I look down at the envelope, and the breath rushes from my lungs.
To Jax when he’s expecting his first child.
It’s Marcus’ handwriting.
My hands start to shake as I open the envelope and pull the page from it.
Jax,
I wish I could be there. Even though I’m not, just close your eyes, because I’m standing right next to you. I’ll always be right next to you.
You’re going to be an amazing father. I know this because you are an amazing friend. You have so much love and passion inside of you. You protect those you love fiercely.
You’ve got this.
Marcus.
I stand up and hug Marcus as I take deep breaths.
“Thank you,” I whisper before I pull away. “I guess that makes it my turn.”
I close my eyes and fight to control my emotions before I turn to Doc.
“I’m so thankful for you.” I kneel in front of her and take her hands in mine. “I’m thankful for these hands. You gave me so much this year. You gave me Marcus. You’re giving me a child. You gave me your love. You’re my infinity, Doc. Please marry me.”
I take the ring from my pocket and holding it in the palm of my hand, I offer her everything I am.
“Jaxson, it’s perfect,” she breathes as she takes the ring from my palm. I had it made for her. It’s a simple band woven in an infinity design.
“Yes.” It’s a barely there whisper, but I hear it clearly.
I push the ring onto her finger and press my lips against it.
I get back up and turn to Marcus.
“Seeing as you decided to stick around, will you be our child’s godfather?”
“Are you sure you want to do that?” Rhett asks. “It’s Marcus we’re talking about.”
“Rhett!” Miss Sebastian scolds him. “I will bend you over my knee, and it won’t be kinky.”
Marcus holds out his hand to me, and I take it without hesitation.
“I’d be honored,” he whispers.
I sit back down and wrap my arm around Doc, pulling her into my side. I place my other hand on her very pregnant belly; then she covers mine with her left hand. I stare at my ring on her finger.
Fuck, I’m a lucky asshole.
“My turn,” Mia says, and we all watch as she tears an envelope open.
It’s actually funny that Mia and Leigh fell pregnant at the same time. They’ve scheduled to be induced on the same day. I look at Logan and smile. Our kids will practically be twins, just like us.
Mia and Logan read their letter from Marcus before Mia gets up to hug Marcus.
“I’m thankful for you, Marcus.”
When it’s Carter’s turn, he places his arm around Della. “I’m thankful you married me.” He looks down at his son in her arms. “Thank you for our children.”