Page 163 of Remiss

“I miss Rule so much,” Rebel said.

“I do, too. I wish it was a guarantee we’d see him tomorrow.”

“I hope we do. I’m hopeful that our bond as twins will make a difference.”

With the staff’s help, Meggie had created a full itinerary for her and Rebel, so they’d stay occupied and not dwell on whether they’d get to see Rule or how much they missed home. At least, Meggie did. She wasn’t so sure about her daughter, especially after discovering Jana had moved in during yesterday’s call.

“If your brother won’t see me, I will ask if he’d like to see you without me,” Meggie said.

“Okay, Momma.”

Restless, Meggie roamed to the terrace door and looked out at the manicured garden beyond the concrete and marble that had a private pool, chaise lounges, and two umbrella tables with four chairs each. It should’ve been serene, but it wasn’t. Not when her heart was so heavy with so much.

She longed to see Jo and read to Gunner. She missed Axel’s liveliness and wondered what Ransom and Ryder were up to. She wanted to smack Diesel but talk to him as well and try to make him see reason. As for CJ, she still wasn’t sure what he wanted or needed from her and wouldn’t find those answers so far from home.

And Christopher? She was ready to have a heart-to-heart with him. Remind him,showhim, how much she adored him. As much as he adored her. Over the years, he’d never failed to show her what she meant to him. These recent developments were just rough patches in the road. She didn’t want the bumpy road to collapse into nothingness. Their life together, their family, and their love deserved more than sinking into an unsalvageable crater. Drastic times called for drastic measures. Without a doubt, she’d gotten his attention. He’d listen. Hopefully,herdrastic measure had effected a change for the better.

Tears suddenly threatened and she fanned her face, determined to hold herself together. Once she got control of herself, she turned and faced her daughter. Or looked in her direction, since she was still on the sofa, staring at the ceiling.

“Do you want to go to the restaurant or would you like in-room dining, Reb?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

Rebel went through the motions of shopping. Sightseeing wasn’t feasible, given their casts. She was much more mobile than Reb, since her injuries hadn’t been as severe. Rebel refused to use her crutches and wouldn’t even consider a wheelchair suggested by their butler. Not even a motorized one that Meggie was willing to buy and then donate. Reb would have none of it, her spirit crushed over Rule and Diesel.

Meggie came up with plan after plan to help Rebel accept that Diesel was her brother and a grown man. Of course, Rebel was just like Diesel and their daddy. They generally ignored what they didn’t agree with. Hopefully, an opportunity presented itself to Meggie where she’d finally get through to her baby.

Maybe tomorrow evening?

After their visit with Rule, Meggie had a mother-daughter spa evening planned. No matter how it turned out, tomorrow promised to be intense.

“I think I’ll order in for us,” Meggie said. “Surf or turf?”

“Whatever you’re having.”

“Okay, love. Our flight home is early Wednesday morning.”

Lifting her head, Rebel frowned. “How early?”

“Early.” She’d scheduled doctors’ appointments for both of them. Hopefully, she’d get rid of her orthopedic boot, even if Rebel still needed more time in her casts. “We have to be at the airport for 7AM.”

“Ahhhh,” Rebel groaned, dropping her head. “Why so early?”

“To make sure we’re on time since Sloane can’t send his plane back for us. We’re going commercial.”

Meggie plopped in a chair near the fireplace.

“Can you buy us a plane?”

Although Rebel was serious, Meggie screamed with laughter. “What would we do with a private plane, Rebel?” she asked when her humor died away and she wiped the tears from her eyes.

“Go places.” She glowered at the ceiling. “Drag Diesel on it and drop him out mid-air, along with Jana.”

“We’re going to have enough issues with Tabitha because that idiot moved her in before he divorced, love. I know this hurts and it’s a hard pill to swallow, but you have to accept her.”

Rebel blinked away tears. “I love Diesel.”

“And he loves another woman, sweetheart.” Thankfully. Hopefully. Moving on… “As hard as that is to accept, it’s the truth. If you truly love him in whatever capacity, you’ll want him happy.”