Page 3 of Claimed By the Sailor

“He didn’t just agree, it was his idea.” Jacob reached over and squeezed my hand. “And I wouldn’t be surprised if he chooses to extend his stay with us to ninety days.”

My eyes widened and filled with tears. “Wow, you’re a miracle worker.”

He shook his head. “No matter how good our success rate is here, it’s ultimately up to our patients to do the truly hard work. Which your brother has been doing.”

“I am so relieved to hear that.” I flashed him a watery smile. “Thanks for alleviating my concerns. I think I’m ready to see Paul now.”

“Good.” He patted my hand. “Although your brother was nervous about your visit, I know how much he’s looking forward to seeing you and making amends.”

Paul had reached this stage in recovery before, but his apologies were always vague and halfhearted in the past. I was happy to discover that was no longer true when I walked into a small conference room and he jumped up from his seat to rush toward me. “I am so, so sorry, Phoebe. I know I’ve said it to you many times before, but knowing that Sage got hurt because of me—that you could’ve been hurt or died—finally knocked some sense into me. I hate that it took me falling so low to see the harm my actions have caused, but I promise you nothing like this will ever happen again.”

There was no missing the sincerity shining from his blue eyes, and I took note of how much better he looked. He’d put on some weight, his clothes were clean, and his skin had a healthy glow. “Do you mean you won’t do drugs again?”

“I’m sorry, sis. I wish I could make that promise, but I will always be an addict, just one in recovery.” Stepping away from me, he gestured toward one of the chairs, waiting for me to be seated before he dropped down next to me. “The struggle will be there for me each and every day for the rest of my life. Some days will be easier than others, but there might come a time when I fall. The only promise I can make to you is that I will do whatever it takes to stay clean. I’ll go to meetings, call my sponsor, ask for help whenever I need it because I never want to let the people who love me down like this again.”

“You really mean it,” I whispered, sniffling at the overwhelming sense of relief that rushed through my body.

“I do,” he confirmed with a nod, reaching out to take my hand in his. “I know you’ve already given me more chances than I deserve, but I’m hoping you have it in you to forgive me one more time for all of the pain I’ve caused you. For lying and putting you in danger. For Sage getting hurt because of my actions. And for not being the big brother you deserve.”

Only thirty minutes ago, I hadn’t thought it was possible, but I found myself not hesitating to say, “I forgive you.”

“Thank you.” A lone tear rolled down his cheek, and I leaned over to give him a hug.

His arms wrapped around me tightly, and I gave him a moment to pull himself together before I let go. “Thanks for working the steps like you’re supposed to. I’m proud of you, Paul.”

“You-–” He cleared his throat a couple of times. “You have no idea how much that means to me.”

I appreciated that he wasn’t trying to hide how my forgiveness impacted him. We chatted for a while before saying our goodbyes, and I felt so much better as we parted ways. It was hard to believe only a month had passed with how much he had changed. I felt on top of the world because I was filled with hope for my brother’s future for the first time in years.

As I walked through the lobby, a woman who appeared to be about my age jumped up from a bench to the side of the front doors and stared at me as I approached. I flashed her an awkward smile and murmured, “Hello,” intending to walk past, but she moved into my path.

“You’re Paul’s sister, right?”

I nodded. “Um, yes.”

“I thought so.” She grinned at me. “He mentioned in our group session that you were coming, and you look so much alike with your red hair and blue eyes.”

“Yeah, it’s pretty hard to miss that we’re siblings.”

“You’re so lucky to have him for a brother.” She looked behind me and let out a loud sigh. “I’m really going to miss seeing him every day.”

“Oh, are you discharging soon?” I asked.

“Very soon.” Her lips curved down in a pout. “Today, actually.”

Knowing how difficult the transition to home could be from the other times Paul had rehabbed, I understood why she might be anxious about leaving. “From what I’ve heard, Jacob runs a tight ship around here. I’m sure you wouldn’t be leaving if they didn’t think you were ready.”

“I know, but I was hoping Paul and I would be discharged at the same time since we were admitted on the same day.”

Her eyes gleamed as she said my brother’s name again, and I realized she might have a crush on him. Feeling awkward, I mumbled, “Maybe it’s for the best since neither of you is supposed to be in a relationship. The universe has a way of making sure things happen when they’re supposed to, so perhaps you’ll meet again in the future.”

And for the first time in longer than I could remember, I was actually looking forward to finding out what the future held for Paul.

2

SILAS

“Damn, I’m exhausted,” I grunted as I ambled out of the room where we’d been debriefed from our mission.