Page 155 of Second Chance Mates

“Oh my Goddess,” he says as he shakes. “I didn–”

I turn on the tap and let the water mix with his blood to slide down the plug hole. “It’s okay.” I hold his hand. “You’ll heal. It’s a small cut. Are you okay?”

His eyes are glued to his fingers, and after a long moment, he nods. “I think so.”

Once the blood is gone, he pulls his hand away and wipes it on a clean kitchen towel. We get back to cooking, but when I peer over, I find his fingers are still bleeding. I frown at the sight. When Jaxon or Lucy get a small graze, it usually starts to heal within minutes. But Evan’s…it’s not healing at all.

I clear my throat, and he turns his attention to me. “Let’s put a plaster on it,” I say with an optimistic smile. “We don’t want it to get infected.”

Evan doesn’t even nod. He stares at his bleeding fingers. I patch him up in no time, but his eyes are glassed over with clear devastation. My heart strains at the sight of him, and I almost draw him into a hug but stop myself.

“Ready to keep going?” I ask.

He meets my gaze, but he’s reserved for a moment. “Yeah.”

When Jaxon comes back from his meeting with Kayden and Sebastian, Lucy meets us in the kitchen, along with Grace and Phia. Everyone’s eyes light up when they find our food sitting on the counter. Jax slides an arm around my waist and kisses my temple. “Nice job, baby,” he murmurs into my hairline. “I can’t wait to dig in. I’m starving.”

I grin at him. “Then, eat.”

We all sit around the counter, and I give Evan a small thumbs up for the help in making everyone a delicious lunch. Kayden walks towards me with a mouthful of pasta. “Holy shit,” he murmurs. “You guys made this?”

“No,” I deadpan. “We ordered it from the North Pole.”

Kayden stops chewing, narrows his eyes, and swallows. “I was going to say it was delicious, but I take it back. It’s awful.”

I snort. “Yeah, right. Tell that to your empty plate.”

“Because I didn’t want to hurt your feelings.” He pulls a fake frown.

I flip him off.

Kayden’s mouth falls open. “Jaxon, did you just see that?”

“Children,” Jax mutters. “I’m living with actual children.”

“Okay, guys.” I hear Lucy shout, and we all turn our attention towards her. She swallows down her large mouthful of pasta and holds her hands up. “Talking of children, Bash and I have some fantastic news we want to share with you.”

All of us remain silent as her eyes practically glow, her smile so big it takes over most of her face. Sebastian sinks into the space beside her and places his arm around her shoulder. “Go on,” Jaxon urges.

“I feel like after what has happened recently, we are all in need of good news. Something to look forward to.” Lucy glances at all of us. “I’m pregnant!”

My hands fly to my mouth at the same time tears swell in my eyes. The room erupts into claps and cheers, and I can’t help the sob that falls from the back of my throat. I push myself off the stool and hug them both.

“Congratulations!” I murmur with a smile. “I’m so happy for you guys.”

Lucy hugs me so hard I almost snap in half. “So are we. Thank you. You’re going to be an amazing auntie to our bundle of joy.”

I squeeze her back at those precious words. “And you’re going to be the best mother ever.”

After everyone says their congratulations and we all toast to the new parents-to-be, I’m filled with joy, love, and contentment—so many emotions I never thought I’d be able to feel again. I’m so full and warm, I could burst.

Jaxon takes my hand and guides us into the living room alone. I sink down onto the sofa beside him as he tugs a blanket over us, my legs resting across his. We watch a movie together, but every time I glance at Jax, he’s staring at the wall.

I nudge him gently, and his eyes find mine. “What’s the matter?” he asks.

My head shakes. “What are you thinking about?”

“Nothing. Just work stuff.”

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