30. Rhys

Acouple of days after the party, Jaxson brought up moving to my house, which had surprised me. I thought we’d stay at the one he’d inherited, but he said it didn’t matter which house we lived in. Leanne and Jayson would be thrilled for him either way.

I looked around the house, trying to picture our life here. It was cozy, familiar, and where we’d started, but I wouldn’t mind moving back to my other house close to the rest of the family, but only if it was what he really wanted.

“Are you sure?” I asked, still a bit hesitant.

“Absolutely,” Jaxson replied, wrapping his arms around me. “This place feels like home to me because you’re here. Leanne and Jayson wanted us to be happy, and they’d be happy knowing we are, no matter where we live.”

His certainty made me smile. I hadn’t loved living next door to my siblings before because it had always felt claustrophobic. Still, I realized I loved this house, and the thought of building our future here sounded amazing. My brothers’ kids and my kids would grow up together.

“Alright, then,” I agreed. “Let’s make the other house our home.”

On moving day, Jaxson wouldn’t let me lift a finger. My brothers and parents showed up with trucks to help with the move, and Sage and I were banned from helping.

Hunter and Jaxson were like the pregnancy police.

The night before, I’d watched him meticulously handle every box. Now he was packing all of them with his usual efficiency. Honestly, I couldn’t help but smile.

He was so determined to wrap me up in bubble wrap. I amusedly wondered if he would be like this every time I was pregnant. And I knew the answer was yes. And part of me... who was I kidding? All of me loved being loved so deeply, even if I’d have to start worrying about Jaxson’s blood pressure pretty soon.

“Rhys, are you sure you don’t want to just sit down?” Jaxson called over, glancing at me with concern as I stood up to help unpack a box.

I laughed softly, shaking my head. “I’m fine, Jaxson. Just unpacking a few things Emilia will need.”

He sighed, walking over and gently taking the box from my hands. “I know you’re capable, but I just want to make sure you’re not overdoing it.”

“I appreciate it,” I said, leaning in to kiss him. “But you’re going to wear yourself out if you keep trying to do everything on your own.”

Jaxson sighed. “I can’t help it.”

“Do you want to talk about it?” I asked. “I wondered if there was more to?—”

“My fear,” he finished for me. “You can say it.”

Jaxson’s finger tapped nervously against his thigh, and he avoided meeting my gaze. “I-I’m scared, okay?” he finally admitted, his voice trembling. “After losing Leanne, the thought of you being pregnant terrifies me.”

A lump formed in my throat as I saw tears glistening in his eyes, his pain almost tangible in the room.

I took his hand in mine, squeezing it gently, and tried to reassure him. “You won’t lose me.”

“You can’t promise that,” he replied. His hand holding mine tightened until it was almost too much.

“I get feeling scared. Losing Leanne must have been such a devastating experience, and I can only imagine how much it haunts you. But there was nothing you could have done. I truly believe that her passing was due to specific circumstances, not just childbirth itself.”

He looked up at me. “What do you mean?”

I debated whether to explain what I meant, but I was done keeping things from my mate. “It’s very rare that mates live after their mates dies. Especially if their bonded.”

As I spoke, I could see understanding flicker in his eyes. “Leanne was incredibly strong. She held on for as long as she could, for Emilia, for Jayson. She fought with everything she had.”

Jaxson was quiet for a moment, processing my words. When he finally spoke, his voice was solemn. “It makes sense now. All those meticulous plans she made, the will, naming me as guardian, putting Jayson’s family home in my name... She knew, Rhys. She knew she wouldn’t be there to see Emilia grow up.”

I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat at the thought of Leanne’s foresight and love for her daughter. “She wanted to make sure Emilia would be taken care of, no matter what,” I replied, my voice catching slightly. “And she entrusted you?—”

“Us,” he interrupted.

“Us,” I repeated, “with that responsibility.”

Jaxson squeezed my hand back, a silent acknowledgment of the weight of Leanne’s trust. In that moment, I felt a renewed sense of determination to honor her memory and fulfill the role she entrusted to us. Together, Jaxson and I would do everything in our power to care for Emilia and ensure her happiness and well-being, just as Leanne would have wanted.

“Remember what the doctor said. I’m healthy, the little one is doing well, we’re good my love.”

He nodded, his expression softening. “I know. I just... I worry. I want to take care of you. I’ll do better.”

I cupped his cheek. “You’re doing perfect.” I whisper before leaning in for a kiss. “ We’ll take care of each other.”

As the day went on and the house slowly came together, I felt a deep sense of contentment. This place, filled with just my things for so long, now had our things.

Later that evening, we sat on the couch, exhausted but satisfied with our progress. Emilia was asleep in her new room, and the house was quiet and peaceful.

“Today was a good day,” Jaxson said, pulling me close.

“It was,” I agreed, resting my head on his shoulder. “I’m glad we decided to move here. It feels right.”

Jaxson nodded, his eyes thoughtful. “It does. This is where we’re meant to be.”