if you need to talk. I’m a great listener.”

  “Thank you,” she said through sniffles.

  She unclenched from me, and the guard escorted her away.

  Ryan came toward me and took my hand.

  “You were quiet during all of that,” I said.

  “You were doing fine without me.”

  I sighed. “I feel so bad for her.”

  “I know. But she’ll be okay. She got away.”

  I shook my head. “You don’t understand. She’s going to feel guilt. I know what that feels like.”

  “And you think I don’t? I was spared the wrath of your father and the others because I got away that day. Because Talon made sure I got away.”

  How could I have been so obtuse? Of course Ryan understood. “You’re right. I don’t know what I was thinking. Of course you of all people understand guilt. How do you cope?”

  “I just try not to let the guilt eat me alive. I watched it eat Joe alive for the last twenty-five years. He’s only now letting it go, thanks largely to Melanie. Believe me, it affects me. I just don’t let it consume me. I can’t.”

  “How do you escape it?”

  “Work. Play. All three of us are workaholics, thanks to our father’s indoctrination.”

  “Work didn’t keep the guilt away from Jonah.”

  “No, it didn’t. Joe has a different personality than I do.”

  “He’s prone to depression, like your mother?”

  “I think so, yes. Talon too, to a lesser extent.”

  “But not you.”

  “Not so much. Don’t get me wrong. I feel the guilt. I feel it like an anvil on my chest sometimes. I’ve just learned to focus on other things. Like I said. Work. Play.”

  “You’re amazing,” I said. And I meant it. He was whole, and he had every reason in the world not to be.

  “You know?” I said. “When I grow up, I want to be just like you.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Ryan

  I smiled and cupped her cheek. “That’s the best compliment I’ve ever gotten. But you’re all grown up, baby, and I think you’re perfect just the way you are.”

  She touched her hand to my cheek, and her caress scorched me. “I mean it. You’re so together, Ryan, despite what you’ve been through. Your brothers know it. I know it. Everyone knows it. You’re known as the most jovial Steel, after all. Nothing in the world could shatter you.”

  “Nothing except you.” I stroked her silky cheek.

  “I don’t have that kind of power.” She smiled. “Let’s go check out the spa and see about that massage for you. Pretty soon it’ll be time to meet the others for lunch, and then we need to get ready for the wedding.”

  Sounded good to me.

  Ten minutes later we arrived at the spa, and sure enough, they had two openings. Ruby suggested a hot stone massage for my muscles, and I wasn’t about to argue. She chose a traditional Swedish massage for herself.

  “You’re going to be feeling great soon,” she promised.

  * * *

  The massage, along with the ibuprofen, helped, though I was still sore. For now, though, I had to get dressed and wish my brothers well. The wedding would begin in about fifteen minutes.

  Talon and Joe both wore white shirts and pants, as did Bryce and I, though they had white orchid boutonnieres while Bryce’s and mine were bluish-white. I had no idea what the women would be wearing. All I knew was that Ruby would look gorgeous.

  “Nervous, guys?” Bryce asked Joe and Talon.

  Talon shook his head. “This is the best thing I’ve ever done.”

  “Ditto,” Joe said.

  “I’m just glad it isn’t me,” Bryce laughed.

  “Thought you and Marj were hitting it off,” Joe said.

  “Are you kidding? Your kid sister? I’m not taking on the three Steel brothers.”

  “Not that I like thinking about you bopping my baby sister,” Joe said, “but Marj couldn’t do any better than you, man. Plus, she loves Henry.”

  Bryce scoffed. “Marj is gorgeous. I can’t deny it. But we’ll see. I’m not really in the market right now. Plus, I’ve got my hands full with a soon-to-be toddler. I miss him.”

  “How could you? You call him ten times a day.” Joe laughed.

  “Hey, guys,” I said, checking my watch. “We need to get out there. The ladies are waiting.”

  Bryce and I followed Talon and Joe out to the makeshift altar on the beach. Brian Ro
berts, Jade’s father, had flown in early this morning. Other than that, we had no guests except ourselves. Our parents were both dead, and Melanie was estranged from hers. Jade’s mother, Brooke Bailey, wasn’t recovered enough for travel, and they didn’t have a great relationship anyway.

  We took our places next to the officiant at the altar.

  A string quartet started playing, and I looked up to see my sister walking down the makeshift aisle covered with a white runner. She looked beautiful in a light-blue sundress, carrying a bouquet of orchids that matched my boutonniere.

  And then—

  I nearly lost my footing.

  Ruby. My Ruby.

  Well, not my Ruby…

  Not yet, anyway.

  She was following my baby sister down the aisle. Her dress was the same color as Marj’s but a slightly different style. Hell, I knew nothing about style, but it was spaghetti-strapped and silky, and her nipples poked through.

  God… Didn’t need a boner now.

  She also carried a bouquet of orchids, but another small orchid had been entwined in her hair behind her ear. Her hair was pulled back from her face, and the glossy locks tumbled down her back.

  So beautiful.

  The blue in the dress and the orchid in her hair brought out the sparkling sapphire of her eyes. Her lips were dark, as usual, and a slight blush tinged her cheeks.

  I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. I hardly noticed as Melanie walked down next, solo, and then Jade, escorted by her father.

  “Dearly beloved,” the officiant began in his Jamaican accent. “We are gathered here on this joyous occasion to join Jonah Bradford Steel and Melanie Lynn Carmichael in marriage, and to join Talon John Steel and Jade Bailey Roberts in marriage. The couples have written their own vows for the occasion. We’ll begin with Jonah and Melanie.” He nodded to Joe.

  Jonah took Melanie’s hand and looked into her eyes. “Melanie, I’ve never known anyone like you. Your propensity for caring for others is beyond description, and your strength humbles me. You chased the darkness from my life and replaced it with love and acceptance. I can never begin to repay you for what you’ve done for me—the joy, peace, and love you’ve brought to my life—but I will spend every day of my life trying. I give you my life. I will love you always.” He smiled. “And I cannot wait to meet our child.” He touched her still-flat belly.

  Melanie sniffled, and Joe wiped a tear from her eye.

  “Jonah,” she began, “you came to me for counseling and guidance, but it was you who ended up guiding me. You helped me see the beauty in my life, to see that I could be special to someone. You showed me love when I felt unlovable. And when my life was in peril, all I wanted was to get back to you to tell you how much I loved you. I vow to you today that a day will never go by that you don’t feel that love, that appreciation and respect I have for you. You say I led you out of the darkness. The truth is, you led me out as well. Together we are stronger, and I know we’ll make a wonderful home for our child.” She blinked, and a tear fell down her cheek. “I give you my life, today and always.”

  “May we have the rings?” the officiant said.

  Ruby stepped toward Melanie, and I stepped toward Joe, and we handed them the rings.

  Jonah took Melanie’s hand and placed the ring on her finger. “Melanie, I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment to you and our children, today and forever.”

  Melanie took Joe’s hand and repeated the same vow.

  “Jonah,” the officiant said, “you may kiss your bride.”

  Joe grabbed Melanie and crushed his mouth to hers, in what was visibly a deep and openmouthed kiss. It went on and on, and I was afraid I’d have to pry them apart, until they finally let go of each other, their smiles palpable.

  “And now, Talon and Jade.”

  Jonah and Melanie stepped aside, and Talon and Jade took their places in front of the officiant. The officiant nodded to Talon.

  He took Jade’s hand. “Jade, my love.” He shook his head. “What can I ever say to tell you what you mean to me? Language is insufficient. Words aren’t enough.” He blinked, gulping. “You made me want to live, to grasp life and pull myself out of the hole I’d been buried in for too long. You never gave up on me, even when I pushed you away. For that I’m eternally grateful. You gave me your love, and you gave me your trust, even when I didn’t deserve it. No matter how hard I fought, you fought harder. You fought for us, and you broke down my walls. You’re everything to me, blue eyes, and I’ll spend every last day I have on earth trying to be everything to you. I love you.”

  Jade wiped at her eyes and smiled, looking at my brother—my brother who was now whole, thanks to her. “Talon, you’re the strongest person I’ve ever met. Looking back, I think I fell in love with you that first night you kissed me in the kitchen. I’d been humiliated, left at the altar, and I wasn’t sure I wanted another relationship, but you called to me. Maybe not in words, but our souls cried out for each other. I know in my heart we are meant to be. You are my life, my love, my everything. I thank the universe for bringing us together, and I promise to love you with all my heart and soul, today and always.”

  Joe and Marj stepped up with the rings, and Talon and Jade were pronounced husband and wife. They, too, shared a clenching openmouthed kiss.

  The string quartet began to play, and they finally unclenched and headed up the aisle. Joe and Melanie followed, and then Bryce with Marj on his arm. I looked at Ruby and held out my arm to her. She took it this time, and we followed Bryce and Marj.

  Hugs and kisses all around for everyone. I finally took a look at the two brides, and they were, of course, radiant. My brothers both wore wide grins, and my heart soared. They both deserved this happiness. This joy and light.

  I turned to Ruby. She looked serene and contemplative.

  “Penny for your thoughts,” I said.

  She smiled. “Nothing. Just very happy for everyone.”

  “Everyone?”

  “Well, everyone here.”

  “Hey, baby,” I said. “I know you’re worried about Shayna and the others. But let’s not let that spoil the party. We’re going to have a great reception, and then tomorrow we go home. We can face life then, okay?”

  She nodded. “Sounds good.”

  I touched her cheek. “Have I told you how beautiful you look today?”

  “Thanks to the salon,” she said.

  “Ha! Thanks to whoever created you.” Then I cursed myself inwardly. She didn’t want to be reminded of who created her. Half of her had been created by her father. Before she could think about it, I leaned down and brushed my lips across hers. “Come on. Let’s go get a drink to toast the newlyweds.”

  Servers were pouring Dom Pérignon—sparkling cider for Melanie—and I grabbed two flutes for Ruby and me.

  “Time for the toasts!” one of the servers shouted.

  “I’ll start, I’ll start!” Marjorie laughed, taking front stage on the dance floor that had been set up on the beach. “To my best friend in the world, Jade Roberts. Oops, Jade Steel!” She laughed. “You’ve always been there for me, and now I know you’ll always be there for my brother Talon. Tal, you couldn’t do any better.”

  “Don’t I know it,” Talon said.

  “And also to Joe and Melanie. The love I see between you two, and between Jade and Talon, makes me think anything is possible. And I’m really excited to be an aunt!” She held up her glass. “Cheers!”

  Joe took the stage next, as Talon’s best man. “Tal and Jade. Wow.” He looked at Jade. “I’ve never seen my brother as happy as he’s been since you came into his life. Thank you for that. And Tal, God, you amaze me. No one deserves happiness more than you, and I’m so glad you found it. I’m proud to call you my brother. To Talon and Jade!”

  Again we all clinked our glasses and took a drink. I nodded to Ruby. “I think it’s your turn.”

  “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Just speak from your heart.”
>
  She smiled and raised her glass. “I’m the new person around here, and I’m so happy to have been accepted into this amazing family. Melanie, you and I are a lot alike, and even though we haven’t known each other very long, I know I can count on you and you can count on me. I’m honored to be standing with you today, and I wish you and Jonah a long and happy marriage. To Jonah and Melanie!”

  More clinking of glasses. I touched Ruby’s arm. “That was great.”

  She blushed.

  Then I went forward. “Technically, I’m Joe’s best man, but right now I want to talk to both of my brothers. Joe, you’re my oldest brother, the one I always looked up to, the one who taught me things, bossed me around.” I paused while everyone laughed. “I’ve watched you since I was a kid, looking to you for guidance, and you’ve never failed me. I’m so glad you’ve found happiness with Melanie. And I promise I’ll be the best uncle your kid has!” He held up his glass, and we all clapped. “And Talon… There’s so much I could say to you, but I’ll keep it brief. You’re my hero. We all know why, so I won’t go into detail. I wouldn’t be who I am today if it weren’t for you. You’re not just a hero to me but to so many others too. Live your life, bro. Enjoy it with your lovely lady. You deserve every minute of it.” I held up my glass again.

  Finally, Bryce stood. “I’ve known most of you for what seems like forever. Joe, you’re the best friend a guy could ask for. Thank you for sticking with me, even when I tried to push you away because of things I didn’t want to see. Melanie, you couldn’t ask for a better guy, and I’m really happy that Henry will have a playmate soon. Jade and Talon, Marjorie, Ryan, Ruby, thank you for letting me share this special day with you. So to all of you, I wish you happiness and love!”

  The string quartet began, and the two couples enjoyed their first dances as husband and wife. After a few minutes, Bryce took Marj onto the dance floor, so I turned to Ruby, offering my arm.

  She took it, neither of us saying a word, and I led her onto the dance floor.

  She felt so perfect in my arms. I inhaled her earthy scent laced with berries and vanilla. I leaned down to whisper in her ear. “You’re so lovely. I want to eat you up.”