The tension in the room deflates like a balloon. Everyone heaves an audible sigh of relief, myself included—though I wait until Birdie turns toward the wine rack before I let it out. God knows I'm never letting that woman get even a whiff of fear.
"And you're right about the cupcakes," she says as an afterthought. "They really are the way to a man's... heart. I could tell you a story or two about my cupcakes that had Jax's grandfather begging for—"
"Birdie!" shrieks Mrs. Turner.
Mr. Turner winces.
Jax groans and drags a hand down his face.
I just laugh. Loudly.
"Congratulations, you've officially defeated the final obstacle," Jax murmurs in my ear. "Everything after this is a cakewalk. Or a cupcake-walk, apparently.” I snort at the pun and bring my hand to my mouth, shaking with silent laughter.
As always, he looks downright giddy at the sight.
He wraps an arm around my shoulders, and asks, “So what's next? Our options are limitless. We can do anything you want."
I wrap my arms around his waist and gaze up at him with what I’m sure is hearts in my eyes. "Anything?" I whisper with a smile.
The smile he shines at me lights up my world the same way it’s been doing since I was ten years old. The same way it always will.
"Anything, baby girl," he answers.
THE END