Page 162 of Cougar

Turning, I wrap my arms around his waist and squeeze. “Thank you, Max. I love you, too.”

* * *

“I’m getting married today!” Jay shouts into the intercom system and I jerk awake.

Cam chuckles as he curls up behind me and rests his hand on my belly. “Take it easy today. Okay?”

I rest my hand over his. “Lisa closed the salon to the public, so it’s only the wedding party. She’s even having brunch brought in. Then we’re coming straight back here to get ready. Will you be back in time?”

“Yeah. The game is at one, so I should be home in plenty of time. Speaking of, I should probably get going.”

“Just hold me for five more minutes.” I snuggle in his arms.

He presses his lips to my neck. “I’d rather hold you forever.”

Emerson

Jay came down the stairs dressed in her white Cinderella gown from the Disney store, her little plastic heels and a tiny purse hanging from her wrist. She’d even put her hair up and finished it off with a jeweled headband.

“Princess, where are you going all dressed up like that?” Bass asked with a chuckle.

She paused at the foot of the stairs and propped her hand on her hip. “To my wedding.”

Marcus chuckled beside me as she walked over to where we were sitting, opened her purse and handed each of us a piece of paper.

“What’s this?” Marcus asked.

“Your invitation, Daddy.”

“Who are you marrying?” Bass asked.

“Zach.”

I step into Jay’s closet to find her standing in front of her three-way mirror. I inhale a deep breath through my nose and exhale slowly.Don’t cry. Don’t cry.“You look beautiful, Jay.”

She turns from the mirror and smiles. Not a hint of an emotional breakdown. Thank goodness, because I’m emotional enough for the entire wedding party.

“So do you.” Her eyes trail over the Gucci gown she picked out. It’s lavender-colored silk with a sheer jeweled applique overlay. Luckily it still fits, but it does very little to hide my baby bump.

I press my hand to my stomach and she laughs. “Don’t dim your light just to make mine shine brighter.”

“Jay—”

“I appreciate that you were trying to make these last few weeks special, but you’re having a baby, Mom.” She smiles widely. “I’m getting a little brother. I’d say that’s pretty special.”

Tears pool in my eyes, and I lean my head back to try to keep them from spilling over.

Taking a deep breath, I let it out slowly. “I have something for you.” Her gaze drops to the rectangular box in my hand. “I had this custom made for you as a graduation gift, but with all the wedding and baby stuff, I’d completely forgotten about it.”

I hold out the box and she takes it. She removes the lid and tucks it under the box before lifting the thin cotton strip to reveal a platinum necklace with the word ‘conquer’ written in pave diamonds.

She gasps. “I don’t even know what to say. This is the most beautiful necklace I’ve ever seen.” She bends slightly at the waist and wraps her arms around me. “Thank you so much.”

“Thank you, Jay, for giving me so many beautiful memories as your mother and friend. This past year has been difficult for both of us, but we persevered. You are the strongest person I’ve ever known, and every day you amaze and inspire me.”

“I want to wear this today.” She pulls the necklace from the box and turns back to the mirror. “Will you help me with the clasp?”

“Of course.” I toss the box on the table and tuck the pamphlet I’d been holding under my arm before assisting her with the clasp.

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