Forever You're Mine (MINE #4)(37)

I got my own hell to face.

I attempted to lighten my tone in order to soften the blow. “Alexis, you shouldn’t be callin’ me.”

“I know. It’s just…you’re the only one who understands me. You know what I need and I feel like I’m lost without you. I need to see you. I have no one.”

“No,” I bit out, pissed she would even ask. But my anger was followed up by a small amount of guilt.

Could I turn my back on someone who had no one?

“Cannon, please,” she pleaded, her voice frantic and weak.

“Alexis, I can’t. I’m sorry. I’m with Cora and even if I wasn’t, this thing between you and me…it’s over. I told you that.”

A sob broke the silence.

“Alexis,” I hesitated, searching for the right words to comfort her or assure her that eventually everything would be alright. But the only word I could get out was goodbye.





In every conceivable manner,

the family is link to our past,

bridge to our future.

~Alex Haley





We’d been on the road several hours before finally pulling into the driveway of a yellow two story home, set back off the road at the end of Liberty Lane. An American flag waved proudly from the front porch that was covered in potted plants and colorful flowers. An attractive older woman with strawberry blonde hair, dressed in a flowing aqua top and blue jeans, walked outside, the screen door caught in the hand of the man behind her. She shielded her eyes from the bright sun as she rushed down the steps.

Cannon reached for my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze before he dropped out of the truck, wrapping the petite woman in his arms. I exited the truck, walking around to join them. When he released her, she wiped tears from her eyes before gifting me with a warm smile. Cannon reached for my hand. “Mom, this is my girlfriend, Cora.”

“So nice to meet you, Mrs. Jacobs.” She ignored my hand and hugged my neck, squeezing me tight.

“Son,” I blinked when the sound of his father’s voice met my ears. It carried the same deep tone as his son’s and from studying his strong jaw and rugged features, it was clear to see where Cannon got his rough edge from.

“Dad.” The two men embraced, giving each other a few slaps on the back like men do when they hug.

When they released one another, Cannon reached for my hand once more. “Dad, this is Cora.”

“We’ve heard a lot about you. Pleasure to have you here, young lady.”

I swung my eyes to Cannon, who looked almost embarrassed. “Thank you, Mr. Jacobs.”

“Please, call me Titus.” He said wrapping an arm around his wife’s shoulders, tucking her to his side. “And you can call me Ruby.”

The screen door slamming had me spinning in place to find a younger version of Cannon heading our way. “Holy shit, how’d you ever snag a chick this fine?” He was a little bit shorter than him and not near as broad, but you could tell they were brothers. They were almost identical in the face.

“Language in front of the ladies, son,” Titus scolded.

He gave his father a nod before he set his eyes on me. “Well hello there, beautiful, I’m Battle. Cannon’s single and better lookin’ brother,” the handsome boy stated before extending his hand.

“Annoying and conceited baby brother,” Cannon corrected, pulling him in for a hug. “And the girl is mine, *. Find your own.”

“Boys,” his father warned once more.

Battle tossed me a wink as he hugged his older brother. “You know me better than that. The ladies love me too much for me to keep just one. But you better treat her right man. Someone might steal her away.”

Cannon reached for my hand, interlocking our fingers. “Not a chance in hell.”

For a nineteen year old, Battle was definitely a charmer. Cannon had smiled fondly when he told me his brother was a sophomore in college, still living at home and mooching off his folks. He seemed a bit more carefree and relaxed than Cannon, harboring an easy smile and a carefree spirit. Then again he hadn’t seen the things Cannon had. Regardless, I liked him right away. After all Cannon had told me, I had a feeling I was going to fall in love with all of them.

We all made our way into their welcoming home. The hardwood floors were polished and covered with tasteful decorative rugs. There were family photos everywhere. I was dying to take a closer look. His past was something he didn’t share a lot of and I longed for those pieces of him.

“Why don’t you take Cora up and get settled, then when you come back down, I’ll make you two a snack,” Mrs. Jacobs said, stepping forward to embrace her son. Cannon released my hand to wrap his arms around her. “I’m so happy you’re home, baby.” When she pulled away, she cupped his face as tears shined in her loving eyes. Then her eyes shifted to mine.

Before I could blink, I was in his mother’s arms. “I’m so happy you’re here too, sweetie.” I hugged her back and watched with rapt attention as Cannon’s father clamped a hand to his shoulder, a silent yet intense conversation happening between them.

After the sweet moment in the foyer, Cannon led me upstairs while I tried in vain to dislodge my heart from my throat.

“This is your room,” he informed me as we entered the bright, open space. It had a large four post bed, covered in a gorgeous dove grey duvet and a good amount of pastel throw pillows. The curtains were sheer, allowing natural light to flood the room. A blue chair was tucked in the corner near the window with a small side table. Cannon released my hand flipping on the to reveal a Jack and Jill bathroom with a huge garden tub, fluffy towels rolled in a wicker basket on the floor and even a bar of lavender soap resting on a hand towel on the sink. “She goes all out when we have company.”