Page 16 of Jaxon

Jaxon’s heart leapt at the opportunity.“Of course.I’d love to.This is my chance to prove to you that I can be dependable.”

Harper’s soft laugh was music to his ears.“I don’t doubt that.Thank you, Jaxon.It means a lot.”

“Anything for you and Mia,” Jaxon said sincerely.“I’ll be there.”

Jaxon ended the call.He was committed to being a part of their lives and being the man they could count on.

****

Jaxon woke early onSaturday morning, a rare sense of anticipation humming through him.Today was different, special.It was his first real chance to spend time with Mia, his daughter.The word still felt surreal, but it also filled him with a warmth he hadn’t known he was missing.

He left the clubhouse before most of the others stirred, the morning still crisp with the promise of a clear day.

On the way to Harper’s bookstore, he made a quick stop at her favorite café.The smell of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods greeted him as he walked in, a stark contrast to the usual scent of motor oil and leather he was accustomed to.He ordered a couple of coffees and a selection of pastries he knew Harper liked, hoping to surprise her.

When he arrived at the bookstore, it was bustling with the weekend crowd.The familiar bell above the door chimed as he stepped inside, scanning the room.His gaze quickly found Mia, seated in a quiet corner with a book nearly bigger than her lap.She was engrossed, her small brow furrowed in concentration.

When she glanced up and saw him, her face lit up, and she waved enthusiastically.Jaxon couldn’t help but smile and wave back.Feeling a swell of something he couldn’t quite name—pride, joy, maybe both—he made his way through the crowd to find Harper.She was behind the counter, helping a customer.Jaxon waited until she finished before stepping up, placing the coffee and pastries on the counter.

“For you,” he said, leaning over to press a kiss to her cheek.

Harper’s eyes softened as she smiled.“You didn’t have to.”

“I wanted to,” Jaxon replied, savoring the way she looked at him, like he was something good in her world.“And thanks again for letting me spend time with Mia today.”

“It’s my pleasure,” Harper said, her voice warm.“She’s been looking forward to it.”

Jaxon nodded, glancing toward Mia, who was still absorbed in her book.“Me too.”

With that, he took Mia’s hand, and they headed out for their day together.Their first stop was the park, a large, open space filled with families, kids, and the distant sound of laughter.

Jaxon felt a little out of place at first, but Mia’s excitement was contagious.They played on the swings, chased each other on the grass, and even attempted to fly a kite, though it ended up tangled in a tree.

After a while, they took a break, sitting on a bench with ice creams in hand.Mia licked her cone thoughtfully before looking up at Jaxon, her eyes serious in the way children could be.

“Are you going to be around?”she asked, her voice small but direct.

Jaxon’s heart clenched.He hadn’t realized how much that question would affect him.“I hope to be,” he said honestly, meeting her gaze.“I want to be.”

Mia nodded, seemingly satisfied with his answer, and returned her focus to her melting ice cream.But Jaxon couldn’t shake the weight of her question.He knew how much it mattered, not just to Mia, but to Harper too.He had to prove to them both that he was here to stay.

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, they made their way back to the bookstore.The crowd had thinned, leaving the space quieter and more intimate.

Harper’s assistant greeted them with a smile, letting them know she would handle closing for the night.

Harper appeared from the back, her expression brightening when she saw them.“How was it?”

“Great,” Jaxon said, glancing at Mia, who nodded vigorously.“She wore me out.”

Harper laughed, a sound that made Jaxon’s chest tighten in the best way.“Thanks again, Jaxon.Really.”

“Anytime,” he said, meaning it.

“Have you eaten yet?”Harper asked, a hopeful note in her voice.“I was thinking maybe you’d want to join us for dinner?”

Jaxon didn’t have to think twice.“I’d love to.”

They walked to a cozy diner nearby, settling into a booth.The atmosphere was warm, the clatter of dishes and the hum of conversation providing a comforting backdrop.

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