Page 125 of Golden Ruin

I study her, feeling relieved when I see she’s content. Not sad about moving out, but not overly excited about it either. It’s starting to feel like we’re transitioning into a new phase of normal. One where we’re emotionally closer than we’ve been in years, despite being on the verge of the physical distance growing. But if she’s found something that close to Jax’s school, it can’t be more than fifteen minutes away, and I’ll be damned if I let something like a short drive come between us.

“Once you get word on your move-in date, let me know. I’ll clear my schedule and help you guys get settled.”

She laughs softly. “Sterling, I’ve got exactly two boxes. I think I can manage.”

I reach for her hand when I need to be closer, and she laces her fingers with mine.

“It’s not about the boxes.” I hold her gaze, needing her to hear me and know I’m not just saying what she wants to hear. “I just want to be there to support you in this. Carrying your things in, checking out Jax’s new room… whatever you need.”

She stares a moment, then leans over Jax to kiss me. She settles back on her side and rests her chin in her palm. “Thank you.”

I nod. “Of course.”

She zones out, thinking to herself when I cut in again.

“You’re gonna need furniture.”

“The plan is to furnish the place over time. I’ll have new beds delivered day one, but the rest can wait. Dinner tastes the same whether you’re eating at a card table or at a wooden one.”

My thoughts go back to an argument we had months ago, long before the fire. It started when I saw where she was living, knowing she could afford better. But then I realized I was the only one who thought that. What confirmed it was seeing the bank statement she showed me, an account holding nearly all the child support I’ve given her over the years. She doesn’t touch that money for anything outside of Jax’s needs, so it makes sense that she’s planning to build over time.

Because she thinks she has to do it on her own.

“You’ve got two choices.”

She looks at me weird. “What does that mean?”

“It means you can either let me hire my decorator to furnish the place, or you can agree to let me take you furniture shopping. Take your pick.”

She’s already shaking her head. “Hell no. To both options.”

“That’s not how this works.”

“I’m not letting you do this, Sterling. I–”

Her words cut off when I grip her chin, staring into her eyes, making sure she’s listening. “You’re not getting out of this one, Lex. I’ll be damned if I go to bed at night knowing you two are holed up in some empty-ass apartment.”

Her stare lingers on me, and my girl’s a fighter, so I know it’s killing her not mouthing off. But when she takes a deep breath, I also know she’s letting me have this one.

“Fine, but it’s an absolute no on the decorator.”

I nod. “Furniture shopping it is.”

She shakes her head at me, finally smiling. “I can’t believe you just bullied me into that.”

“If wanting to take care of you makes me a bully, then I guess I’ll have to own that shit.”

She squeezes my fingers tighter and lets her argument go as our conversation fades. After a few minutes, the sound of the movie and falling rain are all that can be heard, and it only takes a second to realize I’m the only one awake. With her fingers still locked with mine, Lexi’s breathing deeper now, looking like an angel. I let go of her hand so I can cover her shoulder with the blanket, then with the touch of a button, the TV goes dark.

I laugh at what’s become of our movie-fest, but I’m not mad at it. I’ve got my girl, and I’ve got my kid. What the hell else could a man possibly ask for?

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Lexi

Keep it short and simple, Lex. You’ve got this.

I’ve been on pins and needles all day, telling myself this conversation with Matt doesn’t have to suck as much as I’m expecting it to. But whether it’s simple or complicated, he deserves to know things have changed.