11. Just…Mine

11 JUST…MINE

Koen

“Have you seen my jewelry box?”

The morning started the same way the previous night ended; with me inside my wife. Then, despite my best efforts to wear her ass out, she jolted from the bed at six thirty, leaving me to wonder what the fuck had happened. One minute, she was lying in my arms, quietly making plans for the future, the next it was like the hounds of hell were chasing her down a one-way street toward Satan. I took way too much time deliberating this because when I followed her to the shower, she’d already rinsed the suds from her slick body and was reaching for a towel. So much for round two.

We had twenty minutes until we had to leave and her anxiety had reached the boiling point. She looked stunning in a formfitting navy dress with a deep V, which crisscrossed under her breasts. It perfectly matched the charcoal-gray suit I chose to wear, right down to the dark-blue silk tie around my neck .

“This one?” I lifted a small frosted pink box from the dresser.

“No. The one I’m looking for was an old pine box with my gran’s initials carved into the top. I always keep it right there.” She pointed to the corner of the stand next to the bed.

“Sorry, Angel.”

“Dammit.” Her face fell. “I wanted to wear her cross necklace; to have a part of her with me today. It wasn’t worth anything except the memories it held.”

Stepping to her side, I took her hands in mine. “You’re the keeper of your gran’s memories, Jade. Not an old piece of jewelry. She’ll be there.”

“How do you always know the right things to say?”

“It’s my God-given talent.” I winked.

She threw her head back and roared with laughter. Exactly what I wanted.

“Are you two decent?” Jett banged on our door.

“Define decent?” I answered.

“Are you naked?”

“Not at the moment.”

“Good.” He burst into the room. “I need help.”

The kid cleaned up nicely. He had on tan dress pants that were tailored to fit his slim build, and a white button-down shirt tucked inside. Though it only took two-point-six seconds to figure out what he needed my help with. It took considerably longer to smother the hysterics threatening to bust me at the seams. All because wrapped around his neck, fastened like a shoelace, was the crimson tie he’d asked to borrow.

Jade didn’t have my self-control. She lost it with dramatic flair, falling sideways onto the bed in a fit of giggles. She meant no harm, but considering he looked like someone kicked his puppy, I needed to get the situation in hand.

“Ignore your sister and follow me.”

I stepped into the bathroom, positioned myself in front of the mirror and loosened my tie in order to use it as an example. Distant memories of my dad doing the same with me and Riley the night of junior prom flashed through my mind as I waited for Jett. As quickly as they’d come, they fled when my thoughts turned to Jett and Jade. My father’s death––while traumatic––wasn’t a tenth of the hell they went through growing up. Yet, not only did they survive years of abuse and neglect, they thrived with only their love for each other to see them through. Now, they had me and the rest of our chosen family to shield them from their tormentors, who were trying to fuck with their happy.

When he joined me moments later, we went through the process, step-by-step, until he was able to tie the perfect Windsor knot. It took him four tries to get it right, but the mile-wide grin spreading across his face made it all worth it.

“Are you ready for this?” I kept my gaze on him through the mirror.

“I don’t really have a choice but to be.”

“You don’t have to face them. We can have Michael ask the judge if you can sit in his chambers.”

“Fuck that, Koen.” His words were laced with venom as he gripped the edge of the counter with his fingers. The happy-go-lucky teen I was used to vanished, replaced by a brother on a rampage. “Those assholes don’t get to think I’m scared of them because I’m not. I hate them. I hate them for every punch or kick they landed on my sister while I was forced to stand and watch. I hate them for all the times they called me stupid or told us we weren’t worth shit. I fucking hate them! ”

“Damn, kid. As your sister’s husband, I feel the need to reprimand your choice in language, but as your brother-in-law, the desire to high-five you is winning out.”

He scrunched up his nose and tilted his head. Clearly, my attempts to lighten the mood went right over his head.

“Let’s get your sister and hit the road.”

The small courtroom was standing room only with the number of people who showed up in support of Jade and Jett. Only Lanie, Noah, and Waverly were noticeably absent. If not for Jade’s reaction when we entered the room, I would have sworn the ladies from Over Easy promised half the town a free breakfast in exchange for an hour of their time. These were her regulars from the diner; the customers who spilled their life stories to her over bacon and coffee five days a week. She had tears in her eyes by the time we reached Michael, who was waiting for us at the front.

“All rise,” the bailiff announced as the judge stepped from his chambers.

Her parents sat at a table on our right. Both of them were laser-focused on the two people at my side, while they quietly conversed with their attorney, who—if the brand of his suit was anything to go by—cost a pretty penny to hire.

“Here we go,” she whispered when we were instructed to take our seats.

“It’ll all be good, Angel.” I laced our fingers together. “Take a breath and relax.”

Judge Monroe, as he was introduced, had a no bullshit policy and it was clear he thought that’s exactly what this entire proceeding was. He was not wrong .

“I don’t have the first clue how this crap made it onto my docket.” He flipped through the files in front of him. “But let’s see if we can clear up this…misunderstanding quickly. Shall we?”

“It’s not a misunderstanding, your highness,” Trudy Trumble stumbled to her feet and bowed.

“Jesus Christ. Is she high?” Jade muttered.

“And you would be?” The judge eyed her with disdain.

Their lawyer yanked her back into her seat, then stood, adjusting the lapels of his suit jacket. “Apologies, Your Honor. These are William and Trudy Trumble, the biological parents of Jett Michael Trumble.”

“Mica,” Jade called out.

“Excuse me, young lady?” Judge Monroe shifted his gaze.

“His name is Jett Mica, not Jett Michael. You’d think his parents would know the name they gave him at birth.”

My lips twitched. Score one for my girl.

“Yes, one would think that.” Turning back to the over-priced ambulance chaser, he asked, “Counselor, do you have anything to add before I rule on this case?”

“Wait, what?” he stammered. “But you haven’t heard any testimony.”

Closing the file, he moved his wire-rimmed glasses to the top of his head. He was older, maybe in his early seventies, with a full head of short gray hair. His eyes were wrinkly around the edges, but they were sharp.

“There’s really no need. What we have here is precisely what I said in the beginning…a missed understanding.” Holding up his hand, he silenced any further outbursts from the other man. “You see, these two individuals abandoned their children, leaving them to fend for themselves. Now they’ve come into my courtroom expecting me to… what? Fo rget about the last four years? Well, they missed out on any understanding I may have had two minutes after they walked out the door.”

Bill slammed his fist against the table. “Judge, you can’t believe a word our brat-of-a-daughter says. She’s been lying since she could talk.”

The gallery erupted into chaos as the city of Huntington came to the aid of one of their own. Jade tightened her grip on my hand, then reached across my body to grab ahold of Jett’s. The three of us sat in silence as the judge banged his gavel repeatedly until the room was brought back to order.

“I have a letter and a Post-it note which says otherwise, Mr. Trumble.”

He didn’t respond. How could he?

“The petition to remove Jade Trumble as guardian for her brother, Jett Trumble, is dismissed.”

I could barely hear over the roar of celebration behind us. But I couldn’t mistake the confusion in Jett’s voice when he leaned forward, elbows to his knees, and said to his sister, “Post-it note?”

“It’s over,” she replied, ignoring his question.

“That’s the first time I’ve ever won in court without even having to say one word. Congrats, Jade.”

“Thank you so much, Michael.” She offered her hand. “Please send me the bill.”

“Not a chance. My husband and I love moonshine too much to risk Aunt Betsy’s wrath.”

“You have our gratitude either way.” I shook his hand next.

Michael walked off as Duncan, Keaton, Henley, and a grinning Phoebe approached. The girls threw their arms around Jade, the three of them rocking back and forth for long minutes while I received slaps on the back.

“Lunch is on me,” Duncan offered. “Wherever you want to go.”

“We may as well head to Over Easy. I know Shirley and the girls already have a celebratory lunch planned.” Henley shrugged.

A commotion from our side drew our attention away from the upcoming festivities.

“What are we supposed to do now? You said we’d get him back.”

Bill towered over his attorney, spittle flying in every direction as he shouted in the other man’s face. Trudy was next to him, except her nasty sneer was aimed at us, in particular, Jade.

“I said it was highly improbable, if you’ll recall, which proved to be accurate.”

“You said a lot of fancy words, but seein’ as you took our cash anyway, we figured we had a shot at winning,” Trudy scoffed.

“It’s not my fault you didn’t heed my warnings, or apparently understand proper English.” The last part was said under his breath.

“We want a refund.”

“I’m not Walmart, Bill. There are no refunds, returns, or exchanges. Now if you’ll excuse me.” He turned on his heel and rushed away.

Trudy took an unsteady step forward. At this range, it was easy to see her pupils were pinpoints, giving every indication she was indeed under the influence of something. Not taking any chances, I moved in front of Jade while Duncan and Keaton positioned themselves to flank my sides, effectively blocking in the other three behind us. Thankfully, the gallery had mostly emptied out, so it was only the eight of us left.

“Move along,” Duncan warned, his deep snarl echoing through the silent courtroom.

“Or what?”

I’d give her credit; the woman had a set of balls on her. But it would take a hell of a lot more than gumption to get through our impenetrable wall.

“Or we’ll have you arrested for loitering,” Keaton added.

“I didn’t throw anything on the ground.”

“Oh my God. Are you sure you and Jade weren’t adopted?”

“Pheebs, not now,” Jett admonished.

“Seriously though,” she continued, “where did your super brain come from because it certainly wasn’t genetic.”

Jade’s anguished voice hit my ears seconds too late as she shoved past me. “Where did you get that necklace?” It all happened so fast, my only recourse was to loop an arm around her waist and pull her back into my chest. I hated having her between me and potential danger, but now my curiosity had piqued.

Trudy fingered the tiny silver cross at her neck. “It was a gift from my mother.”

Son of a bitch!

“Bullshit. You stole it.”

“Angel, settle,” I whispered in her ear when she struggled to break free of my hold. “I’ll check the cameras when we get home.”

“It’s definitely time for you to go.”

Keaton nodded to the bailiff, who’d reentered at some point, and the two of them ushered the older Trumbles out. Unfortunately, her father decided to leave us with a parting shot .

“This isn’t over.”

Jade

The party was in full swing when we hit the diner an hour earlier. There were balloons of every color tied to the chairs and streamers with “It’s A Boy” strung up along the ceiling. Leave it to the ladies of Over Easy to find humor in a guardianship hearing. I shook my head, thinking about how half the people here probably didn’t understand the banner was talking about Jett.

Sal had outdone himself with all the food he’d prepared. There were buffet tables lining the front counter holding silver trays overloaded with piles of carved meats for sandwiches. Too bad I didn’t feel much like celebrating. True, we’d won, but at what cost?

“What’s with the sad face, Gumdrop?” Betsy slid into the booth across from me.

Searching the diner, I spotted Koen immediately. He had one arm thrown over Jett’s shoulder while they both chuckled at something Phoebe said. Without taking my eyes off my boys, I sighed.

“Something feels off.”

“It’s probably gas. Even if it’s not”—she slid a small container between my fingers—“moonshine will cure whatever ails you.”

She excused herself and left to join the crowd. When we arrived at the courthouse early, I’d been absolutely floored at the sheer volume of people who’d shown up. It had literally brought me to tears.

“Okay, Sis.” I was so lost in my thoughts; I started when Jett slid in next to me. “I’ve given you time to digest what went down today. Now what was the judge talking about when he said Post-it note?”

“It was something Dad left attached to the bogus guardianship papers.”

“Why keep it all these years?”

Good question. The smart thing would’ve been to immediately crumble it up and throw it away, maybe even burn the stupid thing. It was hurtful and cruel, two things my parents excelled at with little to no effort. Yet, I didn’t and my reasons were something I never thought I’d have to explain. I guess I thought wrong.

“For about two seconds, it was a reminder.” I hadn’t realized I was tapping my fingers against the table until Jett’s large hand covered mine. Peering into eyes which matched mine, I hurried out, “Not that I needed one, considering I had plenty of bruises left over from their last tirade.”

“What did it say, Jade?”

Honestly, I didn’t have the first clue why my nerves had kicked in all of a sudden. They’d said much worse to us over the years. They’d done much worse.

“Then I saw it for what it truly was. A declaration; one I was so proud of. Still am.”

“Tell me.”

“I never wanted you to know.”

“Why?”

Shifting in my seat, I steeled my spine.

“Because it was a lie. ‘He’s your problem now,’” I blurted. “Four stupid words scratched out on a yellow sticky note, but you were never a problem to me, Jett. Not ever. You were just…mine.”

“I see.” His eyes flitted off to the side, a myriad of emotions crossing his face. Then he chuckled. It wasn’t exactly the reaction I thought he’d have. Pissed off? Sure. But this? I was so confused.

“Holy crap,” he snorted, not even trying to hide his amusement. “That’s it? You kept that from me for four years?”

I nodded.

“I would’ve shouted that shit from the rooftops.”

“Language.”

“Although, I probably would’ve fallen through the roof of our shitty little house?—”

“Seriously? Language.”

“Still, it would’ve been a nice big fuck you to dear ole Mom and Dad when I screamed thank you at the top of my lungs to the assholes.”

“Jett!”

“What?”

“You can get your point across without all the curse words.”

“I could, but it’s a lot more fun to watch you get riled up.”

Little jerk.

“So you’re not mad?”

“At what they wrote? Screw them. Best decision they ever made was leaving me to you.”

After our talk, I felt better…lighter. It helped that he teased me mercilessly for being “overly dramatic” and “dumb.” I suppose to some degree I was. He was never meant to experience the kind of pain those words intended at twelve years old. It was my cross to bear as his older sister. Now though, he saw them for what they were. Utter bullshit.

Strong hands—which I loved so much—cradled my cheeks as he pressed his lips to mine. They were warm and soft and, suddenly, I wished we were somewhere without an audience.

“How’re you doing, Angel?”

Before I could answer, his phone sounded from his pocket. Due to the nature of his job, he always checked when someone called, especially given our two friends were in the middle of a dangerous situation. Reaching back, he pulled it out and looked at the screen. His eyebrows turned down with confusion.

“It’s my sister. I need to take this.”

Putting the phone to his ear, he barely said hello before I heard a panicked female voice on the other end of the line.

“Calm down, Willow. I can barely understand you.”

I caught two words which were never meant to be in the same sentence. Mom and hospital. Koen stiffened and I knew whatever it was, it was bad.

“Heart attack? What the fuck, Wills?”

Keaton, Henley, and Duncan rushed to our side, having heard the same anguish in his voice I did. Koen’s family meant the world to him. He’d already lost his father way too soon, if something happened to his mother, I didn’t know what he’d do.

“I’ll get the first flight out. Tell her I love her and I’ll see her soon.” He listened for a few more seconds, then said, “Love you too, Willow. It’ll be okay.”

“What’s going on?” Duncan asked.

“My mom’s on the way to the hospital. They think it’s a heart attack.”

“Shit, man. What do you need?” Keaton clapped him on the shoulder.

“I have to get a plane ticket.”

“Three,” I interjected. He pinned me with wide eyes. “ If you think I’m letting you handle this on your own, you’ve lost your mind. We’re a team.”

“Thank you, Angel.” He kissed me hard and quick, then turned back to Keaton. “Three tickets.”

“Okay, give me ten minutes.”

Unfortunately, it only took six to figure out the earliest domestic flight leaving Huntington Tri-State airport wasn’t until late afternoon tomorrow.

“Fuck,” Duncan spat.

Koen didn’t say anything. He just looked helpless. I hated it.

“What about Charleston?” I questioned. “Or Yeager?”

“They’re all the same.” Keaton shook his head. “That’s why I’ve ordered a private jet. It’ll be fueled up and ready for takeoff within the hour.”

“Excuse me?” I stuttered.

“I appreciate the gesture, but I can’t let you do that, man.”

“You aren’t letting me do shit, Koen. It’s already done. What else am I going to spend my money on if not family?”

“Dammit.” Koen wrapped his best friend in a hug, smacking a fist against his back. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Now go pack and get to the airport. Text with any updates.”

Henley stopped us on the curb outside the diner, kissing first Koen then me on the cheek. “I wish we were going with you, but we’ll be there in spirit.”

So did I.

“We’ve never been on a plane. Are they safe?” Jett asked as we climbed into the Camaro.

“I guess we’re about to find out,” I muttered.