Page 28 of Harmonizing Hearts

I pull her in for a quick peck on the cheek. "Nah, with that charm? You've got her vote locked down already."

Emma peers at some pictures of me and him. My first speed ticket is there too and Emma cracks up.Yeah, he still has it. And what’s worse? He was the one filing it.Each action has a consequence.And I learned my lesson.

Mac comes up with a trail of brownies and coffee. “Jax has told me so much about you. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

Emma blushes, her hand finding mine again, anchoring me in this whirlwind of emotions. “Thank you, Mr. Mitchell. It’s an honor to meet you too. Jax has shared so many wonderful stories about his family.”

We spend the day surrounded by love and laughter, reminiscing about the past and sharing dreams for the future. Emma fits into this world seamlessly, weaving her way into the hearts of my family as she did with mine and I realize that this journey was more than just a trip down memory lane. It was a chance for Emma to understand the fragments of my past and for me to share the people who helped me piece together a future.

Boxes and suitcases are scattered around the room as I carefully fold my clothes, packing them neatly. Moving in with Jax feels surreal, yet it’s a step I’m ready to take—a leap into a future we both envision together. The sound of laughter and chatter fills the air. Jax, Dex, and Liam, are acting like kids, while Angel and Jillian write on the boxes where they should go before handing them to Charlie and Matthew. We’re a great team and honestly it’s going way too fast. Luke and the security team are in the van trying to stuff each box before dropping them to my new house. Jesus, I haven’t realized I had that many things.

Jax walks over, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. “Hey baby, need any help with those?” he asks, pointing at the stack of books beside me. When he found out I adore reading romance, especially the steamy ones, he promised we’ll try every single one of them. I admit he’s a man of his word.

I laugh and hand him a few. “Sure, but be gentle with these. They’re my treasures,” I tease.

He playfully rolls his eyes. “Of course. I’ll treat them like fragile glass.” He winks, making me blush.

As we pack, the conversation drifts to the upcoming concerts and their plans for the tour. Darkest Symphony’s first ever headlining concert will take place soon and I’m so thrilled to see them play live. Even though they have opened various big concerts, Angel made sure to create a buzz and expectations are high since their tickets are selling fast for being a new band.

One of the things I love about SMD is that Angel asks everyone’s input. Dex discusses the set list, Liam talks about the stage design, and Charlie excitedly shares his dream to perform at MetLife Stadium. Angel and Jillian listen attentively, interjecting with suggestions and words of encouragement. Matthew sits quietly, peering at his wife with such adoration that I adore. Occasionally he adds a humorous remark that sends everyone into fits of laughter.

Amidst the lively banter, we take a break to share a meal. Jax had arranged for a cozy dinner, a way to celebrate our goodbye to my apartment. We gather around the table, and for once I’m the first to raise my beer bottle, “I want to take a moment and thank you all for the help.”

Angel and Jill stand by my side and hug me, “Family is always by your side, Em. We may be crazy and chaotic but still that’s a big step and we couldn’t miss it.”

Feeling my eyes water, I close them while Jax pulls me backward out of the girls’ grip and shields me.

“Hey Em, I found these… ehm…” Dex's voice makes me turn my head to him, “You’re badass, girl.” He grins while spinning my handcuffs over his finger.

Jax growls, while throwing a stuffed bear at him. “Shut the fuck up or I’ll use them on you.”

“Catch me if you can.” Dex mocks him. Jax releases me and dashes toward Dex who sprints toward the door. Some cheer for Dex but most of us do for Jax. When my man comes back with a victorious smile, laughter booms in the apartment.

“Come take them off you son of a bitch!” Dex’s voice makes me wonder where in the hell he got tied. Seeing Dex sit on the stairs, while pulling at those cuffs makes me giggle.

“Jax! I don’t have the keys,” I pretend to be mad.

“Don’t fucking joke about it, Emma, take these fucking cuffs off,” he rants, panic in his voice.

“Leave him there for ten minutes.” Jax shrugs while dragging me back inside.

“That’s cruel.” I giggle while passing the keys to Jill.

As the evening draws to a close, Jax and I find ourselves alone in our new house. The room is bathed in soft, warm light, casting a glow on our surroundings. He holds a set of keys in front of me, his gaze locked with mine.

“Welcome home, babe,” he begins, his voice gentle and filled with emotion, “you know these keys represent more than just a place to live.” I feel my heart skip a beat as he continues, his eyes shining with love. “I love you, baby girl. With every fiber of my being, you’ve become the center of my world.”

Tears of joy well up in my eyes as I take the keys from him, my voice trembling with emotion. “I love you too.”

He pulls me into a warm embrace, and in that moment, the world for once feels complete. Our hearts beat in sync as we embrace this new chapter, holding onto each other tightly. “Do you think we can sort them out before Sunday?”

I turn around and peer at the tons of boxes scattered around us. “If we work as a team, maybe.” Truth is, I doubt it. But I know he wants to invite Mac, the guys and my aunt over for a family barbecue and I’ll do my best to make it happen.

* * *

My heart raceswith excitement as I prepare for this special day. The sun shines brightly in the clear blue sky, casting a warm glow over our new house. I can’t wait to share this beautiful space with our loved ones. It’s our first time hosting an event since moving in, and I am determined to make it a memorable occasion.

The tantalizing aroma of barbecue fills the air, wafting from the grill that Jax has set up on the patio. I’ve spent hours marinating the meat, carefully selecting the spices and flavors that will make everyone’s taste buds dance with joy. The sound of sizzling and crackling adds a lively rhythm to the atmosphere, building anticipation for the feast that awaits.

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