Page 31 of Flawless Aria

Jax gives me a big squeeze and then grabs his sister, consoling her, while Jim slips back into Trish’s room. I’m sure he doesn’t want her to be alone for one second. Even a strong woman needs to lean on someone at some point in time.

Feeling awkward, I sit across from Stephanie, not giving her the time of day. A part of me wants to scream at her for trying to console my fiancé, but I decide to be the bigger person. No doubt Mom called her to let her know what happened, but for the life of me, I have no idea why she would. She gave up that right when she broke up with Jax.

19

JAXON

I’m notsure if I can handle all three women by myself. Melody’s having a meltdown, and I believe my fake fiancée was about to tell me she loved me.

And why the fuck is Stephanie here? Yeah, she mentioned something about moral support, but I sure as hell don’t need her.

And what’s up with Aria? Did she come to her senses because my mom had a stroke? Or because she finally realized that I do love her and that we can have a wonderful life together? Unfortunately, I might not find out until my mom’s out of the woods. I won’t rest until I know she’s alright.

I guess I won’t be going with the guys to pick out any tour merchandise anytime soon. With Melody being here, Zander was able to drop off Hadley at his mom’s. It’s good to know that everyone’s willing to pitch in to help each other out. That’s what friends and families are all about.

I’m so fortunate to have a great group of guys and their spouses. Lyric and Harmony are on standby just in case Mel and I are needed here. Caleb was kind enough to reach out to me, too. “Family first” has always been his motto, and I’m truly grateful.

“Mel, we need to focus on the here and now,” I tell my sister. “Not what could have happened but what we can do so it will never happen again. Mom’s a survivor. She’ll get through it because she has us to watch over her. If it means we need to rein her in, then dammit that’s what we need to do. And we’re not going to take no for an answer.” Her tears dry up really fast when she spots Stephanie. Oh boy.

“What the hell is she…”

“Let it go, Mel. She’s not important. Now go home and hug your baby girl. Hadley needs her mama, and it will be good for you to be with her. There’s nothing else you can do here. Mom will probably sleep most of the day.”

“I can’t leave now. What if she needs me and I’m not here?”

Aria hugs her from behind. “I promise I’ll call you if anything changes. I’m not going anywhere, and I’ll keep my eye on the guys too. You have my word.”

“Are the two of you trying to get rid of me before I bitch slap the ex?” Ouch. Often, I forget how protective my sister can be.

“Stephanie is no longer a part of this family and I’ll be asking her to leave,” I say. “I have my hands full with my three girls. Mom, Aria, and you.” I tap her nose like I used to when she was a little girl.

“I promise to give you a shout if I need reinforcements,” Aria says. “I’ll keep them in line, and—who knows—by the end of day they might wish you were here instead of me.” When Mel laughs at Aria’s joke, I know she wants to go home to her baby girl.

“Thanks, Aria. Love you, big brother.” After Mel gives us each a big bear hug, she gives Stephanie the stick eye as she walks past.

Not long after, Stephanie realizes that she’s not welcome anymore and leaves.

Now it’s just me and my girl. Just the way it was always meant to be.

Threading her fingers through my hair, she asks, “How you holding up?”

“So much better now that it’s just you and me.” Wrapping my arms around her, I hold her tight. Wondering what the hell I would do if she decides not to marry me. I’m not sure I could just remain friends after I’ve tasted her, been inside her, and loved her forever.

“Me too. I must admit I was a little jealous when I walked in, and you and Stephanie were holding hands.”

What? No way.

“Holding hands? We weren’t holding hands, baby.” I rack my brain and for the life of me, I can’t remember.

Did I hold her hand?

“It’s no big deal, Jax. It just caught me off guard. Her being here and all. Especially since she decided to end it.”

“Obviously it is a big deal if you brought it up. She popped in, claiming she was here for moral support. Whined that Mom was like her own mother since she’s known her for so long. I suppose she could have grabbed my hand, but I was so upset, I wasn’t thinking clearly.”

That’s the truth.

“It’s not important. I’m being selfish for even bringing it to your attention.” Now she’s sad and God knows there’s enough of that going around today.

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