Page 29 of Always My Comfort

“Sounds like you are goin’ soft.” He rolled his eyes and shoved me playfully.

“I can kick your ass any day of the week, Jax. Don’t you ever forget that.”

Kenna came out her childhood home carrying a tray of fresh lemonade. She gave a smaller glass to Alice, who sipped it quickly and then started running around with Douglas, their laughter surrounding us.

“How nice of you to swin’ by.” She handed Dante and me each a glass before sipping her own.

“Came to see the ranch. Some of my best memories are here.” She looked around the place and smiled.

“Me, too. Arch and I fell in love here,” she said wistfully. “You do know your brother is gettin’ married in a month? And you haven’t RSVP’d.”

“Didn’t realize that was public knowledge.” Dante threw his head back and laughed.

“It is when she’s plannin’ the weddin’, man.”

“Right. I’ll be there,” I said, glancing at the kids who were playing a game of tag.

“And your plus one?” Kenna asked hopefully, her brow raising in curiosity.

Who the hell am I going to bring?

A certain raven-haired beauty crossed my mind. I was sure she wouldn’t mind a fun weekend getaway. As friends.

“I’m bringin’ a friend.”

“Does your friend have a name?” she prodded. Man, she didn’t quit.

“It’s Logan.”

“You can’t brin’ a guy, Jax!” she whined, and Dante laughed.

“I’m not. Logan’s a girl.” Kenna’s eyes instantly shone with mischief.

“I can’t wait to meet her.”

I just had to convince her to come first.

CHAPTER11

Logan

Jaxonand I had been texting each other a few times a day for the last week. How he was flirty through something as emotionless as a text beat me. I tried to remain calm and keep up the easy banter, but the truth was on the tip of my tongue, and I was afraid if we spent any amount of time together, I’d spill my secret, or I’d fall for him.

We were supposed to be meeting in an hour for a ‘friend date,’ as he called it. My heart skipped a beat when he called it a date but then, it sunk just as quickly when he corrected himself. I blamed the pregnancy hormones because there wasn’t any part of me that was ready to jump into a serious relationship, and anything with Jaxon would bereal.

Dating him would be a horrible idea, especially with the baby coming, and I had to keep reminding myself of that. If I found out he was everything I didn’t want in a man, and then I had to raise this child with him, I’d struggle, but even worse, if I found out he was perfect and the only connection I would have was our child, I’d be miserable.

He first wanted to meet for coffee, and right now, the smell of it was making me sick, and I didn’t think I could sit in a cafe and stomach the smell while trying to have a serious conversation. If he had asked me three months ago to meet for coffee, I would have jumped at the idea. Cozy cafés were my favorite.

Mexican was off the table, too. Last time I went for tacos with Scarlett, I had nearly thrown up at the table. Pizza was safe—plus, who didn’t like a good ole greasy, cheese pizza?

My stomach grumbled at the thought of food. I hadn’t had time for my morning snack. Between doctor appointments and collecting my things from the school, I had been running all morning.

Pressing my hand to my stomach, I spoke softly to my little baby, “Are you hungry, little one?” At my appointment this morning, my doctor told me I should start to feel movement, and if I wanted, I could find out the gender.

I declined. I didn’t need to know—not without the father there with me. I just wanted this baby to be healthy. The gender didn’t matter.

Getting into my car, I immediately locked the doors, turned it on, and blast the heat. Winter had come early this year.

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