Chapter 29

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

" S loan!" Emerson hugged me as soon as I'd stepped through the front door. "I'm so glad you made it."

"Me too," I said, glancing around the house where the caterers and the event planner and her team were still setting up. "Sorry I'm a little early."

"Are you kidding? I've been looking forward to your visit."

"Same. Fortunately, traffic wasn't as bad as I'd expected. And since the guys kidnapped Jackson, I had more time to get ready."

She arched one brow. "Kidnapped?"

"You know how they are." I laughed. "I'm sure they're off trying to interrogate him about our relationship, but Jackson is a former Navy SEAL, so…" I shrugged. "Good luck to them."

Emerson leaned her hip against the back of the couch. "Nate mentioned that you were together. I'm happy for you."

"Thank you." I ducked my head. "Though I hope that isn't weird for you."

"Are you kidding?" She smiled, reaching out to squeeze my hand. Her red diamond engagement ring sparkled brilliantly. "We all love Jackson. He's always felt like part of the family."

"Thanks. Let's just hope my brothers don't ruin it," I joked. After everything Jackson and I had been through, from high winds to blackmail to our own past mistakes and fears, I had faith that we could weather whatever trouble my brothers—or anyone else—might try to cause.

"I'm sure Jackson can handle himself," Emerson said. "If anything, I'd be more concerned about them all banding together to hatch up ways to protect you."

I blew out a breath. "Good point. I didn't even think about that. Though, honestly, my brothers try to protect me, but Jackson empowers me."

Emerson grinned. "Girl, you're lucky. Did I tell you about the time that Knox had Kendall's older car towed so he could give her a Range Rover?"

My eyes widened. "He did not."

"Oh yeah, he did," Kendall said, joining us. "And we weren't even together at that point. I was still just his house sitter."

I rolled my eyes. "Men."

"Crawford men," Emerson clarified. We all rolled our eyes at that.

"Congratulations." I hugged Kendall. "Let me see the ring."

"Thank you." She smiled and held out her hand. The large diamond ring was dazzling, and her accompanying smile even more so. "So glad you made it."

"I wouldn't miss it. It's nice to add more women to the family."

Especially women like Emerson and Kendall. They were both a lot younger than my brothers, sure. But it was clear how much they loved Nate and Knox, even if they'd both started as their employees. Emerson as Brooklyn's nanny, and Kendall as Knox's house sitter and his son's ex.

Nate was right. I shouldn't have been concerned. If everyone could get past all that, I had faith that they'd be just as welcoming and accepting of my relationship with Jackson.

Emerson wrapped her arm around Kendall's waist, and Kendall leaned her head against Emerson's shoulder. I smiled, thinking of Greer and wishing she were here. I'd spoken with her on the phone a few times since she'd left Puerto Rico, and we texted daily. It was a huge relief that our friendship hadn't changed since Jackson and I had told her about our relationship. If anything, we'd grown closer.

And Jackson's mom, Belinda… Oh my. I smiled. She had been over the moon when she'd found out we were together. Disappointed that Jackson wasn't moving to New York after all, but we'd promised to visit often or fly her to London on my private plane.

"Here." Emerson held out her hands. "Let me take that for you." I handed her the gift I'd brought and followed her inside.

I glanced over my shoulder and spied Shea standing near the door to the garage.

"How do you like your new bodyguard?" Emerson asked.

"Everyone from Hudson's been great, but I like that she's a woman. I feel like it helps her blend in more easily. And I think we could actually be friends."

"That's awesome," Emerson said. "Nicholas is great, but no one is Jackson."

I smiled and turned to Kendall. "It probably isn't my place to tell you," I said, but I felt like Kendall deserved to know. "But I feel like we girls have to stick together. Did you know that Knox hired a bodyguard for you and Jude?"

She dragged a hand through her hair. "Oh yeah. Since he's never bothered to tell me, I just pretend like I don't know. It's pretty amusing to see what kind of ridiculous situations I can put Knox in because of it."

"Oh my god." I laughed so hard tears came to my eyes. "That's diabolical. And totally genius."

"Thank you," Kendall said, looking pleased with herself. "If he's already this bad, can you even imagine how he'll be once I'm pregnant."

She'd made the offhand comment to her best friend, but my expression must have betrayed my shock. Kendall merely smiled. "You're surprised, aren't you?"

"I…" I smiled, thinking it was none of my business, but they'd brought it up. "I guess I am, yeah. Not that you'd want children, but that Knox does. Though he's always wanted a big family."

She nodded. "You know him well."

"He's always been there for me," I said. "Despite the fact that we had the biggest age gap of the five of us. It's funny to think that now we're going through similar things even though we're a decade apart."

"Meaning…" Emerson leaned in, her eyes darting from my bare ring finger to my stomach, giving each a pointed look.

"What?" I jerked my head back. "No. No. Jackson and I only recently reconnected. We're moving in together, that's it. No wedding. No children."

"For now." Kendall shared a smirk with Emerson. She didn't seem surprised, but nothing had ever stayed a secret long in my family.

Though their comment got me thinking about Jackson's and my future. About what we wanted and whether it would include marriage or children or both. We'd been so busy trying to figure out if we could even have a future together, we hadn't discussed what it might look like beyond where we'd live.

"Speaking of children," I said, needing a segue before this conversation derailed even more. "Where's Brooklyn?"

"Brooklyn," Emerson called. "Sloan's here."

"Auntie Sloan?" She came tearing down the stairs with a huge smile. For a minute, I could imagine doing this with my own kids. Jackson's and my kids. They'd have his eyes, and my gran's nose. Jackson would be a great dad—overprotective, of course, but also fun.

And then Brooklyn flung herself into my arms, tearing me out of that daydream. The force of her embrace nearly knocked the air from my lungs, and I knew I needed to talk to Jackson to see if we were on the same page about this. Because if we weren't… Well, I didn't know what I was going to do then. I wanted kids, had always wanted kids. But I was thirty-seven. I didn't have the luxury of waiting like Emerson or Kendall, who were both in their late twenties.

"I really missed you," she said, squeezing me tight.

"Hey, kiddo. I really missed you too. I brought you something." I reached into my bag. I pulled out a conch necklace I'd gotten her in the Bahamas. "This is for you. And Jackson picked this for you." I handed her a stuffed turtle.

"Thank you!" she squealed and hugged the turtle tight before asking me to help her put on the necklace.

"That looks so pretty with your dress," Emerson said, giving Brooklyn's shoulder a squeeze.

Brooklyn smiled up at her with a look of such adoration and love, it stole my breath. I was so happy for Brooklyn, for all of them. I knew how badly Brooklyn had always wanted a mom, and now she had an amazing one in Emerson.

"Before all the guests arrive, I have some exciting news. At least, I think it's exciting," I said, hoping it would be well received. I figured now—before the party had started and when it was just the three of us—was as good a time as any to tell Brooklyn about Jackson and me.

"What's that?" Brooklyn asked.

I took a deep breath and smiled. "Jackson and I are dating, and he's moving with me to London."

Brooklyn's eyes went wide. "You and Jackson, as in my Jackson?" She glanced to Emerson for confirmation. "Our bodyguard?"

Emerson grinned. "One and the same."

Brooklyn squealed. "Best. News. Ever!" Each word was spoken by Brooklyn with increasing volume and intensity.

I laughed. "Thanks."

After that, the guests started arriving. The party was small and intimate, and it was filled with so much love and support. A few of the wives and girlfriends of the LA Leatherbacks players even attended.

As much fun as I was having, I couldn't wait to return to Jackson. I'd texted him a few times, but they'd gone unanswered. So finally, I'd caved and messaged my brothers in the group chat.

Me: I hope you're being nice to Jackson.

Nate: When have we ever not been nice?

Jasper: Right? Who does she think we are?

Me: I think I'm justified in being nervous after how you treated pretty much every other guy I've dated.

Graham: They were all dicks, especially Edward.

I didn't disagree. And his sister was certainly a piece of work. Though I no longer had to worry about her. Earlier today, Halle had texted me an article about the fall of the Burton Banking giant.

Edward and Amelia had both been arrested for fraud and embezzlement and a number of other crimes. I secretly wondered if Graham was behind the "insider leak" that had led to their arrest, but I didn't ask. It was probably best that I didn't know.

Knox: Most of the others were too.

Nate: Seconded.

I rolled my eyes, tempted to ignore my phone at this point. I was getting nowhere with these jokers.

Jasper: Thirded. Is that a word? Thirded. Regardless, Edward has been voted off the island.

Me: That's not how this works. And Jackson better not get voted off the island because he's staying.

Jasper: Ooh. Possessive. Defensive. She must really like him.

I considered responding but decided to focus on my goal. Rescuing Jackson from my brothers.

Me: I'm heading back from the shower soon. Jackson better be at the hotel when I get there.

Nate: Ooh. Scary.

Jasper: Right?

Jasper: I can imagine her wagging her finger.

Me: Nate. Knox. You do remember that I'm in the same room with your fiancées, right? Do I need to tell them all your embarrassing stories?

Graham: If you need help, I can send pictures.

Knox: Not helping.

I laughed. Sure, my brothers could annoy the shit out of me. They could be overprotective and overbearing, but it was only because they cared. And I loved them for it.

Me: And that's why you're my favorite brother, Graham.

Graham might break laws with his hacking, but he lived by a code of ethics.

Jasper: What? I feel betrayed.

Knox: So do I.

Nate: Same.

I sighed. Focus! I mentally shouted at them through the phone.

Me: Thirty minutes, boys. The clock is ticking.

Jasper: But we're having so much fun. We were about to tell Jackson all your embarrassing stories.

Me: I doubt that. Besides, he's already heard most of them from Greer.

I was bluffing, but hopefully they wouldn't figure that out.

Graham: He'll be there.

I figured Graham was only complying because he was done peopling. Jasper and I often joked that Graham could only handle so much social interaction in one day. And clearly, he'd met his quota.

Me: Thank you, #1 Brother.

I closed out of the group message. I could only imagine the kind of trouble that had caused. At least it might give Jackson a break if they were grilling him.

I texted Shea, letting her know I was ready. And then I said my goodbyes to everyone. It had been so nice to spend time with Kendall, Emerson, and Brooklyn, but I wanted nothing more than to be alone with Jackson.

When I returned to the suite, he was sitting on the couch watching TV alone, much to my surprise.

"Hey." I set my purse on the counter.

He turned and glanced at me over the back of the sofa, his eyes darkening the moment he saw me. "Hey, hayati . Have a good time?"

I sank down on the couch next to him, and he immediately pulled my feet into his lap and slipped off my heels. "Yeah. It was nice. Did you?"

He started massaging my feet, and I relaxed into his touch. "Surprisingly, yes."

"What'd you guys do?"

"Played some poker. Drank some whiskey."

I jerked my head back. "That's it? Does that mean it went okay?"

"Yeah. It did. Why?" He chuckled. "What did you think we'd do?"

"Did they interrogate you?"

He lifted a shoulder, sliding his hand up to massage my calves. "It was nothing I couldn't handle."

"So, it really went okay?" I asked again, needing confirmation.

"Yeah. I like them, and they seemed supportive of our relationship. What about Kendall and Emerson?"

"So sweet," I said. "They were happy for us. Brooklyn too."

I thought back on my conversation with Kendall and Emerson about the future. About a wedding and kids. I thought about what I wanted.

"Something on your mind?" He continued working his magic on my muscles.

"Time is funny, isn't it? Sometimes things seem to take forever, and others happen too fast." And being held at gunpoint had a way of putting things into perspective.

"Are you talking about us?" He stilled his hands briefly before resuming his ministrations.

"Yes. Sort of. I just…" I sighed. How was I supposed to say this? How was I supposed to bring it up? I decided to just rip off the Band-Aid and blurted, "Do you want kids?"

Jackson froze, his eyes darting to my stomach.

"No. No. I'm not pregnant," I rushed to add, trying to get a read on his thoughts. "But would you…"

"Yes," he said before I could even finish my sentence. "Yes. Absolutely, I want to have children with you if we're lucky enough that it happens. Even if it doesn't, I love you. I want to be with you."

I smiled, a thrill going through me at his admission. Okay. That had gone better than I'd expected.

He cupped my cheek. "Hell, I'd marry you tomorrow if I thought you'd say yes."

I leaned into his touch. "I… Yes," I breathed out the word, surprising myself. It had always been a secret wish of my heart, but to think that it might come true…

He stilled. "Wait. What? I didn't think you'd actually agree."

"Jackson." I climbed onto his lap, straddling him. He rested his hands on my hips, his eyes searching mine "We've wasted enough time. I'm done waiting." I sensed that he wasn't taking me seriously. So I met his gaze. "I'm not kidding. I'd marry you right now."

"That wasn't an official proposal, though," he said. "I wanted to?—"

I kissed him. "I don't need one. I just—" I kissed his neck, sliding from his lap to the floor "—need—" another lingering kiss to his chest, as I started to unbutton his shirt "—you." I peered up at him.

"Sloan, hayati ." He grasped my chin. "I'm going to do this right."

"Who's to say what's right?" I yanked on his belt, pulling it free, before unbuttoning his pants. He stood and kicked them off, sitting back down on the couch. "Let's do what we want."

I smoothed my hands up his thighs, loving the way his cock jerked to attention.

"You're making it difficult to think straight." He gripped the cushions.

"Good." I smirked and placed a kiss to the tip of his already hard cock, closing my eyes briefly at the feel of his hands in my hair, his touch loving and possessive. I licked him from root to tip, gratified when his hips bucked.

"Mm," I hummed around his cock. I peered up at him, enthralled by the sight of this strong man coming undone. Losing control. Because of me.

"Fuck," he grunted when I licked his balls, pumping his shaft at the same time. "Yes. Fuck, yes."

My body was on fire for him, aching for his touch. He made me feel so needy, desperate even, but that no longer scared me like it used to. Because I trusted him—completely and absolutely.

He gathered my hair in a ponytail as I continued working him. "Show me how deep you can take me."

His encouragement spurred me on. And I loved the way his ab muscles contracted as he hissed. He was getting close, and I was so, so turned on by the sight of him. I mean… damn.

"Off," he rasped. "Dress. Off. Now."

I released him from my mouth with a pop. He roughly pulled my dress over my head, tossing it aside. It was dark now, the only light coming from the lamp.

He smacked my ass. "Lie down. Legs up over the back of the couch."

Huh?

He helped me get into position and then went to stand behind the couch. He pulled me closer to him, and the angle allowed both of us to see everything. When he put his head between my thighs and licked my clit, I nearly came undone at the sight of him looking at me. The entire time, his hands were on me—traveling over my stomach, my breasts, even playing with my mouth and pushing a finger between my lips.

He kept at it until my legs were shaking, and I was calling his name. Until my body was on fire, and I thought I might burn if he didn't let me come. If he didn't come with me.

"Please, Jackson." I was done waiting. I was ready.

He moved for the bedroom, presumably to retrieve a condom from the intimacy kit, but I sat up and placed my hand on his arm to stop him.

"Are you sure?" he asked. "I mean, I had my annual physical for Hudson recently and passed it with flying colors, but…"

"I have an IUD. And I've always used condoms in the past, but I don't want to anymore. Not with you. You're my forever."

He cupped my face and kissed me, his cock hard against my stomach. "I love you."

"I love you too," I said, feeling dazed from that kiss. Delirious from the need I felt for this incredible man.

He lined himself up with my entrance, and we both watched as he disappeared inside me. His eyes flitted to mine, and I held his gaze. I felt it to the depths of my core. His love. His devotion. His unspoken promise. He was mine, and I was his.

He interlaced our fingers, fusing our mouths together, sealing our connection in every way possible. I gasped when he hit a particularly sensitive spot.

"Oh god." My head dropped back, my eyes closed.

When I opened my eyes, his blue ones were the same as they'd always been. Warm. Loving. Endless like the ocean and full of the promise of forever.

We were still us. We would always be us. And making love was like coming home.

He wrapped his arm around my lower back, pulling me even closer. So close it was impossible to know where I ended and he began.

Jackson claimed my mouth, his movements rough and possessive in the way he knew I loved. His eyes burned molten, and I loved how attentive he was. Always checking in with me. It was hot.

"Harder," I said, needing more, though I wasn't sure what. I just…needed him.

I locked my legs around his hips, and his thrusts grew almost punishing in their intensity, my pleasure building and building like a gathering storm. I needed… I panted. Needed…

"Mine," he growled, nipping at my shoulder. "You're mine, Sloan."

"Yes," I sighed, both from his words and the sensations he provoked in my body. He was feral, and I freaking loved seeing him lose control like this. "And you're mine."

"Always," he promised, and I was so close. "Always."

I sucked in a jagged breath, surrounded by his scent. His touch. His love. Our bodies moved in harmony, carrying us both toward release.

"Look at me," he said, slowing down, torturing me. "Look at us."

We glanced down to the point where our bodies were joined. He spread me wide with his fingers, adding another sensation to the mix. "Fuck. Look how well you take me."

He pulled out slowly then thrust in hard. He did it again, eliciting another gasp from me. And then he increased his pace, his eyes darting between our bodies and my face.

"Oh god, Jackson. That feels…" I panted. "So good. I'm so close. So…"

And then it crashed over me like a thirty-foot wave—powerful, inescapable, and unrelenting. All I could feel, all I could see, all I could hear was him. He was my entire universe, and I'd been a fool to ever think otherwise.

With a few more thrusts, Jackson spilled inside me, grunting, "Mine," again and again.

We lay there a minute, still intertwined, our bodies sticky and sated. I smiled, full of love for this incredible man. He kissed me then withdrew, and I felt empty without him.

"Fuck me." He rubbed a hand over his mouth, his eyes glued to my most intimate place. "The sight of my come dripping out of your pussy…" He growled and leaned forward to lick my clit, setting off a round of shudders. "Damn."

My legs were shaking, and I tried to push him away, laughing as I did so. "I can't take any more."

He chuckled and licked me once more before standing. "Come on." He easily scooped me up, cradling me to him. "Let's get cleaned up."

I rested my head against his chest, content to listen to the cadence of his heart. When we reached the bathroom, Jackson set me down and turned on the water. As soon as it was warm, he climbed in the shower and held out his hand, waiting for me.

I slid my hand into his, filled with a sense of rightness. Of peace and contentedness. Jackson joined me beneath the water, wrapping his arms around me, holding me close.

We just stood there, my head against his chest, his body curled protectively around mine. It was…bliss. This was all I'd ever wanted.