Chapter 95 Chapter 95 Jackson POV

Chapter 95 Chapter 95 Jackson POV
Aidan insisted on inviting Blaze and River, here I am answering the door for Andrew and his mate Aurelia. His sons walk around me quickly.

"Boys?"

They turn and look at me.

"Behave!" I say in most serious monotone dad voice. I try my best not to smile, they are wild.

Alex is still not talking to me, it's been a week since our argument or blow up. She is still without a phone, Sarah won't give it to her until she apologizes and Alex hasn't. I am hoping Blaze and River can make her smile at least. I know she likes them, all the teen girls in the pack do. Aidan and Tanner are here for the weekend, they have been at camp all week. Aidan is doing amazing, he is a natural born leader.

"Sarah and her friends are in the backyard. Welcome!" I say to Andrew and his mate.

They nod and walk in. I push the door closed but it pushes back open. "Don't close the door in my face!" yells Bentley.

Pulling the door open I see my cousin and Archie. Jace, Zack, Kevin and his mate Mike. Keith is back there too with Malia. I send the kids and mates to the backyard but hold my boys back.

"Don't fucking stare!" I warn. "I am serious!"

"Calm down Jackson! It's not like we haven't seen Sarah naked before." laughs Bentley.

"You haven't seen her now!" a low growl escapes past my teeth. "Kelly, Mina and Kat are already here too. Just don't stare like teen boys!"

I know my warning is going to deaf ears. They have no idea what awaits in the backyard, in the pool. They all rush through the house and pause at the back door. I push past them and step outside. Alex has Harlow in her arms, they are sitting by the fireplace on one of the loveseats under the birch trees. Trista, Keith's daughter is introducing herself to Kat's daughters Kitty and Kylie, they are all fourteen. Kelly's youngest daughter Jade, she is thirteen is sitting next to Alex. Harlow and Alex are coloring. Archie is tossing Elena in the pool. Clara, Kelly's middle child is fifteen, she is seated by the rock formation slide watching Aidan, Blaze and River slide down and splash in the water. Lucas, who is twelve, Keith's son is holding Trenton's hand and they are walking toward the fireplace too.

Bentley and the boys pile out behind me. "Beer is in the fridge!" I point to the outdoor kitchen.

"Babe, your food is on fire, I think!" says Sarah.

I turn to watch her walk out of the pool. My heart stops, no matter how many times I see her, her effect on me doesn't fade. Her string bikini barely covers her, that body is a temple I will worship until my last day. I fight to urge to run and cover her, Kelly, Kat and Mina follow behind her. It's like they coordinated because they are wearing the same bikini, in the same black shade. Andrew, Aurelia and Jennifer are on the lounge chairs. I watch him glance at Sarah but turn away fast.

"Dad, grill!" yells Aidan.

I snap back and laugh, running toward the grill. I open the grill cover, I would never confirm or deny the small fire. I turn the heat down, grabbing the thermometer I bump into Bentley. Him, Jace and Zack are right behind me.

"If you are going to tail me all night, you have to help!" I laugh.

I check the food temp, all good. "Jace, grab the sides out of the fridge. Zack pull the fries out of the oven, they are ready too. Bentley bring me the tray!" I bark out orders and they follow them. I look up and my eyes meet Sarah's. I smile and wink at her, nodding at my nervous friends and cousin. Her and the rest of the ladies are sitting down on the lounge chairs drying off. They start whispering and break out in a soft giggle.

I love listening to her laugh, everytime I hear it, reminds me, I missed fifteen years of it. "Food is ready!" I yell out.

"Why did you make so much food, Jackson?" asks Jace.

"Teen boys!" I say and Jace laughs as we watch them pile food on their plates.

Sarah puts her little arms around me. I pull her around and kiss her head, sliding my hand down over her ass. She grabs my hand and pulls it up.

"There are kids here!"

Alex brings Harlow, as soon as she sees Zack she runs to him and grabs his leg. She lets go and puts her tiny arms in the air. "Daddy, up!"

Silence falls between us all.

Mina's face turns red and her eyes water just enough for me to notice before she blinks. She kneels down. "Come to mommy Harlow! That is not daddy!"

Harlow keeps reaching at Zack. He finally snaps out of it and picks her up.

"I am so sorry! It's only been a few months since....Jason passed and....you look like him!" she admits.

Thankfully the nutty teen boys are done eating and are running around making all sorts of noises.

"It's fine, really. She is adorable!" Zack turns to her. "What do you want to eat, butterfly! He grabs a plate and puts whatever she points to in it.

Grief flashes over Mina's face, she excuses herself and walks inside the house disappearing from our view. Sarah goes in after her. I couldn't even imagine how Mina feels, it's so soon after her partner passed away and her daughter is calling her high school boyfriend "daddy". Jennifer and Kat come around us and get more beer from the fridge. Kelly is talking to Bentley, I watch his hand brush on her bare hip, he looks back at me and winks.

"Jason, used to call Harlow, butterfly!" says Kat. "We used to tease Mina about how much Jason resembled you, Zack."

Zack didn't say anything else, I could swear I almost saw him blush. He carried Harlow to the table and sat down. She continued to talk to him as he cut up food and fed her. Jace and I watched him in amazement. I knew he was always good with kids but this is a Zack I have never seen. Sarah came back and sat in my lap, I looked up at her and raised my eyebrows. We all sat around the table eating, not saying anything. Keith asked Sarah about her trip, she leaves in a day. I will be left alone with Alex and she still hates me.

"I think you passed the "daddy" audition!" says Jace.

"What the f...are you talking about? That's not funny! Don't be an a..!" Zack was being very aware of his words with little Harlow in his lap.

Just then Mina came out and took Harlow from Zack. "I am sorry! I need to go. I can't do this!"

Harlow started screaming as Mina waved to us all. She kept asking for her dad. Zack looked down and stood up quick, running after them.