Page 53 of Christmas Homecoming Secrets
She blinked. “He has his good points.”
“Does Mia see him?”
“No.” Jade drew in a steadying breath. She didn’t want to lie, but she couldn’t tell him the truth now, not yet. Not until she figured out exactly where he was in dealing with his PTSD issues. “She doesn’t.” She paused. “I was thinking we should go to Frank’s tomorrow after we talk to Tony Swift.”
Bryce studied her, and she wondered if he’d insist on talking about Mia’s father. After several seconds, he finally gave a short nod. “All right.”
“I know Heather’s there and going over everything, but it’s possible she’s too close to this. Maybe we’ll see something she can’t.”
“I think that sounds reasonable.”
“We’ll call her on the way to the hospital in the morning.”
“She looked bad, Jade. I’m worried about her.”
“I know. I am, too. I’m glad her mother is with her. Maybe Heather’ll talk to us a little more tomorrow.”
He rubbed a hand down his face. “She hasn’t said when the funeral is. You think she’s even thought about it?”
“I think she has. I also think she may be avoiding it.” Jade swallowed and looked away. “I’ll call Lisa tomorrow, too. She and Frank were really close. I’ll ask her what the plan is.”
“Good idea. In the meantime, why don’t we get some sleep?”
“You’re staying here?”
“There are four officers surrounding this house and a fire crew just outside making sure nothing sparks another blaze.” He stood and walked over to kneel in front of her—albeit a bit awkwardly with his leg—and take her hand. “Frankly, I wouldn’t care if the entire police force was out there with the national guard. I’m not trusting your safety to anyone else anymore. I’m going to keep you safe, Jade.”
She gaped, then snapped her mouth closed. “But—”
He pressed a finger to her lips. “But nothing. Don’t get me wrong. I know you’re capable and fully able to take care of yourself. I have no doubts about that. And this isn’t some caveman thing where I think you need me to protect you. It’s something Iwantto do. Iwantto be here.” He paused. “Because while you may not need my protection, I need to give it. I wasn’t there for Frank, but I really want to be here for you.”
Jade swallowed, her heart pounding from the sudden surge of adrenaline. That look in his eyes spoke volumes. Then it was gone, and he was pushing off the arms of the recliner to his feet. She let her gaze stay locked on his, wanting to believe him—and scared to let herself fall for another guy in denial about his PTSD.
“Thank you,” she said.
“Get some sleep, Jade. You’re going to need it.”
“I will. You too.”
“Of course.”
She paused. “I feel horrible that my family is going through this. I can only pray this doesn’t hurt my parents’ chances of adopting the twins.”
“Well, right now, they’re safe, and that’s all that matters. If we can get this cleared up ASAP, then I would think their plans to adopt would be fine.”
“Right. So, let’s figure this out ASAP.”
“See you in the morning, Jade.”
“’Night, Bryce.”
She went into her parents’ bedroom and crawled into their bed. Tears hovered on her lashes and finally spilled over onto the pillow.Please, dear God, let us get to the bottom of this and please, keep my family safe. And give me wisdom about whether or not to tell Bryce about Mia. I know I need to, I just…can’t. Yet. Tell me when, Lord.
ELEVEN
The night had passed without any more trouble, and Bryce had listened as Jade talked to her parents, then each child, before hanging up and calling the hospital to check on Tony Swift. “Still in a coma?” Jade had said. “I thought he was waking up.” Pause. “All right, thanks. Call me if something changes.” She’d hung up and turned to Bryce. “He took a turn for the worse during the night.”
“I gathered. So… Frank’s?”
