A/N:  Thanks for all the kind messages last week. I have the loveliest readers!   The funeral is next week, so I may not be able to publish an update.  But I will try my best as writing as has been a welcome distraction this week!  Chrissy x

~ ~ ~ ~

Cuddled on Nathan's lap, Rayne stopped dithering from the cold. "Look at me, sweetheart." Placing his finger under her chin, eye contact was necessary. "I can't lose you, Rayne. Please talk to me. Tell me what happened."

Rayne couldn't look away as his gentle hold held her in place. She saw his concern, love shimmering in those green eyes. "I upset Jaxon."

"This isn't about Jaxon, Rayne, this is about you. He's a big boy and will get over it. I want to know how you feel."

How did she feel... numb, mostly? "I feel adrift. It's lived with me, inside me, for so long. I thought I could just ignore it."

Nathan listened. "And now?"

Disappointment fuelled her tears. Inching her head away from his grip, she looked down with unfocused eyes as her hand habitually moved to her inner thigh, circling the fleshy part of her skin. Pinching would offer a reprieve—albeit temporary.

Nathan watched her carefully, taking her hand in his. "Rayne, for me to help, please allow me in. I've never asked, and I've waited patiently." He wrapped his powerful arms around her small waist, kissing her shoulder, inhaling the scent that was only her. "Trust me."

Burying her face in his chest. She did trust him. He'd never failed her, always anchoring her when lost. "My mother hated my very existence. From my earliest memories I only remember her cruelty." Rayne recalled the first time her mother had wished her dead. "My sixth birthday was the day my father died, having been in a coma since the day I was born." She paused, pondering if her life would have been different if he had lived.

Would he have hated her, too? Would her mother have loved her if he'd survived? Answers she would never know.

"Her rants and declarations of how much hate she had for me increased from that day."

Memories of her sixth birthday flooded her brain. "Rayne." Nathan pulled her from her thoughts.

"Oh, yes. Marcus always stood up for me, telling me how wrong she was." Nathan squeezed her, encouraging her onwards. "When I was twelve, she got drunk and chased me through the house with scissors, stabbing me in the leg." She ran her hand over the faint scar. "Marcus stopped her. He was seventeen and threatened he would leave her if she touched me again."

"And did she... stop?" Nathan's heart beat to a thunderous drum, reeling in his anger.

"It never happened again, but from then onwards, every night she would come into my room and tell me how useless and unwanted I was. How she wished I'd died instead of my father." Swallowing pain as if needles tore at her throat, she took a steadying breath. "Marcus would hear me cry and come sit with me. And one night he climbed in bed and held me until we fell asleep."

Rayne recalled many happy moments they shared as brother and sister. "Every night, he would tell me stories and we would fall asleep." Nathan listened without interruption. "It remained that way until I turned fifteen."

The next part of her story was the hardest, only having shared it with one other person... Dr De-Luca.

Continuing. "Something changed - it began with Marcus hugging me, whether or not I was upset. Then touching me... accidentally, he would say, and I thought nothing of it." She side glanced Nathan. "But the touching became less accidental, and he said it was because he loved me, and I loved him and that it was okay." A lump formed in her throat. "And when he asked me if I liked it. I said yes. I didn't want to upset him. He was the only person who loved me." Rayne held her breath, waiting for Nathan to air his disgust - tell her she wasn't normal. Something was wrong with her.

Nathan felt her stiffen. "Shhh. It's okay Rayne. You were a child, deprived of a mother's love." He tried to offer reassurance as best he could as he swiped away a stray tear.

"But that's where it all gets messed up - I think I did like it on some level... and I know it was wrong and disgusting and—" She shut her eyes to fight more tears. "Until then, he'd never hurt me and would whisper words that made me feel wanted... loved."

Nathan felt her retreat into her thoughts. "What happened Rayne?"

"He said he wanted to—" she paused. "Intercourse... sex. But—" She shook her head. "I heard some girls talking in the library at school about another girl. They said she was being sexually abused by her father and he was going to jail."

Rayne turned to gauge Nathan's reaction to her words. "I didn't want Marcus to go to jail. Above all, he was my brother, and he took care of me." Rayne dug her fingernail into her thigh. "But he kept pushing and one night he held me down and covered my mouth and—"

Nathan's heart broke as he listened to the truth of everything, taking hold of her hand before she broke skin. "It's okay, sweetheart."

Rayne inhaled a staggered breath. "That was the night mother found us and she threw me out—like trash. I didn't see them again until... until he turned up." She buried her head in his chest. Her shoulders rose and fell with each sob.

He now knew her shame.

Nathan held her tightly, running his hand over her head, down her hair. "I'm so sorry, sweetheart. No child should ever feel unloved and none of this is your fault Rayne." His hatred towards her mother and brother scorched his soul. "You're safe now. I've got you. I'll always love you, take care of you. And Jaxon too."

Rayne listened to his heart beating furiously against her cheek as he spoke in soft tones, although there was an edge she'd never heard before. She breathed in his masculine scent, the delicious mixture of sandalwood and citrus. "Has this changed anything... for you?" Could he still love her knowing she let her brother touch her?"

"No." Absolute conviction came with that one word.

They sat quietly for the longest time before gently easing her away and forcing her to look at him.

He held her gaze captive. Although she wanted to very much look away, she didn't. "Rayne, this what we have is forever, eternity. Nothing you could tell me would make me think any less of you... love you any less." Stroking her cheek. "I'm so very sorry this happened to you, sweetheart. It's something no one should have to experience. But understand this - it wasn't your fault. As humans, we long for a connection to feel loved and wanted. How could I think any less of you for that?"

"In my head what you say sounds right, and I want to believe... but here." She pressed her stomach. "Feels wrong."

Nathan raised an eyebrow. He could sit here all day and try to convince her that her feelings were wrong, but that simply wouldn't help. He would need to cut to the chase. "Tell me how this translates into hurting yourself."

Shame bustled through her. But she wouldn't stop now. He deserved to hear the truth. "I'm swallowed by darkness and if I could just get it out." Her hand once again circled her thigh. "It slithers through my veins and only the pain stops it." She inhaled a staggered breath, suddenly feeling exhausted. "I didn't mean to upset Jaxon or make him mad. I just wanted..." She tried to think of the best explanation. "To not feel or feel something real." Her eyes dropped, not wanting to look at him, see his disappointment.

"To clarify, you're saying pain forces it all to go away, feel better?"

She debated with herself whether to answer, but nodded, unable to vocalize her shame at such a request.

Nathan ground his teeth. This was slightly outside his comfort zone, by no near measure a sadist. Pain was a tool that brought him and his submissive pleasure. But if he read Rayne right—this was more. "Does it excite you to think of the pain?"

She shrugged as her breath trembled through her lips. "Sometimes—but not when I feel like this." She paused again, gathering her thoughts. "The pain, it's like a weight being lifted and I can breathe easier. I feel... clearer."

Shaking his head, he told her. "Rayne, we need a healthier way to help you move past this. And I think I understand what you need." He paused. "When I used the flogger and tied you up, you said you felt free. Yes?"

It was true. Her past pain and routine were not in her thoughts. "Yes, you took away the pain, the memories, even my need for routine."

"Sweetheart, no I didn't. That was you surrendering yourself to just feel. They overrode the other thoughts and feelings. I took you out of yourself. Hence why you felt aroused too." She wasn't sure she understood. "And you wanted to please me."

That she understood. Making Nathan happy brought her immersible pleasure.

"I would like to try something, if you're willing."

She waited. "It means us going to my club as I think the change in environment will work better."

The club? His club? Many times, this mysterious place had entered her thoughts. "Would you be open to that?"

Would she ever! "Yes."

A tentative smile spread across his lips. "Good girl." He thought for a moment. "I will call Josephine and ask her to keep a room free." He knew which room. "Now I want you to relax here, get some sleep, and when you wake, you are to not think of what happened today. It's the past. I only want you to be in the present with me."

She could do that—for him. "Yes, Nathan."

He kissed her forehead. "That makes me happy, sweetheart." His praise warmed her entire body.

Settling her in bed, he kissed her once more and left to find Jaxon, who was in the kitchen making coffee. "Hey."

"How is she?" He stirred his coffee without making eye contact.

"Not sure, a little better... maybe."

It compelled Jaxon to ask. His guts churned. "Is she angry, upset with me?"

"No." he ran his hand across his cheek. "I want to take her to the club to try something... tonight."

Caught by surprise. "Oh, and she wants to?" He wondered if Nate would ask him to join them.

Nathan read the worry on his brother's face. "I want you there, Jaxon. But you are not to intervene in what I have planned. Play along. But I can't promise you there won't be a punishment for you."

He'd already fucked things up—they would do this his brother's way, punishment or not. "Whatever you need."

"Good."

~ ~

Heading inside the club, it surprised Rayne to find it nothing like she'd expected. There were no chains hanging from walls or cages filled with naked people. Relief and disappointment settled in her mind. At first glance, it was more like a nightclub. Although she hadn't actually been inside one of those, either.

As she held Nathan's hand as he led them inside, Jaxon walked closely behind. She was happy he had come too, although he had spoken little.

The thud of music relaxed her slightly as the room opened up so she could see a bar along a back wall and someone she recognized walking towards them... Josephine.

"Ah, what a wonderful sight I see." Her eyes ran the length of Rayne, who was wearing the outfit Nathan had picked out—something that he'd obviously bought and kept hidden. She liked the white corset bodice, but wasn't too sure of the short black skirt made from PVC. Or the knee-high boots, which made her a good six inches taller. Not that she minded the additional height.

"You look simply edible, Rayne." Josephine licked her lips, raising a brow before turning her attention to Nathan, placing a hand on his shoulder and air kissing.

Jaxon moved closer to Rayne, resting his hand on her hip. Rayne's stomach leaped at the close contact.

"Jaxon, lovely to see you join us here, it's been too long."

Jaxon flicked his chin up, but said nothing.

"The room requested is ready." She handed Nathan the key. "Play nice." She winked at Rayne.

"Thank you, Josephine," said Nathan.

Rayne felt her hand tugged as she followed Nathan. Her eyes roamed around her new surroundings, saddened that she couldn't see more. Nathan must have read her mind. "Another time I will show you around. But not tonight."

Coming to a stop before a door, she watched Nathan unlock it and step inside. At first glance, it was some kind of jail as her eyes fell on the imposing metal frame along one wall and open door.

Nathan walked around the room, examining everything as Jaxon stepped up behind and pulled her towards his chest. "Relax, little one."

Her heart thumped as Nathan, seemingly happy, came to stand before her. "Tonight, I want us to role play."

She didn't understand.

Nathan read her confusion. "Role play is simply stepping out from who we are. It allows one to pretend, let go of those things that may hold us back." He turned his attention to the jail cell. "And in this case, I thought the jail scenario would work well."

"What—" She looked around. "You intend to lock me up?"

"Indeed, I do, sweetheart. Naughty girls need to be locked up!"

His playful tone and lustful stare sent a shock-wave straight down to her clit.

"It also means you will need to release all those fears, guilt and shame and submit to me." He stepped closer, lifting her chin to look into the grey eyes he adored. "You trust me?"

Okay, she wasn't sure this would work, but she trusted him. "I do."

Nathan took her hand and walked backwards, watching her follow. The jiggle of her breasts in the lacy boned bodice he'd chosen had him hard already. "Step inside naughty girl." He signaled with his hand.

Doubtful but curious. She stepped inside and Nathan stepped up close, bringing his hands up to cup her breasts. "You look so goddamn sexy. I'm tempted to skip this and get straight to your punishment."

Rayne licked her lips, dragging her teeth over her bottom lip. Any nerves dissipated with his words.

He stepped away and closed the door, but left it unlocked. Turning to walk towards the table and chair, he sat and lifted his legs to prop them atop the desk. Jaxon followed his lead and sat at the far end of the desk, both waiting to see what she would do.

Nathan watched her walk up and down the jail cell, running her fingers along the bars. "Okay Sweetheart?"

She stopped and turned to face them. This was nothing like she had imagined on the way here. This was kinda fun and freeing in a unique sense. She could be whoever she wanted. "hmmm, just thinking."

"About...?" he raised his hands, reaching behind the back of his head, crossing his fingers to hold them there."

"What to do to get out of here?" She could do this. Play this little game. And any distraction away from dark thoughts was a wonderful distraction.

"Well, what can you offer us... officers of the law?"

"Law? You don't look like any police officer I know."

"That's because we're FBI darlin," he teased in a silly accent.

"FBI?"

"Indeed." His top lip curled. "So again, what can you offer us to let you out?"

Rayne bit into her bottom lip. "I'm not wearing any panties... would you both like to see?" It was the first thought that came to mind.

"What do you think, Jaxon?" He swiveled on his chair toward his brother.

Jaxon shrugged. "It's a good place to start. I never say no to pussy."

Rayne restrained a giggle as she reached around to unzip the skirt, letting it fall to the floor. She stepped out of it, feeling the cool air against her bare pussy.  Standing now in just her corset and knee-high boots.

Jaxon adjusted himself as Rayne stepped forward and rubbed her barely contained breasts along the bars. "I hope you like?"

Jaxon scrubbed his hand across his chin. "Fuck, I do like, but you're still too covered up for my liking—how about you let us see those gorgeous tits beneath that pretty top?"

She felt a little silly, but kept in character. "Seeing as you ask so nicely, Sir." Jaxon curled his eyebrow at the sir  title.

Rayne slowly unclipped each hook, slowly peeling the lacey material apart, freeing her breasts to hear both men suck in sharply.

"Fuck me," said Jaxon, shaking his head as Rayne bent down to undo her boot. "You're keeping the boots on!" he said a little too quickly.

Nathan smirked. "Fuck her—I think you mean, brother?"

"Hell, yeah I do." Grinned Jaxon, feeling slighter hotter than moments ago.

Nathan chuckled as he brought his hands down, tilting his head. "Sadly, as part of your punishment, Jax, you will only watch and do only as I ask."

Jaxon's brow furrowed; he had waited all afternoon to hear Nate's threats of punishment for his fuck up that morning. His eyes travelled over Rayne; she looked so innocent and sexy—hell he would openly admit to begging to get his hands on her."

Nathan returned his attention to their little jailbird. "Very sexy, darlin' But I'm gonna need more than that! You have been very, very bad."

Rayne straightened and pouted. "What is the charge, Sir?"

"The charge is not sharing how you feel with your Dom."

Rayne nibbled her inside cheek. He was right. She shouldn't have asked Jaxon, knowing full well he didn't or couldn't hurt her in the way she needed... wanted... still wanted.

"How is that shame  working out for you right now, sweetheart?"

Rayne analyzed her thoughts and feelings. "Quiet, Sir."

"Good. So, what do you think I should do with you?" He ran his finger across his parted lips. An idea popped into his head. "And whilst you think about it. I want you to squeeze those perfect tits and pinch those tight nipples for me."

Rayne's face flamed but complied as she cupped her breasts and moaned just a little when she pinched the tips of her peeked nipples.

It was Nathan's turn to adjust himself, stifling a groan. Fuck, she looked sexy in just boots whilst touching herself and blushing. His cock pulsed behind his zipper.

Rayne could see both Nathan and Jaxon were hard from watching her every move. It gave her a heady sense of power. Feeling braver. "If I let you spank me, Sir, would you let me out of here?" Rayne turned and rubbed her ass against the bars. A smile stretched across her lips, although neither man could see.

"Tempting... and then what?" he asked.

Rayne looked over her shoulder. "And then anything you want... I'm yours to do as you wish, if you'll set me free."

"Hmm," he pondered.

"I promise not to tell anyone." She looked up through thick lashes.

He liked the fact she remained in character. "Whilst I think about... your offer. Why don't you show me how much you mean what you say?" His eyebrow lifted. "Come out and suck off my colleague."

Rayne eagerly nodded. As Nathan continued. "And whilst doing it—perhaps next time you will think twice before you ask someone to do something they shouldn't?"

This was an easy and enjoyable punishment. "Yes, Sir."

"Jaxon would be so kind to let our little jailbird out from her cell."

He would happily comply. Jaxon rose and walked towards Rayne, opening her cell door. Rayne smiled up at him as she rubbed herself up against him on the way out. He groaned as his dick twitched.

"Bend over this desk and stick that sexy ass in the air. I need some inspiration in choosing the best implement for your punishment."

Nathan stood waiting for her to comply. She did so without question. He spotted a hint of nervousness in her eyes, along with excitement of what was about to happen to her. It was sexy as hell for him, like an addict getting a hit.

Rayne bent over the desk and rested her arms on the cool surface. "Spread those legs wider for me, don't hide that pretty pussy from us."

In this position, it totally exposed her as Jaxon came to stand alongside him. Both stared at her pussy and those sexy boots. Nathan calculated she was the perfect height to be spanked and fucked in that order.

Rayne wiggled her ass.

Nathan shook his head, smiling. "So, fucking sexy." He turned his attention to his brother. "Thank me later." he said to Jaxon before walking over to a storage cupboard to open up and see what he had in mind.

If this was his punishment, hell he wouldn't complain.  Jaxon stepped up right behind Rayne, letting his hands follow the smooth contour of her round ass. Crouching down, he ran his tongue up the inside of her thigh, nibbling to feel her push against him, her soft moans delighting him.

Moving up, he reached her already soaked pussy. It seemed someone enjoyed roleplaying a little too much. As she gave him a little swish of her hips. He could see her clit, swollen and eager for his touch. Jaxon flicked his tongue and loved the way she moaned out in response. His cock ached for some much-needed attention.

Sucking in her clit, he bit down lightly to hear her gasp. It was Nathan's firm tone that stopped him from going further.

"That's hardly a punishment, Jax. I thought I asked her to suck your cock?"

Jaxon rose. "Up little one. Turn around and get on your knees."

Rayne a little shakily rose and turned before sinking to her knees.

Undoing his belt, with one hand he gently reached forward and tilted her chin upwards to see her smile. He traced her perfect lips with his thumb.

Freeing his cock, Rayne was eager to taste him. Leaning forward, she licked the swollen end before focusing on the slit in the center of his head leaking pre-cum. "Hmmm" she mumbled as he groaned, enjoying her teasing him.

"Stop playing with him. Let me see that cock slide between those lush lips of yours darlin'," she heard Nathan command. She hummed again in pleasure as Jaxon groaned. The vibrations of her moans travelled up his thick shaft, right through to his aching balls. He wrapped his hand in her hair and pushed in further.

Her hot mouth was heaven around his cock, slipping further he felt her throat relax as he pushed in deeper. "That's it, little one, you can take more."

With flushed cheeks, she did well not to gag.

"Fucking so sexy." He stroked the side of her face as he pumped in and out of her tight, perfect mouth. He smiled down at her, liking the fact she would have the taste of him for the rest of the scene. He was gentle but firm and he took her mouth with long sure strokes, loving watching his wet cock slip in and out and her hungry moans driving him to go faster. It wouldn't take him long to come at this rate.

"Enough!" stopped Nathan as Jaxon stilled, his cock throbbing, desperately seeking its release and hopefully down her throat. Swallowing tightly, he calmed his breathing.

"There will be no coming for you tonight, Jax." Nathan repeated his earlier instruction as a wonderfully wicked smile spread across his lips, not even trying to hide it from his brother.

Rayne looked up at him wide-eyed as she withdrew with a pop. Almost pouting, she waited for further instruction, but it fixed her eyes on the wooden implement in Nathan's hands. He had never used something like that. She wasn't sure if she should be worried.

Nathan strode toward them, smirking. "Up, back in the position on the desk, let me see that perfect ass waiting for me."

Jaxon helped her up before pushing his straining erection back inside his pants with a groan. Not enjoying his punishment as much now.

He stepped away, allowing Nathan room, right behind Rayne. Placing down the paddle next to her, he was eager to get started as he let hand glide over her ass, through her thighs and stroke her pussy lips. "Are you ready to take your punishment now, sweetheart?"

"Yes, Sir."

"What is your safe word?"

"Fairy, Sir."

"Good girl. Don't be afraid to use it. This will differ from anything we've done together so far."

"I won't Sir, I promise."

Removing his wet finger.  "So beautiful." He ran a trail of her juices over her bare back as she moaned out softly.  His eyes were now glued on the paddle, a moment of doubt as he assessed his choice of tool.  Would this be too much?  Its flat, hard wooden surface would stain her whole ass red. This would be the harshest apparatus he had used so far. The floggers had only ever offered a slight sting and a pinch of pain. But if release was what she sought. This would provide that outlet and still be within his realms of comfort.

He raised his hand.

Smack.

The first strike had her back arching and hissing through her teeth. "Hold her down Jax."

Jaxon's stomach tightened as the first smack to her ass made him wince, but knew not to say a word about Nate's choice of instrument. He stretched across the table and held her down.

Rayne shivered. Goosebumps traced up her arms and across her shoulders, but she felt no cold. It was a slice of pain—unexpected and created a warmth radiating outwards from between her legs. She wanted more.

He struck two more times, one on each cheek to make her jump. It was a shock to her entire body, but she absorbed the pain.

The fourth strike he added a little more force and potency as she bit down on her lip. "Ask me for more!" he commanded.

Whore... Her mother's voice ran through her head. "Please Sir, I need more... harder."

Jaxon watched Nathan's eyes darken with want for her. He assumed his was the same, but he wouldn't be allowed any more than he received already.

Nathan struck again. Now six in total.

You should have died. I hate you; you ruined your brother. More hurtful words. "Again Sir," she breathed out.

He obliged, sending more shock-waves through her body. Closing her eyes, she let herself get lost in the feeling of release, the sweet sensation of the paddle. Her body trembled under each swat on her now burning ass. She couldn't rationally comprehend the need for this punishment, but it brought a sense of peace that she needed an outlet for her own pain as memories and harsh words were pushed aside.

Counting out in her head each hit. On the sixth it came down so hard she thought her ass might burst into flames.

Nathan's breathing was hard and labored and took a moment to catch his breath. He slipped his hand roughly between her thighs and grazed over her wetness. It indeed painted her ass red. Surely it would be sore for days.

He needed to fuck her, fill her up. Fumbling with his pants, he quickly undid them and pushed his pants down slightly. There was something quite hot about fucking her with his clothes on and her in just boots.

"You're so fucking sexy, Rayne, this is what you wanted, sweetheart?" He dragged in air through his parted lips. "So fucking sexy and all mine. Christ, can you feel how hard you make me?" He pushed his solid length between her thighs.

"Yes," she breathed out.

"Do you want me to fuck you now?" Nathan couldn't hide his grin as sweat gathered along his neck.

"Yes, Sir, please." He silently gave instruction to Jaxon to let her go as he pulled her closer to the edge of the table. Pushing her legs further apart crudely and taking his cock in hand, he pushed into her with one swift thrust.

"Ooh," she cried out as he entered her without hesitation. The thrill was fresh with the rush of blood and desire. Her ass throbbed from the beating. "Look at Jaxon whilst I fuck you hard. Let him see how much you love me filling your tight pussy."

His fingers dug into her thighs as the force of his body fucking her hard had the table knocking against the floor and would have shifted forward if not for Jaxon as the end holding it steady. He continued to drive into her, almost punishingly.

Rayne felt nothing but heat and pleasure. Every inch of his filling her heightened every sense as she dug her nails into the side of the table silently urging him for more.

"Come when you're ready." he said in between hard thrusts.

All she could do was cry out as his hard cock continued to pound into her. And when she came, it ran deeper than anything she had ever felt before in her life. Like someone was sending nuclear shock-waves through her entire body. She tried to make a noise, to express her pleasure, but the power of speech had escaped her. Her pussy clenched around him repeatedly as she pushed against him. Blood pulsed loudly in her ears, filling her head with the rushing sound of her release. Everything she hated about herself at that moment disappeared... fucked into some kind of oblivion.

She never felt Nathan's release so lost in her own.

~ ~

When Rayne blinked back to some kind of awareness of her surroundings, she was cuddled up in Jaxon's arms, sitting on a couch that she didn't recall seeing earlier.

"Your back." Jaxon kissed the top of her head.

She cleared her throat. "Where did I go?" she asked, a little confused. This definitely wasn't the room they were in. "Where are we?"

"This is one of the private aftercare rooms. They attached it to the other room we were in. No one will come in." He squeezed her tightly.

"Where is Nathan?"

"He said something about rescinding someone's membership. He'll be back soon. Don't worry. Relax."

Rayne cuddled up closer, loving the feel of his muscular arms wrapped around her. "Do you forgive me, Jaxon?"

"Forgive you for what, little one?"

"Earlier... when I—"

"You have nothing to be sorry for, Rayne. You were in a dark place and I did nothing but make it worse." He kissed her head again, feeling guilty. "How do you feel?"

"It's weird. My ass is burning and I'm sure I'll feel it for a week, but otherwise I feel okay for now." She didn't doubt the negative emotions would return, but sharing rather than hiding them might ease her burden.

"I'm proud of you little one." He whispered into her hair.

"Me?" she asked

"You endured a very sad childhood, yet you hold no bitterness. You love unconditionally and do everything to make me and Nate happy."

"Thank you, Jaxon—I love you."

"And I love you, little one."