An Inconvenient Flame

It was already March and so much had happened to their family. He couldn't believe that Jade and him were only married 8 months ago. It seemed like a lifetime had passed and it was the best one at that.

The family was happy and Hannah Jean and Quinn were in charge of planning the family summer vacation for the end of August. Jade informed Quinn now that she had taken her honeymoons with all of her husbands that she was not allowed to miss another Tatum family vacation and she was beyond serious.

Layla was the happiest she'd ever been. Her parents were happy and in love. She was sat down and talked to about their disagreement and how some might occur in the future but it would never take them away from her or one another. She put Mr. Beast away trusting that all was well.

Hannah Jean was doing amazing with her chemotherapy. She and Harry had finally made up when she told him she could drop dead at any moment and she would definitely haunt him for wasting the time that should've been spent together. 

Harry expressed his hurt which she acknowledged and apologized for. The two decided to take a quick trip to San Antonio to enjoy the riverwalk and one another. The reconnected and Hannah Jean allowed herself to be vulnerable with the one man that vowed to take care of her come what may.

Jade made it a point to express that getting the house further ready to house two infants, as well as, continually bonding with Jake ought to be their sole priority for the coming months.

The fact was Jason would start his consistent baseball practice schedule at the end of March as the first game of the season was at the end of April and there was still so much occupying his mind that wasn't baseball.

Jason couldn't help but think about his conversation with Luis about retiring. He would need to have a serious sit down chat with Jade about it to see what she really thought on the matter.

He knew he'd have to do something else to fill up the time. The idea of coaching crossed his mind, but he saw himself doing that for little league and specifically Jake and Jax's little league.

The thought of his boys in uniforms made him smile. Jason had the girl. He had the kids. He had the family. Jason Tatum had it all and he was never going to let them go.

Jade saw one of the security guards drop off a large black box and smiled to herself. It was from Maxit Flowers, a high-end flower boutique in downtown Houston. Jason, James and Harry had been getting their women flowers since they all made up and it was truly the highlight of their week.

Jason usually got her flowers on Friday. She looked at the fresh white and pink peonies flowers on the kitchen table delivered two days ago before shrugging and opening the box. Jade held a confused expression that the security guard noticed.

"What is it, Mrs. Tatum?" Jade shook her head. "They're black. Why would Jason send me black roses?" She found the card and opened it. She didn't recognize the handwriting and upon finishing the message she immediately knew who they were from.

I told you I've got you and I meant it.

I will always look out for you and do what's best for you even if you can't or won't see that.

I took care of her for you.

I know deep down you'll be pleased.

Jade looked down at the red string poking out behind the flowers. She took a breath before pulling it. 

The scream she let out was deafening. Various men ran into the room as the one closest to her pulled her away.