Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 39161 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 196(@200wpm)___ 157(@250wpm)___ 131(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39161 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 196(@200wpm)___ 157(@250wpm)___ 131(@300wpm)
Instead of not believing me, my mother nodded and looked thoughtful. “I think I understand a lot of things more clearly now. And why during the worst of it, the only person you wanted was Jax.”
“I’m surprised you figured it out. Instead of telling you I wanted him, I’d make up something horrible he’d done to me earlier.” I smiled at the memory. It was a dark, miserable time in my life, but my relationship with Jax had been forged in those fires. And the fires had been so very hot.
“And I’d go tell your father to make him come apologize to you.” She grinned, wiping a tear from her cheek. “You demanded I get your father to bring Jax to apologize that first time when I asked you what you wanted to happen. After that, I knew what to do.”
“I’ve loved him my entire life, Mom. That love evolved over time as I matured, but I can’t imagine my life without him in it.”
“You don’t have to convince me, honey. To be honest, Jax is the only man I could ever see me or Vincent giving our blessing to. If he’s your choice, he’s earned our blessing many times over. As long as he treats you right and takes care of you, I’ll never say a bad word against him.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Mom, he brought an Osprey and a paramilitary unit to my rescue. I’m not sure it’s possible for anyone to take better care of me than Jax.”
“Fair point.”
I took my time in the shower while Mom chatted lightly with me. It was exactly what I needed. Her voice had always soothed me. She had a way of knowing the perfect amount of conversation and when it was time to keep it light or when we could discuss harder realities. By the time I’d washed myself thoroughly and let the hot water pound on some of my sore muscles, I was so tired I was practically asleep on my feet.
I’d never been able to have long hair as a child. Thankfully, after I’d gone into remission my hair had grown back nice and healthy. Once it had, I’d refused to cut my hair again. Now I was rethinking that decision. It was long and thick. Without help from a blow dryer, it would take hours to fully dry. I wrapped a towel around my head. I’d figure it out later. Right now, I wanted to find Jax. I also had to talk to my dad before I left, but I needed Jax more and more with each breath.
Mom helped me into a pair of athletic shorts and an oversized T-shirt before we left the bathroom. The second I stepped into the living room, I automatically looked for Jax.
He was sitting on the couch with my dad. Both men were deep in soft conversation. When they spotted us, they both stood. Wrath went to my mom and put his arm around her while Jax came to me.
Instead of pulling me into his arms, he steadied me at arm’s length before bending to pick up a shallow box. He opened it and urged me to pick up the contents.
“My property cut?”
“Yeah, sweetheart. If you’ll have me.”
“You know I will, Jax.” I threw myself at him, needing to be in his arms. I lost the towel, but it didn’t seem to matter. Jax hugged me, wet hair and all. When I finally let him go, he helped me into my cut before lifting me into his arms. I put my legs around his waist and clung to him. I knew there were things that needed saying, especially with my dad, but I couldn’t right now. It was obvious Wrath and Jax had worked it out since Dad didn’t voice his objections. I’d trust everything was fine.
“Razor’s gonna take us to the little house in the middle of the property. It’s not far from you guys and was just finished. El Diablo said to take it if we wanted. Thought we could try it out. See if Holly likes it.”
“I like you, pup,” Dad said, leveling a look at Jax. “But you only get one shot at this. You break her heart, I cut yours out with a rusty knife.”
Jax gave my dad a solemn nod. “On my life, Wrath. I’ll protect her heart, body, and soul.”
“Dad?”
“Yeah, baby.” He stroked the back of my head, and I looked up from where my face had been pressed against Jax’s neck.
“I’m sorry I left without telling you anything. I’m so sorry.” I needed Dad to understand I knew I’d fucked up.
“We’ll talk about it later. I’m not mad. I promise. I’m just happy you’re home safe. If Jax ain’t good to you, you come get me and I’ll take care of everything.” He kissed my temple. “You’ll always be my baby girl, Holly. Nothing will ever change that, or how much I love you. We’re good, you and me. I’m sure you’ve already talked with your mother, so you two are good, too.” It was about as much of a reprimand as my dad was capable of giving me, and I almost grinned.