“Come back to the table so we can talk.” Abel picked up the chair that had fallen to the floor and placed it back beside the table. Using his boot, he shoved the larger pieces of the shattered clock close to the wall and out of the way.
Erin stared at the remains of the clock before giving Jackson a little grin. “I always knew you didn’t like that clock.”
When he gave her another quick squeeze before releasing her, she heaved a sigh of relief. It would take time, but she was now confident that they would work things out. The worst of the storm was past. Taking his hand in hers, Erin led her brother back towards the table and waited until he was seated before sliding into a chair between him and Abel.
“Does Nathan know?” She’d hoped that Jackson wouldn’t ask her that, but deep down she’d known that the question was inevitable.
“Yes.” Abel answered the question for her. “He paid me a visit as soon as he found out.”
“Well, that’s just great,” Jackson retorted. “Does everyone in Meadows know except me?”
“No.” Nathan stepped out from the hallway from where he’d been watching the scene unfold and into the kitchen. He ran his gaze over all of them, and when he was satisfied that no one had been hurt, he pulled up a chair. “It got too quiet. I figured I should come down and investigate.” Once he was seated, he turned to Jackson. “I know because I went looking for Erin the night that she supposedly went to Carly’s house.”
“If you knew, why the hell didn’t you go drag her out of there?” Jackson glared at his younger brother.
“Because, our sister is an adult. And besides—” a pleased masculine smile covered his face, “— I was otherwise occupied.”
Abel obviously decided that he’d sat back long enough. Sitting forward, he laid both his hands on the kitchen table and addressed both brothers at once. “I know you love your sister, but I love her too.” He reached towards Erin and caught up her hand in his. “I asked her to marry me.” Raising it to his lips, he placed a tender kiss on her knuckles. “She said yes.”
Jackson nodded his head in silent resignation while Nathan slapped Abel on the back and offered his hand in congratulations. “That’s great news. I can’t wait to tell Carly the news. She won’t believe it.”
Jumping up, he came around the table and reached down to hug Erin. “Congratulations, Sis,” he whispered in her ear as he tenderly kissed her cheek.
“Thanks.” She returned his hug eagerly, clutching him tight for a moment before releasing him. She’d known that Nathan would be happy for her and accept her relationship with Abel, but she really didn’t know what to expect from Jackson.
Abel had accepted Nathan’s well wishes and handshake, but his focus was obviously still on Jackson, waiting to see his reaction to their news.
“Congratulations.” The word was little more than a croak and Jackson cleared his voice before continuing. “So when are you leaving?”
“Later today, but we’ll be back in a couple of days.” Abel reached out and pulled Erin into his lap before continuing. She leaned against his chest, grateful for the support, as she was still feeling a little shaken. It was the most natural thing in the world, for her to wrap her arms around his neck and settle her head in the crook of his shoulder.
“Look,” Abel continued. “I’m set financially and I own the farm, lock, stock, and barrel. I can live anywhere, but I know that Erin is happy here.” Leaning down he kissed her softly. “I want her to be happy, so we’ll be settling here.”
“But what about your work?” Erin was surprised, but touched by his declaration.
“Well,” he began slowly. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that.”
“So talk,” she urged him.
“I’ve had enough.” He gave a short laugh. “That’s an understatement. I’m burnt out and I don’t want to spend the rest of my life writing about the horrific side of mankind.”
“So what will you do?” Jackson asked him.
“I’m a writer,” he shrugged. “I thought I’d try my hand at some fiction. Probably a mystery. Heck, I know just about everything there is to know about police work and forensic science. I might as well put it to good use. But this way, the story can end the way I want it to.”
“Are you sure that’s what you want?” Despite being cautious, she was almost bursting with relief.
“Yes,” he nodded emphatically. “I’m very sure.”
Jackson heaved a huge sigh and slowly came to his feet looking directly at Erin. “Does he make you happy?”
“Extremely.” She didn’t feel the need to add anything else. That one word had said it all.
Slowly Jackson turned to glare at Abel, his face hard. “I’ll be watching you.” His hands were clenched at his sides, and it took an obvious effort for him to open his fists and relax his hands.
“You wouldn’t be the man I thought you were if you didn’t.” Abel met his stare unflinchingly. Erin glanced from Abel’s hard features to her brother’s harsh face, pleading silently with him to accept Abel into their lives.
Jackson stomped around the table and plucked her out of Abel’s arms, giving her a huge hug that pulled her right off her feet. Abel had tensed when Jackson had first grabbed her, but he’d relaxed when they began to hug. Erin offered Abel a watery smile as Jackson kissed her on the forehead before he moved her to one side.
He stood there, silently with his hands on his hips for a moment and searched Abel’s face intently. Whatever it was he was looking for, he obviously found it, and a moment later, he finally raised his hand and offered it to Abel. “Welcome to the family.”
Abel reached out and took Jackson’s hand, accepting the offer of acceptance. No one said a word as the men shook hands. Suddenly, Jackson let go a string of curses that shocked them all, and pulled Abel to his feet, giving him a quick manly hug before slapping him hard on the back.
Erin grinned as she watched them. They were both as stiff as trees as they embraced and mostly just pounded each other on the back before stepping apart.
“I just love a happy ending. Don’t you?” Nathan made mock sniffing noises as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
“Don’t be an ass, Nathan,” Jackson admonished before reluctantly smiling at his brother. “I know you can’t really help it, but try.”
“I’m so misunderstood,” Nathan bemoaned. “That’s the plight of the middle child, you know.” He gave Erin a hangdog look.
“Save it for Carly.” It was hard, but she just managed to contain her smile.
“You’re absolutely right,” he nodded as he tugged on her braid. “Now,” he turned to Abel, all business once again. “What’s this about you two leaving today? Where are you going, and when will you be back?”
Erin elbowed her brother in the ribs, and he flinched, shooting her a wounded look. “What? I’m just asking the obvious questions?”
“Why don’t I make you some breakfast while we talk?” Erin didn’t give anyone time to disagree, but went to the cupboard and started pulling out the ingredients for pancakes. The three men were still standing there looking at her. “You can’t tell me you’re not all hungry, because I’m starving.” They all nodded their heads at the same time. Erin bit the inside of her lip to keep from laughing at them. “Sit. Abel will fill you in on the details.”
There was a generally shuffling behind her as they pulled up their chairs to the table and settled themselves comfortably. When she turned back to the counter, she allowed herself a smile, knowing they couldn’t see her face. God, she loved them all so much and she was an incredibly lucky woman to have such wonderful men love her back. Happily, she set to work putting on a pot of fresh coffee before she started cooking pancakes.
Behind her, Abel filled them in on all the details of her search and their planned trip to Chicago. It was fascinating to listen to them interact together. Jackson was the listener. He didn’t have much to say, but when he did speak, what he had to say was worth listening to. N
athan, on the other hand, was full of questions and keenly interested in the simple techniques that Abel had employed to find his brother.
Erin mostly listened, only now and again adding details and the occasional bit of commentary. By the time all of them had eaten their fill of homemade blueberry pancakes, Jackson was already on to practical matters.
“What do you want to do about the berry fields? They’ll be ready for harvest any day now.” Jackson leaned back and took a large swallow from his mug of coffee.
“I know, but hopefully I won’t be gone to long.” Her mind was already busy making to-do lists and organizing tasks. “I’ve already hired my pickers, and some of them have been with me for years. If something happened and I don’t make it back in time, they know what to do.” She hated not being here for the harvest, but being with Abel when he confronted his brother was more important. Besides, she trusted her young employees.
But Jackson was already shaking his head, making tentative plans to take over her berry harvest if she had to be gone longer than anticipated. “They’re good kids, but I’ll supervise the picking if it comes to that. Nathan can help me with the orchards and I’ll take on extra help for a week or so if I have to.”
It was at that moment that she realized that he was okay with her marrying Abel. In his own way, he’d just given them his stamp of approval. Catching his eye from across the table, she smiled at him. He nodded and winked at her before turning his attention back to the conversation between Abel and Nathan.
In a very short time, she’d come a long way from the woman who’d sat at the end of the table reading her magazine. Oh my God, the magazine! She made a mental note to pack it for the trip, as she’d never actually showed it to Abel yet. They always got sidetracked before she could bring it up. She flushed at the images that thought conjured, but decided that it was probably too late anyway As far as she could remember, they’d already covered every single position in the article. But it was probably better to pack it, just in case.
Chapter Eighteen
Erin held Abel’s hand tight as they stood at the back entrance of the older stone building. From what Abel’s contact at the police department had informed him, Cain Benjamin lived in the penthouse apartment here. They had no idea if he was home or if he would even see them. Chances weren’t good, since the man preferred to isolate himself from the rest of the world. Abel raised his hand to knock, but the door flew open before he had the chance.
A slender, athletic-looking woman suddenly appeared in the doorway, her short brown hair spiked around her head in tousled disarray. She almost barreled headfirst into them before coming to a dead stop. “I’m sorry…” she glanced up, an apology left half-spoken on her lips. Her blue eyes widened as she got a good look at them, and she took a hasty step backwards.
“Wait.” Abel stepped forward before she could close the door in his face. “Can you tell me if Cain Benjamin lives here?” Abel’s voice was calm and deep, but Erin could hear the underlying urgency.
The woman continued to stare at him. “Yes.” She seemed at a loss for words and said nothing else. She glanced at Erin for a moment, but then her gaze returned to Abel and seemed to focus entirely on him.
Erin knew that the last thing he wanted to do was frighten this woman, who obviously had access to Cain’s apartment. Abel softened his voice, and tried his best not to look intimidating, which was impossible for a man of his size. “I’d like to see him if that’s possible.”
Abel’s shoulders were tense, obviously braced for disappointment. Erin gave his hand an encouraging squeeze and almost yelped out loud as his grip on her hand tightened almost to the point of causing her pain.
The woman shook her head, as if coming out of a trance. “I imagine you would,” she slowly replied. She stared at them for a moment longer before seeming to come to some internal decision. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward and offered her hand. “I’m Katie. Who are you?”
“Abel Benjamin Garrett.” He took Katie’s hand gently in his much larger one, and was careful not to hold it too tight.
“And this is Erin Connors.” The grip on Erin’s hand lessened as he introduced her, until he finally let go of it altogether. Erin casually flexed her fingers by her side as she nodded her own greeting.
Katie held Abel’s hand for a moment before dropping it and holding the door open wide. “Follow me.” She beckoned with a nod of her head before turning and leading the way.
Abel placed his hand on Erin’s back, as he ushered her through the door. He glanced down and made eye contact with her, as they followed Katie into the dimly lit parking garage. His face was a mask of determination, and Erin gave him a smile of encouragement as they crossed the threshold of the building.
The door slammed shut ominously behind them. There was no going back. Erin had no idea where this stranger was leading them, but they were one step closer to meeting Cain Benjamin. The door to the fortress had been opened, and neither of them was about to question their good fortune.
They swiftly followed Katie across the garage to a private elevator, the sound of their shoes echoing throughout the cavernous space. Katie pressed a red button on the wall, and the door immediately slid open. Nobody spoke as they all climbed inside the waiting elevator.
As the door closed behind them and they started to ascend, Erin blurted out the question she knew that Abel wanted answered. “Will he see us?”
“Yes,” she nodded decisively. “I believe he will.” The elevator lurched to a halt, the bell rang, and the door glided opened before Erin could ask Katie anything more.
Katie swiftly exited the elevator, digging a key out of her pocket as she went. They hurried down the short hallway behind her, unwilling to let her out of their sight for a moment.
Erin shot a quick look at Abel. His jaw was clenched tight, and his eyes were grim, but determined. Mentally crossing her fingers, she hoped for the best. But whatever the outcome, she was glad she was there to support him. As if he knew what she was thinking, he glanced down at her and smiled. It was an intimate smile that made her body tingle and her heart melt.
Katie didn’t stop at the front door, but unlocked it, and went straight into the apartment, yelling as she went. “Cain!”
They quickly followed her through the open apartment door, but stopped suddenly as a huge dog, that appeared to be a wolfhound of some sort, bounded out of nowhere, barking for all it was worth.
“Gabriel, down.” The dog ignored Katie’s command and kept on coming towards them.
Erin found herself looking at Abel’s broad back as he grabbed her arm and thrust her safely behind him. Abel glared down at the beast when it skittered to a stop in front of him. “Sit,” he commanded.
The dog ceased barking and turned its head to look at Abel. After a moment, Gabriel sat and waited expectantly, his tail wagging behind him. Slowly, Abel extended his hand and allowed the dog to sniff it.
“Sorry about his bad manners,” Katie said before making the necessary introductions. “As you probably already gathered, this is Gabriel.” Erin inched out from behind Abel and held her hand out to the large, but seemingly friendly dog.
“What the hell is going on out here?” Erin’s head jerked up at the sound of the voice. For a moment, she’d thought that Abel had spoken. It took her a few seconds to realize that Abel’s gaze was fixed on a dark figure standing imposingly at the end of the hallway. The dog gave a happy woof and padded towards this new voice.
“Cain, there’s someone you need to meet.” Katie held out her hand and the man walked towards it, never taking his eyes off Abel. When he reached Katie, he pushed her behind him and fisted his large hands on his hips.
“Who the hell are you?” At the stranger’s surly tone, Erin found herself once again gazing into Abel’s back, and she was forced to stand on her toes and peek over his shoulder.
The resemblance between the two men was amazing. The only difference was that Abel’s twin wore his dark hair long and
had a patch on his eye that had scars radiating out from it. They were the same height and build, and their voices were uncannily alike.
“I’m Abel Benjamin Garrett.” Abel’s reply was calm and steady. “And I’m your brother.”
“I don’t have a brother,” came the quick reply.
“Obviously you do,” Abel replied, his tone now as cold as Cain’s. The similarity in their tones of voice made Erin shiver. She could barely take her eyes off of Cain. It was like looking at a slightly distorted view of Abel. Katie seemed to be as fascinated by the two men as she did, and watched them just as intently.
“It’s a long story, but suffice to say, we were definitely born to the same parents.” Abel waited for a moment, but Cain stood like a statue in the hallway with his arms crossed, all but ignoring him.
Erin could feel the frustration and anger radiating from Abel, but he continued to speak evenly. “I have documented proof if and when you’re ever interested.” Reaching into his pocket, Abel drew out a white business card and held it out to Cain. When Cain made no move to accept it, he placed it carefully on a small hall table. Abel clenched his hand into a tight fist as he withdrew it.
“I’m not looking for anything from you, except maybe some answers. Just think about it.” Abel frustration was obvious as waited, and waited. The silence was almost deafening. “But since we’re obviously not welcome, we’ll leave.”
Abel grabbed her by the arm and began to tug her towards the door. Erin glanced over her shoulder, pleading silently with the other woman.
Katie hesitated for a moment, looking from Cain to Abel and back again. “Wait!” she cried out.
Erin planted her feet and refused to move. Short of dragging her all the way to the elevator or picking her up and carrying her, either of which was a distinct possibility, Abel was forced to stop. She heaved a sigh of relief when he came to a halt a few steps from the door.
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