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“Well, then you have my approval. Now you’ve asked me and you have an answer, now you have to ask yourself whether you’re okay with it.”

“When did you get so smart,” I laugh, pulling her into a hug.

“I had a great teacher,” She says squeezing me tightly. “I love you Livvy.”

“I love you too, sis.”

“Everything’s gonna be okay, right?”

“It will be, I promise.”

CHAPTER 18

JAX

Sharon is a pretty great lady. She really cares about Summer and Olivia. I’m glad she’s been in their lives.

“Hey,” I ask her, turning to her as Summer comes running down the stairs. “Could I ask you a favor? For Olivia and Summer.”

“For them? Of course,” She says, her shoulders straightening.

“There’s probably going to be a custody case in a couple of days for Summer. I think it’d be a good idea to maybe have some character references for Olivia since we’re gonna file for 100% custody and you’ve known both of them for a really long time. If you have the time, could you write a letter or something for us to bring?”

“Of course,” She says, nodding, looking over at Summer and Olivia fondly as they go grab some of Summer’s stuff. “I’ve known them since they were both just kids themselves. Olivia has worked so tremendously hard to provide for her sister, I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone that strong.” She turns to me. “They deserve to be happy.”

“I know,” I say, nodding. “And I plan to make sure they will be.”

“That’s good, very good,” She says nodding. “But yes, I’ll write that letter for you as quickly as I can.”

“Let me give you my contact info so I can come pick it up before the hearing.”

We exchange contact information and pretty soon after, Summer and Olivia come in carrying some of Summer’s stuff.

“How’re you doing, kid?” I aks her, ruffling her hair.

“Hey quit it!” She says, slapping my hand away and laughing up at me. “But I’m doing okay.”

“We’re gonna make everything right,” Olivia says, pulling Summer to her side. “Right?”

“Yeah,” I answer, wrapping my arms around the two of them. “Of course.”

“We’re gonna have to leave soon,” Olivia whispers in the middle of the group hug.

I feel Summer squeeze us tighter before taking a step back.

“Okay, I’ll see you guys soon, right?” She says.

“Yes. We’ll come pick you up after the hearing. We promise,” I say.

We say our goodbyes and head back to the car. Olivia is silent on the drive back. I let her sit with her thoughts because whatever she chooses to do, I want her to be completely sure about. She’s making some huge decisions for her life right now.

“Can you hold me when we get inside?” She asks as we pull into the garage.

“Of course,” I say.

I take her hand and lead her into the house and pull her down and into my bed. She rests her head on my chest and I run my fingers through her hair.

“Jax?” She asks.