Their Heart Search: Bethany & Jordan's Story (Search Series) (19 page)

“Thank you for loving my daughter. And you!” he snapped as he turned to face Jordan.  “You best be treating Bethany right or I will hunt you down this time.”

Jordan sighed, “I know, sir, and I’m being patient with her. For her, time is what I have, I’ll wait.” He secretly hoped his wait was almost over, but if she decided she needed more time, he’d give it to her. Dale smiled at both Jordan and Raiden and faced forward again.

The car stopped, “Come on, guys, let’s get our tuxes so in two days I can marry my girl.” Jordan laughed stepping out of the car and Raiden slapped him on the back as the three of them went inside the tux shop.

They were just finishing up when Raiden’s phone rang. He answered but didn’t speak. Jordan could hear what sounded like Tai screaming and Raiden went ghostly white. “My dad.” He said as he rushed outside towards the car without another word. Jordan and Dale followed quickly.

Once everyone was in the car Raiden raced towards the house, and Jordan called Bethany.

Bethany

Jordan and Bethany had had the whole week off helping Tai and Raiden with last minute wedding stuff. Today he was off with Dale and Raiden picking up their tuxes. She had gone with Tai yesterday to get her Maid of Honor dress. She couldn’t wait, just two more days. Her phone rang and she knew it was him. “Hey, Jordan.” She chirped.

“Baby, I need your mom to come to Raiden’s.” He said quickly and out of breath.

“What’s going on?” she asked suddenly fearing the worst.

“I’m not sure exactly, but it’s Lee.” She nodded even though he couldn’t see.

“I’m on it, Superman.” She quickly hung up.

Dialing her mom a million things were running through her head. Lee was a second father to her. After her own father passed away, Lee helped fill the void a little. “Hey, baby girl.”

“Mom, it’s Lee.” Her mother gasped and hung up. Bethany knew she didn’t need any explanation she would get to him and all would be okay.

Bethany plopped onto the couch and cried. Lee had to make it. Raiden needed him. She needed him. Not Lee, not yet.

Jordan

The three men rushed into the house and got Lee upstairs. “Dad, please hang on.” Raiden begged, Lee’s eyes opened but he said nothing. Jordan placed his hand on Raiden’s shoulder. Jordan hated this. Lee was a good man, Raiden and Lee were close. Jordan only wished he was close to his own dad. “I should check on Tai.” Raiden muttered.

“I’ll go. I should be getting back home anyways.”

“Thank you.” Raiden replied.

Jordan left Lee’s room and walked down the steps. Tai was still on the floor. “Hey, you.” He spoke joining her on the floor.

“Hey.” She said as she wiped her eyes.

“He woke up, it’s going to be touch and go all we can do now is hope he can hang on.” He had to hang on. Tai nodded at him, Jordan knew she needed those answers.

“Did someone call Grace?” Jordan nodded his head.

“I called Bethany, she was calling her.” Tai smiled although small. “I’m going to head. Raiden is with Lee. If you all need anything, let me know.” He kissed her cheek. It was just a friendly gesture. He had been doing that for a few months, for them both it meant nothing but a true honest friendship.

When Jordan reached the front door he heard Meredith’s voice. “How many more signs do you need?” Jordan stopped and listened. Was she being for real?

“What?” He heard Tai question.

“Jordan came down for you. Raiden didn’t.” Jordan saw red. If he had to he would march back in there and tell Meredith off right now.

“Mom, I’m going to pretend you didn’t say that. Raiden needs to be with his dad.” Jordan smiled,
‘that a girl, Tai.’
Jordan opened the door right as Grace was rushing up the sidewalk.

“Upstairs.” She nodded and looked around before handing Jordan her keys.

“Thank you.” He smiled.

Bethany

She jumped up the second Jordan opened the door. “Is Lee okay?” She raced towards him. He pulled her into his arms

“Your mom arrived right as I was leaving. She let me borrow her car.” He laughed.

“He’ll be okay.” She stated trying to reassure them both.

“Beth?” He questioned pulling back a little. She stared at him and all she saw was worry.

“What?” she asked.

He walked her to the couch and sat her on his lap. “I overheard something as I was leaving.”

“Meredith and Tai?” She asked hesitantly.

He nodded, “I need you to remember your promise Bethany because I don’t trust her.” She nodded in reply.

Wedding Day

Tai looked beautiful in her dress. She was happy and excited. Bethany was nervous after the wedding. It was time. “So I’m going to tell Jordan I love him,” she muttered.

“That’s wonderful.” Tai smiled.

A text pinged on her phone,
‘hello, beautiful.’
She smiled at the text.

‘Is Raiden ready? Tai is ecstatic.’
She replied.

‘I’m about to punch him. He’s pacing like a madman.’
Bethany quietly chuckled. Her best friend was nervous on his wedding day. The man she never thought would settle down was head over heels.

“Was that Jordan you were texting?” Bethany nodded. “Did Jordan say how Raiden was?” Bethany smiled at her question.

She chuckled before answering, “Yeah, he’s nervous as shit and pacing like a madman.” Tai stared at her and Bethany felt guilty about her word choice.

“Why is he nervous?”

“Calm down, Tai. Of course he would be nervous he’s marrying his soul-mate today.” Tai nodded and Bethany saw her relax again.

“You’re a vampire now!” Tai’s mother barreled in.

Uh-oh this wasn’t good, Bethany focused on her promise waiting for Tai’s reply, “Yes and…?” Tai threw back. Bethany loved how Tai didn’t let it bother her.

“He told me the first time we all talked nothing for you would change.” She hissed. Bethany knew that was why Raiden struggled so badly when this came up.

“Mom it wasn’t his fault there was a law, so to speak he was unaware of.” Bethany waited for Meredith’s reply to Tai, but she just stormed off. Dale entered after she left.

“Jordan let it slip.” Oh shit! Bethany thought not good. “He was trying to protect Raiden from some dumb comment.”

Bethany waited, would Tai be mad? Tai shrugged, “It doesn’t matter who told her she knows now.” Bethany loved her.

“Exactly, baby girl. But it’s time to focus on you and Raiden so how about we start with a gift from him?” Bethany felt overjoyed she was waiting for this part. She had talked with Raiden a few days ago and he liked her idea for Tai’s something borrowed.

“What is it?” There was joy in Tai’s voice.

Dale handed over the gifts and explained them to Tai. Tears of happiness filled her eyes. They filled Bethany’s too.

“And my something borrowed? She questioned with a smile.

“I have that covered.” Bethany piped up. “Jordan and I discussed this with each other and with Raiden.” She took the bracelet off. “He bought this for me for my birthday a few weeks ago. She held up the bracelet which now had a heart and arrow charm on it. A gift from her mother. “Jordan and I wanted you and Raiden to know we feel blessed to be a part of your wedding and we are truly happy for you considering how we all connect.” Tai nodded.

“Thank you both so much.” Bethany fastened the bracelet on Tai’s wrist. “I love you.” Tai embraced her and Bethany returned the hug.

“We love you, too,” she whispered, because they did.

Jordan

He held her close. They were dancing. He was happy but still reeling over Meredith literally voicing an objection to the wedding. “You’re still in shock?” she whispered.

“A little. I didn’t think should would go that far.” He replied honestly. “The song started to come to an end. “Would you like something to drink, beautiful?” She nodded and he kissed her lips softly. “Be right back.”

He walked towards the house and inside where they had set up the food and drinks. “I can’t believe you didn’t fight.” She hissed from behind. Jordan sighed he didn’t want to deal with her.

“I am fighting.” He was just not for Tai.

“No, you aren’t!” she yelled. Jordan looked up at her. Fuck this woman.

“Meredith, I don’t love Tai. I. Love. Bethany.” He stressed every word, every syllable. He wanted Meredith to get this.

“Jordan, you can’t be serious.” She looked dumbfounded.

“I am. I told you before, Meredith, Tai and I were over. Tai and I should’ve been over long before we were. Why can’t you accept that?” He asked there was pleading in his voice he needed her to understand and let it go.

“Jordan,” she whispered. “I love you and we can only be together if you’re with Tai.” His eyes widened and behind her he saw Bethany. Shit! Fuck! She did not just hear that confession.

“I’m sorry, Meredith,” he replied chasing after his love.

“Bethany, stop.” he called as he caught up to her. He grabbed her hands, “Please, let me explain, I didn’t….” He stopped because he was in shock at Meredith’s words.

“Let’s go.” She answered walking past him. He followed. No, Damn It! He was not losing her.

Bethany

She remained quiet all the way home. She knew she wasn’t being fair to Jordan, it wasn’t like he confessed his love for Meredith, but the truth was, it shocked her.

“Bethany?” he questioned once they were shut inside the apartment they had been sharing for months.

She inhaled and then exhaled. She faced away from him as she began. “
All my life I never gave my heart...I was always going to marry him...I didn’t love him, but...He’s my best friend.” Jordan grabbed her shoulders and turned her around. His eyes were pleading with her for an answer. She smiled at him. “And now....Well, now, everything has changed. Because Jordan Chase, I love you.” The smile on his face was euphoric. He lifted her off the ground and carried her into her bedroom.

“I’m moving in here,” He stated. “I love you, too, Bethany Donald.” He kissed her cheeks and then her lips. Pressing her against the bed till they both collapsed onto it. This was it. This was what she wanted, this was what she deserved.

THE END!

Coming 11/18/14

The Freedom Search, Search Series #4

Kai & Gloria’s Story

Two dark souls...

Lost without escape...

No freedom to be found...

Except maybe with each other.

~Gloria~

Gloria has done things she’s not proud of. Including trying to break up Raiden and Tai. The worst part was Kai never explained why. It didn’t matter, Gloria fell in line. Kai had been trying to destroy Raiden for as long as he could remember. He used Gloria, a human to try to reach that goal, but failed. Now he’s drowning in his family’s disapproval and he’s finally starting to understand. Can two dark souls set each other free? Or will unforeseen circumstances push them a part? Leaving them both trapped.

Gloria

She knew she was in trouble, when she couldn’t get Kai Lukas out of her head. He was a fucking asshole, she thought the way Raiden kicked her out after they had sex was bad. Well it surely didn’t compare to the way Kai had dismissed her.