Page 87 of Unveiled

“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.”

EPILOGUE

TWO WEEKS LATER

The soft rustle of sheets and the gentle shifting of Adalyn’s body next to him brought Jaxon fully awake. He blinked his eyes open, immediately alert and ready to start the day, conditioned from years of military training.

The dim light seeping through the bedroom window told him that it was still early, and a glance at the clock on the nightstand confirmed the fact. He listened intently for any indication that Jaclyn had begun to stir, but the house remained quiet. He didn’t have to be at work for another two hours, and with a beautiful woman cuddled up next to him, there was no reason to get up yet.

Twisting his head, he glanced over at Adalyn to see if she was still asleep. She was. One hand curled under the pillow, the other draped over her waist, her lips parted slightly as her chest rose and fell on deep, even breaths. She looked so peaceful, so angelic, and a fierce protectiveness washed over him.

For so long, she had tried to take on everything all by herself: parenting, her business, every single thing life threw at her. Though he’d told her nearly a month ago that he was there for the long haul, she gave him that little half smile of hers, like she didn’t quite believe him.

Adalyn struggled with love and trust, and he knew she’d have a difficult time overcoming what she’d experienced in the past. Over the last few weeks, he’d done his best to prove to her that he was different, that they were different.

They would never have a marriage like her parents’ respective relationships, jumping from one partner to the next, selfishly viewing their unions only in terms of financial stability and social status. But he’d never been one to turn down a challenge, and he wasn’t about to start now. So he’d terminated the lease on his apartment, moved into the duplex with her and Jaclyn, and set about proving to her just how serious he was.

Each day had been better than the last. Adalyn had gradually begun to shed the doubt and insecurity that had plagued her for so long. She seemed more relaxed, more free. Now that she finally trusted him, she was less reserved, offering her smiles and affection in abundance. He planned to spend every day of the rest of his life loving her and Jaclyn.