On the Devil's Path {a SOA sequel}

Chapter twenty nine

"Are you seriously going to carry me over the threshold?" I asked in amazement.

"I'm all about the fairytale, darlin'." He replied with a wink.

I threw my head back and laughed. Jax kissed my cheek and didn't break it until he had crossed into the house.

After he had set me down, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. This was what home smelled like; faint baby powder, stale cigarettes, and day old coffee. God, I missed that smell. Jax's hand on my cheek snapped me from my thoughts.

"You with me, baby?" He asked softly.

I let my eyes wander the room before answering. Everything looked exactly the same as when I left, even down to the hoodie thrown over the couch. It was almost like Jax was afraid to move anything.

"Yeah Jax, I'm with you." I said. My voice was calm but firm.

It was late, after midnight and the house was too quiet. Gemma had graciously offered to keep Abel overnight so Jax and I could 'celebrate'. It was strange being in the house without him. Jax, sensing my nerves took my hand and started to lead me to the bedroom. I couldn't stop myself from lingering in front of the bathroom.

"You fixed the door." I said, reaching out to touch the shiny new hinges.

I saw Jax step to my right and open his mouth to speak. I stopped him by crashing my lips to his. He was shocked at first, his eyes staying open, but relaxed and cupped my face in his hands.

"I forgive you. You know that right?" He asked when we broke for air.

I just shrugged and walked passed him into Abel's room.

"I know you do. I just don't think I'll ever forgive myself for what I put you through." I said.

I sunk down onto the daybed and picked up one of Abel's stuffed animals. Jax ran his hand through his hair and sat down beside me. On the floor were boxes of Abel's old infant clothes. It hit me that they were getting ready for the new baby.

"McKayla, it hurt me so bad because of how much I love you. Seeing you like that, realizing that I might lose my reason for living is what tore me apart. You are my world. You and my son are the only reason I'm still breathing. You have nothing to forgive yourself for. Well, unless you count stealing my heart." He finished with a wink.

I rolled my eyes playfully and kissed him.

"I love you Jax." I said.

"I love you, McKayla."

We sat in silence for a while. I was at war with myself. I knew I should tell Jax about Tara but, did I really want to spoil the mood? Things were going so well. I chewed on my lip and started picking the skin around my thumbnail.

"Babe, somethin' on your mind?" Jax asked.

I sighed and shifted so that I was facing him.

"I met with Tara today." I said in a small voice.

His body stiffened at the mention of her name. He jaw clenched and he tightened his fists.

"Why?" His voice was tight, like he was forcing himself not to yell.

I swallowed hard and looked down at my hands.

"I needed some answers." I said, feeling suddenly shy.

Jax shot up to his feet and stood in front of me. I could feel the anger rolling off of him and his eyes held a look of betrayal.

"What, and you couldn't have just asked me?!" He shouted.