Page 80 of Undisputed Player
When we pulled up to Jovie's mansion, I spotted my sister and Elsie waiting at the entry, Avery bouncing excitedly beside them. I helped Estelle out, my hand holding her tightly as we walked up the smooth path. She still moved carefully in her heels, but she was getting the hang of it.
Mostly since I was carrying her weight with each step we took, and I loved it.
"Wow, Ms. Estelle!" Avery exclaimed as we approached. "You look like a princess!"
Estelle laughed, the sound warming something in my chest. "That's what Leo said, too."
Her grip tightened on my arm as we got closer, and her eyes darted between Jovie and Elsie with barely concealed anxiety. She was nervous about leaving Leo with people she didn't really know.
Jovie's eyes met mine over Estelle's head, one eyebrow raised in silent communication. I knew that look—the "we'll definitely talk about this later" look we shared through childhood. I ignored it, focusing instead on the feel of Estelle beside me, the way she leaned into my touch despite her nerves.
"Estelle," Jovie greeted warmly, stepping forward with a genuine smile. "You look absolutely stunning. That dress is perfect on you."
"Thank you," Estelle replied, but I could hear the tension in her voice.
Elsie approached with her usual maternal warmth. “Lovely seeing you again, Dear. I’ve been telling Jovie all about Leo.”
"He loves dinosaurs," Estelle said, her protective instincts clearly warring with politeness. "He's... he's never stayed overnight anywhere without me before."
I felt her uncertainty like a physical thing. "Jovie is the responsible one,” I said quietly, my hand moving to the small of Estelle's back. "And Elsie raised us both.”
Jovie nodded, understanding immediately. “Jax gave me your number, and I promise to call if anything happens. Even if he just gets homesick."
"I've raised these two since they were born,” Elsie added gently. "And helped with countless others when they got older. Leo will be safe and happy, I promise you that."
I watched Estelle's shoulders relax slightly, though her eyes still held worry.
"We've got it all covered," Jovie assured her. "Avery's already planned their entire evening. Fort building, movies, and she's promised to share her favorite bedtime stories."
The children's goodbyes were quick, their excitement for the sleepover overriding any separation anxiety. Leo gave Estelle a tight hug, whispering something in her ear that made her smile softly.
"Be good for Jovie and Elsie," she told him, smoothing his hair. "And remember, if you need anything?—"
"I'll tell Ms. Jovie to call you,” Leo finished with a smile. "I know, Elle."
After giving her one more wave, he dashed inside with Avery, and I watched Estelle's face as she fought the urge to follow. Her maternal instincts were so strong, so fierce. It made me want her even more.
Jovie lingered a moment longer, her gaze assessing as it traveled from Estelle's dress to the necklace at her throat. I saw the exact moment she noticed the choker, the way her eyebrows rose slightly.
"Have fun, you two," she teased, a knowing smile playing at her lips. "Don't worry about Leo. We've got everything under control."
"Thank you for having him," Estelle breathed, genuine gratitude in her voice. "He's been looking forward to this all day."
"It's our pleasure," Jovie assured her. "Avery, too. They'll have a blast."
As we turned to leave, Jovie caught my arm, pulling me back slightly. "Be good," she whispered roughly, quiet enough that Estelle wouldn't hear, serious enough to do that ’scary sister’ thing.
"Always am," I replied with a wink, though we both knew it for the lie it was.
But for Estelle, it wasn't a lie. For her, I'd be whatever she needed me to be.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Jax
I pulled the Bentley to a secluded spot just before the restaurant's valet stand, and the world seemed to slow down around us.
The night air was crisp through the slightly cracked windows, and I had the most perfect woman in the world sitting next to me, wearing my dress, my shoes, and my mark.
