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Chapter Forty-Four

IVY

The first thing I feel is warmth.

A big, solid body curled behind me, rough fingertips tracing slow circles on my bare back. The engagement ring on my finger feels heavier this morning—more real somehow.

Then, a deep, sleepy voice rumbles against my ear.

“Morning, baby.”

I shiver, but not from the cold. The sheets are tangled around us, and Jackson’s body heat is keeping me plenty warm.

I stretch with a soft sigh, my legs brushing against his. His hand drifts lower, skimming over my hip, possessive and slow.

“Mm, morning.”

He presses a kiss to my shoulder, and then another, traveling down the bare expanse of my spine. I already know that look is in his eyes.

“Gotta make sure everyone knows you’re mine before I leave again.” His voice is rough, gravelly from sleep, but laced with something darker.

I smile lazily. “Oh yeah?”

Before I can process what’s happening, Jackson moves . Suddenly, he’s up, scooping me into his arms with that effortless strength of his.

I squeak, laughing as he carries me toward the master bathroom. “What are you?—”

He flips on the shower. “Christening our house, baby.”

“We already christened it!” I joke as he sets me down carefully.

The steam rises around us, curling in the morning light. His hands roam my curves, gripping my ass before lifting me against the cool tile.

“Hold on to me, baby.”

I do.

His mouth is everywhere—claiming, teasing, devouring. Water beads down his shoulders, running over every ridge of muscle as he pins me there, fitting his body to mine.

His lips brush my ear. “I need you one more time before I go. You’re the mother of my child—the one I love. And the one I’m going to protect and love forever . I want you so much, baby.”

“I want you too, Jackson. I’m yours.”

It’s slow and deep, an unhurried possession that leaves me trembling, breathless, my nails digging into his skin.

This isn’t just sex.

It’s a promise.

When it’s over, I don’t want to let go. My forehead drops to his as we catch our breath.

Jackson smirks, tucking wet strands of hair behind my ear. “You good, baby?”

I can’t even form words yet. I just nod softly. Yes. So good.

When we step out, my reflection is hazy in the fogged-up mirror. My lips are swollen, my skin flushed, my thighs shaking. Jackson watches me from behind, wrapping an arm around my waist.

His gaze is dark and satisfied as his fingers trace over my stomach, down my hip.

“Yeah, baby.” His voice is full of possession. “You look exactly how you should.”

I swallow hard, heat coiling all over again. How the hell am I supposed to function today?

The bell above the door jingles as we step into Maple & Bean , the cozy little coffee shop that’s been my go-to for years. The scent of fresh espresso and buttery pastries fills the air, and for the first time in a long time, I feel settled.

Not just because I’m back home.

But because he’s here, too.

Jackson’s hand is warm against the small of my back as we make our way toward our favorite booth by the window. It’s the same one we sat at that first time he visited—before he bought the house, before the engagement, before all of this.

I glance up at him as we sit, my heart flipping at how good he looks, fresh from our shower, a little scruff on his jaw, his gray Henley pulling tight across his chest.

He smirks. “What?”

I shake my head, grinning. “Nothing. Just…it’s nice to have you here.”

His expression softens, but before he can say anything, a voice cuts through the café.

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t the town’s favorite couple.”

I freeze.

Because of course.

Kyle is standing near the counter, arms crossed, watching us with an unreadable expression.

Jackson tenses beside me, his jaw locking.

I exhale slowly. Okay. Here we go.

Kyle makes his way over, and I brace myself for whatever the hell is about to happen.

“So…” He gestures vaguely between us, then his eyes drop to my engagement ring. “Guess it’s serious, huh?”

Jackson’s arm casually drapes over the back of my seat, his tone smooth but laced with warning. “It is.”

Kyle exhales, shaking his head with a wry chuckle. “Yeah. I figured.” He rocks back on his heels, then gives me a pointed look. “Guess I was wrong when I told them.”

My stomach drops.

“Told who?” I ask. “Wait, told who, what? What are you talking about, Kyle?”

Kyle shrugs. “The sports bloggers. The media. Whoever wanted the scoop. I told ‘em you were using her for attention. I tipped ‘em off way early.”

Jackson’s entire body goes still.

His fingers tighten around his coffee cup, and I swear I feel the heat of his glare from where I’m sitting.

I place a hand on his knee under the table, grounding him.

“Why?” I ask, my voice surprisingly steady.

Kyle sighs, running a hand through his hair. “Honestly? I was pissed.” His eyes flick to Jackson. “Jealous, maybe. I don’t know. I thought I was watching out for you. I didn’t think you two would actually make it. It was a shitty thing to do.”

Jackson exhales sharply through his nose, his nostrils flaring. “Goddamn right it was.”

I hold onto Jackson’s arm, appreciating that he’s not going full alpha mode and beating the snot out of Kyle right now, as much as I can feel he wants to.

Because then we might have a real scandal on our hands.

Kyle nods, rubbing his jaw. “Yeah. And I’m sorry.”

Wait, what?

I blink. “You are?”

Kyle nods. “Yeah. Look… I know I wasn’t great to you, Ivy. And seeing you with him? It messed me up. But that’s not an excuse.” He hesitates, then exhales. “I’ve been a jealous, bitter asshole for too long. And I don’t want to be that guy anymore.”

I study him, searching for deception.

For the first time, I don’t see it.

Kyle shifts, clearing his throat. “Anyway. I’m moving.”

Jackson’s brows furrow. “Moving?”

Kyle nods. “Heading to this little town in Oregon. Got a fresh start waiting for me out there.” He forces a grin. “Figured it’s about time I make a move.”

I exhale, tension I didn’t even know I was holding, leaving my body.

Because this?

This is closure.

“I hope it goes well for you, Kyle.”

He nods, then glances at Jackson. “Take care of her.”

Jackson’s grip tightens on my waist. “You don’t have to tell me that, buddy. Take care of yourself.”

Kyle smirks faintly, nods once, and then?

He walks out.

Leaving us to our coffee, our breakfast…

And our future.

Jackson exhales, shaking his head. “That guy…”

I squeeze his hand. “It’s over.”

He studies me for a long moment, then nods. “Yeah. It is. That seemed genuine.”

“Thank you for handling that in a mature manner,” I add.

A few minutes later, Jackson leans in, pressing one last kiss to my lips. “Alright, baby. I have to go to work. Being a three-and-a-half-hour drive to Chicago and all.”

“I’ll miss you.”

“I’ll miss you too.”

“I’ll be back soon.”

“I know.”

One more kiss. One more moment. “I’ll be waiting for you, I add.”

He smiles at me. And then, he walks out the door.

I stand there for a second, coffee cup in hand, watching him go. My heart full. My future wide open.

For the first time in my life, I’m not afraid of what’s next.

Because no matter what happens, I know one thing for sure.

Jackson Knox is my forever.