FORTY-FOUR
Jaxson
Madelyn’s entire family stayed at the hospital last night, despite her insistence that they go home to rest. I’m not going to be the one to tell her. They’ve taken turns coming in and out all morning, never giving her a minute alone. She slept restlessly last night. She’s exhausted and overwhelmed by the nonstop attention.
Her family means well, and they’re only trying to help, but they’re driving her crazy. Time for me to step in and clear them out. Luckily, I’ve got an idea how to do that without offending anyone.
Dr. Khaskia came by early this morning to check on Mads and the baby.
Everything looks good, but she wants to err on the side of caution. As of today, Madelyn is on full bed rest until the baby is born. She’s less than happy about it, but it gives me the perfect opportunity to get everyone out of the hospital until we’re ready to go home later today.
They wanted to keep her here another night, but her stubborn side came out in full force. She insisted that if she’s to be stuck in a bed, she’s going to do it at home where she can be comfortable and maybe manage to actually get some rest. I can’t really blame her. Trying to sleep in that bed with her last night was a joke. Neither of us got any sleep, but she wanted me next to her. I can’t deny her something so simple, not when I wanted her close, too.
The phone call yesterday scared the shit out of me, bringing up a lot of bad memories. I barely had time to tell Holden where I was going before I bolted out the door. I didn’t get very far before he was in step with me, hopping into my truck.
I’m going to be on edge for the rest of her pregnancy. There’s no doubt about it.
I leave Mads in her brother’s expert care while I talk to her family.
I explain to them how we’re going to need help once Madelyn is home. The words are barely out of my mouth before her mom and sisters start talking a mile a minute. Doesn’t seem like they need my direction at all, so I let them do whatever they’re gonna do. Mr. Sterling gives me a knowing wink as he leads the ladies toward the exit.
Unfortunately, my running out of work yesterday left a lot of work unfinished. It’s all shit that Holden can’t do, so I have to be the one to leave and go into the bar tonight. There’s no getting out of it. Holden is planning to stick around here and then hang out at home with Madelyn until I finish tonight.
I head back into her room, loving on her before I leave the hospital.
I know she’s in good hands with her brother.
An hour after I get to the bar, we get slammed. My shit gets pushed aside so I can help behind the bar. I don’t mind. I love the rush. I turn to grab some extra garnish from one of the small coolers when the rush starts to die down, and a familiar voice reaches my ears over the noisy volume in the bar.
“I’ll take a shot of your finest whiskey.”
Turning slowly, I reply. “No fuckin’ way you’re old enough to drink. I’m gonna need to see some I.D.”
I barely have time to empty my hands before she flies across the bar and lands in my arms.
“It’s so fucking good to see you, Henny.”
I squeeze her tight as fuck. Hell, at this point I might never let go.
I’ve seen my baby sister exactly once in the last six years, and that one time was four years ago.
“I’ve missed you so much, big brother!”
I pull back, really taking her in. Christ. She’s not a kid anymore.
“When the fuck did you grow up, half-pint? I’m gonna have to buy a shotgun now, ya know?”
She laughs.
“Seriously, Henley. You’re gorgeous. And I really can’t believe you’re standing in front of me in my bar right now.”
“It’s finally over, Jax. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
Hopping back up on the bar, she sits there with her legs dangling as I make a couple drinks.
“You’re really done with them? Forever?”
“I owe them nothing, Jaxson. They’re horrible people. They found out about you visiting me at school. That’s why I stopped responding to any of your messages. I never got them because they took my damn phone. I had no way to contact you. I’ve missed so much, and I hate them for taking it all away from me.”
“Fuck, Henny. I’m just glad you’re finally free from their bullshit.”
“Me too. I’m grown. I’m a trained chef. I have my own money and no debt. The world is my oyster. I can do whatever the hell I want from here on out. I only need one small favor from you, but we’ll get to that in a minute. What’s been going on with you? Oh my God, I heard what happened to Madelyn. I tried to sneak away to the hospital, but I swear they had a tracking device planted on me or some type of spy bullshit because anytime I got close, they busted me and threatened my degree. I almost gave it up then, Jax. Right then and there I almost told them to eat a dick because I knew you needed someone there for support. The only thing that stopped me was knowing you would kick my ass for giving up my dream.”
Her rambling is fucking adorable.
“Did you even breathe through all that?’ I tease, chucking an ice cube at her. “When did you get such a dirty fucking mouth?”
“Work in a professional kitchen, Jax. Those chefs make you sound innocent.”
“Ha! I can only imagine. I’ll stay behind the bar, thanks.”
I look around, making sure my guys are okay before I pull her ass off my bar and have her follow me to the office.
“Easier to talk back here where it’s quiet.” I say, relaxing back into my chair. “To answer your question. Mads and I are married…”
“Jax!” she squeals.
“ And ...you’re gonna be an aunt.”
“I’m so happy for you, Jaxson! Looks like you’re getting all your dreams, too,” she says, giving me another hug. “Not too bad for two kids with our fucked-up parents.”
I have to laugh at that. She’s not wrong at all.
“I know Mads will wanna see you. How about you come home with me tonight. It’ll be a nice surprise for her since she’s just getting out of the hospital today.”
I see the look on her face and backpedal a bit. “She’s fine. She went into labor early, but they were able to stop it. She’s on bed rest from here on out, though.”
“I’m glad she’s okay, and I’ll definitely be coming home. I kinda wanted to talk to you about that anyway.”
“You have my full attention.”
“Do you think I could stay with you for a while? I could even help with the things Mads isn’t able to do now. I can clean, or pay bills, or even rent—”
I scoff, waving her off. “You’re not giving me money. But you are moving in. We have a lot to catch up on. I’d love to have you stay with us.”
“Shouldn’t you talk to your wife about that first?” she asks, popping her brow and cocking her head to the side.
Baby sister has sass.
“Nah, I think I’ll surprise her.”
“Your funeral, brother. How ‘bout you give me a tour of this place?”
We leave the office and I show her everything in the back of house. The storage rooms and the areas we haven’t even renovated yet. She goes crazy when she sees the kitchen.
“This kitchen is every chef’s dream. Why are you not serving food here?” she asks, wandering around to check it all out.
“We do a few appetizers, but we’ve never been able to keep any good kitchen help.” I shrug.
My focus has always been on the bar itself. It does seem like a waste to have this big kitchen sitting here unused.
“Let me do it. Let me design a menu. I can run the kitchen, hire staff...I’ll take care of everything. With your approval, of course.”
I think about what she’s saying and it’s not a bad idea. Working side by side with my baby sister. Our last name on the front of the building. Would definitely be a big “screw you” to my parents. Beyond that, it could also attract a ton of new business, an entirely new demographic.
Running my hand across my jaw, I nod. “We’ll talk about it more later. We’ll have to have a sit down with Holden, but I’m definitely liking the idea.”
Watching the happiness and excitement on her face is enough to know it’s a really good idea. I finally have my sister back in my life and I couldn’t be happier.
“What do you say we get out of here? We can grab some dinner and take it home to Madelyn. She’ll love you even more if you come bearing food.”
Sweeping her arm out dramatically, she says, “Lead the way, brother.”