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I bat my eyelashes. “Aren’t I worth it?”
“How about every week?”
I tilt my head, as if I’m considering it. “Throw in some chocolate cake, and you’ve got a deal.”
The expression on his face is void of humor as he studies my face. His crystal blue eyes seem to be contemplating something. “I mean it, you know. I can see us returning here every week, at least until we get too old to make the climb, in which case I’ll still make you a picnic with chocolate cake . . . just closer to home. Our home.” He lays his forehead on mine. “I know it’s only been a few days since we reconciled, but I’m at a point in my life where I know exactly what I want. And that’s to grow old with you, Malia.”
He’s exposing his heart and laying out his intentions without hesitation. With Jax there are no games, no pretenses. He’s real and mine for the taking. A life with Jaxon is what I’ve wanted since I was eighteen. I still don’t have answers for how this can all work. But staring into his intense blue eyes that seem so sure of our future and what it can be, sets all my worries at ease. And for the first time in a long time I don’t feel like something is missing in my life. We may not know all the logistics yet, but if we’re both dedicated to one another, perhaps that’s enough and everything else will fall into place.
I place my hand over his. “I want to grow old with you too, cowboy.”
He lifts his head from mine and smiles like he just won an Emmy. He kisses me again, long and slow. I savor the moment, my insides doing flips while his lips move expertly against mine. He picks me up, moving me so that I’m facing him. His fingers graze the exposed skin above my pants and my insides burn for more. My hand moves up his shirt and over his rock hard abs, a moan escapes him in response, and I contemplate ripping his clothes off right here and now.
He suddenly pulls away so that we’re not touching, and I’m left breathless. I feel cold in the absence of his arms. He lets out a breath, drops his head, and after a moment looks up at me. “I want you to meet my daughter.”
His words are like ice-cold water over my head. I raise my brows at him. “That’s what you were thinking about while kissing me?”
The corner of his mouth quirks up, causing his dimple to peek out. “I was thinking that if we keep kissing like that, I might not be able to stop where it was heading.”
I give him a wicked grin and move closer. “Is that such a bad thing?”
“Bad is definitely not the word I would use.” His eyes roam my body, and he drags a hand through his hair. “That would be a very, very good thing, and believe me, the eighteen-year-old in me is shouting at me to shut up and take you right here on this blanket.” He sighs. “But I promised myself long ago that I would be sure to do things in the right order. For me, that means marriage first.”
He’s afraid of getting me pregnant? This is definitely a new side of Jaxon I’ve never seen. “So that’s what made you think of your daughter. Well that’s one form of birth control.” A part of me is disappointed of course, but a bigger part of me is impressed with his self-control and integrity. He learned at a young age that certain decisions have consequences. And strangely, I feel even more attracted to him. I take his hand in mine. “I both hate and love that, Jax.”
“I’m hating it myself right now.”
“I’ll have to warn you that you’ll probably need to remind me of your decision from time to time.” I squeeze his hand. “Also, I’d love to meet your daughter.” And it’s true. I’m excited to get to know the little girl Jaxon is raising. A part of me is nervous too, of course. I mean, what if she doesn’t like me? What if she thinks I’m taking her dad away from her? What if I don’t know how to talk to her?
“Come to dinner tonight,” Jax says, breaking my thought. “Landon and his wife Kitty, Dillon, and Preston will all be there. The boys are excited to see you again. In fact, they are at the point of threatening my well-being if I don’t bring you home soon.”
“On one condition.”
“Name it.”
“Landon cooks,” I say, remembering the one time Jax tried to cook for me. “I don’t want to be responsible for you burning down the house the first time you bring me home.”
He laughs with me. “How was I supposed to know you don’t throw water on a grease fire? I’d never had that happen before.”
“Your mom was so mad,” I say, remembering her scolding him. She made him re-paint her kitchen, which was black with smoke stains after Jaxon tried and failed to make fried chicken.
“I was only eighteen. I’ve gotten much better since then.”
“Oh yeah, what are your specialties?”
He looks contemplative. “I make a mean sandwich.” He gestures at our picnic.
“The sandwich was good,” I agree. “What can you do with a stove or an oven?”
“Grilled cheese, macaroni and cheese, pancakes . . .” he trails off. “Landon will cook.”
Chapter Fifteen
JAXON
I made it back to the ranch by four and quickly told the others Malia’s coming for dinner. Then I took a shower, helped Audrey with her homework, and helped Landon and Kitty make dinner—as much as they would let me, which meant setting the table. Now I’m sitting with Landon in the living room, waiting for Malia to arrive. Kitty is in the backyard with Audrey gathering flowers for the table. I’m not sure where Dillon and Preston are, but I’m sure they’ll surface as soon as Malia gets here.
They were two parts excited that she’s coming and one part annoyed with me that I haven’t brought her home sooner. Dillon keeps bringing up the legal letter and reminding me that I don’t have a ton of time to waste. A not-so-subtle way of urging me to get more serious with Malia. While I do want to marry Malia one day, I don’t like the added pressure of my brother’s coaxing. I want things to happen in their own natural time, not rushed because of Brittany’s blackmail.
