29. Jaxson
There was a time when I dreaded the future, but now all I could do was look forward to it.
Today, I was helping set up for the party for Rhys’ parents. They’d tried to cut their trip short when they found out what had happened, but Rhys had convinced them not to end their trip early.
Even though I was definitely not looking forward to meeting my new in-laws after they knew what an ass I’d been, Rhys didn’t seem worried. He was completely over what had happened, but I wasn’t. I could have lost all of this. My rational mind knew that being terrified of a bear was normal—sane even—but pulling a gun on Rhys? That was something I was still working on forgiving myself for, even though my mate told me had let it go a long time ago. No matter how much Hunter said he didn’t blame me for doing it, I couldn’t shake the guilt.
I was stringing up some lights on the porch when Rhys came up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. “How’s it going?” he asked, his voice warm and reassuring.
“Just trying to make everything perfect,” I replied, forcing a smile.
He turned me around to face him, his eyes searching mine. “You know you have nothing to prove, right? We’re a team, remember?”
I nodded, grateful for his support. “I know, Rhys. It’s just... I want them to see how much I care about you. How committed I am.”
Rhys cupped my face in his hands, his touch soothing. “They already know. And they’re going to love you because I love you. But mostly because you’re you.”
His words brought a lump to my throat. “I still can’t believe?—”
Rhys kissed me, shutting me up.
When he leaned back, I tried again. “I keep thinking about what I did. How I could have lost you.”
He kissed me again and whispered, “I can do this all day.”
I chuckled.
Rhys put his arms around my waist and held my gaze, his expression softening. “Jaxson, you didn’t lose me. You never will. What happened was terrifying, yes, but we’ve moved past it. You don’t have to prove your love or dedication to anyone.”
I sighed, wrapping my arms around him. “I just wish I could let it go as easily as you have.”
He held me close. “It’ll take time, and that’s okay. But remember, you don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be you.”
As we finished setting up for the party, I tried to focus on the future, on the life we were building together. The barn was bustling with activity—Rhys’ brothers and mates were bringing in more food, arranging decorations, and Emilia was with the other kids in a safe, baby-proofed area created just for them.
Hunter approached me with a grin. “How’s it going, brother-in-law?” he asked, clapping me on the back.
I chuckled, appreciating his attempt to lighten the mood. “Just trying to do my part.”
Hunter gave me a knowing look. “Listen, Jaxson. We all know what you went through— okay, we don’t, but Rhys figures being faced with a gun was his equivalent of you facing a bear.”
I snorted because my mate had said this to me.
“No one blames you. Not even our parents. Honestly, they’re just excited to meet the man who makes their son so happy.”
I nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. “Thanks, Hunter. That means a lot.”
As the sun began to set, guests started to arrive, filling the air with laughter and chatter.
The barn that was being used for the party wasn’t far from the estate where Hunter and the rest of Rhys’ brothers still lived on the ranch. The space had been decorated very simply but beautifully, with string lights and flowers that made the space feel both elegant and welcoming. When Rhys’ parents arrived, having been picked up by Graham and Cooper, they were surprised and pleased by the setup.
When their eyes landed on me, Rhys’ omega dads’ expressions softened, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me. “Jaxson, we’ve heard so much about you,” he said, pulling me into a hug.
“Thank you for taking care of our son,” his alpha father added, shaking my hand firmly.
I glanced at Rhys, who was beaming with pride. In that moment, I realized that despite the challenges we’d faced, we had come out stronger. The future was no longer something to dread but something to look forward to because of him.
I thanked them for their support, but didn’t keep them long from their other guests. They mingled and talked with friends and family.
Later in the evening, I met Jayson’s grandparents, who were overjoyed to meet Emilia. Their faces lit up when they saw her and immediately started doting on her. It was heartwarming to see how much love there was for her from every corner of Rhys’ family.
I didn’t see my daughter the rest of the evening because she was being passed around from one doting relative to another. As the night went on and the party kept going, friends I’d made in town stopped by to say hello. I also found a moment of quiet reflection when I stood back in the corner and just watched everything going on around me. When Rhys approached me, his eyes were full of love and gratitude, and I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging.
Rhys’ alpha father stood tall, with broad shoulders and a commanding presence. With one look, he pulled me aside with a knowing smile. Placing a hand on my shoulder, he spoke kindly. “I have to say I’m glad it all worked out.”
“I—”
“You don’t owe me an explanation son. What we are and seeing it can be overwhelming. I can see how could take a moment for a man to digest.”
His words were like a soothing balm to my worries. As I gazed at Rhys, his face lit up with genuine happiness and peace.
“It’s him you know, I just see him and?—”
“Yeah,” his tone filled with understanding.
Right then, I realized how glad I was that I’d followed Jayson and Leanne’s wishes. Rhys was my home, my family, my everything.