It's Hard Not to Hate - An Outlaw Love Story

Chapter Ten.

"Hello?" Taylor hollered into the house as she pushed open the front door. Abel's screams filled the house, and she could hear Jax trying to soothe him. The walk down the hall to the nursery seemed endless, the shrill cries getting louder as she approached. Jax turned to face her. Abel, who's face was bright red and tear stained, his mouth wide open as he screamed, was situated on Jax's hip.

"I think he's teething. He's been like this all day. Not much I've done seems to calm him down."

Taylor held her arms out. "Let me try," she said. Jax obliged and handed over the baby who willingly went to her, screaming all the way. "Shh, c'mon Abel, it's gonna be okay, let's get you something to make you feel better." She disappeared with the boy, leaving Jax alone with his thoughts. He picked up a few things in Abel's room before stepping into his own, loading his holster and sliding his kutte over top. He could hear mumbling as Taylor spoke to Abel, and his cries got fainter and fainter until they had eventually stopped. She was so good with him; it made his heart swell seeing how she treated him like she would her own. Grabbing his bag Jax flipped off the light and met up with Taylor in the living room, Abel laying on his back across her bent knees, a pacifier in his mouth, his eyes almost fully closed.

"You're a miracle worker," Jax said, dropping his bag by the front door.

"It's nothing. Some ice, some baby meds, then a frozen binky. Works like a charm." She paused and softly chuckled. "Well, this time it did."

"Thank you," he said, looking between his son and her. "You left early this morning. You didn't say goodbye."

Taylor sighed. "Well, I didn't want to interrupt your celebration." Jax furrowed his brow. "Since you won the 'Lays of the Month' trophy, or whatever you call it."

Jax's shoulders collapsed, and he crossed his arms over his chest. "You heard that?"

"Some of it. Hard not to."

"Well if you would've stuck around longer you would've heard me correct those assholes and declare Tig the champion." He was hoping to see the frown on her face turn into a smile, but it didn't. "I'm sorry if I hurt you. That was never my intention."

"You don't have to apologize for who you are Jax. You should never have to. Not to me, not to anyone." Jax gently lifted the sleeping baby from her lap and laid him in the playpen across the room before returning to her and pulling her up to meet him.

"I like you, Taylor, it's just-"

"Please don't, Jax. Not now. You've gotta go and I've gotta take care of Abel. Let's finish this conversation when you get back."

"Yeah, alright."

"Be safe Jax." Jax looked down at her and pulled her in for a hug. His hands stroked her hair, hers remained planted firmly on his back. They stood there for several seconds maybe, before she began to pull away.

"I'll be back in four days. Call me if you need me. Take care of yourself." Taylor nodded, and before Jax turned to leave he placed his hands on both sides of her neck, and gently kissed her forehead. "See you soon," he said.