Chapter 19

19

JAXON

I’m not sure if I can handle all three women by myself. Melody’s having a meltdown, and I believe my fake fiancée was about to tell me she loved me.

And why the fuck is Stephanie here? Yeah, she mentioned something about moral support, but I sure as hell don’t need her.

And what’s up with Aria? Did she come to her senses because my mom had a stroke? Or because she finally realized that I do love her and that we can have a wonderful life together? Unfortunately, I might not find out until my mom’s out of the woods. I won’t rest until I know she’s alright.

I guess I won’t be going with the guys to pick out any tour merchandise anytime soon. With Melody being here, Zander was able to drop off Hadley at his mom’s. It’s good to know that everyone’s willing to pitch in to help each other out. That’s what friends and families are all about.

I’m so fortunate to have a great group of guys and their spouses. Lyric and Harmony are on standby just in case Mel and I are needed here. Caleb was kind enough to reach out to me, too. “Family first” has always been his motto, and I’m truly grateful.

“Mel, we need to focus on the here and now,” I tell my sister. “Not what could have happened but what we can do so it will never happen again. Mom’s a survivor. She’ll get through it because she has us to watch over her. If it means we need to rein her in, then dammit that’s what we need to do. And we’re not going to take no for an answer.” Her tears dry up really fast when she spots Stephanie. Oh boy.

“What the hell is she…”

“Let it go, Mel. She’s not important. Now go home and hug your baby girl. Hadley needs her mama, and it will be good for you to be with her. There’s nothing else you can do here. Mom will probably sleep most of the day.”

“I can’t leave now. What if she needs me and I’m not here?”

Aria hugs her from behind. “I promise I’ll call you if anything changes. I’m not going anywhere, and I’ll keep my eye on the guys too. You have my word.”

“Are the two of you trying to get rid of me before I bitch slap the ex?” Ouch. Often, I forget how protective my sister can be.

“Stephanie is no longer a part of this family and I’ll be asking her to leave,” I say. “I have my hands full with my three girls. Mom, Aria, and you.” I tap her nose like I used to when she was a little girl.

“I promise to give you a shout if I need reinforcements,” Aria says. “I’ll keep them in line, and—who knows—by the end of day they might wish you were here instead of me.” When Mel laughs at Aria’s joke, I know she wants to go home to her baby girl.

“Thanks, Aria. Love you, big brother.” After Mel gives us each a big bear hug, she gives Stephanie the stick eye as she walks past.

Not long after, Stephanie realizes that she’s not welcome anymore and leaves.

Now it’s just me and my girl. Just the way it was always meant to be.

Threading her fingers through my hair, she asks, “How you holding up?”

“So much better now that it’s just you and me.” Wrapping my arms around her, I hold her tight. Wondering what the hell I would do if she decides not to marry me. I’m not sure I could just remain friends after I’ve tasted her, been inside her, and loved her forever.

“Me too. I must admit I was a little jealous when I walked in, and you and Stephanie were holding hands.”

What? No way.

“Holding hands? We weren’t holding hands, baby.” I rack my brain and for the life of me, I can’t remember.

Did I hold her hand?

“It’s no big deal, Jax. It just caught me off guard. Her being here and all. Especially since she decided to end it.”

“Obviously it is a big deal if you brought it up. She popped in, claiming she was here for moral support. Whined that Mom was like her own mother since she’s known her for so long. I suppose she could have grabbed my hand, but I was so upset, I wasn’t thinking clearly.”

That’s the truth.

“It’s not important. I’m being selfish for even bringing it to your attention.” Now she’s sad and God knows there’s enough of that going around today.

It’s always been Stephanie’s goal to flip the tables and make it about her. No matter what crisis or tragedy comes up. Always wanting the upper hand. Today, she failed. She found out it’s not about her anymore and all about Aria.

Until I take my last breath, I will always be here for my girls.

“She’s gone, and if she knows what’s good for her, she won’t be back,” I say. “What matters is that you’re here. Right where you belong. As long as you’re by my side, there’s nothing I can’t handle. Now, is there something you wanted to tell me?”

And wouldn’t you know, we’re interrupted when Jim comes walking out of the room.

“Your mother never ceases to amaze me. Aria, why don’t you pop in to see her since we’ve both been in already?”

ARIA

“Oh, I couldn’t impose. I’m sure she’d rather see Jax than me any day.” My nerves are already shot and that might tip me over the edge.

“It’s not an imposition, Aria. She was asking if you were here so it’s the perfect time. Guess she’s tired of us men fussing over her. Perhaps she needs a woman’s touch. Would you mind?”

Well, when he asks so nicely, how can I refuse? I can’t.

“Not at all. I’m more than happy to keep her company. As long as you both promise to behave yourselves.” Jax crosses his heart, and Jim gives me the scout’s honor sign. Suck it up, Aria. You got this.

My nerves kick up a notch as I step inside the room. I prepare myself for the worst, but I’m taken aback at how well Trish looks. Relief instantly washes over me. You’d never know she had a stroke.

“Sweetie. Come here.” Holding out her hand, she beckons me. I gladly rush to her side, taking her hand in mine. “Don’t be worried, I’m fine.” The hell she is, but I don’t remind her of what just happened.

“That’s easier said than done. You’re in the ICU at Blake Edwards Hospital.”

“Oh, I know I gave my family a scare. I’m just thankful Jim was there and quick on his feet. Poor man was so upset, he grabbed my phone by mistake. Doc said he saved my life.”

“We’re all so grateful that he was home. Mom sends her love and as soon as you’re up to it, she’d love to come visit. I promised to keep her posted.”

“I’d love to see her, but perhaps we should wait until I get home. It’s hard cramming everything you want to tell someone in fifteen minutes or less. When you have a near death experience, you pray for one more conversation with the ones you love.”

“I understand. Completely. Jax or Jim should be here with you, not me.” Letting go of her hand, I get ready to leave when she grabs my arm. Tightly. Wow, she sure is strong after having a stroke.

“I’ve told them everything I’ve needed to say just in case I kick the bucket. Don’t look so scared, Aria. I don’t plan on dying today. You’re the one I need to talk to.”

Oh crap on a cracker. Did Jax spill the beans?

“Rumor has it that your engagement to Jax is as fake as a plastic plant. Thankfully, I know better. I watched your love blossom for Jax over the years. Always taking a back seat to Stephanie must have been tough, but your patience and genuine affection never wavered. Now, seeing you both together, it’s clear that your love is as real as it gets.”

This can’t be true, can it? Did she see something happening between us that neither of us were aware of? I dread the fact that her thoughts could be triggered by her stroke.

“Jax has always been my protector and he’s so easy to love. The bad boy rockstar has a kind heart and a gentle soul. We have a lot in common, he and I. We both wear our heart on our sleeve, and it hasn’t always been easy. I’ve loved him for a long time, but I’ve only recently fallen in love with him.” Could Jax have been right when he mentioned he’s been with the wrong sister all those years?

“If that’s true, then why are you so unwilling to get married? Set a date? I’m sorry, sweetie, but I observed you at the engagement party and something was off.”

I become uncomfortable the second she mentions the wedding. More so after she brought up the party. All of this is my fault. Wouldn’t it be easier if I just told her the truth?

“Stephanie being there made me very uncomfortable. She made a few nasty remarks at the table, and it was upsetting. I apologize if I wasn’t myself, but being engaged to my sister’s ex isn’t the norm.” Telling her the truth now is out of the question. She’s already been through so much.

“Jim mentioned that she was here today. It wasn’t her place. And, as difficult as it must have been, I’m glad you still came. Jax needs you here and so do I. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m getting a little sleepy. We’ll continue our discussion soon.”

She’s soon nodding off, so I step out of the room. After the conversation we just had, I want to run.

As soon as I walk out of the room, yes, I walked. I’m proud of myself. Jax quickly comes to my rescue. Not sure if I have that ‘Oh my god’ look on my face, but he senses I’m uncomfortable.

“Everything okay, baby? Is something wrong with Mom?” He hesitates, but he’s also ready to storm inside the room.

“Everything’s fine. She’s sleeping so I decided to let her rest.”

“I only asked because your face was as pale as a ghost and the both of us were afraid something happened.” That explains why Jim raced by me as I walked out.

I’m off the hook when Zander walks in. “Hey, bro. How’s Mom doing?” I’ve always envied the friendship that Jaxon and Zander share with one another. ‘A brother from another mother,’ is perfect when describing these two. I know he loves his sister with all his heart, but there’s something special about the bond between these two.

I’m sure Melody filled him in on what’s going on with her mom, but Jax is going into more details. As far as Melody goes, less is best, and knowing Jax, he refrained from saying too much. For all their sakes.

“Now that Zander’s here, I’m going to leave,” I say. “Is Mom still watching Hadley?” I wanted to stop by but if she still has the baby, I’ll wait.

“No, Mel picked her up before going home. She needed some baby snuggles.”

“I’m going to stop by Mom’s to let her know what’s happing. Jax, are you staying the night, or will you be over later?”