Wilde Love (The Brothers of Wilde, Nevada 6)

“Rich wanted me, not Austin.”

“True. But that doesn’t change anything, dear. Now, let me take a good look at you. Considering what you’ve been through, no wonder you look so shook up. You okay?”

Jessie nodded. “Has Austin come to at all?”

“No. Shouldn’t be long now. He’s going to have a lot of guilt, Jessie, when he does.”

“Why?” Jessie was the one who brought the trouble to Austin. He had no reason to feel guilty.

“He didn’t protect you. Sure, he didn’t have a chance, but that isn’t how the Wilde men look at things. They have to be perfect when it comes to their women.” Jessie could see the pride on her face as she spoke of her sons.

“He is perfect. I’m the one that’s flawed.”

“You sound like a woman in love.”

“I am.” Jessie couldn’t help but smile as she thought of her men. “But I don’t know if that’s enough.”

“Trust me. It will be. Austin is all thorns and steel on the outside, but on the inside—”

“He’s wonderful. It’s just…that…” Jessie wanted to tell Mrs. Wilde about Austin’s demand for her to choose between him and his brothers but hesitated.

“Something’s wrong? You’re torn up about more than the kidnapping and Austin being here, aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Sweetheart, we’re going to be family. I always wanted a daughter, and now I’m going to have one. I’m here for you.”

Jessie trusted this woman more than any other. “He’s asked me to choose.”

Mrs. Wilde looked to Austin, and then turned back to Jessie. “I’m not surprised.”

“You’re not.”

“Actually, I’m thrilled. You’ve got him.” A big smile lit her face.

Jessie prayed she was right. “I’m not so sure.”

“Don’t give up on him, honey. I’d almost lost hope for my boy, and then you came to town. You can do it.”

“I’ll try. I promise.”

“Good enough. Now, let me leave you alone with him.” Mrs. Wilde kissed her cheek. “I hung your clothes on the hooks in the bathroom.”

Mrs. Wilde shut the door, and Jessie walked up to the side of the bed. Austin was completely out but breathing easily. She touched his cheek, and felt a single tear run down her face. “Master, I’m so sorry. Please be okay.”

Jessie leaned down and kissed him. He didn’t wake up as she’d hoped he might.

She looked up at the clock on the wall that reminded her of Denver’s obsession with time. Even with the invincible Maude working to keep Denver away, Jessie knew he’d be busting through Austin’s hospital room door at any moment. She rushed to the bathroom to dress. When finished, she sighed. It felt good to be in clothes again.

Jessie left the bathroom and looked once again at Austin, asleep on the bed.

“How in the world am I going to get through to you, Mr. Wilde?”

* * * *

Jessie flipped through another outdated magazine, trying to tamp down her impatience. The waiting room was filled to the max with Wildes and Strongs. Maude and her two husbands sat across from them. All but one of their sons had gone to the cafeteria, not because they were hungry, but because they wanted to kill time. The one left behind was one of the eldest, Tobias. Mrs. Wilde had gone back to Austin’s room with her three husbands. Jackson and Phoenix sat on one side of Jessie, and Denver and Dallas on the other.

After she’d left Austin’s room, Jackson, Phoenix, and Dallas had arrived in a whirlwind of testosterone. Not taking “no” for an answer and with the help of Denver, they’d guided her to the doctor. After answering a bunch of questions, saying “ah,” and suffering through other typical medical intrusions, Jessie was given a clean bill of health by the physician to the re