A Ruin Of Roses (Used to be: My Mysterious Husband)

FIVE

𝙼𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝙷𝚘𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝙺𝚒𝚕𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚎, 𝙸𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍, 𝟸:𝟹𝟺 𝙿.𝙼 𝙹𝙰𝙽 𝟷𝟼𝚝𝚑 𝟸𝟶𝟷𝟾
[𝙿.𝙾.𝚅 𝚁𝙾𝚂𝙴]

As the evening unfolds, I notice that Jaxon is getting along well with my mother and Frank. My focus remains on Lilly and Jayden, who appear to enjoy the festivities just as much as I am. Lilly's playful comment about Jaxon doesn't go unnoticed.

"I like him, Mom," Jayden says with a smile as he sets his drink down on the table.

I nod, finding myself saying something unexpected, "He's not as bad as I thought."

Lilly leans in closer to me, whispering, "Did you see that guy? He's hot as hell. I'm almost jealous I didn't marry him." She chuckles playfully.

Jayden approaches my mother and takes Jaxon's arm, whispering something in his ear. Jaxon turns to look at me, and I offer a nonchalant shrug. "We will talk later. I'm going to spend some time with my wife," Jaxon says, signaling his intention to guide me to the dance floor.

Lilly gives me a gentle push, urging me to stand. "I don't see why not. But you'll have to guide me; I haven't danced with anyone since I was eleven," I admit.

"That's fine," he replies, wrapping his arm around my waist, and we begin to sway to the music. I feel a bit rusty, but Jaxon's guidance makes it more accessible.

"If you don't mind my asking, what did Jayden whisper to you?" I inquire, my curiosity piqued.

"He asked me not to say, so I can't, sadly," Jaxon responds.

"You're good with kids," I observe, noting the ease with which he interacts with Jayden.

"I have three younger brothers and two younger sisters, so it comes naturally to me," he shares.

I opened up about my family history. "I only have Lilly. My parents divorced when I was two. She cheated on him with Frank and got pregnant with Lilly," I reveal, my voice tinged with resignation.

"That must have made you angry," he observes.

Surprisingly, I reply, "Not really. I hated how my father was treated after the divorce. Later, he told me that's how they were in their marriage, too."

We continue our dance, the conversation flowing naturally. "So, how old is Jayden?" Jaxon asks, displaying no concern about our age gap.

"He's seven," I reply.

"I have a nephew who's six. He comes around sometimes; maybe they can get to know each other," he suggests, offering a friendly gesture.

"That would be nice," I smile.

Jaxon's curiosity shifts to a more personal topic. "Frank was right; you're a lot nicer than what I expected."

I confess, "I feel the same way about you." I look down, hesitant to share more. "I heard the rumors. I can't believe some of the shit that comes out of people's mouths."

Jaxon's gaze softens, and he assures me, "I don't pay attention to what others think of me. I prefer to keep to myself. The less people know about the real me, the better."

"I wish I could do that," I admit.

Our conversation takes a more solemn turn as I explain the complex relationship with my mother. "This is the first time my mom is meeting Jayden."

"Why?" he inquires, his curiosity evident.

I exhale slowly, revealing the raw truth. "I moved in with my dad when I turned eleven. After I got there, he had to take me to the hospital because I was sick. Of course, they told me I was pregnant, and that I had a choice to have an abortion. I refused. Nine months later, Jayden was born. My dad helped me raise him. I didn't want my mom to see him."

Jaxon responds with a simple, "That's intense."

I sigh, reflecting on my journey. "I guess. I've been scraping by since my dad died, trying to stay on top of bills, being a good mom, school, and everything in between."

He offers comfort and support. "Well, now you have a little backup."

"Thank you," I mutter, genuinely grateful for his understanding.

Jaxon offers me a warm smile, and as he leads me in a spin, I let myself relax and enjoy my wedding. I dance, drink, laugh, and let loose for a while, letting the worries of the world melt away. It's a chance for a fresh start and maybe even happiness.