Page 74 of Then Came Love
Everyone froze. Jax had Graham pinned, but Nick had a vise grip on Jax’s arm.
“I think Jax has a visitor,” their father said.
They all followed their father’s gaze to the driveway, and Jax saw Jordan heading across the lawn toward them. He jerked his arm free and headed for her, but their eyes connected, and the sheer force of the impact stopped him in his tracks. He felt like he was in one of those nineties teen movies, watching the girl of his dreams coming toward him in slow motion as she tossed her hair over her shoulder, looking a little unsure and so damn beautiful in her pretty yellow dress and denim jacket, he couldn’t look away. The dogs vied for her attention, and she reached down, petting them.
“Hi,” she said a little nervously, snapping him from his stupor. “Were you guys fighting?”
“No, just messing around.” He raked a hand through his hair and looked down at his clothes, which were covered with dirt and grass, and started brushing them off.
“I hope it’s okay that I came by.”
“It’s more than okay.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “How did you know I was here?”
“Jilly told me. I had a meeting with Trixie yesterday, and she was with her. Why didn’t you tell me it was your birthday?”
“You have enough on your mind. You don’t need to face an inquisition from my family.”
She glanced over his shoulder and lowered her voice. “What if I want to?” She didn’t give him a chance to respond. “When I was going through pictures, I was wishing you were doing it with me and wishing I was here with you, and I realized how foolish I was being. There’s this incredible man who makes me happier than I ever dreamed possible, and I’m keeping us apart. Waiting for the fear of the unknown to go away and for an appropriate amount of time to pass so nobody—including myself—can judge me about moving on too fast.”
“I don’t mind waiting, sweetheart.”
“I know you don’t, but I do. I’ve wasted enough time being unhappy, and if you meant all the wonderful things you’ve said to me, then keeping us apart makes you unhappy, too, and you sure don’t deserve that. I don’t care what anyone thinks. You shouldn’t have to hold back when you want to kiss me, and you shouldn’t have to celebrate your birthday—or anything else—without me.” She whispered, “You do want me here, right?”
“Hell yes. Every minute of the day and night.”
“Then happy birthday, Jax.” She stripped off her jacket and thrust out her chest. Her dress had a deep V-neck, and the two sides of the top tied in a bow between her breasts. Just below the bow was a sexy triangular cutout. “I’m ready to commit and tell the world that I’m yours and you’re mine, and we’ll see where this goes.”
“You’re mine?” He hauled her into his arms, happier than he’d ever been.
“That’s what the bow is for. I’m your present.”
“Damn, baby. Then I’ve got only one thing to say. No take-backs.” He crushed his mouth to hers, and cheers rang out around them. Their lips parted on a laugh, and he looked over his shoulder. His entire family was watching them from about ten feet away. The girls and his mother were mooning. Beau and Graham gave him a thumbs-up, cheering for them. Nick’s and his father’s brows were knitted, but they were nodding their approval.
“Way to go, old man!” Zev called out.
“Happy birthday, Jax!” Jillian hollered. “There better be a man wrapped up in one of those boxes for me!”
Everyone laughed, and Jax turned back to Jordan. “Are you sure you want to be part of all that?”
“Yes, more than anything, and I do care what your family thinks. I want to tell them about Todd and my family, so it’s all out in the open. You’ve shown me how it feels to be completely honest with myself and others, and I don’t want to hide anything anymore.”
“Then you’ll never have to hide anything again.”
JAX WAS IN awe of Jordan’s courage. A little more than an hour ago, she’d barely known his family, but here she was, fearlessly sharing her most difficult, personal stories and answering their questions. His family was compassionate and empathetic, and just as supportive as he’d hoped they’d be.
“I’m sorry for taking over the party. I didn’t want to hide anything from all of you, and Jax has been so wonderful, I didn’t want him to have to explain my past. I know I come with a lot of baggage, but hopefully you’ll see there’s more to me than what I’ve lost.”
“Honey, everyone has baggage,” his mother said. “And in this family, nobody walks alone. That means, when our burdens get too heavy, we’re all here to help carry you through.”
“I’m going to manifest you finding your sister,” Morgyn said.
“Morgyn knows all about the energy of the universe,” Char explained. “If anyone can work that kind of magic, it’s her.”
“Thank you. I appreciate all the help I can get,” Jordan said. “But now that you know my life story, I’d love to know a little more about each of you. Jax gave me a brief introduction to your amazing lives.”
“How much time do you have?” Carly asked. “There’s a lot to tell.”
The girls started talking over each other, and Jax shared knowing looks with Beau and Nick. Jax leaned closer to Jordan. “I’m going to get a drink. Would you like one?”
“No thanks, I’m okay.”
He kissed her temple. “I’m really glad you’re here.”
Beau, Nick, and their father followed him over to the cooler, and Jax prepared himself for whatever shit he was about to get. He handed beers to each of them and met his father’s serious gaze. “Don’t worry, Dad. I didn’t push her to end things with Todd. The guy dug his own grave. All I did was treat her the way you taught us to treat a woman.”
“I never doubted that, son.”
“Then what’s that look for?”
