Page 37 of Harmonizing Hearts

Jax’s grip on my hand tightens, his gaze flickering momentarily away from the road to meet mine. I see a flicker of sadness and understanding in his eyes, and it both eases and heightens my anxiety.

“No, babygirl, I’m sorry you had to see that side of me. But I couldn’t stand his face anymore. I endured years of his bullying. Every time a family sent me back to foster care, he was there, mocking me and using me as a punching bag. But when he hurt you and ruined your life, that was the last straw. I couldn’t forgive him for that.”

Swallowing hard, I gather the fragments of my courage to reveal my deepest fears. “Is he alive?” my voice quivers.

Jax’s hand leaves the steering wheel, his fingers tenderly caressing the back of my hand. His touch sends shivers down my spine, momentarily distracting me from my anguish. "He is," he murmurs softly. "I called the cops before I even got to the cemetery. They arrested him. Carlos is on it, and we'll make sure he spends his life behind bars."

Tears well up in my eyes, a mix of relief and overwhelming emotion. Jax’s words wash over me, soothing my doubts and insecurities. "How did you know I was there?"

"Carlos tracked Blake's cell phone. When I saw you, I lost my mind." Jax brings our entwined hands to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss against my skin. "I know facing this mess again won't be easy, but I'll be here."

"Thank you," I sob, not even sure why. Inside, I feel at peace.

His words wrap around me, enveloping me in a cocoon of love and security. In this moment, I realize that together, we can face any storm life throws our way. The car carries us forward, our fingers intertwined, and the weight of my fears begins to lift, replaced by a renewed trust in our bond.

As we step through the front door, Jax’s strong arms wrap around me, lifting me effortlessly off the ground. I gasp in surprise, my heart fluttering with a mixture of excitement and tenderness. Being carried like this makes me feel cherished, as if I’m the most delicate thing in the world.

“Are you hungry?” Jax’s voice resonates in my ear, his warm breath tickles my skin.

I shake my head, my fingers gently gripping the fabric of his shirt. “No, I just want to be with you.”Because I missed you.

He gently sets me down, his eyes filled with an affectionate glow that makes my heart swell. I feel safe in his embrace, surrounded by his love.

“All right,” his voice soft and caring. “Take your time, love. I’ll be waiting for you.”

I offer him a grateful smile before making my way toward the bathroom. Peering at the mirror, I shut my eyes while tears stream down my cheeks. I can’t believe I was so fucking stupid to get rid of one of the best thing that have happened in my life. He’d have hated me forever. Hell, I’d have done it too. Caressing my stomach, I can’t help but smile. Their heartbeats, so powerful, take me out of the numbness, realizing I was about to make the worst mistake ever.

I strip out my clothes and get inside the walk in shower. The hot water cascades over me, washing away the physical and emotional residue of the day. The rhythmic sound of the water soothes me, allowing me a moment of quiet reflection.

After my shower, I wrap myself in a plush towel and step into our bedroom. The scent of fresh fruits lingers in the air, capturing my attention. Jax appears with a tray in his hands, a smile playing on his lips.

“I thought you might be hungry after all,” he smiles. “I brought you some fruits and a sandwich.”

My heart warms at his thoughtfulness. I sit down on the edge of the bed, grateful for his caring gesture. Jax places the tray in front of me, the vibrant colors of the fruits tempting my taste buds. “You always know how to take care of me.”

He takes a seat beside me, his fingers gently brushing against mine. “It’s my privilege, Em.”

We eat in comfortable silence, the occasional exchange of glances and smiles speaking volumes. Jax’s presence fills me with a sense of contentment, as if everything is right in the world.

I notice his ripped jeans are dirty and I silently ask him what happened. Jax shrugs and kisses my forehead before going into the bathroom.

As I finish the last bite of the sandwich, Jax comes back bare chested with only his pajamas bottom, a sublime vision and he reaches out to take the tray away. He places it on the table near the window and comes closer, wraps his arms around me, pulling me close. I rest my head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. The same as our babies.

“I’m so grateful to have you,” I whisper.

His grip tightens around me, his voice filled with tenderness. “And I’m grateful to have you, baby. You are my everything.”

Surrounded by his love and the warmth of our shared connection, I realize that there’s no place I’d rather be than in his arms.

As I settle into bed, Jax moves beside me, sliding under the covers. My eyes wander over his exposed form, drawn to the contours of his body, familiar yet always captivating. Something catches my attention—an intricate new tattoo adorning his chest. Its unique design piques my curiosity, and I feel a rush of excitement mingled with a touch of apprehension.

Jax’s tiredness is evident in the weariness etched on his face. His eyes appear heavy, but there’s still a spark of warmth that flickers within them. He reaches out, his arm encircling my waist, and I’m instantly drawn closer to him. I feel the steady rise and fall of his chest against my cheek as I nuzzle against him, my lips pressing against his skin.

“Jax,” I whisper, my voice barely above a breath. “You mean everything to me. I don’t know how I got so lucky to have you in my life. You’ve become my rock, the person who understands me in ways no one else ever has and it scares me.”

He stirs slightly, a faint smile gracing his lips, but he remains peacefully asleep. I continue, my words pouring forth with an urgency and sincerity that can’t be contained. “You bring out the best in me, Jax. With you, I feel seen, heard, and loved unconditionally. You’ve shown me a depth of love that I never thought was possible, and I am forever grateful for the way you’ve touched my heart.”

A soft snore escapes Jax’s lips, his arm holding me close. I can’t help but smile, a mix of amusement and adoration. “For real?” I say with a gentle laugh. “Gosh, even in your sleep, you’re sexy and mine.” I press a tender kiss to his chest, hoping that somehow, amidst his dreams, he can sense the depth of my emotions. With a contented sigh, I settle into the warmth of his embrace, finding solace in the rhythmic sound of his snoring. In this moment, I know that my love for Jax transcends words—it’s woven into the fabric of our connection, a silent symphony that plays between our hearts.

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