Page 98 of Then Came Love
Chapter Twenty-Two
JORDAN GAZED OUT the window of Char’s car, trying to focus on the Colorado landscape whooshing by as Jax drove toward Redemption Ranch, but she was too nervous to concentrate on anything. With the exception of a few hours on the plane, she hadn’t slept a wink. Her muscles ached, and her mind hadn’t stopped whirling since they’d gotten the news about Casey. Sully.
She had always considered herself to be strong, and she’d tried hard not to be a burden on anyone, but it was nice not having to pretend to be that resilient with Jax. Last night as the arrangements were being made, he’d taken her out to the garden and had just held her in the moonlight, away from everyone else, somehow knowing she’d needed a little extra care.
As promised, Carly had called and introduced them to Tiny and Wynona Whiskey. Tiny sounded gruff and direct but friendly, and Wynona was warm and compassionate, reassuring them that Sully was safe and being well cared for. They’d explained how they used physical work on the ranch as part of their therapy practice, providing a purpose for those who were a little lost. Four of their five children also worked on the ranch. Jordan liked knowing her sister was surrounded by a good family. But she sure hoped she and Sully could be family again, too.
Jax reached across the seat and took her hand. “How are you holding up, sweetheart?”
“Okay. I’m just nervous.”
“I’m so nervous I feel like I could throw up,” her aunt said from the back seat.
Jax rolled down her aunt’s window, amusing everyone. Jordan was thankful for the levity. Then again, she was grateful for everything about him.
“I’m sure Sully is nervous, too,” Jax said. “As Wynnie said, a transition like this is not going to be easy for her or for the three of you. Just remember to take it slow and not to expect too much.”
“That’s the hardest part. We don’t know what she’s been through or what her life was like,” Jordan said. “I want to be there for her, but how can I if she has no idea who I am? She doesn’t know she can trust me.”
“Seeing you might trigger memories,” her uncle chimed in.
“I know Wynnie said that could happen, and I’m hoping it’s true. But what if she never remembers?” Jordan hated thinking about that, but she knew it could happen.
“Then you’ll develop a new relationship and get to know each other as the people you’ve become. This can be whatever the two of you want it to be.” When the entrance to the ranch came into focus, Jax tightened his hold on her hand. The main gate had a wooden beam with an iron RR across the top—the first R was backward—and there were three enormous men standing in front of motorcycles blocking the entrance. Two of them stood with their boots planted on the pavement, wearing black leather vests, their arms crossed over their chests. The third, a dark-haired bearded man, wore jeans, cowboy boots, and a black T-shirt, and he was walking toward the car.
The man strode up to Jax’s window and peered into the car. He was handsome, even if slightly intimidating with piercings in his ears, septum, and nostril, and tattoos on his neck and arms. His dark eyes moved over their faces, a smile lifting his beard. “Mornin’, folks.”
“Hi, I’m Jax Braden, and this is Jordan Lawler and Sheila and Gary Matheson. Tiny and Wynnie are expecting us.”
“Welcome to Redemption Ranch. I’m Devlin Whiskey, but you can call me Dare. It’s nice to meet all of you.” His gaze moved to Jordan, and that smile reached his eyes. “Bet you’re eager to see your sister.”
“Very much so.” Jordan got choked up.
“She’s in good hands, and we haven’t had any media hounds sniffing around. But we’ve got Dark Knights posted around the ranch, keeping watch.” He motioned to the two guys moving their motorcycles away from the gate. “Why don’t you follow me down to the main house. My parents are looking forward to meeting you.”
As he walked away, Jordan turned to see tears in her aunt’s eyes. “I’m glad I’m not the only one who can’t hold it together.”
“That’s okay. We came prepared.” Her uncle handed her a wad of tissues.
“Thanks, Uncle Gary, but Jax filled my pockets with tissues this morning.”
They followed Dare onto the property, passing pastures, barns, riding arenas, and parked in front of an impressively large house made of stone, wood, and glass with a sign out front that read REDEMPTION RANCH THERAPEUTIC SERVICES. Jordan recognized Wynona and Tiny standing out front. They looked just like Carly had described them. Wynnie was a pretty middle-aged blonde with a shag haircut and a warm smile. She wore a blue blouse tucked into jeans and cowgirl boots. She had to be at least five six, and Tiny towered over her. He was a mountain of a man with a thick gray beard, gray hair trapped beneath a red bandanna tied around his head, and as many tattoos decorating his arms as his son had. His T-shirt was stretched tight over his pendulous belly, which hung over the front of his jeans, and on his feet were well-worn cowboy boots.
Dare parked by the curb. Tiny clapped him on the back, a smile warming his features as they talked. Dare waved to Jordan and Jax as they climbed out of the car, then drove off.
Jax took Jordan’s hand, speaking quietly into her ear. “Breathe, sweetheart. It’s going to be okay.”
“Hi. I’m Wynnie, and this is my husband, Tiny. Welcome to our ranch. We’re so happy to meet all of you.”
“Hi. I’m Jordan. Thank you for taking care of my sister.” Jordan tried not to sound too anxious, but she really wanted to say, Can I see her?
“It’s our pleasure, darlin’,” Tiny said.
“This is my aunt and uncle, Sheila and Gary Matheson, and this is my boyfriend, Jax.”
“Hi, Jax Braden. It’s nice to meet you.” He offered his hand.
