Page 40 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

“Maybe that’s what caused her to lose her memory.”

Knox’s eyes deepened to dark pools of sympathy. “There’s another piece to this puzzle.”

Jaxson braced himself, sensing that Daddy was getting to the heart of why he’d stopped by. “What did you find out?”

“The detective discovered the care center Naomi Massey was in.”

Jaxson’s pulse surged. “That’s great! Lemon was saying last night that she wants to go and visit her mother.”

“That’s not gonna happen.”

“Why not?” Jaxson frowned.

“Naomi Massey is dead.”

Jaxson froze. “What?” he sputtered.

Knox nodded sadly. “She fell and hit her head in the bathtub.” He paused, looking Jaxson in the eye. “It happened on the same day of your accident. I suspect the news of her mother’s death was what triggered Lemon’s amnesia. It was too much for her to handle, so she blocked it out.”

The words came at Jaxson like a punch in the gut. “Lemon will be devastated,” he said quietly. It was so unfair. Lemon hadlost touch with her dad. She was an only child. Her mother was all that she had, and now she was gone. He felt a deep anguish, almost as if he, himself, were experiencing the loss. He jerked slightly, realizing that any loss of Lemon’s was a loss of his. He marveled at how they were forming such a deep connection in such a short period of time. Then again, he’d always had a tender spot for Lemon, even when he was trying to forget her. They were merely resuming their relationship rather than starting something new.

Knox nodded. “I’m sure Lemon was devastated, which is why she blocked it out.”

Jaxson balled his fist and put it to his mouth, his thoughts swirling like a tornado. “I don’t know what to do.” He looked to Daddy for an answer.

Knox’s head swung back and forth. “It’s a tough situation.”

Jaxson glanced towards the hallway, thinking that Lemon would emerge any minute. He didn’t want her to overhear them. “Do I tell her the truth, or let her remember it?”

“I don’t know, son,” Knox said morosely. “I really don’t.”

Jaxson’s phone buzzed. He retrieved it from his front pocket. “Hello?”

“This is Officer Williams.” Jaxson tightened his hold on the phone as he looked at Daddy. “Yes?” he asked carefully.

“A phone has been recovered in a hay field a quarter of a mile from where Lemon’s purse was found. We think it might be hers. It looks to be in working condition, but the battery is dead. We’re charging it now. Would you and Lemon like to come into the station? Maybe Lemon can help us determine if it is her phone.”

“We’ll be there soon. Thanks,” Jaxson clipped as he ended the call.

“What was that about?” Knox asked.

“A phone has been recovered. The police think it’s Lemon’s, but they won’t know for sure until they can charge it. They want Lemon to come in to see if she recognizes any of the numbers.”

Knox looked thoughtful. “If it is Lemon’s phone, then we could see what calls she received the day of the accident.”

“Yes, and we can also see if she was in close contact with Wesley Livingston.”

“Good morning,” Lemon chimed brightly as she traipsed over and sat down next to Jaxson. “Hello,” she said to Knox, a large smile wafting over her beautiful face.

“Hello,” Knox repeated.

Lemon turned to Jaxson, her gaze flickering over him in an assessment before turning to Knox. “Our guy’s doing much better this morning.”

“I’m glad to see it,” Knox said heartily.

For all her trauma the night before, Lemon looked remarkably rested. She smelled fresh. Her skin was glowing, her blonde tresses shimmering. She seemed to have a renewed sense of confidence about her. Jaxson’s heart twisted. How could he keep the news of her mother from her? And yet, how could he tell her? It might destroy her.

Jaxson placed a hand on her knee. “There’s something I need to talk to you about.”

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