“Yes, Sir,” he told him. “I have to warn you, though. It was not easy getting her to come home. She’s nowhere near the old Kennedy you once knew. She is very different in every aspect. And, Sir?”
Finally looking at Creed as his words penetrated his mind he asked, “Yeah, son?”
“If you or anyone else brings her to tears or hurts her in any way, we will not hesitate to take her away. Are we clear?”
“You’ve got balls, boy.”
“No, Sir, just facts. We will not allow her to feel one second of doubt the way your sons made her feel this morning.”
“She’s seen the boys? Just when did you get here and what is your relationship with my daughter?” He demanded to know.
“Honestly, Sir? It’s none of your damn business, but because I know Kennedy and how much your approval means to her, I’ll tell you this one time. She’s ours. There’s nothing in this world that either of us wouldn’t do for her or protect her from,” he told Jackson, not wavering or backing down.
“Why isn’t your brother out here with me?”
“Because at the moment, your sons have her so terrified you’re going to be as pissed with her as they were. And right now my brother is trying to convince her that y’all are only interested in making sure she’s safe. Don’t make us wrong on that.”
Finally realizing how serious he was about taking her away, Jackson gave one last look towards Kennedy before nodding his head and saying, “I don’t care where she went or why; I just want my baby home,” he whispered brokenly.
Nodding his head he walked back to the SUV as Linc climbed out from the back, opening the door for Kennedy. She looked terrified. More frightened than he’d ever seen her before. She sat frozen in her seat as Linc stood beside her, a wall of strength for her to lean on; she just didn’t realize it.
When she finally clashed eyes with him the stark fear facing him had him taking a step back. This was more than being afraid of what they would feel; this was her terri
fied of failing her parents.
Reaching for her hand, he tried to reassure with actions because he felt like words wouldn’t penetrate her over-active brain in that moment. As she slowly climbed from the vehicle she didn’t break eye contact, and when she started to hyperventilate Linc slipped behind her whispering in her ear, “Breathe, Sunshine. We’re here.”
As they continued to soothe her he saw from the corner of his eye as her mom and other dad, Andrew, came outside looking ten years older than when they’d left. When they finally noticed where Jackson’s attention was he heard their loud, shocked gasps upon seeing Kennedy.
She must have heard too because she froze. Her body, her wandering eyes, her breaths. Everything in her stilled when she realized all three of her parents were waiting for her. As she started shaking violently, he moved closer so their chests were touching and not one inch of her wasn’t being soothed by either him or Linc.
“Talk to us, Sunshine. What’s going through your mind?” Creed asked tilting her head up to meet his eyes. Her irises were practically owned by the entire pupil; the beautiful blues were nearly gone and replaced by darkness. Looking to Linc, he wondered if they should take her and leave. If maybe this was about to do her more harm than good.
“They hate me,” she finally whispered with the most desolate look he’d ever seen.
“No, Kennedy, they don’t. They’re so worried about you. The only thing they want is for you to be happy and healthy no matter where you are. You trust me, Sunshine?” he asked her.
“Yes,” she didn’t hesitate.
“Then trust that we would never let you go in there if we thought for one second they would show you anything other than love, yeah?”
With a last look around she let go of a deep breath before saying, “Okay, Creed.”
·?•? ?•?·
Her breath was stuck somewhere between her chest and her throat and burned something fierce. Never in a million years would she have dreamed seeing her parents after running would be so hard. The pain they must have felt had to have been horrible. She was so ashamed of herself to have caused them that.
Seeing her parents now, they looked older than ever before. It saddened her to know she was the cause. It was never her intent to hurt people by trying to leave the pain behind, but in doing so, she caused great suffering for her family.
Having Creed and Linc with her made the overwhelming emotions bearable. She just hoped they were ready to tackle the way she was feeling. Everything felt like it was bubbling to the surface and she couldn’t get a handle on it. She was out of control and had no idea where to grasp.
“Ready to do this?” Linc asked softly from behind her.
“No,” she told them honestly.
“You say the word and we’re outta here, Kennedy,” he promised.
Feeling slightly better that they weren’t going to abandon her, she steeled herself for more heartbreak than she felt she could handle. Grabbing their hands she half hid behind and between them, terrified of seeing the look on her parents faces as they approached.