Chapter 48
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT
Adalyn's mother’s friends milled around the impeccably manicured lawn behind her home, the heels of their hideously expensive shoes sinking into the thick grass.
A smattering of applause broke out, followed by a few happy cries.
Adalyn assumed her mother had Jaclyn entertaining people again, because she had left her with Jaxon and Evelyn several minutes ago before coming into the kitchen to get the cake.
Glancing out the window, Adalyn gave a little shake of her head.
She didn’t know a single one of these people, yet Evelyn had insisted they be there to celebrate Jaclyn’s first birthday with them.
She pushed away her irritation. She should be glad that Evelyn at least wanted to do something for Jaclyn, but deep down she knew most of it was still for show.
Jaxon came up behind her just as she put the single candle in place.
Adalyn admired the intricately decorated cake for a moment.
No homemade cakes for Evelyn. In her usual fashion, she’d gone over the top and ordered a three-tiered cake from one of the city’s most prestigious bakeries.
It was beautiful, but Adalyn was terrified to know what it had cost.
She shivered as Jaxon dropped a kiss on the side of her neck. He spoke quietly next to her ear. “Do you want the good news first or the bad news?”
Adalyn's heart sank as she turned to face him. Jaclyn was cuddled high up on his chest, her head nestled in the crook of his shoulder. As long as Jaclyn was safe, Adalyn didn’t really care about anything else. Still, today wasn’t a day for bad news. “Give me the good news.”
He tipped his head toward the backyard. “The caterer said everything was going well, and she’s packing up for the day. Everyone loved the food and sends their thanks.”
At least that had gone well. “And the bad news?”
“Your mother’s boyfriend showed up.”
Adalyn's eyebrows drew together in confusion. “Um… Okay?”
“Well…” He drew out the word, a tiny smirk lifting the corners of his mouth. “He may or may not have just proposed to her in front of everyone.”
Adalyn blinked up at him. “He proposed to her? Here?” She couldn’t keep the disbelief out of her voice. “At our daughter’s birthday party?”
She knew she sounded like an idiot, but she couldn’t help it. Who did that?
“On the bright side,” Jaxon continued, “you didn’t miss much. And if it’s any consolation, with her track record, it’ll probably happen again in another three years or so.”
And just like that, Adalyn's irritation was gone. His dry sense of humor never failed to lift her spirits, and she was incredibly thankful he’d come back into her life. She couldn’t help but grin at Jaxon’s wry comment, and she delivered a little slap to his upper arm. “You’re terrible.”
He shrugged one shoulder. “Just honest.” His gaze darted toward the elaborate cake, then back to Jaclyn. “There’s something I want to talk to you about later.”
Adalyn swallowed, suddenly nervous. “What is it?”
“Now’s not the time or place.” He leaned in and kissed her forehead. “Just something that’s been on my mind a lot lately.”
Over the next few hours, worry and doubt plagued Adalyn.
By the time she put Jaclyn to bed, she was ready to rip her hair out.
She went in search of Jaxon to get some answers and found him in their bedroom.
He sat on the edge of the bed, and his gaze lifted to hers when she entered the room.
She paused in the doorway as she took in his expression.
There was worry in his eyes, a vulnerability she’d never seen before.
“Come here, darlin’.”
He opened his arms to her, and she went to him, simultaneously wanting to get this over with and avoid the conversation altogether.
He enfolded her in a tight hug, his face pressed to her chest. In moments like these, she swore she would do anything for him if he would just hold her like this forever.
Angling his head up at her, he framed her face in his hands and pulled her down for a kiss, stealing her breath and her sense. He tipped them backward so they were sprawled on the bed, his mouth never leaving hers. He propped himself up on one elbow and stared down at her.
“Are you happy?”
Adalyn froze, swallowing hard. Was this a trick question? “Yes?”
It was more a question than a statement, hoping it was the answer he was looking for.
It was also true. She’d never been more content in life than she was right now.
Though she’d fought it so hard in the beginning, Jaxon was everything she needed and more.
He was an amazing lover, a fantastic husband, and a wonderful dad.
She couldn’t ask for more. But the deep line between his brows worried her.
Jaxon nodded, his fingers trailing lightly up and down her arm.
Worry tightened Adalyn's stomach. Did he not feel the same? “Why?”
His hand moved to her belly, teasing the skin above her waistband, then moving upward toward her navel. “I’ve been thinking,” he said as he splayed his hand over her stomach. “How would you feel about… you know… another one?”
It took a moment for Adalyn's mind to make the connection. Another baby? She automatically pressed one hand to her midsection, right over his, as if she could feel the phantom life growing inside her. Jaxon’s huge hand slipped from beneath hers and wrapped around the back of her neck, directing her gaze to his.
“If it’s too soon, or if you don’t want to, I understand.” He took a deep breath. “I know we haven’t really talked about it, but… I promise I won’t let you down this time. I want to be here for you, for Jaclyn and any other kids we might have.”
Adalyn's heart raced. “Are you sure?”
He placed her hand over his heart. “I love you so much it hurts. Nearly losing you scared me, but it also made me realize how quickly things can go sideways.” He swept his hand over her stomach again.
“I want to see my baby grow inside you. I want to be by your side every day. I want to grow old and gray together and die by your side.”
Adalyn's smile started small, then grew until her cheeks hurt. “I want that, too. All of it.”
He tumbled her to the bed, his mouth hard on hers. When they finally broke apart, he smiled wolfishly down at her. “First, let’s work on getting you pregnant.”