CHAPTER ELEVEN
JAX
Nine and a Half Years Ago
“My answer is no,” Willow tells me, holding the ring and necklace out to me.
“I didn’t ask you to marry me,” I say, taking a bite of my cereal. “I told you when you want to, I’ll be here. That ring is for you to wear around your neck as a reminder of how much I love you, and one day, if or when you’re ready, I hope you’ll wear it on your finger.”
Willow’s brows furrow. “I don’t want to have kids, Jax.”
“You already told me that.” I take another bite of my cereal.
“I know, but I really meant it.”
“Okay, then you meant it.” I shrug.
“That means no kids for you as long as you’re with me.”
I know what she’s trying to do. Push me away.
But it’s not going to happen. What Willow doesn’t understand is that all I need in my life is her.
I’m completely content to spend my days with—and in—her.
Kids, no kids. Marriage, no marriage. It doesn’t matter.
I just needed her to know that whatever she wants, I want that too.
“Willow.” I set my spoon down and look at her. “I already know all of this, and I don’t care. As long as I have you, I’m good.” I push my chair back then pull her onto my lap. “Do you like the ring?”
A tiny smile curls on her lips. “It’s beautiful,” she breathes. “I just can’t do it.” Her eyes land in her lap and I lift her chin so she’s looking at me.
“That’s okay, baby. It’s an open invitation.”
“An invitation to what?” she asks.
“To share my last name.” I shoot her a playful wink.