Aurora Rose Reynolds

“Jesus, baby?” I hear growled through my subconscious as warm fingers rest against my neck under my ear. My eyes open slowly and I blink. “Baby,” Sage whispers, taking a seat on my bed next to my hip, pushing my hair away from my face gently.

“Kelly’s dead,”

Kissing the back of her head, I toss my leg over her and pin her to the bed, where I expect to stay awake. But lying here, with the woman I’m pretty sure was made for me in my arms, I fall asleep.

“It really is simple, honey. You’re his. He’s obviously claimed you.”

“Claimed me?” My nose scrunches up at that, and she giggles.

Reading it, I blink and then turn and hold it out to Ellie and Frankie.

“Mrs. Ethel? Sheesh! Who knew the cheap, mean old goat had it in her to be sweet?” Ellie mutters, and I laugh.

“Hey, guys,” I say, then feel my eyes widen when Jax comes forward, grabbing me up in a hug that squeezes the breath right out of me. Hearing Ellie laugh, I hug him back awkwardly while trying to keep hold of my purse and tea without damaging us both.

“Been worried about you,” he states,

“You can’t cheat at Rock, Paper, Scissors, babe. It’s a game of chance,” I correct, and she gives a little huff that’s way too fucking cute.

“If I marry Kim, I’m just letting everyone here know that I’m taking her to the courthouse or to Vegas,” Sage says.

I frown at him. “Pardon?”

“I’m not suffering through a wedding or wearing a tux.”

“I wish I could help her,” I whisper.

His face softens. “That right there is the reason I couldn’t move on.”

“What?”

“Your soft spot, your kindness, and your need to make the people you don’t even know feel better,” he says,

I don’t want her happy with anyone else; I want her happy with me. Call me selfish, but it is what it is.

“At least stay for the cake,” Kim cuts in, and I fight back a groan.

“You don’t mind?” Mom asks, looking at her, and Kim shakes her head.

“Of course not.”

“Of course not.” She smiles at my girl before looking at my dad and me triumphantly. “Did you hear that?”