Page 149 of Undisputed Player
When Jax learned exactly what Leo needed, he turned to the employee with his deadly, celebrity-bright smile. “We’ll need all the essentials. And we’ll take your temporary setup for now.”
She smiled, not even bothering to hide her awe, and flagged down another employee. “We’ll box everything for you. Mr. Easton, would you like to look at the deluxe habitats? It’s our best seller for VIP clients?—”
Jax just smirked. “The permanent one is already being installed at home. We’ll take the temp and all the food and accessories.”
Leo looked up in disbelief. “You… already got everything?”
Jax ruffled his hair. “You think I’d let you bring home a dinosaur without having his kingdom ready? Not a chance.”
By the end of the trip, we left with an armful of supplies and Dino’s temporary tank. Leo stared at Dino the whole drive back, cuddling the new lizard carrier on his lap, absolutely glowing. I’d never seen him look so free, especially today.
Back at the house, Jax set to work in Leo’s new room. It was full ofshelves lined with dinosaur figurines and books, and now, a sleek terrarium that took up half of one wall.
He methodically unpacked lighting elements, timers, basking rocks, branches, special sand, greens, thermometers, and misting pumps—so many pieces.
I sat on Leo’s bed, an actual dinosaur-shaped bed, custom-made thanks to Jax, watching my two loved ones build something beautiful together.
But Leo didn’t waver. He sat cross-legged beside Jax, attempting to read every direction, handing over screws and parts, totally engrossed.
Jax kept up a running commentary, explaining each step, smooth and gentle in turns, patient in ways that made my throat tight.
“You’re going to be a pro at this,” he praised, screwing the final bracket into place.
Leo beamed, standing to inspect the finished palace. “He’s going to love this.”
Jax grinned, pride shining through his exhaustion from putting the habitat together himself. I had no doubt he would have hired someone to do it if it weren’t a bonding experience. “Couldn’t have done it without you.”
They slid the dragon into the gleaming new cage, adjusting the lights and misting the sand while Leo watched with rapt attention.
I stayed perched on Leo’s bed, watching my strange, wonderful family move around the little lizard like he was the most precious dinosaur in the world.
Jax finished, folding his strong arms smugly. “What do you think, Dino? Home sweet home?”
Leo grinned, cheeks flushed, arms tight around the caretaking manual and full of happiness. “He loves it.”
Soft light glowed from the tank, casting gentle patterns on the walls. Leo, usually so quiet on days like this, was sprawled on his rug, belly-laughing at the way Dino ate a bug. Jax lounged beside him, their heads together, sharing smiles.
I let my gaze wander to the window, and wished with every part of me that Giselle could have seen this.
If love could travel through years and pain, I’d send her everything I had right now—her baby safe, happy, and, just a kid again.
Laughter echoed through the room, and sweet, healing love filled the space where sorrow used to live.
I whispered my thanks to her… for Leo, and for this beautiful, absolutely perfect life.
EPILOGUE TWO
Jax
The early sun filtered through the beach house windows, painting the kitchen in early morning gold as I watched Leo carefully sip his sippy cup.
He was careful, each sip measured, his dinosaur pajamas still pristine despite the chocolate milk. Nothing like the tornado that was Avery.
"You sleep okay?" I asked, leaning against the marble counter, coffee mug in hand. I'd been up early like usual, making sure this little dinosaur expert made it to school on time.
He nodded, those sleepy eyes studying me over his plate. "The stars on my ceiling were cool. I counted thirty-seven before I fell asleep."
"Only thirty-seven?" I grinned, refilling his cup. "I'll have to get you the deluxe version. It shows the entire galaxy."
