Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 78557 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78557 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
“You know, there’s a perfectly decent-size townhouse with two out of the three rooms available.” He smiles softly at me, and for the first time in a long time, my heart feels content. “And I heard it’s a great place to raise a baby until you’re ready to get back on your feet again.” He’s referring to Jase raising Skyla there until she was thirteen and they moved out to start their life with Celeste.
“Are you sure?” I ask. “I don’t want to impose on you and Willow.” Jax and Willow have been together for almost as long as Rick and me, but I’ve never once heard them discuss having babies or getting married. I can’t imagine a couple with no kids would want their home to be overtaken by a single mom and her baby.
Jax grins. “I’m more than sure. It was actually Willow’s idea.”
“Can I ask you a question?” I don’t want to get in their business, but I’ve always wondered… He nods once. “Is there a reason Willow and you haven’t gotten married or had any kids?”
Jax’s smile drops, and I worry I’ve overstepped. I’ve always had a close relationship with my brothers—sharing a home with them for the first thirty years of my life will do that. But over the last four years, since I got together with Rick and my life slowly began to spiral out of control, our relationship has deteriorated. Now, I fear, I may never be able to repair the damage that’s been done.
“I don’t usually like to share someone else’s story, but Willow already told me if the time ever came when I was in a situation where I needed to explain, I could.” He scrubs his hands over his face before he looks back at me. “Willow was diagnosed with endometrial cancer at a young age. It required a full hysterectomy.”
I gasp at his words. Poor Willow. I was over here feeling sorry for myself for getting pregnant by my asshole, cheating husband, meanwhile, she can never have a baby of her own. “I’m so sorry, Jax.” I lay my hand on his arm. “Are you…” I feel bad even asking this, but I have to. He’s my brother. “Are you okay with not having kids?”
Jax smiles and nods. “I am. I love Willow. I offered to adopt with her a few times, but she’s said no every time. I think by getting cancer so young, it made her realize how short life can be. So instead of dwelling on what she can’t have, she focuses on what she does have. And we’re blessed with all our nieces from Jase and Celeste, and soon we’ll have one from you. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be the one to finally give everyone a damn nephew.” We both laugh, and it feels good. It feels right.
“Seriously, though,” he says with hearts in his eyes, “Willow is my other half. She’s all I need to spend the rest of my life a happy man.” I swoon over his admittance. Why couldn’t I have found a guy more like my brothers?
“Well, if you guys are sure, then I’m there. But if, at any time, you guys want your privacy back, please just tell me. I’m not broke,” I tell him. “I received money in Rick’s will that will take care of my baby and me.”
“Good,” Jax says, “it’s the least the asshole could do after what he put you through.”
After we pack up a suitcase of my clothes, Jax tells me he’ll have a moving company handle the rest. I let him know I don’t want any of the furniture and it can be sold with the place. Anything that’s Rick’s, his parents can have, and whatever they don’t take, can be donated to charity. He says he’ll handle it all.
When we pull up to the townhouse, I spot Celeste’s SUV in the driveway, and Jax says, “Celeste thought it was a nice day for a family barbeque. If you’re not up for it…”
“No.” I shake my head. “That actually sounds pretty damn perfect.”
We walk inside, and I’m immediately greeted by Celeste, Jase, Willow, and Skyla. Everyone takes turns hugging me, and Willow even welcomes me home. Then, my two adorable nieces, in their little black pigtails and frilly matching dresses, come running over.
“Card for Auntie Quinn,” Melina says, handing me a scribbled on, folded piece of paper.
“Love you,” Mariah adds.
Bending down to their level, I scoop them both up into a hug, taking a moment to breathe them in and get lost in their innocence. In a few months I’m going to have one of my own. My own baby to love and spoil. The thought brings me to tears.
“Skyla, would you mind taking the girls out back to play for a few minutes?” Jase suggests, confusing my happy tears for sad ones.