JAX (The Beckett Boys #2) - Olivia Chase Page 0,61

kids and I’ve been around enough pregnant people to have seen what it looks like. Plus, you seem different. Were you going to tell us?”

“Not on this trip,” I say sheepishly. “We didn’t want to overload you.”

“And yet he still wants to marry you.” Her voice is level.

I nod. “He loves me and he’s excited about the baby.”

Mom fixes me with a hard gaze, then tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “This guy isn’t like Della’s ex. I can tell that just from being around him today. And from the way he looks at you, he thinks you hung the moon.”

A warmth spreads through my chest at her words. “He’s not perfect, I suppose, but he’s perfect for me. Does that make sense?”

She nods and her eyes are glimmering. “Yes. It surely does.”

When she presses a kiss to my brow, my eyes fill with tears. How many times have I cried today? “Go upstairs and get your rest,” she says. “You’re a mommy now. You gotta take care of yourself.”

I shuffle up and strip my clothes off once in my old bedroom. Jax is stretched out on the double bed, eyeing me.

“Everything okay?” he asks.

“Mom guessed.”

“Fuck. What is she, a womb ninja or something?” He sits up. “Okay, we’ll just have to think of what to do—”

“It’s all okay.” I slide into bed and he wraps his arms around me.

“And you’re sure she’s not pissed off? I mean, she handled the engagement well, but this is a whole other level.”

“Her bark’s worse than her bite,” I say. “And besides, she can tell you’re serious about me. That’s all she needs to know.”

I can feel him relax against me. “Good. I’m just worried for you. I know how important they are to you.”

“You are, too, you know.”

He strokes my cheek and smiles. “Ready for bed, darling? I’m fucking wiped.”

I nod my head, smiling and feeling so happy I could burst.

Jax reaches over to click off the bedside light and resumes his spot, holding me close like always.

His hands slide to my belly protectively and he hugs me even closer, kisses the back of my neck. “It’s better than a dream, isn’t it?” he whispers, just when I think he’s fallen asleep.

I nod my head. “Yes. Better than I ever could’ve imagined.”

“That’s how I feel too,” he murmurs.

A couple of minutes later, his breathing is soft and even, and I realize he’s asleep. But even in sleep, his strong arms are there, as if he means to keep me safe no matter what.

I feel tears start pouring from my eyes, but I’m not embarrassed anymore. Because somehow it all worked out, and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Finally, I feel myself drifting off, more peaceful and relaxed than I’ve been, maybe in my entire life.

We stay that way until morning, two bodies intertwined, hearts connected, a small family about to begin.

THE END OF JAX (THE BECKETT BOYS, BOOK TWO)

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Chapter 1

Atlanta was full of new things.

Strange things.

Confusing things, even.

I’d never, for example, seen so many clubs proudly flying rainbow flags (which delighted me) or so many one-way streets (which horrified me). I’d never experienced traffic as bad as the connector at rush hour, and I’d definitely never had so many dining options at two o’clock in the morning (including a place where apparently one could order both egg rolls and nachos, delivered, which was the trifecta or strange, confusing, and new).

But traffic aside, it was a thrilling place to be— not just Atlanta—but being enrolled at Harton University. Finally, finally, finally, I was out of my tiny town of Tifton and getting my actual life started.

Even as I stood in the middle of Harton University’s beautiful campus, I was blown away by the fact that I was actually there.

Everything felt fresh and new and vibrant. I could smell the grass and see the gorgeous buildings, and it was like a dream I didn’t want to end.

A cheery girl on the school’s north campus handed me a thick folder. “Here you go— Copeland, Sasha, right?” She flashed a smile at me and continued talking. “This is your welcome packet. There’s a campus map, a