Page 77 of Reckless and Rooted
I watch him walk Lawson into the kitchen and make myself do as he says, wondering how I got to be so lucky to have a partner who cares about me so much.
Jax moved in with me shortly after finding out about Law, and neither of us has looked back since. It is almost strange how easy it has been to transition to this life together, but I’m not complaining.
I rush through the shower, knowing that I should take my time to shave and do an everything shower and also knowing that I am too damn tired for that.
With my hair clean and my body not smelling like I came from the pits of hell, I slip into a sleep set that Thea so kindly gifted me, one that is soft and stretchy, perfect for a postpartum body, before I sneak into the hallway to see how it is going.
There’s no more screaming, and I can hear Jax talking before I peek into the living room, spotting them on the floor. Lawson is staring up at Jax, and Jax is rocking our son’s feet back and forth, moving his legs around in circles. “Grandma Didi says you probably have gas, and according to Dr. Google, this is what helps.”
Our son then lets out a bubble of gas, and Jax smiles. “Hey, there’s my boy. Good job, buddy. You’re a champ.”
I feel myself tear up at the sight of Jax taking care of Lawson—and doing a damn good job of it—before tiptoeing back to the bedroom.
It’s mere seconds after my head hits the pillow that I am out cold.
37
jax
I lookat the number on the sheet, wondering if I am wrong or if my eyes need checked. “Are we sure about this?”
Bonnie nods her head, looking at me with a concerned expression. “Just for equipment, Jax. That doesn’t include space rental—which we agreed to give the Trevors—or the cost of liability insurance.”
“Fuck.” I lean forward over the small table we are using at Belle’s Bakery. The only solace I have right now is the sleeping baby in the stroller next to me and the cinnamon bun that is sitting comfortably in my stomach. “We can’t afford this.”
Bonnie shakes her head, clearly feeling as defeated as I am. “Not unless Mr. Mayor comes through.”
I hear her resentment in her tone, and I can’t blame her. Jet had blown us off. I’d called his office several times trying to get him to see us again, to talk about the money and see if he was becoming more open to the idea of opening the rodeo school again, and he hadn’t returned a single call.
His receptionist had told us that he was going through some personal things.
“Well, shit. What do we do?” I look over the sheet, willing it to change with my eyes.
“Unless you know of someone else who would like to donate to the cause, we’re kind of out of luck.”
I shake my head, hearing what Bonnie is implying. “No. Felicity is not getting involved.”
Bonnie sighs, giving me a sheepish smile. “Worth a shot.”
I know Felicity would put up the money. Hell, she wouldn’t think twice. But I selfishly don’t want her to have to. I want to have something I create all on my own without help.
“We’ll just have to keep trying. It’s not like we have a deadline.”
Bonnie grimaces. “Not really. But it would be nice to start contributing to my household.” I can tell Bonnie is slightly embarrassed to say what she did, and I get it. I feel we are in similar boats.
“You work at the ranch.”
She scrunches her nose. “Like part, part-time. And that’s as a favor to Stetson more than a fact of them needing me.” She shrugs her shoulders. “I feel like you do, Jax, like I need my own thing. Trust me, training horses with Stetson is amazing, and I really enjoy doing that. But I’m not helping out. He’s carrying the load, and I hate it.”
It is like looking into a female mirror.
I feel that way every time I walk into the house Felicity bought, with the things inside that she purchased. Then she looks at me like I’m the one carrying her world around, and it doesn’t bother me anymore.
“By the way, I don’t think I’ve ever met a baby this cute in my life.” Bonnie looks over, peeking around the cover to see Law’s sleeping face. He is fucking cute.
“I do think he takes after me a bit.” I joke, wanting to pick him up and snuggle him even though I know that would disrupt the whole day. The little dude needs his sleep.
Bonnie looks over at me, an inquiring look in her eye. “Can I ask you a question?”
