At this point, Tristan wanted to introduce Jax to his parents. In the ten years he’d been with Eve, they’d only met her once, which was telling.
Since Jax couldn’t travel by plane, Tristan would bring them here. It was about time they saw the life he’d built, because he was proud of it. He’d developed his own strength, landed a wonderful job, and surrounded himself with friends who were family.
But the best part was that he had an amazing, talented, and stunning soulmate by his side, someone who completed him, and Tristan couldn’t wait to love Jax for the rest of eternity.
JAX
Jax knew that there was going to be a party; he’d even gone over the guest list, but seeing everyone gathered together, celebrating him? It made him realize that he’d been wrong in the emergency room.
His lifewasn’tover; in fact, it was just beginning. Sure, he was still in pain, and he might always be, but some days were better than others, and he had wonderful people around him, including the love of his life, who helped in every way possible.
Overflowing with joy, he sat down at the head of a tall table, his mother on one side and Tristan on his other.
“I can’t believe you brought this all the way from our apartment!” He pointed down at his special-order chair.
“Of course I did.” Tristan drew close, kissing Jax’s temple. “I wanted youto be comfortable for your birthday dinner.”
Jax’s lips parted in awe. “You’re perfect.”
“That’s my line.”
“Okay, I’ve seen enough.” Jax’s mother butted in. “Tristan, I still think you’re too old for my son.ButI’ll get over it.”
Tristan blinked, shock on his face, but he recovered smoothly. “Thank you, Gianna, I love Jax very much.”
“I can tell.” She teared up. “You’ve made him happy again. I haven’t seen him smile like this in so long.” Yanking her enormous purse into her lap, she pulled out a leopard-print handkerchief, dabbing at her eyes.
“I promise, I’ll keep loving him.” Tristan stared into Jax’s eyes instead of hers, and Jax shivered as he felt their connection.
“You two are so gross, I swear,” Mae teased. Jax could tell that she was nervous about the dinner, but Ollie was seated on her other side, ready to help her through it. “By the way, Jaxon, your jacket is sick, and I love theApocalypse Nowcenterpieces.”
Tristan raised an eyebrow, but Jax gave him a shake of the head that saidI’ll explain later.
“I’m so glad you’re here, Mae.” Jax had promised to be a better friend, so he’d been visiting her regularly, supporting her in any way he could, and he was thrilled that she’d gotten a day pass for his birthday.
“I’m glad too,” she gave him a real smile, looking better than she had in years. It seemed like she’d settled within herself, and Jax felt like he was finally getting the genuine Mae he’d only seen glimpses of before. “And guess what? I’m getting released next month!”
“What! That is the best news!” Jax did a little dance move with his arms.
“I’m actually proud of myself!” Her smile got wider.
“And I’m proud of you, too,” Jax reached out past Tristan, putting his hand over hers.
“Um, when I get out? I’m staying away from the scene.” While in treatment, Mae also dealt with her drug abuse, and Jax understood that if she wanted to stay sober, then she couldn’t go back.
“I think that’s a good idea,” he nodded.
“Would you also think it’s a good idea if I moved here?” She bit her lip, uncharacteristically shy. “I want to be closer to all of this.”
“Are you kidding? I’d love it!” Jax didn’t think he could be any happier, and he wished he could shimmy in his chair.
She beamed right along with him, but their conversation paused as Winter approached with a person who looked a little too much like them, plates in both their hands.
“Happy birthday, Jax!” They said, putting the first course in front of him, but Jax’s eyes stayed on the person behind them.
“Thanks! Is this your brother?” He had the same features as Winter, but his wavy light-brown hair was slightly longer and pulled up into a ponytail.
“Yep, this is Ash, my twin and one of The Pointe’s new prep cooks.” Winter’s gray-green eyes flickered with apprehension as they did the introductions. “Ash, this is Chef Fiorelli. He makes our seasonal menus.”
