The deep rumble of Jax's Harley-Davidson, a familiar and comforting sound, vibrated through the quiet afternoon air as it approached down the street. Avery, lost in a swirl of memories evoked by the old photographs scattered across her small table, was abruptly pulled back to the present. A soft smile touched her lips, anticipating his arrival. Deciding to greet him at the entrance, she gathered the faded snapshots, her fingers lingering for a moment on one depicting a sun-drenched beach scene from what felt like a lifetime ago. Carefully placing them back into their cardboard box, she rose and walked through the modest office space to the building's main door.

With a deliberate turn of the handle, she pulled the door open and leaned against the cool metal frame, her hip providing a casual support as she watched Jax maneuver his powerful motorcycle to a stop at the curb. The afternoon sun glinted off the chrome of the bike and the worn leather of his jacket as he swung his leg over the saddle and dismounted. After a moment spent securing the bike, his attention turned to the hard, lockable saddlebags. He fumbled briefly with the latches before extracting a white paper bag, the familiar red characters of their favorite Chinese takeout restaurant emblazoned on its side. Holding the bag in one hand, he turned and began walking towards her, his gaze meeting hers as he closed the distance.

"Chinese okay? I got you beef and broccoli," Jax said, a warm smile spreading across his face as he held up the bag slightly. The aroma of soy sauce and ginger wafted towards her, instantly making her stomach rumble.

A genuine surprise flickered across Avery's features. "You remembered my favorite," she said, a touch of wonder in her voice. It had been some time since their last takeout from New China, and the fact that he recalled her specific order, the beef and broccoli she always gravitated towards, was a small but significant gesture that warmed her heart.

"Of course I did," Jax replied, his eyes holding a tenderness that made her breath catch. He stopped directly in front of her, the paper bag now resting gently against his leg. Reaching out, he placed a tender kiss on her lips, a brief but meaningful connection that spoke volumes. "Now let's go eat. I'm starving."

With his free arm, the one not holding the precious cargo of food, he draped it comfortably over Avery's shoulders, drawing her close to his side. Side by side, they stepped back into the small office. The room, though functional, held a certain charm with its mismatched furniture and the lingering scent of old paper and ink. They made their way to the antique wooden desk situated in the center of the room. Avery settled into the worn leather of the desk chair, its springs groaning softly in protest, while Jax perched himself on a stack of sturdy cardboard boxes pushed against the wall. With a practiced hand, Jax began distributing the containers of food, the clatter of plastic and the crinkle of paper filling the air. Soon, they were both absorbed in their meals, the comfortable silence between them punctuated only by the soft sounds of their forks against the takeout containers. It was a familiar intimacy, a quiet understanding that had deepened over time, allowing them to simply be in each other's presence without the need for constant conversation.

After finishing their meals, Jax cleaned up the empty containers while Avery called Mrs. Morrow to see when she could meet at the bank to start on the papers for the sell off the house.
Just as Avery was finishing up on the phone, Jax walked back into the office.

"So, when do you sign the papers?" He asked, leaning against the desk.

"I had to meet her tomorrow at 10:00." Said Avery.

"Want me to come along?" Asked Jax.

"Nah, I think I can manage." Said Avery smiling up at Jax.

"I don't mind," Jax said, wanting to ensure she understood he was completely on board.

The excitement of Avery's recent home purchase hung in the air, a palpable buzz between her and Jax. "I know," she began, her voice laced with anticipation, "Maybe we could go out to dinner tomorrow night? A proper celebration for officially becoming a homeowner."

Jax's eyes crinkled at the corners, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "Sounds perfect to me," he agreed warmly, his gaze holding hers. The prospect of celebrating this milestone with her filled him with joy.

A playful glint entered Avery's eyes. She rose from her chair with a newfound lightness, her movements fluid and deliberate as she closed the small distance between them. Stepping between Jax's outstretched legs, she reached up, her arms encircling his neck. Her embrace was tight and familiar, a silent language they both understood. As she hugged him close, Jax's face nestled into the soft curve of her breasts, the intimate contact sending a familiar thrill through him.

A mischievous smile played on Avery's lips as she tilted her head back slightly, her voice a low murmur against his chest. "So," she purred, her fingers lightly tracing the line of his jaw, "you wanna sneak off to the bathroom for a quickie?" Her words left the air of the office charged with their shared desire.

A deep chuckle rumbled in Jax's chest. He leaned back just enough to look down into her eyes, his own filled with adoration and longing. "You never have to ask," he said, his voice husky with anticipation. In one smooth motion, he stood, lifting her effortlessly. Avery instinctively wrapped her legs around his hips, her body molding against his. Without another word, Jax turned and carried her towards the bathroom, the unspoken promise of passionate lovemaking filling the space between them.

Jax's eyes widened slightly, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he leaned in, trapping Avery gently against the cool, painted wood of the bathroom door. "Guess you took that whole 'have my babies' thing seriously," he murmured, his voice a low rumble that sent a shiver down her spine. The air between them crackled with a mixture of amusement and undeniable desire.

Avery tilted her head back, a confident glint in her eyes as she met his gaze. She reached up, her hands sliding around his neck, her thumbs lightly tracing the strong line of his jaw. "Well," she said, her voice a soft purr, "we're not getting any younger, so why wait?" There was a comfortable certainty in her tone, a shared understanding that had grown between them over time. The unspoken years of love and laughter echoed in the small space.

Jax chuckled softly, a warm sound that vibrated against her ear. He nuzzled his face into her hair, inhaling the familiar scent of her shampoo. "You won't hear me complaining..." he breathed, his arms wrapping around her waist, pulling her closer until there was no space left between them. The casual banter hung in the air, a lighthearted acknowledgment of the deep connection they shared and the future they were building together. The moment was infused with an easy intimacy, a testament to their comfortable and passionate relationship.

*****

Chapter One

"Mom, I'm home!" Avery called out, the sound of her voice echoing through the familiar entryway of her childhood home. The comforting weight of her purse slipped from her shoulder as she stepped inside, a sense of ease washing over her.

"In the kitchen, dear!" her mother's voice replied, a warm and welcoming sound that always brought a smile to Avery's face.

As she made her way toward the heart of the house, the aroma of roasting beef intensified, a rich and savory scent that danced in the air. Her stomach responded with a loud growl, a clear indication of her anticipation for the meal that awaited.

"It smells absolutely delicious in here, Mom," Avery announced as she entered the brightly lit kitchen.

Paige, her mother, turned from the stove, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "Thanks, sweetie. I'm making roast beef with mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, and honey-glazed carrots. I wasn't entirely sure if you'd be home for dinner tonight, but I figured if not, all of this would make wonderful leftovers." She moved gracefully to the sink, the clinking of dishes a familiar soundtrack to Avery's life.

"Oh, I'll definitely be here," Avery confirmed, her gaze drifting towards the tantalizing sight of the food. "In fact," she continued, a hopeful tone entering her voice, "is it okay if I invite Jax over? He always loved your roast beef." She reached for a raw carrot from a nearby bowl and took a satisfying bite.

"Of course, honey. We have plenty," Paige replied, turning back to face Avery, her smile widening slightly. A knowing glint sparkled in her eyes as she asked, "Does this mean you two are back together?"

Avery paused, the crunch of the carrot momentarily silenced. "Yeah, I think it's safe to say that we are back together." She resumed munching on the carrot, a hint of uncertainty in her expression.

"I told you it was only a matter of time, baby girl," Paige said confidently, her voice laced with a warmth that reassured Avery.

"Okay, okay," Avery conceded, a spark of hope now visible. "Nobody appreciates a know-it-all who has to constantly say 'I told you so'."

"You love it and you know it," Paige stated playfully. "Plus, that man of yours may or may not have something up his sleeve..."

"And what's that supposed to mean?" Avery asked, her curiosity piqued.

"My lips are sealed, baby girl. You'll just have to wait and see how things play out," Paige replied playfully as she began to assemble the ingredients for the honey-glazed carrots. "I will say this though... that boy loves you, Avery. Always has and always will."

With that definitive statement, Paige turned her attention back to her cooking, effectively signaling the end of the discussion. Avery, sensing her mother's playful stubbornness, decided not to press further.

Leaving the cozy warmth of the kitchen, Avery ascended the stairs to her old bedroom. Picking up her phone, she dialed Jax's number, the familiar rings causing a nervous flutter in her stomach. He answered on the third ring, his voice a welcome sound in her ear. After a brief exchange, she extended the invitation for dinner, and as she had suspected, the mention of Paige's famous roast beef sealed the deal.

With the dinner plans confirmed, Avery decided to take a refreshing shower. The warm water cascaded over her, washing away the remnants of the day and leaving her feeling renewed. Afterward, she slipped into a comfortable yet stylish dress, knowing that their evening wouldn't end with dinner. They had plans to visit Abel, a young boy who held a special place in both their hearts.

Deciding on a natural look, she left her hair down, the soft waves framing her face. A touch of simple makeup enhanced her features, and soon she was ready to head downstairs and wait for Jax's arrival.

As she reached the final step, the distinct sound of his motorcycle engine rumbled through the quiet street. Walking onto the porch, she leaned against the railing, watching as he approached. He expertly maneuvered his bike to a stop in front of the house, the setting sun glinting off the chrome.

"Hey baby," Avery greeted him, her hands resting on her hips, a playful smile tugging at the corner of her lips as she waited for him to dismount.

Jax swung his leg over the bike, his movements fluid and familiar. He carefully removed his helmet and hung it on the handlebar before turning his attention to her. In one swift motion, he pulled her close, his arms wrapping tightly around her waist. His lips met hers in a passionate kiss, one hand settling on the small of her back while the other found its place on her rear.

"Damn, you look sexy," Jax murmured when they finally broke apart, his gaze lingering on her.

"I just threw something on," Avery replied, a slight blush rising on her cheeks. "Figured you would want to go see the kid after dinner."

"Yeah, I do," he confirmed, his eyes softening. "But then I want to have my favorite dessert... you." He punctuated his words with another lingering kiss.

"You're my favorite dessert too," she whispered, her breath warm against his neck as she placed a soft kiss just below his ear. "So, let's go eat, go see the kid, and then we can get to the good stuff."

"Lead the way," Jax said, a playful smirk on his face as he reached for her hand.

Taking his hand, Avery turned and led them towards the house, adding a little extra sway to her hips, a silent acknowledgment of the familiar heat that sparked between them whenever their eyes met or their bodies brushed.

"Ouch!" Avery exclaimed playfully as Jax gave her a light smack on her backside.

"You liked it," he retorted, his smile wide and mischievous. "Now, let's go eat. Your mom's roast beef is calling my name."