How he wished he'd never heard of Libby Matthews. From her point of view it was understandable. A frightened woman terrified of losing her home, the home she'd made for her son. But still...oh, God he did not want to think about it. Yet it kept returning to haunt him.
Jarrod had suffered from amnesia and in the course of his memory loss had sided with Libby Matthews. And then there was the part that tormented his soul. He had shot at his own brothers when they had come there to look for him.
Amnesia- a loss of memory, temporary or permanent. Jarrod understood the definition. And there was a part of him that could reason where his brain would have not known his brothers...but his heart should have.
And his brothers, so immediately forgiving when his memory returned they had held him and comforted him. Jarrod buried his face in his hands and let out an anguished sob that seemed to come from the very depths of him.
His wail had been heard upstairs by Nick and Heath who instantly fled their rooms and descended the stairs to tend to their distraught sibling.
Nick who had taken the steps two at a time was first to Jarrod's side where he knelt beside the chair and eased his arms around him. He lightly patted Jarrod's back while he wept.
"It's still eatin' at him," Heath said as he rested his hand atop Jarrod's head. He stroked his brother's hair.
Nick let Jarrod cry for several minutes before freeing his arms and lifting Jarrod's face to look him in the eye. "Come on, Jarrod, snap out of it."
Miserably Jarrod shook his head.
Heath stooped to be closer. "Jarrod, it's over. Nick and I are fine. We want you to be too."
Jarrod looked at Heath with total disbelief. "I can never be fine. Don't you understand? I could have killed you... either one of you."
Heath's tone was sympathetic. "But you didn't. We're still here."
"I shot at my own brothers," he said regretfully.
Heath tried again. "It wasn't your fault. You didn't know who we were."
"My heart should have known," Jarrod said barely above a whisper.
Heath was about to offer some more words of comfort when Nick suddenly stood. "You know I've had just about enough of this," he told Jarrod in a raised voice.
Jarrod gazed up at him. "Nick I..."
"Heath understands what happened. I understand what happened. Neither of us was hurt. We both love you just as much as we ever did." Nick paused. "And I'm not going to stand by and watch you destroy someone we love that much by feeling sorry for yourself."
Jarrod was not sure what to say. He just stared at Nick.
"Or," Nick continued. "do I have to march you into the study for Father's treatment for self pity?"
Heath looked to Nick. "What treatment."
"Five solid licks with a belt," Nick answered matter-of-factly. When Heath winced Nick explained, "He figured if we were going to feel sorry for ourselves we might as well have a reason. It may sound unkind but it worked." Nick turned his attention back to Jarrod. "Well? Do we go in there? I'll do it."
The corners of Jarrod's mouth rose slightly.
Nick noticed the hint of a smile. "What was that? I think our brother is snapping out of it."
"I love you guys," Jarrod said sounding relieved.
"Well, I suggest you put a kiss on my cheek before I deck you," Nick said only half joking.
Jarrod rose and complied with Nick's "order". They gave each other a hug.
Heath finally spoke. "Hey, what about me?" Even though he accepted and gave affection it was rare for him to request it.
Jarrod moved to him and received the tightest hug Heath had ever given him. Jarrod returned it heartily and kissed Heath's cheek.
"It's good to have you back, brother," Heath said releasing him.
"It's good to be back."
THE END