Free Resilient Love (Navy Love Series Book 3) by jc santo Page B

the big brother here—don’t fuck up again, she deserves better than that.” With a firm nod from me, he holds his hand out to shake mine. “I really hope you mean what you say, cause she’s gonna need someone strong enough to keep her from losing herself when Mom’s time comes.”
    I nod; he’s right about everything. I have to prove myself to her first and foremost
    “Good luck man, you’re gonna need it with that stubborn woman.”
    I chuckle, “Who are you tellin’, man? Trust me, if I’ve learned anything about your sister in the past four years, it’s that she’s gotta be the most bullheaded woman I know.”
    “You got that right, but she loves you.” I whip my head up to look at him from where my eyes were focused on the ground at my feet. “Yeah, you heard me; she loves you. My sister is stubborn and independent. And, I could be wrong here, but you just got home from a deployment and instead of going to see your family, you jumped on a plane and flew across the country to make sure my sister was handling this situation regarding our mom alright?” I nod again, unable to deny that that is in fact exactly what happened. “I’m guessing you love her, too.”
    Once again, I simply nod my agreement. I do love her; more than I ever thought I would love a woman in my life. I would give anything up to please Jo, to see her smile every morning and to hold her in my arms each night.
    “You’re right, man.”
    “Then you two need to fix whatever is going on. Anyone can tell the two of you care about each other. Shit, the damn hospice nurse was asking about you yesterday and I thought Jo was going to jump across the damn table to choke the shit out of her for even suggesting someone putting a word in for her!”
    I bust out in laughter. The mental image of Jo’s jealousy over Kandice simply asking about me brings great joy to me.
    We sit outside and chat a few more minutes, mainly about mundane topics before we're interrupted by Miguel’s wife, Christina.
    “Baby, breakfast is almost finished, I need help getting the table set and plates made for the kids and your mom can use some help getting to the table.”
    “Okay, we’re coming,” he glances at me, “Mom is having a rough time getting up and moving today.”
    I nod in understanding, “I'll help your mom and you help your wife with the kids?”
    He agrees and we head inside to accomplish our tasks.
    Pat isn't surprised at all to see me this morning. She smiles when I walk into the living room where she's set up in her recliner.
    “Good morning, J.C.” Although she's trying to sound cheerful, you can tell she's riddled with pain today.
    “Morning, Ma’am,” I pull out my thick southern drawl, knowing how much she loves it.
    “Save the sweet talk for my Joey, help this old lady into the kitchen so I can get some food in me. Maybe that’ll help ease some of the nausea.”
    “Rough day today?” I ask, all joking gone from my tone. She nods in response. “Okay, let's get you something to eat, so we can get you back in your chair afterwards.”
    As I'm pulling her up from her seat, she whispers in my ear, “You're a good man, J.C. and my Joey loves you. Just don't give up on her.”
    I place a soft kiss to her temple in acknowledgement. That's one thing she doesn't have to worry about; I'll never give up on Jo. I just hope she’s right in her confession about Jo’s feelings.
     

 
    J.C.
     
    The last two days were lazy ones, everyone simply hanging out around Jo’s home since Pat was in quite a bit of pain. However, halfway through the day, Pat came up with an idea. She suggested Jo take me out sightseeing.
    I’m all for it and Jo, although hesitant, agreed to it. I assumed it would be a few hours out touring the surrounding area, maybe drive down Hollywood Blvd or walk along Venice Beach. The first hint something was up should have been when Miguel volunteered to ‘make the arrangements’. Who needs arrangements to go out for a