Second Chance Scandal

Autumn was my maid of honor. I couldn’t have asked anyone else. She was the reason we’d found our way back to each other. Caleb was his best man, but Kinley was the only groomswoman he had, and Evie was the only bridesmaid I had. Ben was our ring bearer, and my dad gave me away.

It was perfect.

I didn’t think I’d ever been happier.

If I had learned one important lesson in all of this, it was how much love truly prevailed through anything. I’d always known Jax was my soul mate. I’d fallen in love with him when I was seventeen and almost eighteen years later, I loved him more than ever if that was even possible.

The reception was just as lovely, and we spent the whole night dancing until it was time to throw my bouquet.

“Ready?!”

All the women screamed.

I turned around and tossed it over my head, quickly spinning to see who caught it.

My mouth dropped open when Evie caught it, jumping up and down.

Jax growled, not liking the fact that his little sister was next.

“Relax.” I smiled at him. “She’s not even dating anyone.”

We’d become close. I loved her. She was the sweetest person, very loving, attentive, would do anything for anyone.

“I love you, Sophie Colton.”

I beamed. “I love you too.”

* * *

—Jax—

* * *

Before I took my gorgeous wife upstairs, my mom grabbed my arm.

Holding my face in her hands, she said, “I’m so sorry for not being the mother you deserved when you were growing up.”

I nodded. “Mom, you don’t have to apo—”

“No, I do. I just want you to know that I love you with all of my heart and soul. I’m so proud of the man you are. I’ve always been so damn proud of you. I know I should have been there for all your games and milestones, and I’ll never forgive myself for losing so much precious time with you. You and your family are my entire world. I promise I’ll never disappoint you again.”

I didn’t know I needed to hear her say this to me until that very moment.

I kissed her cheek. “I love you too, Mom.”

By the time we’d made it to our bedroom it was past midnight. Our families were staying in the spare bedrooms of our estate. The house was over twelve thousand square feet with eleven bedrooms. We had more than enough room. It was why I bought this property in the first place.

My life was finally complete, and I owed it all to the woman who was walking toward me in a white nightie.

“I have something for you.”

I narrowed my eyes as she showed me the book she was hiding behind her back.

“No, you didn’t…”

There in front of my eyes was a paperback of me shirtless on the cover of her next book with the title Second Chance Scandal above her New York Times #1 bestselling author title. What was below that caught my attention the most.

Sophie Colton.