Chapter 204
Jax's Point of View
I pulled onto the gravel access road leading back to the cabin, the asphalt crunching beneath the tires echoed in through the open truck window. I pulled the truck in front of the cabin and shut off the engine. Rowan looked up at me, her chin resting on my shoulder. There was a flirtatious glint in her eye that sent my stomach fluttering. I didn't even know my stomach could flutter. "I'm so glad we get a few days to ourselves up here." Rowan said as I got out of the truck, holding the door open for her. "Me too." I agreed, watching her hesitate to step out of the truck.
She looked down at her bare feet, confused, shaking her head.
"Shit. I left my boots at the reception. My moms boots." She panicked. "How did I not realize I didn't have shoes on?" She ran a hand down her cheek. They were a little flushed from the alcohol she'd consumed tonight.
"Probably cause you're a little wasted." I smirked, leaning in and kissing her. I'd had a few beers, but I -unlike her- was not a light weight, so I was totally fine to drive. I don't think I'd ever really seen her drink more than a beer before, so this was amusing for me. "Text Lena and tell her to grab them. I'm sure she already has, but just to be sure." I handed her my cellphone and watched as she sent Lena a quick text, worry creasing her brow.
A moment later a reply came in, lighting up the screen. "She got them! Thank god!" She breathed a sigh of relief and handed me my phone back.
Rowan gathered the bottom of her dress and was about to step out of the truck when I remembered something and stopped her. "Let me give you a hand." I picked her up bridal style and carried her from the car up the stairs leading to the cabin. "I didn't do this when I married Wendy. So, I wanna do it right this time and carry you over the threshold."
Rowan responded by kissing me. I could have held her all night on this porch if she kept doing that. I smirked, breaking our embrace and headed for the door. "Can you open it? It's unlocked."
Rowan opened the door, pushing it out of the way with her hand. I walked over the threshold and she let out a gasp at the sight before her. The entire cabin was decked out in candles of various sizes lining every available surface, some even staggered on the floor, white Christmas lights hung from anything and everything.
I'd drove up here earlier today and set everything up as a surprise for her. Planting a few other surprises in the cabin as well. Rowan had put up with so much shit this past year with me being gone and even well before that. I wanted her to be able to relax and enjoy a serene few days to ourselves -no kids- by the water. I'd brought our overnight bags ahead of time. I'd stocked the fridge with all her favorite foods and a few of mine. Her favorite wine, even though she preferred beer most of the time if she was drinking. Opie had followed me up to the cabin in his truck so I could leave my bike behind for us to enjoy while we were here. He laughed the entire time I was setting the candles and lights up. "You couldn't be anymore whipped." He'd chuckled. "If doing a few girly things ensures I'm getting laid for three days in a row, it's worth it." I'd replied, not wanting to show just how soft Rowan was making me. In truth, it had nothing to do with me getting anything in return. It was about making sure she knew how much I appreciated her for staying. How much I loved her for being the light at the end of a long dark tunnel.
I set Rowan's feet down on the ground and stared at her taking it all in. Her eyes darted to me and she gripped my kutte by the collar. "Did you do this?"
I nodded, sheepishly rubbing the back of my neck, staring down at her. "I felt bad I couldn't take you on a real honeymoon. Hawaii. Mexico. Anywhere would have been better than here." With me being in prison, the wedding expenses, Rae's medical bills from being in the NICU for months, we just couldn't swing a vacation right now.
