A Cowboy's Love (Ford Brothers Book #3)

Chapter Six: Amelia

I finally told Jackson one of my biggest secrets. I told him that I am the one who broke his heart. The one who listened to her parents instead of following her heart. I should have found him sooner, but by the way things are going I probably should not have told him. He has not said a word since I told him that I am Ellie. I am still not looking at him, but I can still feel his eyes on me. Taking a deep breath I look up into his eyes.

"I'm so sorry, Jackson. I shouldn't have come here." I rushed out as I tilted my head down again.

"Why would you be sorry for that?" He asked as I felt his fingers on my face turning mine to face him.

"I hurt us both once before."

"I have been waiting for you to comeback to me. I still love you Amelia, I always have and always will. Why didn't you move here sooner?"

"Drew told me that you moved on and that you didn't want me anymore." I confessed.

"Drew? Was he in our grade? I don't really remember him."

"Yes, he also hung out in our friend group."

"Oh, okay. I never liked him. Why would he tell you that?" Jackson questioned.

"To take advantage of me." My answer is quiet, a little over a whisperer, but he still heard me. Wrapping his hands around my upper arms and turning my body to face his. Our knees brushing as he slid his hands down my arms and taking both of my hands in his.

"What do you mean he took advantage of you?" He asked. His hazel eyes burning into my blue ones. His hands tightening around mine.

"He knew I had no place to go. My parents disowned me when I did something they didn't approve of. They took my phone and I didn't have your number to get a hold of you. I had no money to get here and Drew knew everything. His parents are friends with mine. He is also my ex-husband."

"I'm sorry, Amelia. I knew I should have went back for you. Did he hurt you?" He asked. I could not answer him aloud so I managed a nod on the verge of tears. I can feel them building up.

"It wasn't just me either." I manged to get out around the sob that is trying to escape.

"Come here, baby." Jackson said, pulling me over to sit in his lap. He wrapped his arms tight around my waist and held me close. I laid my head on his shoulder burying my nose into his neck. Breathing in his cologne as I broke down in his arms. He is holding me like he is going to keep all my broken pieces together.

When my tears start to dry up I pull away from him putting space between us. His arms are still holding me tight. My heart is pounding behind my ribcage. He is not running from me and he does not seem angry with me. My head is spinning from telling Jackson the truth about me. I thought he would be yelling and telling me how he does not want me, but he is not.

"You're not mad at me?"

"I could never be mad at you. None of this is your fault."

"I should have told you sooner."

"You weren't ready to tell me yet. Now that you're back I am not letting you go." He said tightening his arms as he pulled me closer to his chest. I can feel his heartbeat through his shirt.

"Mom, Kate is up and looking for you." Gabby called from the door behind us.

"I will be right there." I hollered to her over Jackson's shoulder.

"Okay." She replied closing the door behind her as she re-entered the house.

"We will talk more about this later. Do you want me to leave or stay?" Jackson whispered into my ear. Did I want him to stay? My heart is screaming yes and my brain is telling me it is too good to be true. Do I listen to reason or do I follow my heart? It is still early maybe he could stay till we go to bed. I do not want to push this, but I do not want him to leave either.