Piper stared at the photo. Slowly she came to her feet and kept her eyes locked on the picture behind him. He didn’t say a word, didn’t want to break whatever moment she had flashing through her mind. Maybe she was recalling a time when her father taught her to fly. Perhaps she was remembering how he always used to slip her money when she came to see him. Even if it was just five dollars, he always said he wanted Livie to have everything.
At the time, Jax didn’t understand why Paul would literally give the last bit of cash from his wallet, but now he realized that he only wanted Livie to love him.
As she grew older and more distant, Paul randomly reached out to her, trying to connect with her but not push too hard. Livie had always been his little girl, they shared a bond. But when the marital issues started, Jax firmly believed Livie’s mother told her lies and turned her against Paul. Jax never really knew, but nothing else made sense.
He turned to keep his eyes on Livie. She stood within inches of the picture, her shoulders not as rigid as they normally were.
“You said he was sick when we left.”
Her words hovered in the air between them. He knew she’d bring that topic up and he owed her some answers since he was the one who’d tapped into this to begin with.
“He didn’t want you or your mother to know.”
Livie threw a glance over her shoulder. “It doesn’t much matter now, does it?”
Not really, but he’d been the only one Paul had confided in about his fears. Most of the people in town knew he was sick, but Paul did a good job hiding the fact. He never wanted pity, never wanted handouts. He was the most prideful man Jax had ever known.
“He had cancer.”
Livie stared at him another minute before turning her attention back to the picture. “Why didn’t he want anyone to know?”
“The marriage was over, you had sided with your mom and were eager to leave Haven.” Jax would never forget the look of defeat on Paul’s face when he realized his family was leaving for good. “He didn’t want your attention or your mom’s out of pity. You know how he was.”
Livie nodded as she twisted around and gripped the back of his desk chair. “I know. Damn pride.”
Tears shimmered in her eyes, but he wasn’t going to mention it or try to console her. He may not have known the new Livie well enough, but he figured someone this determined and strong wouldn’t appreciate having her weakness brought to light.
She glanced around the office once again, this time her eyes landing on the back of the door. He didn’t even have to turn to know what she saw.
“They’ve hung there forever,” he told her. “Piper loves to put them on and pretend to be my helper.”
Livie’s sad smile caused a tear to trickle down her cheek.
Well, hell. He couldn’t exactly ignore that. Jax circled the desk and came to stand beside her.
“Don’t.” She held up a hand. “If you touch me, if you try to comfort me, I’ll break. I’m barely holding it together.”
Ignoring her request, Jax wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her against his chest. Her fists hit his shoulders as she dropped her head.
She may not have wanted to accept his comfort, but he wasn’t a complete jerk. No way could he stand by and watch as she was obviously hurting. He had no idea what she was going through, and he’d do well to remember that. Her life had been turned upside down too.
“I don’t want to be here,” she murmured.
He knew she didn’t mean in his arms. Livie wanted to be back in Atlanta with her perfect life she’d created. Instead, she was here dealing with a past she’d done a pretty good job of ignoring.
“You’re not upset because you’re here,” he told her, running his hand up and down her back. “You’re angry because you have feelings. You’re upset you left and never saw your dad. Maybe you feel guilt—”
Livie pushed back, swiping at her damp cheeks. “I’m not feeling guilty. I’m angry that I didn’t know what was going on in his life.”
“But you chose to walk away,” Jax stated.
“I was eighteen,” she cried.
Jax wasn’t about to get into a pissing match with her over the past. They both had their own points of view on the subject . . . the only problem was, he knew the full story and she didn’t.
The office door opened slightly and Melanie poked her head in. “Sorry. Um . . . we heard yelling and there’s a young boy out here to see you, so—”
“We’re done here.” Livie wiped her face and smoothed her hair back into place—always needing to put the best image forward. “Jackson is free for his visitor.”
Now wasn’t the time to protest or tell her that what was happening between them, and even in her own mind with her internal battle, was much more important than any unexpected guest.
“I’ll be in touch,” Livie said as she started toward the door. “Make sure you know your answer when I call.”
Her parting words sounded so businesslike, as if she hadn’t just broken in his arms. They’d shared something whether she wanted to admit it or not. None of this was going to be as perfectly cut-and-dried as she wanted it to be. Things were going to get messy and they were both going to be tested—and they’d both see exactly what the other was made of.
Jax stepped out of his office and watched as the trio of gorgeous women exited the hangar. That sight alone would have any man giving a double take.
Pulling in a deep breath, he turned to the young boy who
