Page 15 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

“People drift apart.” There, that was cryptic enough.

She arched an eyebrow. “Yes, and some people like to evade the subject.”

He coughed. “Excuse me?”

Daddy grinned. “I think she’s gonna be just fine,” he winked.

Jaxson chuckled. “So it would seem.”

Lemon tipped her head, her beautiful face thoughtful. “You said I lost touch with my dad. Are my mom and I close?”

“Yes, you and your mom were very close,” Jaxson answered. “At least when you and I knew each other.”

A look of pleasure overtook her features as she nodded. “I think I knew that.” She began talking fast using her hands as her expression grew animated. “I’m sure my mom’s wondering where I am. I should probably contact her, let her know that I’m okay.”

Jaxson’s insides laced up tight as he and Daddy looked at one another.

“What?” Lemon prompted, worry masking her features. “Is my mom okay?”

Compassion stirred inside of Jaxson. How could he tell Lemon that her mother had Alzheimer’s? “I’m sure she’s fine.”

“What is it that you’re not telling me?” Lemon balled her fist. “Tell me!”

“Go ahead,” Knox urged.

Jaxson took in a deep breath. There was no way around this. This whole thing was so twisted. He forced the words out. “Your mother has Alzheimer’s.” He winced at Lemon’s stricken expression.

“No,” she gasped. “It’s not true!” She pressed her fingers to her temples like she was in pain.

“Hey,” Jaxson said tenderly, touching her arm.

She jerked away from his grasp. “It can’t be true.”

“Search your memory,” Knox prompted kindly. “It’s all there.”

“Daddy,” Jaxson warned.

Knox held up his hand. “The wound is festering. I’m just trying to boil out the infection, so she can heal.”

Lemon’s hands started to shake. Her lips were thin, face pale as a ghost. Alarm raced through Jaxson. “Everything will be okay,” he said. “Your mother’s in a care center in LA.”

Her face caved the second before a cry wrenched her throat. She jumped up and fled the room.

Jaxson reached for the crutches, intent on going after her, but Daddy caught his arm. “Don’t. She needs time to cool off.”

Anger fisted Jaxson’s stomach. He spun around, glaring at Daddy. “You shouldn’t have pressed her.”

“A little pressure is necessary,” Knox said calmly.

“But Doctor Jepson said?—”

“I don’t care what Henry said,” Knox mumbled. “He’s not a psychiatrist.”

“Neither are you,” Jaxson retorted.

Knox jutted his thumb in the direction Lemon had gone. “I don’t need to be a shrink to know that Lemon’s dealing with some heavy stuff. I’d venture to say that whatever it is has to do with her mother.”

Jaxson made a face. “You think so?”

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