Page 122 of The Convict Gets His Girl

Had she ever wanted more kids? Did she still? He'd pictured them having several years ago before the accident, but now he wasn't so sure. He'd realized that back then, Jewel had never seemed as fully committed to their relationship as he'd been. His intensity had scared her, and if he were honest, she was still scared.

A few soccer girls raced over, introducing themselves and inviting Destini to practice. Destini ran onto the field while Jewel stood with Chase near the end of the fence.

"She's going to do well here," Chase said into the silence, whether to convince her or himself he wasn't sure.

Jewel sighed and nodded. "Yeah, I'm just kicking myself that we didn't get here sooner."

He shrugged. "I would've still been in prison. It sucks that we missed so much time together, but that just means I'm going to do all I can to make every moment perfect for you both."

"For all three of us," Jewel said, her lips tipping into a frown.

He nodded, conceding the point, but his priority would always be his girls. If that meant letting Jewel go marry another man—a better man—then he'd reluctantly do it. She deserved the best, and that certainly wasn't him.

Once Destini finished practice, they drove to his parents' ranch for lunch so Destini could meet her grandparents.

"Do you think they'll like me?" Destini whispered from the back seat as Jewel passed the barn and parked in front of the house.

Chase snorted, reaching for the handle on the truck. "They're going to love you more than they love me, that's for sure."

He got out, shutting the door behind him. Destini scrambled after him, but Jewel dragged her feet up the stairs. Chase opened the front door for them, then followed Jewel inside.

Ava stood in the kitchen, eyes wide as she stared at Destini.

"Oh my God, you're gorgeous. Just look at you," Ava said, awe clear in her tone.

Bill cleared his throat repeatedly but took a staggering step forward. "Are—can I hug you?"

Destini dipped her toe on the floor and nodded as she tucked a hair behind her ear. Bill stepped forward quickly and pulled Destini into a hug.

"Oof," Destini said, a smile playing on her lips. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, wrapping her arms around her grandpa. "Well, hello to you too."

"Sorry, sorry," Bill said gruffly, stepping back and wiping his eyes. "It's just—we've waited so long to meet you."

Destini's shoulders relaxed and her smile widened. "You've waited? I've wondered about you for fifteen years!"

Ava finally broke free of her awe and pulled Destini into a hug too. It was like the dam broke, and all three of them began talking one over the other.

Chase leaned against the door frame, watching the reunion with a mix of relief and something else—something softer. Jewel stepped up beside him, her hand brushing his.

"Looks like they're hitting it off," she murmured.

"I knew they would," Chase replied, his voice rough with emotion.

Bill was already showing Destini around the living room, pulling out photo albums and pointing out family pictures on the wall. Ava kept touching Destini's hair, her cheek, as if confirming she was real.

"Do you want some lunch?" Ava asked, already moving toward the kitchen. "I made your favorite—Jewel told me you love chicken pot pie."

Destini's eyes widened. "You know my favorite?"

"We've got fifteen years of catching up to do," Bill said, pulling out a chair for her. "And we intend to spoil you so much."

Chase watched as Destini wiped at her eyes and followed them into the kitchen, helping his parents gather plates and set the table.

Bill pulled out chairs around the kitchen table, his movements careful and deliberate. "Did you tour the school today? What do you think of it?"

Destini launched into a story about meeting the girls at soccer, her hands moving animatedly. Chase leaned against the table, watching her with a mix of wonder and pride.

Jewel placed her hand on his bouncing knee, and he looked over at her. They shared a moment of silent understanding. This was everything they had hoped for—a family reunion that felt both natural and long overdue.

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