Page 92 of Jax & Knox

"What? I'm just saying."

Knox rolls his eyes, but there's a small smile tugging at his lips.

I watch the exchange, my chest tightening. They're so comfortable here. So relaxed. It's a side of them I've never seen before, playful, teasing, integrated into this family in a way that makes my heart ache.

"Come on," Bella says, guiding me toward the living room. "Let me introduce you to everyone."

The living room is full of people.

Two women who look like younger versions of Bella are sitting on the couch, and two men, both wearing Iron Reapers cuts, are standing near the fireplace.

My stomach twists. There are so many of them. So many people to impress. So many people who could decide I'm not good enough.

"This is my sister Brooke," Bella says, gesturing to the older of the two women. "And her husband, Revolver."

Brooke smiles warmly and waves. "Hi, Ainsley. It's so good to meet you."

Revolver nods at me, his expression friendly but reserved. He's watching me carefully, like he's trying to figure me out.

"And this is my youngest sister, Bri," Bella continues, gesturing to the other woman. "And her husband, Blade."

Bri grins. "Welcome to the family, Ainsley."

Blade gives me a small smile. "Good to meet you."

"It's good to meet all of you too," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Sit, sit," Bella says, guiding me to the couch. "Dinner's almost ready, but we have time to chat."

I sit down, and Jax sits beside me, his hand immediately finding mine. Knox sits on my other side, still holding Owen.

"So," Switch says, settling into a recliner. "How'd you two idiots manage to land a woman like her?"

"Dad," Knox warns.

"What? It's a legitimate question."

Jax grins. "We were in the right place at the right time."

"And we didn't fuck it up," Knox adds.

"Miracle of miracles," Switch mutters, and everyone laughs.

I watch them, my chest tight. They're teasing each other, but there's so much love in it. So much warmth. It's the kind of family dynamic I've only ever seen in movies.

And I'm sitting right in the middle of it.

Dinner is chaotic in the best way.

The dining table is massive, and it's packed with food, roast chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, and more. Everyone talks over each other, laughing and teasing and sharing stories.

I sit between Jax and Knox, my hands folded in my lap, trying to take it all in.

Switch keeps giving Jax and Knox a hard time about their past.

"Remember when you two brought home three different women in one weekend?" he asks, grinning.

"Dad," Jax groans.