4. Serena
four
Serena
“ W hat drew you to Love Beach?”
“The ocean. I love the sound of the waves crashing against the shore and the boats as they sail into the harbor, wondering what adventures they had on the sea.”
“So you’re a sailor then?”
“Unfortunately, no.”
“A sea nymph? Definitely a Siren of the sea. A tattoo Siren, leaving her stain on all the men who try to claim her love.”
I spend too much time worrying about my outfit for our family outing today. But in my defense, this will be the first time we’ll be seen in public together as a family, since Jax is showing off Cash for the world to see.
I, on the other hand, am just his baby mama. Still, I’d like to look presentable so people don’t wonder why someone like Jax Shepard would have a baby with someone like me.
The old insecurities return, making me feel as though I was never good enough for any of my foster parents. I was bounced from home to home until I finally reached the age of eighteen and went directly to a women’s shelter, where I gained the skills and knowledge to attend junior college and graduate with a two-year art degree.
Holding my head high, I walked across the stage to receive my diploma. While the other students' families clapped and cheered as they crossed the stage, when my name was called, I was met with polite applause, almost too quiet to hear. But I didn’t care. All I cared about was finding an apprenticeship to gain the skills I needed to become a full-fledged tattoo artist. And now, thanks to Creed, I’ve accomplished that dream.
A knock at my apartment door pulls me from the past and into my future. I take a deep breath and slide my sweaty palms down the cotton maxi dress I finally chose. I glance at Cash, who waits patiently for me in his swing. “Are you ready, big guy?” His answer is a wet gurgle and a huge grin. “I love you.” I lift him out of his swing and throw the diaper bag over my shoulder before opening the door.
“You look beautiful.” Jax’s eyes slide up and down my body with so much heat that I almost have to fan myself with my hand to cool off.
“Same.” I automatically reply, then gringe. Who tells a guy they're beautiful? “I mean, you look handsome.” I amend.
“Speaking of handsome,” he lifts his hands and takes Cash from my arms. “How’s my good boy?” Cash begins to smile and gurgle on cue, speaking his own language. “Is that so?” Jax responds with a smile, melting my heart. Jax catches me looking at him, but only smiles.
“Where are you taking us?” I ask innocently, trying not to act like I want to be the one curled up in Jax’s arms, having him call me his good girl.
“I thought we could go to the pier and watch the ships sail in. If I remember correctly, that’s something you mentioned enjoying.”
Shocked that he would remember that conversation we had in between having sex that night, all I can do is nod.
Surprisingly, it didn’t take us long to reach the shore, and even more surprisingly, no one made any rude comments about our little family as we walked hand in hand to the pier with Cash chattering away on Jax’s hip. If anything, they commented on what a lovely family we made. Pride swelled up in me like I’d never felt before.
As we settled onto one of the benches on the pier, we watched in silence while Cash cooed at all the boats and even some of the seagulls.
“I want to apologize for that morning.” Jax tucks a piece of my hair behind my ear before continuing. “I left the hotel room to get us some breakfast from the bakery around the corner. When I came back, you were gone. The only thing that was there was a note telling me you had a good time, but you weren’t interested in anything more than a one-night stand, which I know we briefly mentioned before anything happened, but I know we both wanted more than one night. I could feel it. But then, seeing your words on that paper, I thought I was wrong about you—about us.”
My heart pounds in my chest. “But the nondisclosure agreement you had your manager have me sign—what about that?”
“My manager confessed everything to me when I told her I wanted to contact you again. She said she did it for my own good, claiming you were a distraction my career couldn’t afford. But I don’t care about my career. All I’ve been able to think about is you. Every thought I’ve had and every song I’ve written since I thought I lost you has been about you and what could have been. I needed to find you and prove to you we are meant to be together. Discovering that we have a son together is the cherry on top of the future I dreamed of having with you.”
Tears well up in my eyes as Jax talks about a future I’ve never dared to imagine. Every emotion I’ve felt for him rises to the surface. “Take me to bed.” I crash my lips against his, needing to feel them on mine. But out of nowhere, Cash decides it’s lunchtime, as his cry breaks the spell, and we pull apart. “I should probably feed him.” I take Cash from Jax and discreetly place a baby blanket from the diaper bag over my breast so it’s hidden from the view of strangers, but Cash’s little face is still visible.
“I can’t believe we made him.” Jax caresses Cash’s cheek. “He’s a miracle baby.”
“Not exactly.” I feel my cheeks heat. “I must have calculated wrong when figuring out my menstrual cycle.”
Jax’s hand stills on Cash’s face. “Are you sorry I got you pregnant?” The look of sadness on Jax’s face guts me. How could he ever think I wouldn’t want a child with him?
“No, I love him with all my heart. It’s been hard being a single mom, but I wouldn’t change anything. Well, maybe one thing.” I feel the heat in my cheeks get hotter as Jax gives me a seductive smile.
“I’d like to change all that.” He stands, slips something out of his pocket, and bends on one knee. “Serena Blake, will you do me the honor of marrying me?” he says, holding out a gorgeous diamond engagement ring. “It was my grandmother’s. She gave it to me one time when I was visiting a few months ago, after I told her all about you. She told me to follow my heart. And that’s what I intend to do.”
With tears streaming down my face and a sleeping baby still attached to my breast, I give him my answer. “Yes! I’ll marry you!”