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Chapter Twenty-Four

Jax

Jax watched as Ford went to the bathroom to partake of his morning routine. He glanced at Cade, who appeared pale. “Are you sure we did the right thing?”

“Hey, we didn’t think to do this , but we’ll get roundabout credit for it. I need to get ready so I can get out of here. You two are going to the venue, right? Play up the angle Rina mentioned about me not seeing it until it’s time for the ceremony.”

Cade laughed at the nonstop instructions. “Gotcha.”

Jax chuckled. “Anyway, we’ll meet you at your momma’s place around five for the rehearsal. I gotta pick up my tux and some other shit. You need anything while I’m out today? Pantyhose?” Jax smirked at his smartass comment.

Cade slapped him playfully on the shoulder. “Condoms. I plan for us to be busy tomorrow night. Are you sure you guys wouldn’t like to have the night to yourselves? I can stay at…”

Jax stopped him from talking by covering his mouth with his own. They’d discussed it, and it would be their first wedding night. Their spiritual joining… adoption… would take place the next Monday, and then the three of them were on a plane that evening for three weeks in a villa in Matera, in the Basilicata region of southern Italy. The location was decided after receiving a great recommendation from one of Jax’s former teammates.

“Okay, fine. You’re picking up the rings, right?” Cade cocked his eyebrow, and Jax chuckled.

The beautiful rings Jax had purchased for them had to be sized—Cade’s hands were substantially smaller than the other two men, so Jax had sent them to the jeweler in New York from whom he’d purchased them, and they were to be ready that afternoon, along with the engraving inside Ford and Cade’s rings. It was a simple inscription: 1+1+1= 4 Ever. Yeah, it was corny, but it was a wedding. Jax was sure there was some special rule about corniness at a wedding.

After he dressed in a pair of khakis and a sports shirt, Jax kissed Cade and stuck his head in the bathroom. “Babe, I gotta run. I’m supposed to meet with that kid we picked up in the draft for lunch. I’ll be back, but if I run long, I’ll meet y’all at Rina’s place.” Jax lied, but it would be worth the surprise he and Cade were trying to pull off.

Ford stuck his head out of the shower and smiled. “Kiss me.”

Jax grinned before walking over to the shower and wiping the shampoo from his soon-to-be husband’s forehead so it didn’t slide into his eyes.

“I love you, Branford. I can’t wait for tomorrow.” Jax did his best to hold back the water that welled up. He had no time for tears, so he quickly kissed Ford and dried his hands as the man went back to his shower.

Jax stepped out of the bathroom and found Cade on the phone. He kissed his young partner’s lips quickly before he disappeared down the stairwell to the ninth floor.

He approached suite 909 and knocked quietly, hoping he wasn’t too early. When the door opened, Jax didn’t see anyone until he looked down to see a beautiful little girl of about seven.

He knelt and grinned at her. “I’m Jax. I bet you’re Carlotta?”

The girl smiled. “Come in, Uncle Jax. Mamma’s still dressing. Would you like some water?” The beautiful little brunette was unbelievably mature, and Jax was drawn to her in an instant.

Carlotta had wavy hair that was pulled back with a barrette holding it out of her gorgeous face. She was more stunning than Jax could tell over the Skype sessions he’d had with her and her mother, Sela Thomas, Ford’s older sister.

It had been a fortunate miracle Cade had found Sela and Carlotta, but Ford had mentioned something about his sister moving to France to attend the Sorbonne and then the two of them losing touch. Cade started there with his research before moving on to painters in France, then in all of Europe.

He found a photographer who worked in Milan for a fashion magazine by the name of See Thomas. It had been a hunch on Cade’s part, really, that it was Ford’s sister.

Cade called the fashion magazine that used the pictures of a runway show for an ad campaign, and they gave him the name of the photographer’s agent. It took a few weeks to orchestrate the contact, but one day, after Ford left for the club, Jax and Cade had called Sela on Skype and the three of them had a conversation. That was when they met Sela’s daughter, Carlotta.

The two of them were excited to have Ford’s sister and niece attend the wedding. It had been extremely difficult to keep it a secret. Finally, it was happening, and they were both nearly bursting to launch the surprise later that night.

“Come see my pretty dress,” Carlotta said.

She took Jax’s large hand and led him to the other bedroom in the suite, pushing him to sit on the bed. She reached into the closet and pulled out an ivory satin dress with a champagne-colored taffeta overlay.

There was a taupe, grosgrain ribbon around the waist, and Jax did the girl’s dress justice by gasping at its beauty. “That’s beautiful, Carlotta.” She seemed remarkably comfortable with him, which made him happy.

“Uncle Cade sent Mama the link to it, and we went to the store here yesterday after we got to the hotel. It fit me, so we brought it home. It’s like a princess dress, don’t you think?” Carlotta held up the dress, putting her left foot forward and pointing the tip of her shoe in a pose for Jax’s approval.

Jax laughed. “It’s very much like a princess’ dress. I gotta go pick up my tuxedo today and our wedding rings. Are you ready to walk down the aisle to help us with the wedding? I believe Uncle Cade has some pretty flowers for you to carry on top of the pillow with the rings.”

Well, he hoped he was right because he only half paid attention when Kincade, their wedding planner, explained it to him. Carlotta was going to be the flower girl and ring bearer, all in one. Sela was set to walk Ford down the aisle, and Katrina was going to walk Jax down the aisle, with Cade following behind. He was to be Jax’s best man and Cleveland would be Ford’s.

The two of them heard a noise and turned to the sitting area of the suite where Jax saw the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen in his life. She was tall and thin with long, blonde hair and gorgeous features… Which were not dissimilar to one of the men he loved. “Sela, you’re lovelier in person,” he told her as he hugged the woman.

She hugged him in return. “My brother’s lucky you’re gay or I’d take you for myself. Now, did he get the package? Did he have any inkling?” Sela asked.

“Not a clue. He thought Kincade did it, but our Cade’s a good actor. He played it off like a pro. Ford’s probably going to want to kick our… butts, but he’ll be thrilled to see the two of you. Shall we?” Jax opened the door of the hotel room and swept his hand out for his companions to lead the way.

The three of them were careful to take the service elevator so as not to run into Ford and Cade. The surprise had taken too long to orchestrate for it to be ruined. Jax had a car waiting for them outside the back exit, and after he ushered the two inside, he hopped in with them and gave the driver the address on the Upper East Side where he needed to pick up his new tux.

“Did you get a response from Garrett or Grant?” Jax was referring to Sela and Ford’s younger brothers.

Sela chuckled humorlessly. “Not a word, but from everything I’ve heard from some friends back home, they’re living the life of spoiled rich kids so my request for them to call me went unanswered. If Mother or Father heard I’d contacted them, they might get cut off and need to seek legitimate jobs to support themselves, heaven forbid.”

Jax placed his arm over the back of the seat and touched her shoulder. “It’s okay. Trust me, this will make Branford very happy, especially when he gets to meet the beautiful Princess Carlotta. He doesn’t even know about you, mon petit ange.”

Jax had no doubt Ford would be over the moon upon seeing his sister and meeting his niece. It was the best gift Cade and Jax could give the blond bombshell.

After stopping at the jewelers and the tailors to complete his wedding-related errands, Jax suggested they go for lunch. “Cade came up with this place he thought you might like, Carlotta. I wish he could get away to join us, but I think there might be one in Chicago, so when you and your mom come visit, we can make a reservation and all go together.”

“Oh, that sounds fun, Uncle Jax,” the girl said as Jax helped her into the car while the driver put the bags in the trunk.

Jax turned to Sela. “I hope you don’t get mad, but she’s the closest thing we’ll have to a little one in our lives, and we’re prepared to spoil her.” He directed the driver to an address in Midtown.

When they pulled up in front of the place, Jax saw a line and was grateful Cade had made a reservation. “ Oh! Mama!” Jax knew he had a winner right then and he had Cade to thank.

He was certain he looked like a bull in a china shop as he lumbered up to the greeter’s stand with the beautiful little girl in his arms, but it was his first official act as a “guncle,” and he was enjoying it. “We have a reservation. Delacroix.” The young woman behind the podium appeared to be a bit startled at his size.

Jax had toned up, but he hadn’t lost as much weight as he’d initially planned because he’d worked out with the linemen over the summer. He felt healthy and strong, and that mattered most to him.

“I don’t see Delacroix, but I have a reservation for three under the name of Ragin’ Cajun. You’re Jackson Delacroix, right?” The girl had a faint blush on her cheeks. He was going to swat Cade’s sexy little ass for that one.

“Yes. Is our table ready?” The host grabbed three menus and led them to a small booth in the back which was a bit more secluded. The table had a colorful tablecloth along with flowers and a large, wrapped box atop.

The young woman handed out the menus and smiled. “There are adult beverages available as well as the specialties we have. Your server will be Louisa. Can I give her a drink order?”

Jax checked the menu and smiled, pointing to Sela. “I’ll have a Sangria. Carlie? Strawberry lemonade?”

“Oh, yes, please,” the little girl answered as she studied the package which had her name on it.

“I’ll have a Stella, please. Can we start with this?” Jax pointed to the menu where a first course was listed of vegetables, dip, hummus, bruschetta, and pigs in a blanket. He grinned at the host who nodded before hurrying away.

“So, Carlotta, it seems this is for you.” Jax wrestled the box onto the bench next to the girl for her to unwrap it. She tried to gently remove the tape, causing Jax to pull the box away.

“Okay, I get you’re a girl but when it comes to gifts? In my family, we tear the paper. You’re not gonna use it again, so have fun rippin’ it off.”

Sela laughed, and Carlie giggled tearing into the paper to pull it free from a white box.

Jax held it up for her as she took off the lid, gasping. “Oh, Mama!”

Jax looked over the top to see a doll that looked very much like the little girl, right down to the wavy brown hair and bright blue eyes. “Damn, that looks like you,” Jax said, hearing Sela laugh again.

He helped the girl unwind the doll from the packaging, tossing it on the floor under their feet. The doll was dressed in a dress very similar to the dress Carlotta was wearing for the wedding. Jax had to hand it to Cade, he knew his shit when it came to girls and dolls.

“Jax, you shouldn’t have.” Sela’s protest brought a chuckle from him.

He held up his hands. “This one isn’t on me. I’ve got other things for Carlotta when y’all come to Chicago but this one is Uncle Cade who probably has more outfits and sh—stuff for the doll already. Anyway, it’s our way of saying how happy we are you two came here to be with us.” The server delivered their appetizers and drinks, shifting the subject. “That looks really good.”

The three munched on the offerings, Jax minding his manners in front of the ladies. He wanted them to like him and think he was worthy of marrying Ford. It was important, and he owed Cade everything for making it such a great afternoon.

After eating lunch, they walked around the store where Jax coaxed Carlotta to choose a few outfits so the doll didn’t ruin her fancy dress, which she was going to wear to the wedding. Jax extended the invitation to the wedding to Ava, as the doll came to be named. They took their packages back to the hotel after Jax called the room to ensure no one was there.

“I’ll pick you two up at four to go to Katrina’s place. That’s where we’re going to meet up with Ford and Cade. If you need anything, call me. We’re in 1112.” Jax deposited their bags on the sofa.

As he was about to leave the room, Carlotta ran up to him and grabbed his hand. He looked down and smiled. “What can I do for you, young lady?”

She pulled him until he kneeled, and she gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you so much for such a fun day. I’ve seen that store on the internet, but I never thought I’d get to see it for myself. Love you, Uncle Jax.”

When she let go, he stood and opened the door, not turning back so she could see the tears on his cheeks. It was the most amazing feeling in the world hearing those words from a child. It rocked him to the bottom of his soul.

Jax adjusted his tie one last time in the mirror of the suite. According to Cade’s text, he and Ford had taken their suits with them to change at Katrina’s place before the rehearsal.

We have our things with us, but I’m as nervous as a hummingbird, so please don’t be late. I’m so worried about this surprise. Can’t wait to see you three. ILY. C

Jax laughed as he took the elevator to the ninth floor. When Sela opened the door of their room, Jax was stunned again. She looked so much like Ford. “I hope you won’t take this the wrong way, but you look so much like your brother, it takes my breath away.”

She laughed like Ford too. “Things might go well until we peel down to our birthday suits. You’ll be disappointed with what’s in my knickers, Jax.” Sela’s teasing brought a loud laugh from Jackson. He suspected she was right on that count.

“We’re ready!” Carlotta breezed in with her doll dressed in the new outfit Jax had purchased earlier that afternoon.

Jax knelt next to Carlotta and pulled the plastic box from behind his back. He opened it and removed one of the rose corsages from inside, placing it on Carlotta’s small wrist. He took the much smaller corsage—an afterthought for him that caused him to call the hotel florist and request that it quickly be made. It was a little big for the doll, but Carlotta’s beautiful little face lit up.

“They’re so pretty. Thank you, Uncle Jax.”

“You’re in the wedding, mon petit ange. You need a beautiful flower so everyone knows it. Shall we?” Jax extended his arm to Sela and his hand to Carlotta. He felt like the luckiest man on earth escorting two beautiful women. It was incredible.

When the three of them walked out of the hotel toward the waiting limo, they were met with flashbulbs. Jax picked up Carlotta and hurried them to the car, but it was too late, the damage was done. Those pictures would end up somewhere, and he hoped Ford didn’t see them before they were able to surprise him. He quickly sent a text to Cade.

Paps caught us at the hotel. Take Ford’s phone. I know he has an alert for anything regarding either of us, and I don’t want him to see them before we get there. We’ve worked too hard to have it ruined. JD

He dropped the phone into his jacket pocket and turned to his two companions. “I’m so sorry about that. It happens, though less frequently now. I guess someone got wind of the wedding. Anyway, please don’t pay attention to whatever the papers come up with tomorrow. It’ll be lies because they don’t give a damn about who they hurt. It’s all about the headline.” Jax hated that he had to apologize for the invasion of their privacy.

Carlotta settled her doll on the seat across from Jax and Sela before she moved to sit between them. “It’s okay, Uncle Jax. Mama and I saw some of the mean things people said about you and Uncle Cade and Uncle Ford. We don’t care.” The girl took his hand to hold. In that moment, he didn’t care either.

Fuck them!