Chapter 99
JAX
The morning had been an emotional whirlwind, and while Isabella had calmed down after our breakfast and the call with Asher and Knox, I was still trying to figure out how to navigate this new version of her. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to support her—I just didn’t know the best way to do it. Her mood swings were all over the place, and I felt like I was constantly tiptoeing around her emotions, trying not to make things worse.
I decided I needed some backup, so I grabbed my phone and dialed Alex’s number. If anyone could give me some solid advice on how to handle this, it was him.
“Jax, what’s up?” Alex answered, sounding a bit surprised to hear from me.
“Hey, man,” I said, trying to sound casual but probably failing. “Listen, I need some advice. This morning… it was rough with Isa. She’s been really emotional, and I’m not sure how to handle it.”
There was a pause on the other end, and I could practically hear Alex thinking. “What happened?”
I filled him in on the morning’s events—the crying over breakfast, the heart-shaped egg yolk, the tears over the date, and the video call with Asher and Knox. By the time I was done, I could tell Alex was trying not to laugh.
“Okay, okay,” he said, his voice warm with understanding. “First of all, it sounds like you’re doing a good job just being there for her. Pregnancy hormones are no joke, man, and she’s going to be all over the place sometimes.”
“I get that,” I said, rubbing the back of my neck. “But I just… I don’t know if I’m doing enough. I suggested we go out on a date tonight, but now I’m worried it’ll just stress her out more.”
Alex chuckled. “A date is a great idea. Trust me, she’ll appreciate the effort. But I get it—it’s a lot to navigate. Hold on a second.”
There was a brief pause, and then I heard another voice on the line. “Jax, darling, what’s this I hear about you needing advice?” It was Alex’s mom, her voice warm and comforting.
“Hey, Mrs. Matthews,” I greeted her, feeling a little sheepish now. “Yeah, Isa’s been… emotional today, and I just want to make sure I’m handling things right.”
“Oh, sweetheart,” Rebecca said kindly. “Don’t worry too much. Pregnancy is a wonderful but challenging time, and it’s natural for her to be feeling all sorts of emotions. What you need to do is just be there for her, listen to her, and be patient.”
“That’s what I’ve been trying to do,” I admitted. “But I still feel like I’m walking on eggshells.”
“That’s normal,” she reassured me. “But you’re doing the right thing by staying close and showing her you care. And as for the date tonight—that’s a lovely idea. It’ll give her something to look forward to.”
“Yeah, but she got really upset because she thinks she’s put on too much weight and doesn’t know what to wear,” I said, my concern clear.
“Ah, I see,” Mrs. Matthews said, her tone thoughtful. “Well, why don’t I arrange a little girls’ day out with Isa? We can go shopping, get her a nice outfit, and maybe even pamper her a bit. That way, she’ll feel confident and beautiful for your date tonight.”
I could almost feel the weight lifting off my shoulders. “That would be amazing. Thank you so much.”
“Don’t mention it,” she said cheerfully. “I’ll give Isa a call and set it up. And don’t worry, Jax—you’re doing just fine. She’s lucky to have you.”
“Thanks, Mrs. Matthews,” I said, feeling genuinely relieved. “I really appreciate it.”
“Anytime, darling,” she replied. “Now, go on and finish your day. We’ll take good care of Isa.”
After hanging up the phone, I felt a lot better. Knowing that Isa was going to get some time with Rebecca and Alex was a huge relief. Plus, it gave me some time to prepare for our date tonight and make sure everything was perfect.
As I pocketed my phone, I couldn’t help but smile. Maybe I was a bit out of my depth here, but with a little help, I was sure I could make sure Isa felt loved and supported through all of this. And who knows—maybe tonight would be exactly what we both needed.
As soon as I hung up the phone, I leaned back in my chair, feeling a sense of relief. Just as I was about to get up and check on Isa, she appeared in the doorway, a bright smile on her face that immediately put me at ease.
“Jax!” she called out, her voice full of excitement. “Guess what?”
I grinned at her, the tension from earlier completely melting away. “What’s up?”
“I’m spending the day with Rebecca!” she announced, practically bouncing on her toes. “She just called, and we’re going to go shopping and maybe grab lunch. I’m so excited!”
Her happiness was infectious, and I found myself smiling back at her, glad to see her in such a good mood. “That sounds great, Isa. You deserve a fun day out.”
She nodded enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling. “I know! I’ve been feeling so weird lately, and I think a day with Rebecca is exactly what I need. Plus, I’ll get to pick out something nice for our date tonight.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle. “I think that’s a perfect plan. You’re going to have a great time.”
Isa beamed at me, the earlier tears and worries seeming like a distant memory now. “Thank you, Jax. For everything. I know I’ve been a bit of a handful lately, but you’ve been amazing.”
I reached out to take her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “You’re not a handful, Isa. You’re just going through a lot right now, and I’m here for you, no matter what.”
She leaned in and kissed me softly on the cheek. “You’re the best. I’ll be back later this afternoon, okay?”
“Take your time,” I told her, genuinely happy to see her so excited. “Enjoy your day with Rebecca, and don’t worry about anything. I’ll be here when you get back.”
Isa flashed me one last smile before heading out the door, practically glowing with happiness. As I watched her go, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Today was shaping up to be a good day, and tonight… tonight was going to be even better.