killed in the line of duty a few weeks after he gave that to me, but I’d like to think he’d be happy that I don’t have to wear that four-leaf clover anymore,” Jax said hoarsely.
I wrapped my hand around the whole necklace, and clutched it as tears marched down my face. “I’m so sorry, Jax.”
“Don’t cry, sweetheart,” Jax said with a frown. “I grieved for Jeremy a long time ago. That four-leaf clover was a good memory, which is why I always wore it like he asked me to do. Now that I don’t need it anymore, I thought you might like to have it.”
I knew exactly what he was doing, which was why I couldn’t stop crying. He was giving me something that meant something to him. Jax was also trying to let me know that he was serious about this relationship, and that his dating days were over.
The necklace had a long enough chain that I was able to slip it over my head. After I did, I wrapped my fingers around the pendant again. “This is the sweetest gift anyone has ever given me,” I told him earnestly. “I’ll keep it safe.”
It wasn’t just a gift; it was a promise that warmed my heart.
He shook his head. “You don’t really have to wear it.”
“Oh, yes, I do,” I told him adamantly.
Not only had it belonged to Jax, but it had also been in possession of someone he’d cared about. I wasn’t ever taking it off.
“I have one more surprise for you,” he informed me. “But it isn’t a physical gift. I want to show you something.”
I breathed a sigh of relief that he was done making me cry for the day. “Tell me.”
He shook his head. “Nope. I have to show you. Have a little patience, woman.”
“How am I supposed to be patient when you’re keeping it a mystery?” I asked.
“Your mom loves mysteries,” he pointed out.
“I’m more of a short story kind of woman,” I teased. “I can get right to the story and see how it ends within an hour or two.”
“What happens when you want a longer book?” he questioned.
“I read the ending first so it doesn’t drive me crazy,” I lied.
He lifted a brow, and I burst out laughing. “You don’t really do that,” he accused.
“I don’t,” I confessed. “But I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been tempted.”
He grinned. “I’m ready whenever you are.”
I hopped out of my chair and grabbed my purse.
Jax wrapped his arm around my waist and lifted a hand in goodbye to all the staff.
Since they were all smiling broadly and waving back, I had to assume he’d already paid, and he’d been a very generous tipper.
The valet had Jax’s Mercedes SUV ready at the door.
Jax slipped the guy a tip, and waved him off so he could open the passenger door himself.
I turned to him before I got in. “Honestly, this has been the most incredible birthday I’ve ever had, Jax. It’s actually been the most amazing week I’ve ever had, too. Every single experience was a once-in-a-lifetime thing for me, but the very best part has been spending this time with you. Having you all to myself like this is special to me.”
Jax had taken some time off, and he’d spent every possible moment with me.
When I was in counseling in the morning, he was usually planning our adventure for the day.
“You don’t think I’m enjoying every moment that I’m with you?” he asked with a grin. “I’ve walked around for the last week feeling like the luckiest bastard in the world.”
My heart skipped a beat as I saw the adoring look in his eyes.
Strange as it might seem to me, I knew he was sincere.
“You’re an amazing man, Jax Montgomery,” I whispered right before I gave in to the urge to kiss him.
His arm tightened around me, and I could feel the controlled strength of his grip as he kissed me until I was breathless.
“Get in,” he said hoarsely as he let me go.
His beautiful eyes were turbulent as he nodded his head toward the passenger seat.
I could sense his barely leashed control starting to crumble, so I slid into the seat and fastened my seat belt.
Jax hopped in and started the SUV. “Are you ready to make that stop before we head back to Coronado?”
“If there’s something you want to show me, I’m definitely up for it.”
I was game for anywhere he wanted to go right now.