Another contraction squeezed Zahara’s belly. She clenched her teeth and slid her hand under the swell. No way in hell was she stealing this spotlight. She’d had enough attention over the last few months to last her a lifetime. This was all about Lexi and Jax.
Jax used the fork to ferret out the box Lexi had asked the baker to plant inside the cake. He cut another look at her and drew out the small black plastic square.
Another murmur whispered through the group much like the rhythm of the waves in the distance.
“What in the hell?” Jax set the plate on the table and frowned at the box, searching for a way to open it. With his fingers covered in filling and frosting, he cracked the lid.
Definitely no backing out now. Lexi had deep-seated fears about marriage stemming from her rough childhood. She couldn’t love Jax more, but neither had she been able to say yes to his multiple marriage proposals. Zahara, Rubi, and Lexi had cooked up this scheme, knowing Lexi would need the support of everyone she loved to make this leap.
Jax’s gaze hung on the ring an extra-long second. Zahara was sure Lexi didn’t breathe until Jax met her gaze again, confusion and a trace of angst in his expression.
Rubi nudged Lexi and whispered. “That’s your cue.”
“I… I…” she stuttered before collecting herself. “I love you so much. Ask me again,” she said, her voice breathless. “Ask me again, Jax.”
Understanding widened his eyes. He glanced around the group, then focused on Lexi again. And the two spoke without words, the way Zahara and Chase often did. She sought him out now, found his smile wide and warm and aimed right at her.
Jax dropped to his knees at Lexi’s feet. The sudden movement startled everyone, and a gasp rippled through the group followed by laughter. Lexi tented her hands over her nose and mouth, laughing.
“Lexi LaCroix,” Jax said, his voice steady and warm and a little breathless. “You are my heart and soul. I want to spend forever with you.” He opened the box and offered her the engagement ring. Again. “Will you marry me?”
Tears slid down her cheeks. She whimpered, nodded. Rubi nudged her again.
“Yes,” she said, half-laughter, half-sob. “Yes, yes, yes.”
The boisterous group exploded in applause, and Jax pushed the ring onto her finger. Then he jumped to his feet, cupped her face in messy hands, and kissed her. Laughter and cheers rattled the tranquil night.
“That was perfect.” Chase slipped his arm around Zahara’s shoulders, his lazy smile on all the people in their lives that loved them.
Another contraction hit, nearly buckling Zahara’s knees. Chase’s arm tightened around her.
“Z?” He bent to look at her. “What’s wrong?”
When she could breathe again, she said, “I think it’s time to go.”
“Yeah, okay,” he agreed, his concerned gaze scanning her face. “It’s getting late.”
“No,” she told him, wrapping her arm at his waist and leaning her weight against him. “I mean it’s time to go.”
He did a double-take, read her expression, and said, “Oh.” He waited another beat. Excitement and nerves danced over his face. “Go? Now? Are you sure?”
“Oh yeah.” She breathed the words, relishing the feel of the contraction releasing its grip. “I’m sure.”
“Holy shit.” His arm tightened around her. “Okay, okay. Your bag’s in the car. The hospital said to come in when it was time…” The realization seemed to flood in, reflecting on his handsome face. He turned to the crowd and yelled, “It’s time to go!”
Zahara started laughing. “You idiot.”
They were instantly surrounded by Chase’s family. Friends ushered them to Chase’s car and tucked Zahara inside in a flurry of good wishes.
Chase rounded the driver’s side, slid in, and beamed at Zahara. “Ready to welcome our girl?”
“More than re—” Yet another contraction squeezed her belly, and she lost her breath for several long seconds.
When the pain eased and she could see straight again, Chase leaned across the console and kissed her. “Remember how much I love you—”
“When all I want to do is curse you in the delivery room?” she finished for him. She managed a little laugh and stroked his
cheek. “Same, baby. Same.”