Page 6 of Love Again

"Jax, I will be honest with you." I start. Because honesty is the best policy, right?

He looks at me clearly annoyed. Laramie looks nervous as ever. I place my hand on her knee to keep her leg from bouncing. She looks shocked but does not move my hand. "I really like your mom, and I think she likes me. I'm not trying to take your father's place. I never could. I just want a chance to get to know your mom better. All of you better. If you'll allow it." I pause. "If you have room in your heart for a man like me Laramie, I will gladly take up that space. You're an amazing mom, and woman and you have great kids. I'd love to be a part of that." I tell her. Her eyes are brimmed with tears. Jaxson’s expression does not give off say indication he is happy or mad. He just stares at me. I know how hard it must be for him. "I will give you two some time to think on this." I say standing. "Please work hard at practice this week. You have incredible talent. One I know your parents are proud of. Do not throw that away, because you are upset with me." I turn to go to the foyer when I see Brandi and the rest of the kids sitting on the stairs. Brandi has a smug smile on her face. I'd like to believe she is on my team. However, Juliet just stares at me, her expression matching her brothers.

Laramie follows behind me. I feel a shiver of goosebumps across my skin when she grabs my arm. Her green eyes plead with mine. Sending me a silent thank you. I nod. Leaving the house, I glance back at her porch. She stands in the doorway. Waving. Then she blows a kiss. Smiling, I get into my truck and head for home. Dreams of Laramie invade my mind. Of all of them. Can I make this my new beginning? God. I hope so.

Chapter 15

Laramie

Jax refused to talk to anyone last night.

He left early to go workout and I only knew that because Juliet needed to ride with me to school. She was less than thrilled. So here we are dropping the little ones off at school and I am nervous to have a conversation with my daughter. Jade and Jepp were good buffers, but now that it's just the two of us, I am fucking terrified. I break the silence first; she knows I don't handle conflict well. "Do you know how I met your dad?" I ask her. Smiling when I think back to that day. She rolls her eyes, "Yes. He chased you, brought you flowers and taco bell." She turns her head staring out the window. Not giving me a second thought. "Nope." I pop thepsound loud. Bringing her attention back to me. "We were in elementary school. sixth grade." I pause pulling into the school parking lot. I put the car in park and turn towards Juliet. She loves hearing stories of her father. I love being his memory keeper. "He was new to town. Big nerdy glasses and a mullet. A mullet Juliet!" I laugh. Getting a small giggle out of her as well. "Uncle Mike took him under his wing right away, they hung out in the crick, the pastures, the gas stations trying to get change from people for candy." I snicker.

Juliet listens intently. "Well anyway, Brandi and I were playing at the crick one summer day. Mike and your dad came down, playing there too. We splashed and tried finding frogs. It was fun. I thought he was nerdy, but he was so quiet. So shy. It was like he

blended in with the background. Not saying anythingever." "Anyway, he went to turn over a rock in the creek when he seen water snake. Juliet." I pause super serious. "He screamed like a little girl." I laugh at the thought, remembering how afraid he was. Juliet joins in with my laughter. "I grabbed the snake and threw it down the crick where we weren't playing. He looked at me like I was absolutely insane. But I really think that was the day he fell in love with me." I say with a wink. Her eyes are sparkling again. I take her hands in mine. "Your dad could never be replaced Jules. I loved him, hell I still do. I've been praying for his guidance for five years now." My eyes start to water as do Juliets. "You know how I know Maverick cares for me?" I ask my daughter. "Because he gave you orgasms?" She says dead serious. My eyes widen and she laughs shaking her head.

"I'm gonna pretend you didn't say that. Also, do you need to tell me something?" She snorts. "No mom I was joking. How do you know he cares for you?" Well, she just ruined this sentimental moment I was trying to have. Now I think I need to have the birth control talk with her if my daughter knows about orgasms. So, Iwillcircle back to that. "Because your daddy used to look at me that same way. Like I was his air. Like I was the only woman in the room." I choke out the words. "Maverick doesn't want to replace your dad baby girl. And I'd never let him. But I think your daddy sent him to us. He is a good man." I rest my hand on her arm. Surprised she does not pull away.

I say the words for myself and my daughter. I need her to understand the depths of which Maverick and I are headed. It's not just a one-sided thing. He has awoken something in me that I did not think existed anymore.

Something I never thought I'd feel again.

Loved.

Chapter 16

Maverick

Chloe rests her feet on the dash of my truck, though I've told her time and time again not too. She's deep in a murder mystery book ignoring me. Though, I think she is just nervous to meet Laramie and her children. Hell, I'm nervous. This is a big deal for us and the kids. Jax is still ignoring me. Baseball practice has been fun. Anytime I try to correct his throwing stance he scoffs and gives me dirty looks. I've tried hard to ignore his disrespect. Today it ends. Laramie wants me and I want her. Now the kids just need to get on board. Easier said than done though. We make it to the small pizzeria in town. Chloe let's out a long sigh. "Dad, did you even ask her to be your girlfriend?" She asks me placing the bookmark in her book and closes it. Her tone serious, and she looks it too. Girlfriend? I didn't ask. Would Laramie want me too? We’re pushing our forties people don't ask to be boyfriend and girlfriend at this age. Do they? I chuckle. "No. I haven't, not yet at least." I reply. With a plan in mind, I park the truck, hop out and help Chloe down. She stays close to me as we enter. "Don't be nervous baby girl. Laramie is a sweet woman." I tell her.

"I'm not worried about her, I'm worried about her kids." She says quietly looking around the pizzeria. Probably finding her escape route. I sigh and turn towards her. "It will be fine. I promise." I wrap my arm around her shoulder. I spot the beautiful petite woman right away. She is wearing a navy-blue top and some cutoff jeans with boots. God, she looks incredible. And her tits. Fuck. I need to keep myself in check with these kiddos around. She spots Chloe and I and stands. Jax and Juliet turn around and look at us. Juliet gives a small smile and wave, while Jax quickly turns around. We meet Laramie halfway. Her cheeks are pink, her beautiful green eyes are shining. She smiles at Chloe. "You must be Chloe!" She pauses. "I'm so happy to meet you." Her smile is genuine. Though she does seem a little nervous. She and I both. It's like meeting the parent’s times 10. "You as well." Chloe says shyly. I rub her shoulder. "Chlo, why don't you go introduce yourself. I need to talk to Laramie." She whips her head towards me with wide pleading eyes. Laramie must sense her distress. She takes Chloes hands in hers. "I promise they'll be sweet! Jade and Jepp may talk your ear off but that's the worst of it." Chloe sighs with her book in hand, she walks over to the table. Jade immediately smiles at her and my heart warms. This woman and her kids are everything. Maybe this is what Chloe, and I needed all along. "I'm freaking out Maverick. Jax has ignored me all week. All week!" Laramie whisper shouts. I wrap her in my arms. Cradling her waist and head in my arms. She sighs and reluctantly wraps her arms around my waist and squeezes. I kiss the top of her head. Feeling her relax against me. "I'm scared." She murmurs against my chest. I look down, her chin resting against my chest looking at me with her green doe eyes. I smile. We have some obstacles to overcome. But nothing worth having in life comes easy. "We will get through this babe. I promise. Let's go show those kids how much we care about them, and how much we care about each other."

Chapter 17

Laramie

Maverick and I take a seat next to one another. The pizzas I ordered have come out. Giving all of us a moment to settle in. I help Jepp with his pizza though, he can do it on his own. My hands just need to do something besides waving them frantically like a mad woman. Awkward silence falls over us while we eat. I watch Jax as he squints his eyes at Maverick. I don't know whether to laugh or cringe at his awful attempt of looking mean. Juliet just eats her cheese pizza quietly. While Jade and Jepp talk amongst themselves. Chloe reads her book and Maverick’s hand rest on my thigh. Giving me a reassuring squeeze every now and then. This is worse than I thought it would be. Maverick clears his throat. The deep rumble catching everyone's attention. He looks right at Jax. Jax stares at him back. Not backing down. "Jax." He says then looks at Juliet. "Juliet." Her eyes widen like she is in trouble when he says her name. "I am sorry, for how you found out about your mom and I." He takes a sip of his water and looks at Chloe. "And my Chloe girl, I am sorry I did not tell you sooner. We've always told each other everything and I kept Laramie and her family to myself. For that I am sorry." He ruffles her hair. She gives a small smile and nods her head at him. "I amnotsorry however, for wanting your mom. It's not just her I want though." My heart stampers at his admission. "You all are amazing kids, your mom has done a wonderful job raising you guys and I've done a wonderful job, if I so say myself raising you, Chlo." Maverick takes my hand in his. Running his thumb along mine. Goosebumps rise and I have to fight down the urge to kiss him. I can't believe this is who I am now. I need to stop feeling guilty. I deserve to be loved. So do my kids. "Laramie, I've never met a woman like you. Your kind, smart, an amazing mom and not to mention beautiful." I smile at Maverick. Looking into those deep blue eyes. He turns towards Jax and Juliet "Jax, Juliet. Can I have your permission to date your mom?" Maverick asks. Shocking the hell out of me. "And if we say no?" Jax questions him. "Then I'll work for it until you say yes, until you see that I want your mom and I want you kids. That one day we can be afamily." Tears prick my eyes at his words. I look at Juliet, she looks to be having the same issues. "Listen Jax. I never want to take your father's place. From the stories I've heard, he is a hard man to compete with. I don't want to compete with him. I won't make you call me dad; I won't make you forget him. All I'm asking is for a chance." Maverick says with exasperation in his voice. Jax shakes his head. "I need to think on it. How about you Jules?" Juliet looks at me like a deer in headlights, her and Jax have always been close, I know she doesn't want to disappoint him. But I also know she sees how genuine Maverick is. "Yes. We need to think on it." She quietly replies. With that they stand up and leave. Leaving the rest of us at the table.

Talking as one big family. I have enjoyed getting to know Chloe, she reminds me a lot of Katy. I love being here with them, though I can't help but feel a pang of guilt for my oldest babies. Am I doing the right thing by moving on? Is it too soon? Would Maverick wait for me?

Chapter 18

Maverick

"Oh my god! Oh my god!" Laramie screams. Her fingers digging into my shoulders while she rides my cock. I snicker quietly. Watching the beauty above me come undone. Her eyes close as her orgasm crashes through her. "Thats it baby." I praise her. I quickly flip her on her back watching those heavy tits bounce she smiles. Her black hair splayed across my pillows. On my knees I grab her legs and put them on my shoulders. With our size difference this position is amazing for us each. I stroke my cock twice and shove it back in. Feeling her walls contract around me. Laramie grips the bed sheets. "How- are you going to. Make me come again?" She asks me breathlessly. I keep my pace steady then take my thumb over her clit. "Come with me baby." I command her. My voice a little too deep. I speed up my thumb across her clit and start to feel her spasm. Her walls grip my cock like vice. My balls cinch, between her pussy and the sounds she's making. I let loose inside of her with a groan. Catching my breath, I brace myself over the top of her. My arms resting on either side of her. I kiss her forehead, then her nose. I take her lips with mine. I kiss her slowly. Taking my time as I invade her mouth with my tongue, showing all the love I have for her. I can't it say yet. As Jax has not given me his blessing. But this past month of us casually hanging out with the kids and sneaking around to make love has made me fall head over heels for this woman.

"Mmmm." She sighs against my lips. "I am so happy I met you Maverick Henry Johnson." She whispers and kisses me again. Knowing damn well I hate my middle name. Though I know what she’s really saying. I can feel it. I can feel it when she touches me, when she kisses me and when she looks at me.

I need to convince Jax I am worthy of them and their mom.

Chapter 19

Laramie

Brandi and I set up chairs next to the practice field. The boys lost last week to Red Oak. They did not play well together at all. So here we are having another practice this week. Jax has become more cordial with Maverick, even though I think he knows about our sneaking around when the kids are busy. What can I say? A woman has needs and after having those needs met after five years. I need it.All. The. Time.Maverick makes me feel like a goddess. Thinking of sex with Alan, it wasn't bad by any means. He just wasn't as into exploring new positions as Maverick is. And my god. Does he put me in some positions. My face flushes at the thought of it. Brandi clears her throat. "What are you thinking about mm?" She giggles. "It’s still a little brisk out on this fine April Saturday. Ain't no reason for your cheeks to flush dirty girl." We both laugh. I take a quick glance at the park and see Chloe playing with Jade and Jepp. She has grown to love them. Sometimes I see Juliet and her talking at school, but then Jax comes around and Juliet sticks by her brother’s side, I need to talk to her about that. I don't want Chloes feelings to be hurt. I want her to like us and eventually love us all. "It just feels too good to be true. You know? Maverick seems perfect. I'm just waiting for it to blow up." I sigh and take a drink of my coffee. "Plus, sometimes I still feel guilty about moving on Jax still hasn’t talked to me much. He thinks I'm betraying Alan." I feel Brandis hand on my thigh. "Honey, you're not betraying your late husband. Okay? I've known Alan just as long as you did babe. Trust me when I say, he would want this for you and those kids." She squeezes my thigh. I give her an apologetic smile. Baseball practice starts off. The boys are practicing their throwing, swinging and slides to bases. With the second game in a week against Sidney they need all the practice they can get. Those boys were state champions two years in a row. If Jax wants a shot at proving he can be a starter and beat them, he needs to put his focus into it. Maybe I should try to have another talk with him. Though he will probably brush me off. I am his mom though. I will demand it. Oh. What am I saying? I am not that kind of mom. I could be though. I've been so wrapped up in my thoughts I haven't watched the last half of practice. I search for Maverick but don't see him. Hmm. "I'll be back." I tell Brandi. Walking toward the Pavilion where the bathrooms are. I stop in my tracks when I see a woman pressing herself up against Maverick.Kissing him.He is kissing another woman. My heart drops. I know I should go confront him, but I'm too much of a lamb and that has never been in my nature. I put on a brave face and head back to Brandi. Leaving Maverick and the woman behind. Guess it was too good to be true. But damn it. I was hoping I'd be wrong.

Chapter 20

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