“Yeah, Megan. She and Finnreallylook alike. She’s a kickass single mom, like my Ma, but she lives four hours away and I’ve only seen her a few times. I’d go visit her, but…” He gestured at his lower back. “Airplane seats are not friendly to me.”
“I could drive.” Tristan stroked his beard. “How long can you sit in the car?”
“Two hours, maybe two and a half a day.” Thoughtful, Jax bit his lip.
“Then we could stop overnight, test out some hotel beds. I’m sure I can call and find out if the mattresses are firm before we book.”
Once again, the soft joy that washed across Jax’s features had Tristan’s heart pounding in his chest.
“Yeah, I’d love that.”
“And I’d love to take you and meet them.” Standing, Tristan gathered Jax close, loving how he instantly relaxed. “Why don’t you order breakfast and take a shower while I make some tea?”
“You read my mind,” Jax said into his chest.
Half an hour later, they stood at the breakfast bar, and Tristan stared at all the plates of food.
“I didn’t think you were going to order this much! Not that I’m complaining.” He tried a piece of flatbread filled with vegetables, and his eyes widened. “This is ridiculously good.”
“It’s pide. Here, try this.” Jax scooped up some lightly-scrambled eggs, and when Tristan took the offered bite, he hummed. The peppers, oil, and tomatoes that swirled through it came together perfectly.
“What’s this called?”
“Menemen.” Jax shoveled down a few bites of his own. “And I’m getting it again tomorrow.”
Tristan sampled from the dozen dishes scattered before him. “This sausage is amazing. It’s almost like salami?”
“That’s sujuk, and it’s made with beef instead of pork.” Also tastingit, Jax thought for a second, and Tristan could see his brain and palate whirring. “I’m going to have to talk to the owner because this is incredible.”
“It is!” Tristan agreed.
Silence reigned as they dug in, and Tristan was back to the sujuk again when Jax took a long breath.
“Have you ever thought about getting married?” he asked nonchalantly, dabbing at his face with a napkin, and Tristan started coughing. Jax thumped him on the back as he heaved for air and then drank some water.
“Y-You,” Tristan coughed again. “You can’t ask me that when I have half a sausage in my mouth.”
“Sorry,” Jax laughed, not looking sorry in the least, but vulnerability lurked in his gaze, along with a little surprise, as if he’d shocked himself with the question too.
“Yes,” Tristan said once he found his breath, keeping his promise to never hide anything from Jax again. “I’ve thought about getting married.”
“To me?” Jax bit his lip, pointing at himself.
“No, to Mouse.” Piercing an olive with his fork, Tristan held it out for Jax. “Of course, toyou, silly.”
Jax’s eyes went liquid, and he wrapped his lips around the fork in such a sensual way that Tristan wanted to drag them back to the bedroom.
Picking up more pide, Jax stared at it, and then his deep-brown gaze flicked to Tristan. “What do you think about kids?”
“Kids…” Tristan let out a long breath. After growing up alone in the middle of nowhere, he’d always wanted at least two. “I’m probably too old for kids.”
“You think so?” Jax asked in a way that told Tristan he was wrong. “You’re already a great dad, why not do it again?”
Tristan smiled, loving how Jax consistently cheered him on. “I never thought I’d be able to.”
“I never thought I’d get rid of my anger, and it’s not completely gone, but I’m working on it.” He held the slice out, and Tristan leaned forward, taking a bite. The texture hit perfectly, the warm dough highlighting the spiced vegetables, and it all blended together with Jax’s sweet smile, making Tristan’s head spin because he was forever in love. “So, never say never.”
21
