Page 79 of Jax & Knox

Family.

The word makes my chest tighten.

After the boutique, we head to a coffee shop, settling into a corner booth with our drinks.

"So," Tessa says, leaning forward with a mischievous grin. "How are things with the Carter brothers?"

I flush. "Good. Really good."

"Good?" Erica asks, raising an eyebrow. "That's all we get?"

"They're amazing," I admit. "With me. With Owen. I just… I don't know how I got so lucky."

"You deserve it," Lucy says softly. "After everything you've been through."

"Speaking of," Scarlett says, her tone more serious. "Have you thought about getting inked?"

I blink. "Inked?"

"Tattooed," Hadley clarifies. "It's a thing with the Old Ladies. We all have club-related ink."

"It's a way of marking yourself as belonging," Tessa adds. "As being claimed."

Erica nods. "I got mine when Steele claimed me. It was the moment I truly believed I was safe."

"What did you get?" I ask.

She pulls down the collar of her shirt, revealing a delicate tattoo on her collarbone, a raven with the words Steele's Old Lady underneath.

"It's beautiful," I breathe.

"Yours doesn't have to say that," Hadley says quickly. "It can be whatever you want. Something meaningful to you."

I think about it for a moment.

"I want something with Owen's initials," I say slowly. "And maybe something about belonging. About being claimed."

"We can help you design it," Lucy says excitedly. "And we'll all go with you when you get it done."

"Really?" I ask.

"Of course," Tessa says. "You're one of us now, Ainsley. We take care of our own."

Tears prick at my eyes, and I blink them back.

"Thank you," I whisper.

"Don't thank us," Scarlett says, reaching across the table to squeeze my hand. "This is what family does."

By the time we get back to the house, the sun is setting, casting everything in warm, golden light.

The girls drop me off with hugs and promises to set up the tattoo appointment for next week.

I walk inside to find Jax and Knox on the floor with Owen, building a tower out of blocks.

Owen sees me and squeals, crawling over to me as fast as his little legs will carry him.

"Ma-ma-ma!" he squeals happily, throwing his arms around my legs.