31. Sophia
Chapter 31
Sophia
My brows tug together as the floor in our room creaks for the tenth time in the last two minutes. Someone’s in there pacing and if I had to guess, I’d say it’s my boyfriend.
He doesn’t think I see it, but he’s struggling. Something is weighing heavily on his shoulders and I have a feeling I know what it is. He wants to make me happy and that means moving home to Philadelphia, but he can't do that while also staying here and helping Sydney with the kids.
“He’ll be ok, princess.” Dad wraps an arm around my shoulders and presses a kiss to my head. I don’t know how he knows what’s going through my head, but I'm appreciative of him having this super power.
“He’s struggling.”
“Yeah, but it will all work out in the end.”
“How do you know? How can you be so sure?”
“Because I didn’t raise a quitter. You won't give up on your relationship just because things get difficult… Plus, I spoke to him this morning. I know where he’s struggling and what’s bothering him. He’s figuring it out and he’s being smart about it.”
“Thank you for being the greatest dad in the world.” I wrap my arms around his waist and lay my head on his chest. I don’t care how old I get, I'm never giving up these hugs.
“It will all be fine soon, princess.”
Peck and Sydney come down the hallway and they both have smiles on their faces. I feel some of the tension in my shoulders disappear as I let out a long exhale. Dad squeezes my shoulders before letting me go.
Peck doesn’t hesitate. He comes right to me and holds me tightly against him. He presses a soft kiss to the side of my neck and murmurs in my ear.
“I love you, beautiful.”
“I love you too.”
“Alright, kids. I think it’s time for us to go home. You both have school in the morning.” Sydney motions for Danny and Bree to get their shoes on. “It was so nice to meet all of you. Especially you, Wyatt.”
As Danny and Bree stand, Jax does too. He starts putting on his shoes and grins at Sydney.
“What are you doing?” She folds her arms across her chest and glares at him.
“You said it was time for us to go home. I thought you were inviting me to your house.” The smirk never leaves his lips.
“The fact that you responded when I said kids explains everything I need to know about you. You’re way too young for me.”
“She has a boyfriend, Jax.” Peck puts the poor man out of his misery. He’s been flirting with her all night and though I think he was just doing it out of boredom and liking to screw with people, he looks the slightest bit sad about her having a boyfriend.
“You’re killing me, sweetheart.” He clutches his chest.
“I'm sure you’ll live. Some young girl who doesn’t have kids will come along and repair your broken heart.” She rolls her eyes.
“Dang, I love your sister, Peck. No one puts Jax in his place like this. Women are normally falling at his feet, begging for attention.” Cody laughs and shakes his head.
“And your comment is the reason Peck is my best friend and you’re just my brother.” Jax sticks out his tongue at our brother before flipping him off.
“On that note, goodnight, everyone.” Sydney waves before disappearing into the dark night with the kids at her sides.
“And there goes the woman I love,” Jax sighs.
“Oh my gosh! You don’t love her. You just don’t know how to not flirt and she was the only woman you aren’t related to here.” Mom rolls her eyes. “I should start praying for the woman who finally brings you to your knees. You’re going to be a pain in her ass.”
“Mama! Where’s your love for me?” Jax sticks out his bottom lip in a pout, looking just like he did when he was little.
“Jax, I'll always love you, but I'm tired and have a headache. I can't deal with you right now.”
“C’mon, baby. Let’s go to bed. I’ll get your headache to go away.” Dad places a hand on her lower back and leads her down the hallway without another word. They disappear into the guest room and the door shuts softly behind them.
“How do you think he gets rid of her headaches?” Jax stares at the closed door with his brows knit together.
“Orgasms,” Charlie and I blurt out at the same time. We’re both grinning, knowing Jax doesn’t want to hear that.
“Ew! No! That’s not what he… Oh my gosh! He used to always tell us Mom had a headache when we were little and he was going to help her… I always thought he was so nice to care about Mom that much, but he was really just…” Jax gags and if he weren’t such a dramatic person, I’d be worried he might actually throw up.
“I mean you weren’t wrong. He really cares about her. Multiple times a night,” Charlie adds, making Cody burst out laughing and Jax to turn a unique shade of green.
“Charlotte! I don’t want to hear about what happens behind closed doors!”
“Be happy you moved out when you did then,” I mumble under my breath. “I think they forget they still have a child who lives at home sometimes. The things I’ve heard…” I shake my head with wide eyes. “Let’s just say Dad is a very good husband and cares a lot about Mom’s needs.”
“I'm done! Get out of my bedroom! I want to go to sleep before I’m scarred for life.” Jax collapses on the couch and pulls the blanket off the back of it, covering himself up. He closes his eyes and pretends he’s already asleep.
“Did anyone ever tell him where babies come from?” Wyatt mutters under his breath, making us all laugh.
“Didn’t I tell you all to get out of my room? I need my beauty sleep,” Jax mumbles, never opening his eyes.