Cowboys & Navy SEALs

Chapter 8

Chapter Eight

“ L emon had a bit of a breakthrough last night.”

Knox tipped his head. “Really? That’s good news.”

Jaxson and Knox were in the living room. Early this morning, Jaxson awakened to a phone call from Daddy, saying that he’d heard back from the detective and that he needed to speak to Jaxson alone. Not wanting to alarm Lemon, Jaxson suggested that Daddy come by while she was in the shower. He’d expected Daddy to launch right into whatever he had to say, but he hadn’t. He’d asked about Jaxson’s ankle and ribs, how Lemon was doing.

“I’m doing fine,” Jaxson answered automatically, wondering all the while what Daddy was building up to. Daddy didn’t usually exude nervousness, but today he was more jittery than a bucket full of crickets.

Finally, Jaxson couldn’t handle the suspense any longer. “What did you hear from the detective?” he asked, his stomach knotting.

“First, tell me about Lemon’s breakthrough.”

Whatever Daddy had to say must be a doozy. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be stalling. Jaxson let out a long breath. His ribs were getting better, allowing him to take deeper and more satisfying breaths. “She had a nightmare and remembered a name. Livingston.”

Knox pressed his lips together. “A fairly common name. Did she give you anything else to go on?”

“No, but from what I know about Lemon’s past, I was able to connect the dots.”

“What do you mean?”

He rubbed his neck, feeling somewhat embarrassed for having to admit this out loud. “I’ve kept up with Lemon over the years, through the internet.”

A ghost of a smile passed over Knox’s face. “That’s not surprising. I’m glad y’all are working things out.”

“Me too.” Last night was incredible—the way he and Lemon confided in one another. He only hoped things would remain as good when Lemon regained her memories. Would she want to stay here with him or go back to her glitzy life in LA? That was the big question. Jaxson couldn’t fathom the thought of losing her again. The bit about her not wanting to live in the city was very encouraging. Hopefully, she’d still feel the same way when she rediscovered her full self.

“What dots did you connect?” Knox prompted.

Jaxson jerked, pulling his thoughts back to the topic at hand. “I’ve seen a couple of photos online of Lemon with Wesley Livingston at charity events. One of them as recent as a month ago. I suspect they might have been dating.”

Knox’s face went rigid. “Ellis Livingston’s son?”

He nodded.

“That’s not good.” Knox’s lips compressed into taut lines. “Ellis Livingston’s a snake,” he growled.

“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” Jaxson added. Daddy and Ellis Livingston had a falling out over a land deal. Daddy wanted to buy a stretch of property along the river that Ellis was selling. He and Ellis came to an agreement over it and sealed the deal with a handshake. Then, an out-of-town investor came along and offered Ellis more money, so he sold it out from under Daddy and Uncle Dylan.

“Lemon needs to stay as far away from Wesley Livingston as she can get,” Knox said, his jaw sharp. “And I’m not just saying that because of the foiled land deal.” He leaned forward, speaking in low tones. “I’ve heard things. Ellis is involved in some shady deals.”

“Lemon mentioned that in her dream, she was being controlled and manipulated.” Anger surged through Jaxson’s veins. “Do you think she’s afraid of Wesley?”

Knox sat back in the recliner and rubbed his jaw. “It’s possible.”

“Maybe that’s what caused her to lose her memory.”

Knox’s eyes deepened to dark pools of sympathy. “There’s another piece to this puzzle.”

Jaxson braced himself, sensing that Daddy was getting to the heart of why he’d stopped by. “What did you find out?”

“The detective discovered the care center Naomi Massey was in.”

Jaxson’s pulse surged. “That’s great! Lemon was saying last night that she wants to go and visit her mother.”

“That’s not gonna happen.”

“Why not?” Jaxson frowned.

“Naomi Massey is dead.”

Jaxson froze. “What?” he sputtered.

Knox nodded sadly. “She fell and hit her head in the bathtub.” He paused, looking Jaxson in the eye. “It happened on the same day of your accident. I suspect the news of her mother’s death was what triggered Lemon’s amnesia. It was too much for her to handle, so she blocked it out.”

The words came at Jaxson like a punch in the gut. “Lemon will be devastated,” he said quietly. It was so unfair. Lemon had lost touch with her dad. She was an only child. Her mother was all that she had, and now she was gone. He felt a deep anguish, almost as if he, himself, were experiencing the loss. He jerked slightly, realizing that any loss of Lemon’s was a loss of his. He marveled at how they were forming such a deep connection in such a short period of time. Then again, he’d always had a tender spot for Lemon, even when he was trying to forget her. They were merely resuming their relationship rather than starting something new.

Knox nodded. “I’m sure Lemon was devastated, which is why she blocked it out.”

Jaxson balled his fist and put it to his mouth, his thoughts swirling like a tornado. “I don’t know what to do.” He looked to Daddy for an answer.

Knox’s head swung back and forth. “It’s a tough situation.”

Jaxson glanced towards the hallway, thinking that Lemon would emerge any minute. He didn’t want her to overhear them. “Do I tell her the truth, or let her remember it?”

“I don’t know, son,” Knox said morosely. “I really don’t.”

Jaxson’s phone buzzed. He retrieved it from his front pocket. “Hello?”

“This is Officer Williams.” Jaxson tightened his hold on the phone as he looked at Daddy. “Yes?” he asked carefully.

“A phone has been recovered in a hay field a quarter of a mile from where Lemon’s purse was found. We think it might be hers. It looks to be in working condition, but the battery is dead. We’re charging it now. Would you and Lemon like to come into the station? Maybe Lemon can help us determine if it is her phone.”

“We’ll be there soon. Thanks,” Jaxson clipped as he ended the call.

“What was that about?” Knox asked.

“A phone has been recovered. The police think it’s Lemon’s, but they won’t know for sure until they can charge it. They want Lemon to come in to see if she recognizes any of the numbers.”

Knox looked thoughtful. “If it is Lemon’s phone, then we could see what calls she received the day of the accident.”

“Yes, and we can also see if she was in close contact with Wesley Livingston.”

“Good morning,” Lemon chimed brightly as she traipsed over and sat down next to Jaxson. “Hello,” she said to Knox, a large smile wafting over her beautiful face.

“Hello,” Knox repeated.

Lemon turned to Jaxson, her gaze flickering over him in an assessment before turning to Knox. “Our guy’s doing much better this morning.”

“I’m glad to see it,” Knox said heartily.

For all her trauma the night before, Lemon looked remarkably rested. She smelled fresh. Her skin was glowing, her blonde tresses shimmering. She seemed to have a renewed sense of confidence about her. Jaxson’s heart twisted. How could he keep the news of her mother from her? And yet, how could he tell her? It might destroy her.

Jaxson placed a hand on her knee. “There’s something I need to talk to you about.”

Her expression tightened as she nodded.

His insides cringed, seeing the fear lurking beneath her chipper demeanor. “Last night, you mentioned a name.”

“Livingston,” she said flatly.

“Yes.” Jaxson glanced at Daddy who nodded for him to continue. “I believe I know the person you’re talking about.”

She blinked fast. “How?” she gurgled.

“I saw pictures of you online with Wesley Livingston. You were at a couple of charity events together.” Lemon’s expression remained blankly frigid as he continued. “Does the name mean anything to you?”

She clasped her hands in her lap. “No.”

“You should get your laptop out and show her a picture of Wesley,” Knox suggested.

Jaxson searched her face. “Are you ready for that?”

She gnawed on her lower lip. A second later she straightened her shoulders, lifting her chin. “Yes, I am. I can’t keep running from this. Also, I want to go and visit my childhood home.”

Jaxson’s eyes widened. “Really?” Her determination was admirable, but he couldn’t help but question if she was rushing things. Then again, she didn’t know about her mother or the phone.

“If you don’t feel up to taking me, I’ll just borrow your truck. That is, if you don’t mind,” she added.

“I can go with you. I’ll just need you to drive.” No way was Jaxson going to let her go through her turmoil alone. Visiting her home was a huge step. He got the gut feeling that things were escalating. He was grateful that he and Lemon had bonded the night before. He’d stayed with her until she fell asleep, as he promised, then went to his own bed. Seeing her sleeping peacefully, her hair spread like gold over the pillow, tugged at his heartstrings. He was coming to realize that he’d never actually stopped loving Lemon. He only hoped their growing bond would be strong enough to carry them through whatever events lay ahead. Would Lemon resent him for not telling her about her mother’s death? What was the situation between Wesley and Lemon? Was she afraid of him? He’d protect Lemon, tooth and nail, from anyone who wished to harm her, including the pompous Wesley Livingston.

“You need to take it easy on that ankle today,” Knox warned.

“I will,” Jaxson assured him before turning to Lemon. “We need to make another stop as well.”

She lifted an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“Officer Williams called. They think they might’ve found your phone. It was in a hayfield, a quarter mile from where your purse was found.”

Her jaw dropped. “A field?”

“Yeah, why?”

A shaky laugh rose in her throat. “Last night, I dreamt of a field. There was a box in the center. I tried to open it.”

Anticipation surged through Jaxson, his words coming fast. “Your mind was probably trying to tell you where you’d lost your phone.”

The corners of her lips turned down. “Why would I drop my phone in a field? Or my purse in a ditch? It makes no sense.”

Daddy caught Jaxson’s eye, silent information passing between them. It was becoming more and more apparent that Lemon had completely lost all touch with reality when she got the news about her mom. Was Lemon strong enough to handle the news now?

There was a single knock before the front door burst open. Jaxson’s first cousin, Lexi, rushed into the room in a ball of flying hair, flailing arms, and gushing emotion. “I came as soon as I heard!” she cried, making a beeline for Lemon and flinging her arms around her. “I’m so glad you’re okay!” She plopped down on the couch beside Lemon. “I’ve been going out of my mind with worry, calling and texting. Wondering why you weren’t answering.” She threw her hands into the air. “Well, now I know the reason. Amnesia.” She frowned. “When Lucas told me what was going on, I couldn’t believe it. He said that you have no idea who you are. Is that true?”

Knox was the first to speak. “Are y’all friends?”

“Of course,” Lexi answered, like it was a fact that everyone in the room should’ve known. “Lemon’s one of my closest friends.”

“How?” Jaxson asked. It boggled his mind to think that Lexi and Lemon were close friends. Lexi was several years younger than Lemon. To his knowledge, the two of them hadn’t even been on one another’s radar when they were growing up. As far as Lemon was concerned, Lexi was just Lucas’s kid sister.

Lemon had been studying Lexi carefully. “You’re Lexi,” Lemon said with gusto as if she’d just gotten the prize answer correct on a game show.

Lexi’s eyes widened. “Yes! Has your memory returned?”

Lemon bit her lip. “No, not exactly.”

“But you said my name,” Lexi countered.

Lemon’s brows furrowed. “It just came to me. I have no idea how.” She turned to Jaxson, hope shining on her face. “It’s starting to come back.” Enthusiasm gathered in her voice. “Maybe when we visit my old home, it will jog more.”

Jaxson reached for her hand and laced his fingers through hers. “Yes, I think it will.”

Lexi’s eyes bugged as she looked at their clasped hands. “I didn’t realize y’all were a thing.” She looked at Lemon. “I mean, I knew you were still carrying a flame for my cousin, even though you adamantly denied it, but I didn’t figure you would move this fast, especially with the amnesia.”

Jaxson felt a burst of pleasure at Lexi’s words. He grinned when Lemon’s face turned ten shades of red.

“How did you and Lemon become close friends?” Knox asked again.

“I work as a server at Charleston’s Restaurant over in Nashville. Lemon came in once with Wes—” She stopped short, color rising in her cheeks. “Um, she came with a friend,” she amended. “Anyway, the two of us reconnected and exchanged numbers.” She tipped her head. “That was a couple of years ago. When Lemon started spending more time in Nashville, the two of us would often get together for lunch or to go shopping.”

Jaxson glanced at Lemon to see how she was taking all of this. She seemed to be doing okay. He rolled around Lexi’s words. Something wasn’t adding up. “You said you met Lemon two years ago?”

Lexi nodded. “Yes, why?”

Jaxson wasn’t sure how much to say without divulging more of Lemon’s past than she could handle hearing. “Was Lemon dating Wesley Livingston at the time?” Two years ago, Lemon had been engaged to Braden Cooper, the actor who died in a scuba diving accident in St. Maarten.

Lexi’s jaw hit the floor. “You know about Wesley?” She looked to Lemon for an answer.

“Jaxson saw some photos of me and Wesley at charity events,” Lemon explained. “The name Livingston came back to me, and Jaxson put the two together.”

“Oh,” Lexi uttered. She looked past Lemon to Jaxson. “To answer your question, no, Lemon wasn’t dating Wesley at the time. They were just friends. Lemon was going through a difficult time, and Wesley was helping her through it.”

“What difficult time?” Lemon asked.

Lexi’s features tightened. “Um, I’m not sure it’s something I should go into right now.”

“Whatever it is, I want to know,” Lemon countered, her voice unyielding. “Tell me,” she demanded.

Lexi sucked in a breath. “You were engaged to someone else two years ago.”

Lemon made a face. “I was? Who?”

“His name was Braden Cooper,” Lexi answered quietly. “He was an actor.”

The incredulous look on Lemon’s face would have been comical had the situation not been so serious. “I don’t know what to say,” Lemon uttered, throwing Jaxson a worried glance.

He squeezed her hand. “It’s okay. I knew about Braden.”

“You did?” Lemon squeaked.

He nodded.

Lemon turned to Lexi. “Why didn’t Braden and I get married? Was it because I still had feelings for Jaxson?”

The hope in Lemon’s voice struck a chord inside of Jaxson. Lemon wanted so badly to believe that he’d been her only love. While that was a thoughtful notion, it wasn’t very realistic. She’d obviously loved Braden Cooper or she wouldn’t have gotten engaged to him.

Lexi grimaced. “Yes and no.”

Jaxson’s head jerked. So, Lemon had always loved him?

“You were considering calling off the engagement with Braden, fearing that you still had feelings for Jaxson.”

“I knew it,” Lemon said, giving Jaxson a triumphant smile. “See, I told you that these feelings didn’t come from nothing.”

“But you never got the chance,” Lexi cut in.

Lemon’s brows bunched. “Why not?”

Lexi’s expression turned grave. “Because Braden was killed in a scuba diving accident.”

Lemon’s sharp intake of breath was the only sound in the room. Her voice trembled. “How terrible.”

A gloomy silence descended over the room. Finally, Knox spoke. “How does Wesley Livingston fit into the picture?”

“Lemon and Wesley already knew each other when she was engaged to Braden. Lemon and her partner were considering starting a clothing line and opening a boutique in Nashville. Wesley and his dad were selling her a piece of prime real estate in Brentwood.”

“But Lemon doesn’t have a boutique in Brentwood,” Jaxson countered.

“Ultimately, Lemon and her partner changed their minds and decided not to add the clothing line.” Lexi shrugged. “I’m not sure why.” She looked at Lemon. “You never told me, and I didn’t think to ask.”

“What type of business do I own?” Lemon’s voice had a startled breathy edge.

“It’s called Shade of Lemon. You sell high-end purses and shoes all over the world. In fact—” Lexi made a flourish with her hand, proudly displaying her red heels “—these are yours. I’d been eyeing them for months but couldn’t afford them.” She grunted. “Not on what I make. Anyway, you gave them to me for my birthday.”

Lemon’s hand was cold as ice. Her eyes were wide, features rigid. “You okay?” Jaxson asked.

“Yeah,” she said hoarsely. “It’s just a lot to take in. Shade of Lemon,” she mused. “It’s a neat name.” A weak smile touched her lips. “It’s so strange … hearing all of this. It feels like we’re talking about someone else’s life.”

“You always did love shoes,” Jaxson piped in with a grin, trying to lighten the situation. “You had a whole closet full of them.”

His attempt at humor was lost on Lemon. She bunched her brows. “Who’s my partner?”

“Shade Russell,” Lexi answered.

Lemon’s eyes flitted around the room to all who were present. “How did I get from Franklin to LA? That is where my business is headquartered, right?”

Lexi nodded.

“H—how did it happen?” Lemon sputtered.

Jaxson knew the answer, as he’d followed her success. “After graduation, you went to New York. I’m not sure what you did for work when you first arrived, but eventually, you attended Parsons School of Design.”

“I know what she did for work,” Lexi cut in, “waited tables, same as me.” She chuckled. “I’m always saying that I hope the good vibes will rub off on me. That one day, I’ll get my lucky break like you did.” She looked at Lemon as she spoke.

“Lexi is a songwriter and singer,” Jaxson explained when Lemon’s face remained blank.

“Oh,” Lemon nodded with a slight smile. “I hope you do get your big break.”

“Thanks,” Lexi said graciously. “God willing, it’ll happen one day.”

Knox spoke up. “Have you talked to Cash? I’m sure he’d be willing to help.”

Lexi sighed. “Cash is awesome. He pitched my music to his label, but they weren’t interested. Said my music is not original enough for them. Hartley has one of my demos. I’m waiting to hear what she thinks of it. Of course, it’ll have to wait until she and Ramsey get back from their honeymoon.”

“I’m sure if Hartley can help, she will,” Knox responded. He looked at Jaxson. “Sorry, didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“Where was I?” Jaxson asked.

“At the part where I’d just graduated from design school,” Lemon supplied.

Jaxson was pleased to note that Lemon’s short-term memory was fully intact. He continued his narrative. “You apprenticed under a famous shoe designer before launching your company, which you co-founded with your friend from the design school.”

Lemon’s eyes rounded to blue saucers. “How do you know all of this?”

He offered a sheepish grin. “It’s all online.”

Her head swung back and forth. “Wow,” she uttered. A minute later, she turned to Lexi. “Was I happy living in LA?”

“You were getting tired of the city—all the noise and commotion. You’d toyed with the idea of selling out to Shade and moving back to the South.” Lexi pulled a face. “This is all so strange. I can’t believe you don’t remember any of this.”

“Amnesia is a kick in the pants,” Lemon muttered darkly.

Knox steepled his hands beneath his chin. “What’s the relationship between Lemon and Wesley Livingston? Were they a couple?”

Jaxson sucked in a quick breath. He wondered if Lemon had noticed.

Lexi grunted. “Wesley wishes.” She looked at Lemon. “You went out with Wesley a few times but then told me it wasn’t going to work. You said he made you feel smothered.”

Lemon gasped. “That’s exactly how I felt in my dream.” She let go of Jaxson’s hand, her fingers circling around her neck.

“Your memory must be coming back,” Lexi said dryly. “Wesley acts like he owns you.” She gritted her teeth. “It drives me crazy. If it were me, I would’ve given him the boot a long time ago.”

“Why didn’t she?” Jaxson shot back. He regretted his outburst when he saw Lemon’s tremulous expression.

“Wesley puts up a good front for Lemon, going on about how much he respects her, how he treasures her friendship.” Lexi looked at Lemon. “But you were starting to see through the charade. Wesley was losing his hold on you, and it was driving him nuts.”

Lemon started talking fast. “Does Wesley have a house near the ocean?”

“Yes, he does. I believe it’s in Naples, Florida.” Lexi held up a finger. “I almost forgot to mention that Wesley stopped by the restaurant yesterday. He was demanding to know where you were.” She smirked. “Can you believe he had the audacity to insinuate that I was hiding you from him? The jerk!” she scoffed.

A chill ran through Jaxson. Wesley Livingston was sounding like a stalker. He tightened his fist, thinking how he’d like to punch the weasel into next week.

“Did you tell Wesley where I was?” Lemon asked, her voice strained.

Lexi spread her hands. “I didn’t know where you were. I told him the truth—that I hadn’t heard from you.” Her brows knitted. “Wesley seemed more agitated than normal. It got me worried. That’s when I started calling and texting you. When I couldn’t reach you, I called Shade. She hadn’t heard from you since you left LA a couple days earlier and had been trying to reach you also. Then, I talked to Lucas and he told me about the amnesia and that you were here, with Jaxson.” Her gaze moved to Jaxson’s bandaged ankle, resting on the floor. “Lucas told me about your accident.” She pressed her lips together in sympathy. “I’m so sorry, cuz.”

“It’s all good,” Jaxson said easily.

Knox leaned forward, bringing his hands together. “Maybe it’s time we showed Lemon a picture of Wesley Livingston. See if she remembers him.”

“Good idea.” Jaxson turned to Lemon. “Then, we need to go to the police station and see if it’s your phone that they found. After that, we’ll stop by your old home-place.”

Lemon placed a hand on Jaxson’s arm. “I don’t want to tire you out.”

“I can take you,” Lexi offered.

“Nope,” Jaxson countered. “I’m going.” He gave Lemon a defiant look, daring her to disagree.

Lemon shrugged. “Okay, I’m just worried about you.”

Lexi giggled. “Well, at least some good has come out of the whole amnesia thing.” She nudged Lemon. “You finally worked up the nerve to tell Jaxson how you feel about him.” Lexi flashed a wicked grin at Jaxson. “She’s always been crazy about you, but she was afraid that you’d moved on.” She chuckled. “Of course, who could blame her? You have more girlfriends than a cat has lives.”

“Had more girlfriends,” Lemon cut in, her voice harder than flint. Her eyes sparked. “ Had ,” she repeated, giving Jaxson a warning look.

He held up his hands in defeat. “I’m all yours,” he grinned.

Lemon’s face was flaming red. She whirled around to Lexi. “Do you have to tell him everything?” she seethed. Her words flew out like arrows. “I may not remember anything right now, but I’m sure that I wouldn’t want Jaxson to know that I’ve been pining away for him for umpteen years!”

“Ah, my friend’s still in there.” Lexi’s dark eyes danced. “That snake-fanged tongue is still as lethal as always.”

“Amen!” Jaxson boomed.

“Hey!” Lemon grumbled, but amusement lit her eyes. She sighed. “I guess the cat’s out of the bag now.”

“Way out of the bag,” Lexi laughed.

“Alright, folks,” Knox interjected. “I’ve got some errands to run. Let’s get the computer and let Lemon have a look at Wesley Livingston.”

Lemon stood. “I’ll get it. No need for you to have to get up,” she said to Jaxson.

“It’s on the kitchen table,” Jaxson directed.

A minute later, Lemon returned, handing it to him. Her expression was tight, pensive. Lemon sat back down next to him, wringing her hands.

He typed in Wesley’s name and clicked on the first photo

Lemon gasped and then made a choking sound. “Oh, my gosh!” she uttered. “I know those eyes!”