“Yes.” I smiled. “Let’s make Jax & Liv a thing.”
He wrapped me in an excited hug as everyone around us burst into cheers and applause.
“We need to toast the birthday girl.” Ella hoisted her glass up high. “To my best friend and sister from another mister.” Everyone joined her, holding their beers and wine glasses high.
Katie looked over at me sweetly. “To the best boss and a wonderful friend.”
“To the best aunt in the world.” Grace held up her glass of sparkling water.
“With the incredible voice.” Cash lifted his glass in my direction.
“To Jax & Liv.” Dallas smiled over at me.
“Jax & Liv,” everyone echoed, clinking their glasses.
Finally, Jax held his glass to mine. He leaned in so only I could hear his voice, soft and low in my ear. “To the most incredible woman I’ll ever meet.”
A little before midnight, everyone filtered out except for Jax.
“I’ll call you tomorrow.” Ella gave me a knowing glance, leaning in to hug me.
“Okay.” I nodded, wrapping Grace in a hug. “I love y’all.”
“Love you too, Aunt Liv.” Grace’s smile lit up her face as she bounded after her mom.
“I’ll lock up,” Ella called before closing the patio door behind her, leaving me and Jax alone for the first time that day. We stood beneath one of the archways, and I gazed into his stormy blue eyes, which seemed to glow beneath the twinkle lights.
“I have one more gift for you,” Jax said softly. Offering me his arm, he led me back to the bonfire.
“Jax, you’ve done so much for me already.” He gestured for me to sit and withdrew the guitar from its case once more, sitting beside me. “I can never thank you enough for what you’ve done.”
“I wrote something for you.” His eyes found mine, and my heart thundered inside my chest. He began to strum a soft, slow melody with his eyes trained on mine. His voice was raw with feeling, and it became clear he was telling the story of how we met. By the time he reached the chorus, tears filled my eyes.“Can I hold your hand? Will you let me walk you to your door? I know we just met, and it’s 3 am, but all I want is more.”
I wiped at the tears that fell unchecked down my cheeks as he continued to sing.
“I want to be the man who is better than every other man that came before. So, give me a chance. May I have this dance? Baby, will you let me love you more?”
I couldn’t take my eyes off him as he strummed the last note. He returned the guitar to its case and pulled me to my feet, wrapping me in his arms.
“Jax, that was beautiful.” I pulled back so I could look into his soulful eyes. I could have burst into flames from the heat of his gaze.
“What do you say, Liv?”
“I don’t know what I did to deserve how truly wonderful you are.” I placed my hands on his firm chest, gripping his sweater. He wiped away the tears that spilled down my cheeks with the pads of his thumbs. “But I’m so scared, Jax.”
“Olivia.” He said my name softly, taking my face in his hands. “I’m falling in love with you.”
“Jax… I’m...” I trailed off, and he leaned in so close I could feel the warmth of his breath on my lips. For a second, I swear my heart forgot to beat.
“Fresh out of excuses?” He finished for me, leaning in closer, waiting. Waiting for my answer. Waiting for my permission.
For the first time in as long as I could remember, I didn’t think. I didn’t question if I deserved it or if I was good enough.
“I’m falling in love with you too,” I whispered, tugging his shirt, pulling him closer.
“Yeah?”
I nodded, and I felt him sigh with relief.
