Page 28 of Golden Ruin

For Mommy.

I pick up the sticky note and study it, blinking away more tears as I imagine Jax and Sterling hopping from store-to-store, thoughtfully selecting items to replace what I’ve lost.

My throat tightens as I take it all in, and I blow out a breath.

It’s been years since Sterling’s shopped for me. Yet, he got every size right. He even chose the colors I would’ve picked out for myself. The thought that went into this is just… I’m speechless.

But I can’t keep these things.

It wouldn’t be right. He’s already opened his home to me while I get my shit together, but this… it feels like too much.

The back of my hand is soaked when I swipe it across my face. I haven’t even been awake ten minutes, and I’m already a sobbing mess. I’m on my feet the next second, because while I intend to thank Sterling, I also hope he held on to the receipts.

I twist the doorknob, but something stops me. Instead of marching out into the hallway to find him, I scan the things he bought instead.

He knows me. Better than almost anyone. Which is why I’m guessing he’s expecting pushback, expecting me to tell him to return it all.

When we were together, compromise always felt like losing. It took me way too long to realize how much that mindset played into our issues. But I’m not the same Lexi I was back then.

These are gifts. People do nice things for the people in their lives. This is no different.

I breathe deep, and my resolve solidifies. He stepped in and did what felt natural, and… I appreciate it.

Appreciate him.

I’m half a step out into the hallway when my phone buzzes. It’s a random notification, but it reminds me I haven’t replied to Matt yet.

My fingers hover over the keypad, wondering how to tell him I’m not with my parents. But then I realize I’ve got nothing to hide. I’m staying here for Jax, and Matt will understand that.

Lexi: Morning! I’m actually at Sterling’s. We thought it would be best for Jax. I’m sure you’re fine to stop by, though, so I’ll shoot you the address soon.

I stare at the message for longer than necessary, then hit send, surprised by how my stomach drops immediately after.

With a loose plan locked into place, I tuck my phone into the pocket of my shorts, then leave the room in search of bacon. I find it, along with two practically identical guys flipping pancakes in the kitchen. Jax is so wrapped up in cooking with his dad he doesn’t even notice me standing in the archway. They’re dressed the same–matching white t-shirts and jeans, and from the looks of it, Sterling even styled Jax’s hair with a little product.

Dez’s text pops back into my head, and I’m smiling so hard it nearly turns into a laugh.

“Morning.”

At the sound of my voice, two sets of green eyes shift toward me. To my surprise, both sets soften just a little.

“Look who it is, kiddo.”

“Mommy!”

Jax hops down from the stool so fast Sterling hardly has time to grip his hand to steady him, then he’s in my arms.

“I wanted to wake you up, but Daddy said you were sleepy.”

“So sleepy,” I say, squeezing him back. “But I’m all good now.”

“Were you comfortable?” Sterling asks, and I glance toward him.

“I was, actually. The mattress is even more comfortable than the one I had at home.”

He laughs a little. “Good. I hoped you’d get some rest last night. It’s always hard sleeping in hospitals, so…”

I nod when he wipes his brow with his forearm, revealing the paragraph of text tattooed on the back of his bicep.