by Tigris Eden
“Good thing men are such wimps,” Anna said while piling grits on Jackson’s plate and sitting it down in front of him. Ava asked for French toast and orange juice. When Anna was done making Ava’s plate, she made her own. Even though the morning could have been a disaster, it wasn’t. Conversation was flowing, and everyone was in good spirits.
“So, how much progress have you made on the wedding, Anna?” The Mayor asked. He was looking across at Anna, who wore a huge smile on her face.
“Plenty of progress, although I was informed by my husband-to-be that I need to speed things up. I still don’t have a dress, but Indi and I do have the invites, and will be sending those out in a couple of days. Hotel has been picked out and booked. We’re having a beach wedding in Jamaica.”
“That’s good, sugar. Sounds beautiful. I’d like to buy your dress. Do something for my favorite girl.”
Jackson watched Anna’s eyes glitter with unshed tears. She didn’t say no, but thanked him quietly.
“I plan on taking a trip to New York soon. Joey will be the Matron of Honor, the twins are going to be bridesmaids along with Lola, and Ladybug here will be the flower girl.”
Ava squealed before saying loudly, “I love you, Honey!” She was overly excited about being the flower girl and kept reminding them daily about her princess dress.
“I love you too, Ladybug.”
Ava giggled uncontrollably, infecting everyone at the table with her laughter. That Anna had said she loved his daughter touched his heart. He already knew she did, just by the way she acted, but to hear the words out loud, and to know Ava felt the same way was a blessing.
Overwhelmed with the punch in his gut, he had no choice but to show her. Jackson wrapped his hand around the back of her neck and pulled her in for a kiss. He meant for it to be a quick one. They were with family. There was a certain level of decency in front of others that should be maintained. But the moment their lips touched, everything from the previous night came crashing back. Images, sounds, and smells burned into his brain. But it was more than that; it was the feeling in the pit of his stomach reminding him of what was now his, and only his. All that he could have lost that night when she was attacked was still stamped inside, and even as he tried to lock it away, he couldn’t. It was a constant reminder. Anna was his charge. It was his right to protect and see to her needs. He deepened the kiss, tasting syrup and butter from the pancakes. He devoured her with long strokes of his tongue until Pearl cleared her throat.
“Pearl, you remember what it was like when we were younger, let them two be,” The Mayor said.
Anna smiled against Jackson’s lips before biting him playfully.
“Later, baby.”
Yes, definitely later.
Until Her: Chapter 14
One Week Later
“My client requests sole custody of the five-year-old, Ava Monique Storme.”
Jackson was in court. He made sure to have his attorney follow all the proper channels in order to expedite their hearing. Vivian’s lawyer was some hotshot attorney from New York. Stuffy suit, stuffier attitude. He didn’t seem to care either way, and may have even been checking out Vivian’s ass. Not that Jackson cared. But she should have. If she’d really wanted to win, she should have come to play ball. Instead, she stared his way, trying to get his attention.
"The child needs her mother and has been in the care of my client since birth. Mr. Storme only just entered the picture."
He and Vivian looked at one another for a moment until the judge started to speak.
“I've heard both sides of this case. Ms. Winterman, Mr. Stone. Facts are Facts. Margo Venezuela, who was the nanny up until she was released from work, was the child's primary provider. Ms. Winterman, you've admitted not only to your lawyer but to me as well that you are having trouble getting a handle on things."
Judge Graves looked down at Vivian’s wrists and shook his bald head. “You are in no shape to care for yourself, let alone a small child. I have no choice but to award Mr. Storme temporary custody of Ava until the case can be reviewed in a year’s time. Get yourself together. As of now, you'll be allowed supervised visits every other weekend. Court adjoined."
The gavel came down hard, cracking through the silence of the room. Vivian, however, began to cry. They were silent tears, but Jackson knew she was crying. Her shoulders shook, and her head was bent low. Since he’d been back home, she hadn’t once tried to visit Ava. His mother told him she spent most of her days lounging by the pool, drinking. Technically, his mother lived in the house his father left him, and he supplied her with a monthly stipend. Now, it seemed he was taking care of Vivian, too. He didn’t like that. It pissed him off, in every way possible, but it was unavoidable for the time being.
“Well, Jackson, you win. You’ve officially made me the bad guy. Now, what do I say to Ava when I visit and there’s a stranger watching us?”
Was she serious? Did she really think this was his doing?
“That’s your own fault, Vivian. I’ve given you every opportunity to see our daughter. You were too busy trying to get my attention. Well, you got it now, but it won’t be the kind you’re looking for.”
Clueless.
That was the only word he could use to describe her facial expression. Her eyes may have been crossed in opposite directions even before she gained her senses.
“Jackson, I just want us to be a family,” she said, defeated.
“We are a family. A different kind of family. If there was ever a chance for us to be amicable, you ruined it with your bad attitude and treatment of Anna. Not to mention your lack of interest in our daughter.”
The courtroom was clearing out, and Jackson made his way past Vivian when she grabbed his arm.
“You still love me, Jax, I know it.”
She was crazy.
Truly off her rocker.
“No, Vivian, I don’t.” He jerked out of her grasp and made his way out of the building. He couldn’t be concerned with her antics. He had promised Anna he would get Vivian help, and he would, but it would be up to her to actually want the help. He was more concerned about his girls.
Anna and Ava.
Fuck.
Full-time domestication.
He was now a full-time father and in a committed relationship. A year ago, that would have had him sweating bullets. Self-proclaimed bachelor that he thought he was, he was now smitten and looking forward to life’s greatest adventure. Family. Jackson pulled out his cell and called Anna.
“Put on your best play clothes, we’re taking Ava to miniature golf.”
Jackson was worried that his little girl would be upset when he explained their permanent living situation. She was confused at first, wondering why they all couldn’t live together. She even cried a little. Anna and Jackson were both stumped on how to properly explain without bashing Vivian. It was Pearl who said it best.
“Lovebug, sometimes Mommies and Daddies can’t live together. They make better parents apart than they do together.”
“Like now, because Daddy lives with Honey Mom?”
“That’s right, precious. Daddy and Honey Mom will live in one house with you, and your momma will live in another house.”
“Will Mommy be scared? Margo says mommies don’t like to live alone.”
“Well, right now, your mommy lives at your daddy’s other house with your grandma, Corrine. She’s not by herself, baby.”
Ava looked up at Jackson, her face thoughtful.
“Daddy, Mommy’s not alone?”
“No, baby, and you will get to be there on some days, as well.”
She wouldn’t spend the night, not yet, but she’d at least visit. He’d let Vivian stay in his house, at least that way, should anything happen, he’d be there to run damage control. He and Anna had discussed it, and she’d agreed. It was the best decision for all involved.
“Well, that’s okay. Right, Daddy?”
Ava was deferring to him more and more as their time tog
ether progressed. Before letting Margo go, she’d defer to the nanny. He hoped it meant she was starting to trust him.
“Yes, Ladybug, it’s more than okay.”
Ava smiled and walked towards Pearl. She was handling things better than he’d expected. He knew she was going to be okay. He was going to make sure of it.
“Daddy is going to marry Honey Mom, that will make you my grandma too, right?”
Pearl was going to cry. He could tell by the way her eyes lowered, and her lip trembled.
“Yes, Lovebug, and you can call me whatever you like.”
“’Kay.”
Ava hugged Pearl before running over to Anna where she stood talking on her cell. She smiled down at his little girl and knelt down in front of her, telling whomever she spoke to that they needed to hold on.
“Hey there, pretty lady.”
“Honey Mom, I get to call your mom Grandma.”
“That’s wonderful news, Ava.”
“It is. It means more presents.”
Jackson couldn’t contain his laughter. Of course, Ava would think of more presents.
Jackson’s cell went off with a text message. He looked down and noticed a text from Gaines. They were only a month or two out from the wedding. Anna had convinced him during a night of energetic lovemaking that she needed more time. Helpless and at her mercy, he’d agreed. They’d pushed the fitting up in order to discuss the case. Gaines had even brought the twins so it looked natural. The brothers had even secured the bid on building his and Anna’s home.
“Anna, baby, I’m going to grab Gaines and his brothers from the airport.”
She waved him off as she finished her phone call.
“We’ve got things here,” Pearl said walking him to the door.
It was a good thing Treat and Joey had a big damn house. India had all but moved in. She and Anna were working day and night on the wedding and the opening of Event Pics. Joey assured him she enjoyed having her house full. Now the Gaines brothers were coming. It was going to be interesting having them all under the same roof. Especially with Finn and Sawyer. They were the youngest, and didn’t know the difference between slow and fast. They were never mellow. They owned Two Men and a Plan Construction Company and were coming to start laying the plans for Jackson and Anna’s new home. They were ready to work. But…they were also a diversion.
"Momma, can you let the house know dinner's ready."
It’s a full table at the Cavanaugh’s. Jackson brought home three males, and all of them had taken gigantic sips from the well-built and insanely hot fountain. I must admit, the Gaines brothers are not hard to look at. There are three more I have yet to meet, but I will at the wedding.
Oliver Gaines is slightly taller than Jackson and can wear the hell out of a cut suit. His smile is infectious as well as electric. Every time he smiles, I find I am smiling, too. Jackson does not like this, but Oliver is a likable person. His dark brown hair is cut short, but not too short that it can’t be styled. He looks the part of FBI agent. The twins are tall like their brother, but wear more relaxed clothing. Finn and Sawyer are both in jeans, boots, and t-shirts that look as if they are painted on. Finn’s copper hair is long. He lets it hang loosely around his shoulders, while Sawyer keeps his in a man bun atop his head. They aren’t identical, but fraternal. India can’t stop drooling. Joey and I keep stealing glances because both Treat and Jackson catch on to the fact that they unwittingly brought us eye candy.
“Yeah, baby girl, I’ll let them know.” My mother is also affected by the hotness that is the Gaines brothers.
My mother walks off as I finish pulling the cornbread from the oven. I’m doing better than what the doctors thought at this stage of recovery. I’m mentally prepping for my trip to New York to look at dresses, and I’m excited. I have a designer friend who has a hook-up for vintage gowns. Thankfully, India and I finalized our plans for Event Pics and will be breaking ground soon. The wedding is a crazy entity on its own. There is so much to do, and I feel time pressing in from all sides.
Jackson is back to being sheriff, but I can tell he’s still on high alert. He’s not himself, and whatever is going on, he refuses to share.
Joey is due in a couple of weeks, if not sooner. Last week, it was confirmed. The doctor miscalculated her due date, and now we are in a scramble to finish little man’s room. She’s the first to hit the table. Treat follows closely behind. He still hugs me like we’ve been apart for years. I don’t mind. I like it. He does it now after he gets Joey settled.
“Hey, little sis.”
“Hey, big bro.”
My shoulder gets a squeeze, then he sits at the head of the table. Jackson has Ava on his shoulders and has to duck in order to enter the dining room. He walks right up to me with a giggling Ava, kisses me on the lips, and then flips her over his shoulder and into her chair. He pulls out my seat and sits opposite of me at the other end of the table. India comes walking in with a twin Gaines on either side. Lucky girl. Oliver follows closely behind, and my mother, who insists on serving us all, joins us last.
I cooked a large roast with baby red potatoes, green beans, and cornbread. For desert, Ava and I made one giant chocolate chip cookie pie. Treat clears his throat at the table, and you’d think this was a Sunday meal the way he stands to speak.
“My wife and I are happy to have you all here. Even the Gaineses. We’re expecting the newest member of the Cavanaugh clan any day, and Joey and I decided last night to share the baby’s name.”
“It’s about damn time,” Jackson mumbles.
“Our son’s name will be Xavier Alexander Cavanaugh,” Treat announces.
We clap and cheer, and before we dig in to eat, little Ava decides she too has something to say. We all look her way as she clears her throat and in a very clear and serious voice says, “Daddy is marrying Honey Mom, and I will be the flower princess, so when Savior comes, he can walk with me.”
We all laugh at how she says Xavier’s name. It sounds like savior.
“Well, what if I want to walk you down the aisle, precious,” Finn says, smiling over at Ava. She looks at me as if asking for permission.
“Honey Mom, can Finn walk me and Savior?”
I grin.
“Sure.”
“’Kay, I’m hungry, I want to eat the chocolate chip cake we made.”
“After dinner. Right now, we’re eating this.”
My maternal instincts haven’t exactly kicked in, but I see the beginnings of tears shine in Ava’s beautiful eyes.
“I don’t like it,” Ava whines.
“You haven’t even tried it,” I say back. She’s never done this before, but JoJo, who has kids of her own, did warn me. Little Ava is testing her boundaries.
“I don’t want to try it.” She’s in full pout mode, and Jackson looks at me. I can tell he’s about to give in. I shake my head at him. He better not go there.
“You mean to tell me, you don’t like dragon meat?” Sawyer tosses out.
“Dragon meat?” Ava says slowly.
“Yeah,” Finn agrees. “Dragon meat, complete with tree arms and red taters. Anna even made moons berry bread. All the princesses and faeries eat this.”
Ava’s eyes go big. The twins really know how to work it. I need to take a page from their book.
“Really?” Ava is starting to get excited.
“Yeah, really, and the cookie cake we made is a recipe I got from Princess Elsa,” I say, in hopes she’ll agree.
“Oh, yes, I remember now, ‘cause, you’re Elsa’s sister. Right, Honey Mom?”
Everyone stares. I get it. I’m not Anna from Frozen, and in little Ava’s head, she knows it too, but we’ve watched Frozen a million times.
“You mean to tell me I’m marrying the Princess Anna?” Jackson jokes.
“Yes, Daddy, you stole her from Kristoff because he and Olaf are on a secret quest to find the Easter Bunny.”
Ava is deadly serious. We’ve had many conversations surrounding the secre
t quest. Indi is smiling, trying her best not to laugh, and Jackson and the rest of the men at the table are clueless. Jackson’s watched Frozen once, maybe twice. I’ve been subjected to Frozen nearly every day. I have to make the movie interesting.
“Well, I guess I’d better take extra care with our Princess Anna.”
Ava nods her head sharply before looking down at her plate. She looks up to Finn and Sawyer and whispers, “Is this really dragon meat?” Both brothers nod their heads, and we watch as Ava sets in to eat her dinner.
Until Her: Chapter 15
Jackson’s body hurt, but it was the kind of hurt due to a great night of sex. They were on the other side of the house away from everyone. No one could hear Anna begging him to fuck her harder. He didn’t mind hearing those words escape her lips at all. Now they were in each other’s arms, limbs tangled, and both trying to catch their breath.
Their night had started like every other night since he'd come home. They both put Ava to bed, and then Anna stayed to read her book. Tonight, it was a new book, James and the Giant Peach. Ava seemed really interested in the book. She asked Anna questions, and Anna answered. He'd stood in the doorway, watching the woman he'd chosen to cherish for the rest of his life read to the daughter he’d never expected to have. They were having a real mother-daughter moment. He didn’t know if Vivian ever gave this to Ava, but he hoped like hell she did. When Anna finished reading the rest of a chapter, she put on the nightlight, kissed Ava on the forehead, and quietly walked out, hooking Jackson around the waist. Indi would show five minutes later to sneak Ava down into the game room for a big girl sleep over. It was their ritual, and a secret his daughter couldn’t keep.
"Shower, then bed,” he whispered.
"Okay, but I got in earlier, so you go ahead. I'll meet you in the room."
When he'd stepped out of the shower, he could see her from the open door. Anna was sitting at her desk. Her hair was pulled into a messy ponytail, her glasses on the edge of her nose as she read something on the table. She was in boy shorts and a black tank top. He'd been all but ready for sleep. He and Oliver had hit it hard and heavy on the case. Things were progressing, and Tracey thought they were out of the game. His thoughts were twisted into many different scenarios, and he'd given himself a headache. Told himself all he was gonna do was snuggle up next to Anna and sleep.