She grinned and patted Jax’s cheek. “You’re smooth, but you missed your chance to get laid today. Caleb’s already up, and I promised Serena you’d teach her how to paint a giraffe after I make chocolate chip and blueberry pancakes, which means I have to get up really soon.”

“Just a quick lightning round.”

“You could’ve had all the rounds last night, but you stayed at the studio.” She ran her hands across Jax’s broad shoulders, silently encouraging her to continue.

“Mmmm…” Jax dipped her hands under Gretchen’s shirt. “But my installation is almost done, which means I’ll be yours all day and all night soon. You can have me whenever you want me.”

Gretchen sucked in a breath when Jax touched her nipples. “Guess I’ll be taking a few days off to play catch-up.”

“That’s what I like to hear.” Jax kissed her as she trailed her hand lower at a painfully slow pace.

Gretchen clamped her thighs closed. “You made me wait—now I make you wait.”

“That’s not fair,” Jax whined. “I was working.”

She got out of bed and smiled at Jax over her shoulder. “And I have to go be a doting mother to our children.” She grabbed her phone from the nightstand and turned to Jax.

Jax covered her face with her hand. “You really don’t have to do that every morning.”

Gretchen took one picture. “Yes, I do,” she said, taking another. “Now smile.” She took one more picture of Jax, then put her phone down. “I don’t want to risk fully forgetting anything ever again. Especially any little thing about you or our family.”

“The map layout for the kitchen cabinets was a bit much,” Jax said, throwing the covers aside and standing. She stretched her arms and back.

“That only lasted a week after we moved.”

“A very long week.”

Gretchen pulled her unruly hair up and secured it atop her head. “Stop complaining and get moving.”

“You’re so bossy.” Jax wrapped her arms around Gretchen’s waist and held her close. “I love it.”

“I love you.” She leaned in and kissed Jax. They had always been mushy and affectionate with one another, but since her accident and the near death of their marriage, Gretchen didn’t want to let one moment slip away without making sure Jax knew how she felt.

Jax’s hands started to wander again, clearly in search of another attempt at morning love, but an unkempt and sleepy Serena swung the door open.

“Hungry,” she said, her voice firm and full of three-year-old attitude. Serena rubbed her eyes.

Gretchen looked at the little girl, her heart swelling at how perfectly her spicy personality fit into the family. Her blue eyes nearly matched Jax’s in depth and sparkle. Pure mischief. “Blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes, coming right up.”

“I want gapes.”

“Grapes?”

“Gapes.”

“Okay.”