by Grant, J. R.
“Jazzy—” The front door slammed and then Brax shouted for me, rushing into the kitchen. I pushed away from Stone and ran into my husband’s arms. He picked me up, carrying me to the chair next to the table and sat me down. Brax placed both of his hands on my cheeks, pulling my face up to him.
“What in the hell is going on?” He sounded pissed. But I couldn’t say anything. I was speechless, just like the day Stone told me he found the Lander’s. Overwhelmed with joy and a little bit of fear, I wrapped my arms around Brax’s neck and held on for dear life.
As much as I wanted to shout from the rooftops, I couldn’t. When I became this jumbled, I had to calm myself down first or I would be no good to anyone.
Stone muttered something to Brax then slapped his shoulder. He walked out of the kitchen, giving us a few minutes to ourselves. Brax didn’t waste any time, forcing me to talk to him.
“Talk to me, baby,” he begged, so I tried my best to make sense of everything that just happened.
I moved off the chair, grabbed the paper from the island, and handed it to Brax. He looked it over, his eyes getting bigger by the second.
“Are you shitting me?”
I shook my head a little too fast, making myself dizzy, but I was too eager to see what my husband thought. And when Brax smiled, it told me he was just as surprised as I was.
“This is unbelievable, baby. You look just like them. Both of them. Fuck, Jazz.” He kissed my lips with so much love that my knees became unsteady.
“Here.” He pulled back and grabbed the flower arrangement of lilies from the table, handing them to me.
“I thought you forgot,” I said shamelessly.
With everything going on, Brax’s kind gestures never stopped completely. He always brought me home flowers, but today they meant even more. Today they meant the world to me.
He grabbed my chin and kissed my nose. “I don’t ever want to hear that shit again, you hear me? I would never forget you, Jazzy. Ever. You are my life, my world. I couldn’t live without you if I tried.”
He scooped me up in his arms, showing me just how much he loved me, and hugged my body tight.
I couldn’t thank God enough for this man. I didn’t know what our future held, but God knew just how much I needed him when he placed Brax in my life. He completed me in every way imaginable.
Chapter Eleven
Brax
When Jazz didn’t call back or answer any of my text messages, I started getting worried. I knew she was upset with me for having to work today, but there were things I needed to get done.
I hired a couple of new guys last week to help with the shortages in three different crews. We had been swamped with work. There was no possible way I could have put all the loads on the crews I had now. Besides the fact that their wives would have killed me, the guys would have been worn down completely.
I checked in with the last crew and made sure everything was running smoothly for the weekend, stopped by the florist, and then went home. When I pulled into the driveway, I noticed Stone and Brix’s trucks in the driveway parked behind Jazz’s SUV. Thank fuck someone was there with my girl.
Grabbing the flowers off the seat, I jogged up to the porch. I opened the door and came face to face with Tanya. She grabbed my arm and said, “Shh…Stone just gave Jazz new information on the Lander’s. They’re in the kitchen.”
“Thanks.”
I threw my keys on the coffee table and walked into the kitchen, stopping outside the entrance when I heard Stone talking. I couldn’t make out what he was saying. His voice was too low. But the second I heard Jazz cry, I went in to find out.
Stone walked up beside me and told me he gave Jazz more information on the Lander’s and that it hit her pretty hard. I placed the flowers on the counter and pulled my wife in my arms. She held onto me for dear life and then swiftly moved away from me.
Jazz walked over to the island and showed me a piece of paper with a picture of Phyllis and Pat. I about shit my pants when I saw the resemblance of my girl in both of her maternal grandparents. It was remarkable.
“This is unbelievable, baby. You look just like them. Both of them.” I leaned down and kissed her lips as she whimpered in my mouth.
“Here.” I handed her the lilies I bought before I came home.
“I thought you forgot,” she said, catching me off guard.
I grabbed her chin and kissed her nose. “I don’t ever want to hear that shit again, you hear me? I would never forget you, Jazzy. Ever. You are my life, my world. I couldn’t live without you if I tried.”
I scooped her back up in my arms and showed how much I loved her. By the time we pulled our mouths away from one another, we were both out of breath.
“You ready? We better get on the road before rush hour.”
She slid down my chest and walked over to the sink. “Do you think we should leave Savanah here or take her with us?”
I had a feeling she was going to ask, and right now, I honestly didn’t know which way would be better. If I knew things were guaranteed to go well when we got there, then yeah, I would say bring Savanah along. But not knowing anything about the Lander’s, I thought it would be best to keep her here and see how everything goes. At least we would know she was safe with the girls rather than putting her in unforeseen danger.
“It’s up to you, but I think we should let the girls watch her here.”
Jazz turned around to face me. “Really? What if it all goes well and they want to meet her?”
I walked over to the fridge, positioning myself behind her back, resting my chin on her shoulder.
“What if it doesn’t and we’re bringing her into some sort of mess?”
Jazz froze. She didn’t say anything, she didn’t move. Jazz stood like a statue in my arms.
I turned her around to face me and searched her eyes. “I’m just trying to be realistic, Jazzy. We don’t know, and I don’t want you kicking your own ass if something happens to go downhill.”
She closed her beautiful brown eyes and took a deep breath. “Okay. I’ll make another bottle then. Will you go ask Tanya?”
“Yup. Come out here when you’re finished.”
I gave her a kiss then retreated to the living room. Just as I walked in, the front door swung opened and Kelly stumbled inside.
“Hey, dick. Where’s my hooker?”
No wonder the girl got along with Brayden so well. Neither one of them knew how to talk without sounding like an asshole.
“In the kitchen,” I said and took a seat next to Stone. “Thanks for everything, man. I’ve never seen Jazz this way before, but I’m glad she’s finally getting somewhere with all this.”
He shifted to the side and faced me. “That’s what friends are for, B. How is she holding up?”
I exhaled a long breath. “She’s excited, but I’m trying to keep her on the realistic side. I want everything to work out, don’t get me wrong, but I can’t let these people hurt my family,” I said. “If something happens to Jazz…Fuck, man, I don’t even want to think about that shit. That girl is my life. I just want everything to be okay and give her the opportunity to get the answers she deserves. It’s been a long time coming.”
“I hear you, man, loud and clear,” Stone replied. “Did she tell you I followed them?”
I raised my eyebrow. “Nah. She didn’t say a whole lot other than showing me the pictures and asking if she looked anything like them. I’m still stuck on how much Jazz and Phyllis resemble each other. But for Jazz’s sake, I hope she can get a picture of her mom. She needs to have that much.”
“I agree. It’s been a while since she passed so her picture wasn’t easy to find. But I’m not giving up. Are Brix and I still riding out there with the two of you, or did you want me to drive?”
“I’m not going out there without backup. You can ride with us,” I laughed. “Besides, I’m pretty positive Jazz would cut your dick off if I told her you weren’t coming.”
The girls walked i
n the room, cutting our conversation short.
“You guys ready?” Jazz asked, looking between Brix, Stone, and I.
I stood up and grabbed my keys off the table. “You got everything you need?”
She nodded and gave the girls a hug, making them promise to call us if they have any problems.
I wanted to hurry and go before the baby woke up and Jazz said she couldn’t leave her here. I felt like it was best to keep Savanah home this time. At least until we knew for certain that everything would be okay.
Brix and Stone hopped in the back of the cab while Jazz sat up front. I punched the address in the navigation before we took off and reached for my Jazz’s hand.
She looked at me with fear in her eyes, making my insides cringe.
“It’s going to be fine, baby. We’re right here with you.”
She shifted around and stared out the window, so I let her be. Sometimes, when Jazz was overly nervous, I learned it was best to let her know we were there and to give her time to calm herself down. She had to get her emotions under control. No one could do it for her.
**
“You ready?” Jazz’s leg bounced, as she rubbed her hands together.
She shook her head, still not talking to anyone, and opened the door. Brix climbed out behind her, while Stone got out on my side. Stone reached in the back and grabbed his briefcase and badge, just in case he would need it.
I met Jazz on the curb behind my truck. We intertwined our fingers together, and I reassured her once more.
“You got this, baby.”
The four of us walked up to the porch, stopping in front of the door.
“I’ll do all the talking,” Stone told Jazz, so she wouldn’t be caught off guard. “You just stand here and smile.” He winked at her. “You got this, girl.”
The storm door was open, showing inside the Lander’s home. Stone rang the doorbell two times and then took a step back.
Jazz’s hand shook and I soundlessly prayed she would be able to make it through all of this. It was only a matter of seconds until she would be introduced to her blood family.
A younger guy came down the steps, giving us a better view. He was tall with dark brown hair and light blue eyes. Unlocking the latch on the handle, he pushed the door open and asked, “Can I help you?”
I froze, right there in place, and Jazz did the same. Shit. Did she see what I was seeing? The guy looked like he could be Jazz’s father. Minus the eye color, the two of them were almost identical.
“Good evening, sir. My name is Stone Walker. Are Mrs. and Mr. Lander home?”
The guy looked at Stone, then to Brix, and then to Jazz and I. We all remained still, not saying a word.
“Oh, um…yeah. Let me grab them. Hold on a second.”
He walked away, giving us a minute to regroup. Jazz turned around with unshed tears in her eyes, and everything in me wanted to take her home and say fuck it. My wife was a lot stronger than she gave herself credit for, but there were some things you had to work in baby steps. And if this was one of them, then so be it. That was what we would have to do.
A few minutes passed and still no word from the guy or Mr. and Mrs. Lander.
“Dude, I don’t think they’re coming back?” Brix said, beating me to the punch.
Stone held his hand up. “Just give them a minute. Maybe they’re busy or something.”
Jazz stood quietly beside me. I kept her close, refusing to let go of her hand. I knew she needed me with her. And even if she wanted to fight the fears on her own, I would be damned if I was going to let her pull away.
I peeked my head up and looked through the door, seeing a shadow walking through the house. I had to remind myself to be patient. If I were to show any sign of agitation or fear, Jazz was going to feel it, too. It would be inevitable. She could read me like an open book.
A few minutes later, the door opened and the same guy came back to greet us.
“Mom said to come in and make yourself at home. She’s just finishing her bath.”
I noticed Jazz’s lips trembling, and I wanted nothing more than to kiss her fears away, but I squeezed her hand instead. I had given her enough of my strength leading up to this point. I wanted her to push herself through this. I wasn’t going anywhere, but she needed to prove to herself just how strong she really was.
Stone was the first to walk in, pulling Brix behind him. I was next, still keeping Jazz close to my side. I refused to let her out of my reach. The guy led us into the back to an open living room. There were three skylights on the ceiling, a large fireplace, and the biggest wraparound couch I had ever seen in my life. The house didn’t look all that big from the street. I was surprised of the view from the inside.
“Have a seat. My dad should be home soon,” he said, ushering us to sit down. “Oh yeah, before I forget. Can I get your names? Mom asked who you guys were, but I have no idea other than Stone.”
Brix stood up and reached out his hand. “I’m Brix. This is Jazz and this is her husband, Brax.”
The guy moved around the couch and shook both mine and Jazz’s hands. As he turned to exit the room, Mrs. Lander walked in behind him.
“Who are our guests, Landon?”
Are they serious? Is his last name Lander, too? If so, who in their right mind would name their kid the same first name as their last name?
Ha! What a joke. I ain’t ever heard that shit before in my life.
“This is Stone,” Landon said, pointing to my best friend.
Stone stood up and walked over to Mrs. Lander, shaking her hand.
“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Lander. My name is Stone Walker. My friends and I were hoping you and your husband had a few minutes to sit down and speak with us.”
She moved her head around Stone, glancing at Brix. Once she looked Brix over, she focused her eyes on me. When she saw whatever she was looking for, her eyes traveled to Jazz. Then Mrs. Lander’s face turned pale. She looked like she was going to pass out.
“Mom,” Landon wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “Are you okay? What’s wrong? Your coloring’s off.”
At that moment, tears streamed down the woman’s cheeks, as she stared intently at my wife.
Jazz didn’t notice what was going on. She sat back on the couch with her eyes trained on the muted TV, engrossed in whatever was on.
“Landon, honey, call your father. Tell him to come right now.” Landen looked at all four of us confused. “What’s going on, Mom?”
Mrs. Lander swatted at her son’s arm. “Just do what I said, dear. He needs to hurry, please. Tell him to get here.”
Landon gave his mom a firm nod and walked out of the room. She leaned against the wall and looked back to Stone. “May I ask what you’re doing here?”
Stone relaxed his shoulders. “Yes, ma’am. Let me grab my briefcase.” He walked back to where we were seated and pulled out a manila envelope, taking it over to her.
“Are you sure you don’t want to wait for your husband?” Stone asked, trying to cover his tracks.
Smart man. I was proud of my best friend. He had come a long way and was doing one hell of a job. Once this was all said and done, we were going to give him a big bonus for all of his help. Jazz would be all for it as well. I had no doubt.
“No, honey. You’re good. Follow me.” Mrs. Lander took Stone into another room, leaving me, Brix, and Jazz in the living room by ourselves.
Jazz lifted her head noticing Mrs. Lander was gone and then looked at me.
“Do you think she knew who I was?”
Did I what?
“Wait. Were you hiding from her?” I asked jumbled.
“I couldn’t look at her, B. She looks too much like me it’s scary. Those pictures Stone had of her and Pat didn’t do justice to what they really look like in person.” She wiped at her eyes. “It’s taking everything in my power to keep my mouth shut when all I want to do is scream and yell and run home to my baby girl.”
I wrapped my arm around her sh
oulder, pulling her head onto my chest. “Try and relax, baby. Stone’s going to handle the hard part. All we have to do is wait for Pat to get home before you can introduce yourself,” I reminded her. “If it’s any consolation, I think she knows who you are. She turned all pale and shit. I kind of felt bad for the woman.”
That got Jazz to laugh a little, relieving some of the tension in the air.
“You got this, Jazzy. We’re all here for you,” Brix reassured my wife.
I was wondering if something was bothering my cousin. Any other time he was the only loud one in our group, but not tonight. Brix was acting like someone I had never met before. Someone who was distant and reserved. Definitely out of character for him.
The three of us sat in silence, watching the TV, waiting for Stone to walk back in the room. Twenty minutes later, the door slammed, followed by loud stomping.
“Landon? Phyllis?” a guy yelled, his voice was deep and raspy.
Jazz went still, fear marking her tired face, but before I could open my mouth to try and calm her down, the guy walked across the living room and stood in front of us.
“Who in the hell are you?”
Oh, fuck. I never saw this coming.
Chapter Twelve
Jazz
I couldn’t believe I was sitting here in my maternal grandparents home. It all seemed surreal. What in the hell was I thinking? I had been a nervous wreck ever since I woke up this morning, but nothing ever made me feel like I did this very moment.
My hands were sweaty, my heart was racing, and at any second, I felt like I was going to pass out. I felt sick, like I was going to throw up all over the light brown sectional, and I didn’t know what to do.
Brix, Brax, and I had been sitting here, pondering, wondering where in the world Stone and Phyllis went. But when they had walked into the other room, I was finally able to make myself breathe again.
Both Brax and Brix have tried to calm me down, yet nothing was working. I hated sounding like a bitch when my husband tried to talk to me, but he had no idea what was running through my mind. I didn’t even want to hear my thoughts. They were that bad.