I close my eyes and touch my forehead to his. “So what does this mean? You’re here, the truth’s out in the open …”

“This means that I’m here to get you back. I’ll do anything I can to make you say yes.”

Butterflies swarm my stomach. “Well, if you recall, I’m partial to begging.”

Jaxon pushes me off his lap. He lowers himself onto the floor, crunching popcorn under his knees, all the while wearing that delicious smirk on his face.

I bite my bottom lip to keep from smiling.

He takes my hands in his and looks into my eyes. “Please forgive me and my family for all the pain we’ve caused you. Please, Raegan. Say you’ll be with me again. Say you still love me as much as I love you.”

A laugh escapes me and I throw my arms around his neck. “That was good, Waters. I could get used to that.”

Jaxon presses his lips to mine for a chaste kiss. “Is that a yes?”

“Yes to all of the above.”

He dives on top of me, the rest of the popcorn spilling out of the bowl. Gripping my face, he kisses me, long and hard.

“I love you so much, Raegan.”

“I love you too.”

Days Left Until Summer Break: 68

Jaxon

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

Raegan squeezes my hand. “Yes. I haven’t changed my mind in the last seven seconds since you last asked me.”

“I just want you to know that you don’t have to do this for me.”

“I’m doing this for us. They’re your family, and we need to sort this out sooner or later. Your poor mother needs some peace.”

I blow out a stream of air through my lips. “Okay. But the second you feel angry, or you want to leave, tell me.”

“I won’t get angry. I’m cool as a cucumber.”

I lift my hand and turn the knob, stepping into my parents’ house.

Mom greets us immediately. She flings her arms around Raegan. “Thank you so much for coming. It means the world to me. I’m so happy you two were able to work things out.”

Raegan smiles. “I’m looking forward to putting all of this behind us.”

Dad emerges from the kitchen. He nods at me, and I nod back. Raegan might be able to forgive him, but I’m not ready yet.

He reaches out and squeezes Raegan’s shoulder. “I’m sorry I involved you in our family issue. I should’ve never put you in the middle like that. I hope you can forgive me.”

Raegan covers his hand with hers. “Thank you for your apology. While I don’t agree with what you did, I understand why you did it.”

“You do?”

“You were trying to keep the peace between your children. I probably would’ve done the same thing.”