Jet was emotionally wrecked by the time he arrived at the Double Tree. He became impatient, waiting for the elevator, and took the stairs in leaps to Room 518. He was relieved to see Justin answer the door. If Alana had answered, he was angry enough to strangle her.

"Keep your voice low. She's asleep."

"Justin, what happened to Renatta? Dad said that she left the store upset. I hope my life hasn't collided with yours."

"It has, but I told you I'd help you. I will smooth things out with Marcella. She hates me now, but I know I will make her understand when this hurricane passes."

Jet put his hands over his face and groaned. "I'm so sorry, man. What happened?"

"That woman over there," Justin said, pointing to the closed bedroom door, "kissed the living hell out of me, and Marcella happened to be standing in the window of the diner and saw it. Not only did she kiss me once, she kissed me a second time. To drive off, I had to pass the diner window with my wife standing there in abject horror."

"Oh, God, Justin. I feel awful, terribly awful."

"Don't—it was a case of mistaken identity. I can understand how you got tied in with that one. She's a siren."

"Tell me about it—luring me in and setting me up for doom and disaster. It was a miracle that I was finally able to break away from her. You wouldn't believe how many times I broke up with her and then found myself right back at her feet."

"Oh, I know all about it. She was very forthcoming with your relationship," Justin said with a smirk. "I hadn't known of anything that sensual since Cleopatra and Mark Anthony."

Jet could feel the blood rushing up into his cheeks. He didn't want to imagine what she could have possibly told him. He lifted his hand and began to undo the top button of his shirt as he felt his throat constrict. "I told you, we were friends with benefits. At this point in my life I would highly recommend that no one follow that deadly path."

Justin chuckled. "It's apparent that she knew how to use those benefits to get you back every time. Most of her conversation was about how she's still in shock that you had the power to really walk away. Good Lord, Jet, you could have had any woman."

"You're forgetting that she was my attorney and my social equal."

"Good for bed, good for business and extremely beautiful. I get it now—the ultimate triple threat."

"That sounds carnal, brother, but I suppose it's undeniably true. I needed something to take my mind off Sloan, and she had the magnetism to do it in ways that worked for me."

"She admitted that she felt the same way. Nothing was supposed to stick. In her own words, 'Love blindsided me.' I'm sorry as hell that she's pregnant, Jet. After all you and Sloan have been through, I damn sure didn't want it to end, especially this way."

Jet crumpled into the chair in the corner of the room. Hearing Justin say that what he and Sloan had was over made him feel sick. In flashes his life with Sloan raced through his mind. Everything that they'd ever meant to each other came bubbling to the surface. He loved that woman. "It can't be the end, Justin. I wouldn't survive without her. I'd rather someone toss me out of a plane over the middle of an ocean than to live without her."

"Well, you might as well get used to it. She's done with you, and I made sure of that. You will be ... " When the door to the bedroom was fully open, Alana's mouth dropped open. Her eyes spread wide, looking like ice on a winter pond. There were two Jets standing in front of her. She shook her head and then rubbed her eyes to see if she was dreaming. Maybe she was still asleep? Maybe she didn't just get out of bed and walk into the living area of the suite?

She anxiously looked between the two men standing in front of her. Alana stumbled against the wall, drawing in huge gulps of air. "Oh, my God." She started pointing between the two of them. "Identical twins, oh goodness."

"Yes, Alana, meet my twin, Justin."

Rage came over her face as she stormed toward Justin, "I've been spilling my heart out ... out ... to you!" She grabbed a coffee cup and hurled it at Justin's head. He ducked, and it crashed into the wall. Jet tackled her before she could pick up the other cup. They plunged onto the sofa. He landed on top of her. She went to bite him, and he clamped his hand across her mouth before her teeth sank in. "Calm down, Alana," he bellowed.

She struggled to get up, and he held her down. She was mumbling as loud as she could, telling him to get off her, but he ignored her. Even though this was a serious situation, Justin did chuckle. He'd never in a million years have thought that he would be in this situation. He wasn't laughing at the situation. He was laughing at how his brother was handling this Tasmanian devil that was about to take a plug of flesh from his face. Alana's icy gray orbs bored into Jet. The anger in them was frightening, but not as dark as his. Jet was consumed with anger. "Are you going to calm down?" Her eyes narrowed. "Answer me," he thundered. She nodded her head yes and he eased his grip. Then he lifted his hand.

"I hate you, Jet Trent, for leaving me in this room the entire day with your brother. I told him everything. I bared my soul, thinking I would have a chance to have you back. He led me to believe that it was possible." Tears began to stream down Alana's face.

Jet's jaws locked and his eyes were molten with fire. His voice was low and animalistic. "Save your tears. My brother stayed here to keep you from doing any more damage. I abhor what you have done."

She held his gaze. "You should abhor what you've done—impregnating me and walking away."

Jet reached his hand down into his pants pocket and pulled out the pregnancy testing stick. "Take this and bring me the damn results."

Justin fell down in the seat across from them, putting his hand over his mouth to hold back his laughter. This was better than watching an action movie. Alana screamed out like a banshee. "How dare you try to insult me and call me a liar? I don't have to do anything." She had truly underestimated Jet, thinking that he'd be in so much shock that he wouldn't question her until they'd gotten back to California. He would have done just that, if it hadn't been for Misty.

"All day you've been telling me how honest you've been with your feelings. Here is your chance to prove it," Justin said.

Alana glared at him. "You need to stay out of this."

"No, I'm all in it, because my wife saw you kissing me in the parking lot and I'm going to owe her a hell of an explanation."

"You're a good actor, you dog," she spat.

"My brother told me all about you, and I was helping him. He loves Sloan, and I love and I am married to her sister. We will have our happily ever after."

Alana looked between the both of them. She was trapped. Nothing had gone as she'd so carefully planned. Misty's voice began to echo in her head—you're going to regret this for the rest of your life. In one more valiant effort she refused to take the test.

Jet released her. He stood up and towered over her, still lying on the couch. "All right, fine. The fact that you won't take the test is proof enough. I want the evidence to prove to Sloan and Renatta that you are a devious bastard. But since you refuse to give it to me and I've got a marriage to save, I will have you know that I will drag this true story over every social media network that the two of us are associated with and I will give exclusive interviews to every magazine on the West Coast that has ever printed anything about the two of us. You know our reputation: We were the golden couple."

"It will be my word against yours. Nobody would believe you."

"Perhaps if I didn't have Misty as a witness. She's highly credible."

Alana sat up and snarled. "Damn you, Jet Trent."

"I'll make you look like the crazed woman that you really are. I'll destroy you, Alana. I will destroy you, as long as I have life in my body, for what you have done to hurt my Sloan." He handed her the stick. "This is my final offer."

She snatched the test stick out of his hand and howled on her way to the bathroom. She returned a few minutes later with her lie exposed. He reached in the other pocket and retrieved the box for the kit. Held it out and she dropped the evidence into the box. Alana flopped on the couch, glaring at him and Justin as they left.

Justin was astonished at his brother as they ran down the stairs. "That was classic."

"I couldn't have done that without Misty's help. I was just like you and thought that time I slipped up made this so believable. Thank God that when I was in the office in California, Misty was there. She told me that Alana would do anything to get me back—even faking the pregnancy."

"That's just ruthless."

"I know."

"Jet, let's go find our women and make this right."

"I wish it were that simple. Sloan is heading to Florida in Dad's car."

"You can't be serious."

As they entered the parking lot, Justin headed for Nora's motorcycle. Jet told him to leave it there. He said that Nora and Robert could pick it up later. They needed to ride together so that they could plan the next step. Thirty minutes later they arrived at Nora's house.

***

Elise walked back into Renatta's room, finding her looking dreadful. The tears had subsided, but her face was extremely puffy and black circles had formed under her eyes, which were still very red-rimmed. Elise sat down beside her and pulled her head down to her chest, stroking her hair. "Talk to me, dear."

Renatta sniffled. "I've already gone through one divorce. I can't imagine going through another."

Alarm skidded down Elise's spine. She felt her breath hitch, but was determined to remain calm as she stroked her daughter's hair. Surely she couldn't be talking about Justin Trent. She ushered up a silent prayer. Lord, whatever this is, please fix it. "Let's talk about it, okay?"

"Mom, what I'm about to tell you will break your heart. Please don't tell Dad. I will have to find some way to break the news to him."

Dillon happened to be walking down the hall and overheard the conversation. He stopped just before the doorway so that he could hear and not be seen.

***

"What do you mean that Sloan is heading to Florida in my car? You boys need to tell us what is going on."

"Renatta's over there crying her eyes out. Dillon and Elise are worried sick that Sloan won't answer the phone. Now you're telling us that Sloan is heading to Florida and the wedding is tomorrow." Nora threw her hands in the air as she looked angrily at her sons.

"We're not going to get anywhere, if you all are too upset to listen. I'm warning you, this situation is not good. You both need to sit down and listen," Justin said, pointing his parents to the new leather sofa. Robert grimaced before taking Nora's hand and leading her to the seat.

Jet began to speak, slowly and calmly, even though his insides were in utter turmoil. For their sakes he had to be calm and leave them feeling like there was hope to get this disaster turned around.

"This is all my fault. The reason that Renatta is crying is because my ex came to town, looking for me, in hopes of getting me back. She found out about The Trent Store and went looking for me there. She saw Justin in the parking lot and thought it was me. She kissed him and Renatta saw it."

Nora gasped. Justin inserted, "And it wasn't an innocent kiss."

"During the same time my ex posed as a fan of Sloan's show and asked to have lunch with her. My ex told Sloan that she was pregnant with my child, and that is why Sloan left and is now heading to Florida."

"Jetson Trent, you got a woman pregnant? You've never even mentioned another woman to any of us. How could you not know she was pregnant before you came here?" Robert stormed across the room, confronting his son. Justin put his hand on his father's shoulder and held him back.

"Dad, the woman is not pregnant. She only said that she was pregnant to break up Sloan and Jet. It's a long, complicated story, and we don't have time to go into details. We have to get to Florida before Sloan gets there. Jet had to charter a plane to get back from California. We will use the plane to fly to Florida and can be there in 45 minutes."

"And what do you hope to accomplish? You certainly don't think that either of them will speak with the two of you now?" said Nora. "Maybe tomorrow but not today, and the wedding will be ruined."

"Mom, you have to have faith. This is one big mess. But I did try to warn Sloan about Alana, and she didn't want to listen. She forbade me from talking about her. When I remind her of that, she will listen. You've got to trust us."

"He's right, Mom. If we leave now, we can be in Florida in 45 minutes," said Justin.

"We—Justin Trent, you need to stay here and take care of your own wife."

"She can come with us."

Justin and Jet headed for the door. As they were about to open it, they heard a rifle blast crack through the air.

"What on earth?" Robert said, stepping around his sons and pushing the door open. The sound of a rifle clicking again and then another boom rent the air. The Trents all stepped onto the porch, in shock as they saw Dillon's face dark and evil. His rifle was pointed toward the sky. He sent out another warning shot. Neighbors began to step out of their homes. Then they saw Elise and Renatta running across the street in horror as it dawned on them that Dillon obviously had overheard their conversation.

"Dillon, no!!!" screamed Elise.

Robert stepped off the porch, making his way toward Dillon. "Put the gun down."

"You stay out of this, Robert Trent. This is between your sons and me. I warned them never to make my daughters cry. I'll put a bullet between the two of them."

Elise and Renatta had now reached Dillon. "Dad, stop. You stop it right now. Put that rifle down."

By this time the neighbors were all pooling in the street. Nora stepped off the porch holding her cell phone in the air. "Dillon Jensen, I will call the police and press charges if you don't get a hold of yourself. You need to listen to what Jet and Justin have to say. Renatta, you need to stand with your husband."

"After what he did?" Elise screamed.

"You don't know the whole story," Nora shot back. "Now put that rifle down, crazy man, and listen to your sons. Renatta, come stand next to your husband."

"She'll do no such thing!" Dillon growled.

"It's all right, Dad. Let's hear what they have to say." Renatta walked over to Justin. She didn't get too close, even though he reached for her. When he saw the venom in her eyes, he stepped back.

Jet walked over to Renatta and tapped her on the shoulder. "I'm so sorry, but this is all my fault, and if you let me explain, you will see that Justin was only trying to save both of our families grief and secure the wedding." Very painfully Jet explained to the Jensens what had happened. "Dillon, I assure you, we will never make your daughters cry ever again. Unless it is tears of happiness and joy."

***

Justin was thrilled to have his Marcella back in his arms. She leaned on his shoulder as they reclined on the sofa in the private plane. His arm tucked around her waist while his other hand rested on her stomach, feeling the baby kick.

Jet stared blankly out the window, praying to God that Sloan would be as accommodating as Renatta had been. It seemed that as soon as the plane reached cruising altitude, it was descending from the sky again. The "Fasten seatbelts" sign came on. Their ears began to feel pressure as the plane lowered.

Justin glanced over at Jet. "I'm so glad Elise gave us the spare key to Sloan's house. It will make things so much easier for us. Let's go over things again."

"This is the craziest plot I've ever heard of," said Renatta as she gazed between Justin and Jet. They were dressed identically. As a part of their plan, they had to stop at a local store and get clothes that were alike to play out their scheme. "For some odd reason I really think it's going to work."

***

Justin, Jet and Renatta arrived at Sloan's house in Destin. It was a beautiful beachfront cottage. The setting was picturesque and would be the envy of any artist. She literally had a home sitting among the dunes near the sea. The home was white with teal blue shutters and peonies in dark blue window boxes. The front porch was expansive and had white wicker furniture with navy blue cushions tossed about. The high humidity greeted them as well as the squawk of gulls. The crystal blue waters and white sand beach were captivating for the Trents, who were used to the lush, green forests of Georgia.

"I haven't been here for so long, I forgot how beautiful this place is," said Renatta.

Jet was in awe, thinking about how seven years ago he had driven this woman into seclusion. Though the thought had pained him, he was happy that she had a true haven by the sea. In their plan the car that they rented would be out of sight. Jet waited in the car while Renatta and Justin put everything in motion. Jet rolled the windows down, enjoying the cool beach breeze. On the way in they picked up some fast food. Hopefully, a simple meal would be the distraction needed to control a volatile conversation. In less than an hour later Justin heard tires pulling into the driveway. He glanced out the window and saw Robert's car. "Show time."

"I don't remember leaving any lights on." Then Sloan shook the thought off. In her hurry to help the Trents, it was certainly probable that she'd done that. She stepped out of the car and stretched. Then she gazed about, allowing the sweet comfort of home to settle over her. She closed her eyes and smiled at the sound of the waves crashing against the shore and the waterfowl circling above her head. "It's good to be home." But as suddenly as the comfort came, the discomfort followed. It was indeed good to be home, but not under these conditions. A warm tear rolled down her face. "Be strong," she reminded herself. "You've cried enough, and you've been here before." She took a deep breath and then got her keys and opened the door. She was stunned out of her senses when she saw Renatta standing there with a gentle smile on her face. Sloan was so puzzled that she couldn't speak. Renatta grabbed her sister's hand and led her inside.

"I know you're stunned. It's a long story, and we're here to explain it to you."

"How ... how ... ?"

"We tracked your cell phone, and Mom gave us your spare key. It's only a forty-five minute flight, you know."

Sloan glanced across the room. She froze when she saw the man whom she assumed to be Jet. She stormed toward him. "Get out of my house. I never want to see you again for as long as I live. How could I have been so stupid to let you back in my heart?"

"Whoa, Sloan, I'm Justin."

"Don't play games with me. You did that when you picked me up from the airport. I won't go through that again. Get out." Her heart was racing out of control. She started beating him across the chest. "Get out, I said—right now."

"Sloan, it really is Justin. I promise," he said.

She relented for a second. "Show me your damn neck."

Justin lifted his hair and tilted his neck toward her. Sure enough, there was no mole and birthmark. Sloan gathered herself for a moment and then sat down on her sofa. "I'm sorry, Justin."

"It's okay. We brought some food. Why don't we all sit down and eat. It's been a terrible day. Sloan, you really need to listen to us, okay? We've come all this way to talk to you."

"I am through with your brother. I never, ever want to see him again. I don't want to hear anything."

"You will listen to us, because that attitude is part of the reason you're here. You wouldn't listen when Jet tried to tell you about Alana," said Renatta. "You need to listen to us."

Those words stung Sloan deeply. It was true. She wanted to kick herself now. They had her over a barrel. If she still refused to listen, how could she justify walking away from Jet? She groaned, "Damn it."

"Now stay calm and listen," Renatta chided her.

Justin grabbed the chicken and mashed potatoes that they'd purchased on the way in and popped them in the microwave. "I'll be back in a moment. I left the drinks in the car."

"I didn't see a car when I pulled up."

"We parked behind the house because we didn't want to startle you."

Justin stepped out the back door and made his way over to the car. He popped the trunk open and pulled out two liters. Then he opened the back car door. "She's all yours." He handed the drinks to Jet.

According to the plan, after Jet had explained everything and tested the waters, if all went well, Renatta would take her leave. If things didn't go well, Justin and Jet would switch positions again and Sloan would never know that Jet was there. "Pray for me, please, Justin."

"I've been praying all day. I couldn't bear to see the two of you apart again." Jet hugged his brother and then walked inside. When his eyes met Sloan's, all the longing he had in his heart stirred. All he wanted to do was scoop her in his arms and kiss her senseless. He quickly had to put a tight grip on all his loving emotions. He slipped into Justin's mannerisms. "Do you want Coke or Sprite?"

They both said Sprite. Jet found his way around the kitchen and pulled out glasses, filled them with ice and the drink. While Justin and Jet made the switch, Renatta had fixed their plates. She started the conversation off. "Sloan, the most important thing to know is that Alana is not pregnant. She only said that she was pregnant to get you to call off the wedding."

"I have a big problem with that. Jet came to me with this noble act, claiming that he'd been celibate nearly a year. If she was only a few months pregnant, then they'd been together recently. He lied to me."

"Sloan, Jet had been celibate. When he realized how badly he wanted you back in his life, he gave Alana up and made the decision to keep himself celibate until he was committed to you," said Jet.

"He had a weak moment, Sloan, and he slept with her once. That was about three or four months ago. He's regretted it ever since," Renatta said.

"How do you know about all this?"

"Because he told us, and I believe him. When he first came back home, he told Justin the whole story about the woman and his mess-up. The woman didn't want to let him go. She was so desperate that she faked the pregnancy, but Jet has a witness in California to say otherwise. He also has this." Renatta pulled out the pregnancy stick that she'd been carrying in her pocket.

"How in the world did you get that demonized woman to take a pregnancy test?"

"Jet threatened to ruin her reputation if she didn't."

"Oh, my God," Sloan said, putting her head in her hands. "This story is so incredible that it's almost unbelievable."

"Almost," Jet said with hope rising in him. "Are you saying that it's more believable than unbelievable?"

Sloan rubbed her forehead. All of her insides were doing somersaults. "I don't know what to believe."

"Let me ask you this, Sloan: Do you believe that Jet was lying about wanting to be committed to you in marriage before being with you?" said Renatta.

"I do."

Renatta continued. "I was told he was with the woman for three years, and they had a very physical relationship. Can you imagine that he could possibly have slipped up in a weak moment?"

"But what if it was more than once, and he's just telling me that?"

Jet bit his lip, desperately wanting to console the love of his life, but he couldn't. Renatta was playing her role in the plan. They had to keep everything on track if they would have the degree of success they were seeking. Yet the torment on Sloan's face was killing him.

"Sloan, I don't have an answer for that, other than to say, 'Trust him.' Even if he did, he was not with you. Nor had either of you hope of being together."

"You really believe that, Renatta?

"I do. Jetson Trent has always loved you."

"That is so true," Jet said. "He loves you more than his own life. You need to believe that. All he's ever wanted to do was to be your husband."

Sloan's face softened as those words sank into her heart. She repeated in her mind—all he's ever wanted to do was to be your husband. "He really did try to tell me about her. He told me that he didn't love her and that she could cause trouble. I have to take part of the blame."

Jet felt a huge lump form in his throat. Joy began to fill his soul. He grasped the bottom of his chair, trying to contain himself.

"Sister, are you saying that you believe what we have told you?"

"Yes."

Jet's eyes widened.

"And are you saying that you will still marry Jet tomorrow?"

She took a deep breath. Jet was dying to hear the next words that would fall from her lips. His heart was palpitating.

"I've loved that man all my life. Tomorrow can't get here fast enough. I will marry him and put this miserable, miserable day far behind us."

Before Sloan could even take her next breath, Jet was out of his seat and his mouth upon hers. She was so shocked. He kissed her so hard that she couldn't get a thought through. She found herself giving into the kiss as her mind settled on the fact that Justin and Jet had masterfully fooled her again. She pulled back. "I could kill you for doing another switch, Jetson Trent."

"Please don't. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, baby."

Renatta chuckled. "Give me the keys to Robert's car. Justin and I will drive it back home." Sloan pointed to the table where she'd left the keys, as she and Jet continued engaging in a long overdue, sweltering kiss.