Page 99 of Then Came Love
“Son, I’ve known who you were before you knew who you were.” Tiny laughed at his own joke as he shook Jax’s hand. “Hal Braden and I go way back. He’s a good man, and he sure is proud of the rest of you Bradens.”
“I forgot Hal knows everyone.” Jax turned to Jordan and the others. “Hal is my father’s cousin, Josh’s father. He owns a ranch not far from here, in Weston.”
Her aunt and uncle introduced themselves, and Wynnie said, “Sully’s been through a lot, as you can imagine. Our son Callahan, who goes by the name Cowboy, has taken on the role of her protector. I hope you don’t mind that she’s asked him to stay in the room while you two get to know each other.”
“I don’t mind, but is she afraid of me?” Please say no.
“No, sweetheart. She’s not afraid of you. She simply wanted someone who felt familiar in the room to help settle her nerves. She’s a tough bird. It’s hard to imagine her afraid of anything. But as a therapist, I know that’s what she’s showing us right now. In here”—Wynnie put her hand over her heart—“it might be a whole different story. Only time will tell.”
“I’m fine with whatever she needs to feel safe.” Jordan glanced at Jax. “I know how comforting being near the right person can be.”
“I’m sure y’all have been through hell and back worrying over Sully,” Tiny said. “Why don’t we go inside so you can set your eyes on that little darlin’?”
He held the door for them as they walked into the spacious building, which looked more like a resort than offices, with high ceilings and exposed wooden rafters. The doors opened into a large two-story gathering space with several couches and chairs, bookshelves, various tables with puzzles and other things on them, and a massive stone fireplace. A second story ran around the perimeter with several doors visible. There was a hallway to their left, and to their right was another open area with enormous farmhouse-style tables. Just beyond, Jordan saw a kitchen and another hallway.
“This is what we call the main house,” Wynnie explained. “On this level are our traditional therapeutic service offices, and staff residences are upstairs. We also have meeting rooms and a movie room. We all eat together as often as we can, clients, therapists, and ranch hands included.”
“That’s wonderful,” her aunt said.
“The people who come to us have typically felt alone for a long time,” Wynnie explained. “We do everything we can to help alleviate that feeling.”
“Has Case—Sully been enjoying her time here?” Jordan asked.
“I’m going to let Sully answer that directly. I try not to assume those types of things. Why don’t I take you to meet her, and Tiny can show everyone else around.”
Jordan turned to Jax and her aunt and uncle. “I hope I don’t say the wrong thing.”
“Follow your heart.” Her aunt glanced at Jax. “It’s been guiding you perfectly lately.”
“She’s right, babe. Just be yourself, and remember, we’ve got nothing but time.” He kissed her. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
As she and Wynnie headed down a hallway, Wynnie said, “You and Jax sure are sweet together.”
“Thank you. He’s wonderful.”
“And from what I hear, you are, too.” She stopped outside an office with her name on the door and took Jordan’s hands. “Honey, I know you’re scared. Is there anything I can help you with before you meet Sully?”
“Is there anything I shouldn’t say? How will I know if I say the wrong thing?”
“I would tread lightly when asking about her life. Let her know you love her and you care, but don’t push. She’ll let you know if you say something that bothers her. She’s a firecracker.”
“She always was. Thank you, Wynnie.”
“You’re very welcome. We have many therapists and counselors on staff. If you or your family would like to talk, we’re here.”
“I appreciate that.”
“Are you ready to meet Sully?”
“Yes, please.” Jordan’s heart was beating so hard, she was sure Wynnie could hear it.
Wynnie opened the door, and Jordan saw a tall, thin girl pacing. Her slightly frizzy golden-brown hair hung to her waist. She wore a loose purple batik shirt, cutoffs, and scuffed and worn brown leather boots. But they weren’t cowgirl boots—they were more like combat boots. Her back was to Jordan, and she stopped pacing and looked up at the broad-shouldered muscular man standing with his arms crossed, chin low, eyes on Sully.
Cowboy.
He had hair the color of wheat and a beard a shade darker. He nodded at Sully, and she turned around. Her hair fell in front of half of her face, but half was all Jordan needed to recognize her younger sister. Her frantic heart nearly leapt out of her chest, and tears sprang to her eyes.
“Sully, this is Jordan.” Wynnie stepped aside, allowing Jordan to walk into the room. “Jordan, this is Sully, and my son Cowboy.”
Cowboy’s gaze flicked to Jordan, and he gave a single curt nod. “Nice to meet you.” His attention quickly returned to Sully, serious and unfaltering.
“Hi.” Jordan’s lower lip trembled as she tried to keep her emotions at bay. It took everything she had not to run to Sully and throw her arms around her.
Sully’s brows knitted. “Hi, Jordan.”
