Jax's Little Girl

by Pepper North

  “Let’s put you in your crib, baby. I’ll go get a bottle for you and you can take a nap,” Jax said, lifting her into his arms and carrying her to the crib. He propped her up on several pillows he pulled from the closet.

  Ember caught a glimpse of some kind of wooden structure inside, but she was too tired to care. She found Chocolate and Pockets sleeping nearby and pulled them close to her chest as Jax covered her with the blanket. As the men walked out of the nursery, she heard Jax’s sincere thanks.

  “I owe you one, Doniphan. Thanks for dropping everything and coming over to check on Ember. I needed to make sure she’s okay.”

  “No problem. Call when you have a question. I’ll text a time and date for Ember’s physical and run the bloodwork. Now that your little girl is part of your life, Jax, I’ll be glad to help you keep her healthy.”

  “Definitely, I’ll count on your expertise.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Ember pushed the door open and stepped out into the late afternoon warmth. She scanned the vehicles pulled up to the curb and didn’t see Jax’s blue truck anywhere. Maybe he’s just late. She waited a couple of minutes before double-checking the time on her phone. Still not here.

  She’d recovered from her illness and felt like her old self again. Thank goodness the suppositories had run out. Ember had fussed every time Jax had inserted one deep in her bottom. Their special time while she drank a bottle continued. They both enjoyed the quiet time together, and Jax fixed her a bottle each evening when she came home from work. Lying in his arms in the beautiful nursery while he talked about his training and how much he’d missed her had become Ember’s favorite part of the day. She had her daddy all to herself.

  A sharp beep drew her attention, and she looked up from her phone. Four women waved from a brown sedan pulled up at the curb. Staring at them, Ember recognized Hope, Cricket, Rosie, and River. Automatically she walked to the car and leaned over to look in the passenger-side window. “Hi! What are you guys doing here?” She noticed Pockets sitting on Cricket’s lap behind the steering wheel. “You’ve got Pockets?”

  “You won’t like this. We don’t either. Hop in. Jax asked us to come pick you up,” Hope shared.

  Ember quickly followed her directions and slid into the back seat next to Rosie and River. “What’s going on? Where’s Jax?”

  Cricket handed Pockets carefully over the seat before easing away from the curb. “The men got out of training. Mark got home sweaty and worn out. He was in the shower when his phone rang.” Cricket looked over her shoulder with a sad expression. “It rarely happens this fast, but they sent them on a mission this afternoon.”

  “Jax asked one of us to pick you up, but we all wanted to come. Cricket got to babysit Pockets. We all love him. He’s the cutest! Jax wanted you to know for sure it was okay to come with us,” River enthused.

  “How long are they going to be gone?” Ember asked with concern.

  All four women shrugged. The faces that Ember could see looked worried. She knew instantly that she’d never relax when the men were gone. “How do you all do this?”

  “We support each other. And we’ve seen the training the men force themselves through to make sure their odds are the best. Each has a specific talent that protects each other,” Rosie replied. “Texas is the gunner. He provided the artillery power to fend off attacks.”

  “Doniphan, you know, is the medic. He’s way overqualified to be sent into danger, but that’s what he wants. Taking care of the team is his life, literally,” River said proudly.

  Ember put her hand over River’s twisting fingers. She knew how nervous the young woman was. Feeling bad that she had given Doniphan trouble when he’d taken care of her, Ember swore she’d be super good when he treated her again. It looked like her checkup would have to wait unless the men returned. That thought alone softened her dread of the upcoming exam. She’d go through what she expected would be a very thorough exam just to know that the men were safe and at home.

  “Mark is super good at ordering people around,” Cricket laughed.

  “He’s also a brilliant strategist, and he knows the team’s abilities like the back of his hand. Doniphan was bragging about some new, fancy piece of equipment that Mark obtained for them. It does like twelve different things for a third of the weight. There are so many supplies to carry. Any way of lightening the load helps everyone move faster. The quicker they move, the safer everyone is,” River shared.

  Instantly, Cricket sat a bit taller behind the wheel. Ember could tell that she was proud of Mark and even prouder that the women attached to the team appreciated him as she did.

  “If we’re sharing,” Hope said quietly, “Sam is the navigator. He gets them from the drop-off point and back. I’d hate that job. I can’t read a map for anything.”

  “Thank goodness for my GPS or I’d never find the store I’m looking for,” Ember agreed. “What exactly does Jax do?”

  “You don’t know?” Rosie marveled.

  “Mark told me he’s a sniper. But Jax and I have never talked about it.” Ember admitted, feeling her face heat with embarrassment. They had focused so much on exploring their relationship as a daddy and a Little that wondering about his position on the team hadn’t entered her mind. “I knew they all worked together. I guess I’m so new to military life that I didn’t even know to worry about what he actually does,” she confessed.

  “We’ve all been there, Ember. All of us, except for Hope whose father was career military, are new to this life. We understand. Do you want to know?” Cricket asked, looking in the rearview mirror.

  “Yes. Please.”

  “A sniper takes a position away from the team to pick off threats to the men or to eliminate targets. He’s perfect for his job. Have you noticed how collected and still he is? Texas told me Jax has iron-clad self-control. He remained in position without flinching and giving his position away even after a snake bit him. Doniphan had to treat him for every kind of venom possible in that area because he didn’t even look to see what kind of snake it was,” River said in amazement.

  “He could have died?” Ember whispered.

  “Injuries and worse are always a risk. I couldn’t stay still with creepy crawlies moving over my skin.” Cricket shivered in revulsion.

  Ember realized she was distracting her from the thought of the men dying with that skin-cringing thought. She shot a grateful glance into the rearview mirror where Cricket watched her. Focusing on the threat would make her frozen with fear. Jax wouldn’t want her to do that.

  Ember exhaled fully and took a deep breath. Shocked, she realized that she wasn’t panicking. Jax had taken care of that. He’d sent her Pockets and the other women. God, I love him. Even that thought didn’t make her panic.

  Squeezing Pockets close, she asked, “So what do we do while they’re away?”

  “Tonight, we’re picking up tacos and margaritas before having a sleepover at your house. We haven’t seen your nursery yet,” Rosie informed her before waggling her phone at Ember. “I’ve already placed the order so we can’t change our minds.”

  “Margaritas? Is that allowed?” Ember wondered aloud.

  “We’ll call it limeade. Shhh! It’s our secret,” River winked. “Besides, it’s not a lie. We ordered one nonalcoholic version.”

  “I think I may love you all,” Ember confessed.

  “Group hug!” Rosie and River wrapped their arms around Ember in the back seat as the group giggled happily.

  * * *

  Filled with tacos and emboldened by margaritas, Ember led the way to her nursery. Everyone crowded inside to ooh and ahh at the beautiful pink room inside that pink door that had drawn Ember’s attention. The diapers under the changing table didn’t even make her embarrassed.

  “Do you all wear diapers?” she asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Most of the time.”

  “All of the time when Daddy is at home.”

  “I have less cramps wearing a diap
er during that time of the month,” Hope shared, rubbing her hand over her tummy.

  “I was super hesitant at first. Daddy told me we’d experiment with them to see what age my Little is. Does anyone else range in age? You know, your Little?” Ember asked, sinking to the floor by the toy chest.

  “Everyone has to find what feels right for themselves and their relationship. You all will figure it out,” Rosie rushed to answer.

  “Jax is a wonderful daddy. All our men are. He’d never force you to be anything you weren’t, unless you were sick or something,” Hope reassured her as she lowered herself gracefully to the carpet as well.

  The group decided to play a board game. When they’d chosen their pieces, the Littles began, everyone focused on the next roll of the dice. When River rolled a double two, everyone squealed as she landed on a space proclaiming that she now had lost her turn.

  When everyone cheered, River frowned at them. “You know the military team is the men, but I always consider us a Little team as well. You should be sorry for me,” she informed them.

  “Right! You always win. We’re just glad to have a chance,” Cricket laughed.

  Instantly, River’s face transformed into a smile. “It was worth a try,” she joked.

  “Do you really think of this group as a team, like the men?” Ember asked.

  All four women nodded without hesitation. “Ember, you’re new to all this, but you fit in perfectly. I think Jax chose well,” Rosie said.

  “Yes,” the others echoed.

  “Do I have to let you all win now?” Ember joked.

  “Absolutely,” Hope answered.

  Laughing, everyone bent back over the game. They focused on being together and enjoying their time together. Helping distract each other from the worry that occupied their brains, the group played into the wee hours of the morning. No one was there to make them go to bed on time.

  Finally, they all collapsed throughout the house. Rosie slept on the sofa while River took the recliner in the living room. Cricket sprawled on a cot in the nursery while Hope curled up in the crib. When she’d made sure everyone was settled and happy, Ember crawled into the sheets she swore she’d never change until her daddy came home. His scent wrapped around her to comfort her.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Two weeks. He’d been gone for two weeks. Ember wiped the sweat off her forehead as she paused in the freshly tilled garden bed. It was the first to be planted, and that should have been exciting. But it wasn’t.

  Turning back to the soil, Ember concentrated on creating a weed barrier between the rows of vegetables. Eventually, the gardens would be open to the public. For now, Ember and two assistants were busy at work getting everything settled. She would expand her staff further as more areas opened.

  When her phone vibrated in her pocket, Ember grabbed it immediately. Seeing Hope’s name on the screen, she answered with, “Any news? Are they home?”

  “I haven’t heard anything. Sorry to get your hopes up. I’m just checking in with everyone.” Hope’s voice sounded sad even through the phone connection.

  Worried, Ember asked, “I’m glad to talk to you, anyway. How are you feeling?”

  “I’m okay.” There was a brief hesitation before Hope admitted, “Crappy. I’m lonely and I’m worried.”

  “Me, too. I ate so much chocolate last night.”

  “You didn’t,” Hope laughed. “Did it help?”

  “No, not really. But I enjoyed it for the moment,” Ember joked. Silence stretched over the connection. “I really miss Jax. I don’t even have a picture of him,” she admitted, feeling tears well in her eyes.

  “I really miss Sam, too. Got any more chocolate left?” Hope questioned.

  “I know where I can find some. Want to come over tonight and keep me company?” Ember suggested. Her lips curved up for the first time that day.

  “How about if you come here? I could pick you up after work. I’ll feed you some dinner before we have a chocolate fest,” Hope offered.

  “That would save me from another night of takeout. Thanks, Hope.”

  “You’re doing me a big favor. Besides, I’m not letting you in unless you bring chocolate,” Hope joked.

  Automatically, Ember texted Jax with her plans. She knew he wasn’t getting them, but needed to feel like they were still connected. When Ember slid the phone back into her pocket, she silently thanked Jax for including her in this caring group. She’d never run into a group of women who supported each other without drama. Realizing that she was new to this group, Ember could have missed some undertone but didn’t think so. Already, the Littles were her best friends.

  * * *

  Sliding into Hope’s car, she leaned over to hug her friend before fastening her seatbelt. Ember held the rustling bag up, announcing, “If there isn’t a type of chocolate in this bag you like, there’s something wrong with you.”

  “Fortunately, I am not a chocolate snob. I will welcome all types you wish to share.” Laughing, Hope merged into traffic.

  The two chatted companionably as Hope drove to her house on the edge of the base. The scene was so normal that it made Ember wish for Jax to be home even more. Staring out the window, it was hard not to wonder where he was and if he was okay.

  “I miss him,” Ember confessed.

  “Yes. It’s hard being separated. I wish I could say that it will get better, but it doesn’t. Come on in,” Hope invited as she parked in the garage. “Don’t forget the chocolate!”

  “Got it,” Ember reassured her as she scrambled out, following her friend into the cozy house. Small signs a Little lived there were everywhere, inviting Ember to come explore.

  The aroma of something amazing wafted from the interior of the house. Ember sniffed appreciatively. “I may just move in and stay if everything smells this good.”

  “This is my one dish that I know how to prepare well. You just came on the right day.” Hope led the way to the kitchen and waved Ember to a stool at the island. “Open that envelope. That’s for you.”

  Curious, Ember picked up the packet and opened it. Jax’s green eyes smiled back at her. Instantly, tears raced down her face. She missed him so badly. He’s been gone so long.

  Hope’s arms wrapped around Ember’s body. “I didn’t want to make you sad! I thought I’d taken several pictures of him since I’ve known him. It was easy to print them off for you.”

  Ember couldn’t tear her eyes away from Jax’s handsome face. She ran a finger down his cheek and traced his mouth. Be safe, Jax! Forcing herself, she flipped through the pictures to find Jax with his team and lounging in someone’s backyard. In each, he looked so good.

  Teary-eyed, she looked up at Hope. “No. This is so nice of you. I didn’t even have a picture. He looks so happy in all these photographs.”

  “I thought we could make a collage after dinner and put them in a frame. I took the liberty of picking out a frame and I have all sorts of craft material. We’ll make it look super cute. Then, you can put it by your bed so you can see and talk to him. That helps me a lot,” Hope confessed.

  “You’re amazing. Thank you!”

  “Come on. Let’s eat and then we can get artsy.”

  Eating casually, they helped themselves at the stove before sitting at the kitchen bar to eat. Ember spooned the first bite of the delicious gumbo that Hope had created and moaned in delight. “This is so good. I’d ask for the recipe, but I don’t cook.”

  “Sam was afraid to let me cook when we first got together. You know, no knives for Littles!” she explained, waving her hand dramatically. “He took one bite of my gumbo and changed his tune. I don’t cook often. But I treat us every once in a while.”

  “Then I feel extra lucky that you went to this much work for me!” Ember dug into the spicy dish. She hadn’t been eating a lot. Well, especially eating a lot of complete meals. This was so much better than takeout or something frozen.

  After dinner, Ember helped Hope dish up the leftovers into several port
ions. Storing everything in the refrigerator, the two moved to the kitchen table to begin their project.

  “Wow! You do have a lot of stuff.” Ember looked amazed as Hope opened a tote bin of supplies.

  “I love doing creative stuff. Sam is nice enough to put up with my addiction,” Hope joked. “What’s your favorite color? Let’s put that in the background.”

  Selecting a bright purple sheet of paper, Ember placed the three pictures on the page. “That doesn’t look too hot.”

  “Oh, it will,” Hope assured her. “Let’s do some magic.”

  An hour later, Ember secured the completed project in its frame. They’d arranged the pictures into a collage. Adding decorations like sparkling hearts and red lips to the empty spaces, the two Littles created a masterpiece. Ember couldn’t stop looking at the image. If he couldn’t be at home, at least she had pictures. She looked at Hope with tears in her eyes as she hugged the frame to her body.

  Hope’s eyes immediately filled with tears as well. “Oh, stop it. You’re going to make us both cry.”

  “This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. Seriously,” Ember said as she dashed the tears from her eyes.

  “Then more people need to do nice things for you. I’m glad you like it.” Hope yawned and covered her mouth, trying to conceal her tiredness.

  “I’ve kept you up way too long,” Ember said in a rush.

  “Past both of your bedtimes,” a deep voice said from the doorway into the garage.

  “You have indeed, baby,” a second, more familiar voice confirmed.

  “Sam!” Hope was out of her chair in a flash. Running across the room, she jumped into the red-haired man’s arms.

  Ember stood up slowly. Her blue eyes linked with mesmerizing green ones as Jax moved toward her. “Is that really you?” she whispered.

  “Come here, baby. I need to hold you.”

  That was all it took. Ember flew across the floor into Jax’s open arms. Her hands still clutched the frame, which they squashed between their bodies as Jax pulled her close. His mouth took hers as devastating heat burst between them. His tongue swept into her mouth, dominating and claiming her again. She couldn’t get close enough to him. Vaguely, Ember heard small sounds of distress. Only when Jax lifted his mouth did she realize that they were coming from her.