Page 42 of Harmonizing Hearts

“Hey, Dad. Thanks for coming early,” Jax says with a wink to me.

Mac pats Jax on the back, a proud smile on his face. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world, son. Now, let’s get to work. We’ve got a barbecue to set up.”

As Mac and Jax set to work, I assist them by arranging the plates and cutlery on the table. The sunflowers Mac brought brighten the atmosphere, their vibrant petals mirroring the joy that fills the air.

As we finish placing the last torch, the scent of charcoal and sizzling food drifts through the air, enticing our appetites. We take a moment to step back and admire our handiwork, the table set with care and the torches casting a warm glow along the beach.

Mac wipes his brow, a satisfied smile on his face. “Looking good, isn’t it?”

Jax nods, “Yeah, it’s perfect. Thanks for your help, Dad. It means a lot to us.”

Mac claps a hand on Jax’s shoulder. “Anytime, son. I’m always here to support you and Emma. Where’s the rest of the lot?”

Just then, the sound of laughter and chatter reaches our ears as more guests begin to arrive. The air fills with an electric energy, a mix of anticipation and happiness. As we welcome our friends and loved ones to the porch, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed by the love and support surrounding us. The sight of Jax and his father working side by side, their laughter blending with the sound of waves fills my heart with love.

As the laughter and music fill the air, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed by the joyous atmosphere surrounding us. The barbecue party is in full swing, and the beach is alive with games and laughter. I watch as our friends and family engage in friendly competitions, their faces lit up with excitement.

Angel follows me into the kitchen, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. “I’m still mad at you.” We exchange a knowing glance, both of us eager to add an extra element of fun to the festivities. “But I have an idea for the announcement.”

“Should I be scared?” I giggle while we hide into Jax’s studio.

“Trust me, if they’re as crazy as I think they are then this will be a blast.” She playfully nudges me. “I can’t believehetold me the news.”

Yeah, me either. It was so freaking hard to keep my mouth shut. But Angel is amazing, and she and Matthew have a great bond with no secrets. Which means she’d have told him. Matthew is Jake’s best friend who appears to be Chris’s too. And Chris and Luke are close too. Jesus, it’d have been like jumping on a hamster wheel. And the secret, poof, wouldn’t have been a secret anymore. I shake my head at the tricky thoughts I had. “I was afraid of being judged.”

She snaps her head to me, “What? It’s been what, six years we've been friends and you still think I’ll judge you?”

I sigh and start to pace back and forth, “You’ve been the first to cheer for me and Jax.”

“Of course, you two are perfect together.”

“When I found out about my pregnancy I was in Tokyo. I didn’t want to tell him by phone, I wanted to look him in the eyes to make sure he wants it too.” She snorts like I’m saying bullshit. “After five days I couldn’t bear with my nightmares. Each night was different, and I needed to come back home.”

“Why didn’t you tell me? I had nightmares too, but Matthew laughed at me and I’m pretty sure I’d have done the same for you, Em,” she stops in front of me and squeezes my hands, “You don’t see what we all do: Jax adores you in a visceral way.”

“Wasn’t the same thing you said with the mint chocolate ice cream?”

“Pretty much but I craved that devil flavor,” she laughs. “No, seriously Em, he’s so into you and I can see it. Even when we talk, he looks for you. It’s like a magnet. That’s why when you told me he was the mysterious Dom from Royals I told you it’s fate.”

“Now I see it too,” I shamelessly admit.

“Was about damn time, Em!”

“One of my nightmares, though, became true when I found out about my parents accident. I couldn’t believe it and was trying to convince myself it was a trick of my head due to my tiredness, but the more that Blake talked, I couldn’t even breathe.”

“I know Em, I figured out it was something more than what you told me that night.”

I shake my head, “No Angel. You don’t know everything.” I wipe my tears off. It still hurts to think about it, “Alone with my thoughts I did the dumbest thing ever.” She awaits in silence, and I look away. "At first, I couldn't bear the thought of keeping the baby of someone who caused my family's accident, and then... I didn’t want to force him to stay with me because of the baby I was carrying.”

“Em…” She gasps.

“When I heard their heartbeats, I burst into tears and backed off. The thought of pushing him away of my life was painful but knowing I’d lose what our love created made me feel miserable. I’d have raised them alone but then Jax showed up at the hospital and I knew Trish had told him about my pregnancy and the abortion. The desperation I read in his eyes was the final hit.”

“If you had told me, Em, I’d have come to kick your ass only for letting that stupid idea cross your mind.” She drags me closer, “But I’d have never judged you.”

“I’m sorry.” I sob, hugging her.

“Get used to being always hormonal, but,” she pulls me away, “we have a party going, grandparents and our friends that need to know about this amazing news.”

---