The next day went by quickly. Jax explained everything going on at Church and even though they insisted that there had to be another way to clear Tara; he was adamant that this was the only way that made sense for everyone. He felt that they had cheated the system too many times and he needed to man up for his family. He also made sure that everyone knew that his family's safety was his priority and that Tara was free to do as she thought best and that all his Club money was to go directly to her. He couldn't stress enough how he did not want her to struggle to raise his boys. In the end they all agreed with him.

The family BBQ was also a success. Everyone tried to keep their spirits up, but everyone understood this was pretty much them saying goodbye to Jax for a now. The only ones who didn't really know what was going on was the kids. Jax and Tara were still trying to figure out what to tell the boys and he doubted the other guys ever would explain anything to their own kids. They did pull Ellie and Kenny aside when Lyla got there to let them know that Uncle Jax had to go away for a little while but, anything they needed Aunt Tara would take care of and also reassured them that if they ever needed or wanted to come see him Aunt Tara would bring them with her. He refused to let them feel abandoned once again. They were sad about it, they remembered what it was like when they were younger and Opie did a 5 year stint in Stockton. But deep down Jax knew they would be okay. Tara would make sure of it.

Later that night, after putting the boys down, the same way they had the night before, Jax joined Tara on the couch in the living room. He pulled her into his side, kissed the top of her head and asked, "Do you know exactly how much I love you? You gave me both our boys. Abel wouldn't have made it if it wasn't for you. Thomas wouldn't even exist and I would probably already be dead. If not, I definitely wouldn't be half the man I am today. You make me want to do better, to be better. Remember not long after you came back, you told me that we were just better people when we were with the ones we were supposed to be with. Now, while I don't know what I could possibly contribute to make you a better person, there is no doubt in my mind that you make me a better person. You make up the best parts of me. You and Ope have always been my true North. These next years are going to be so hard on all of us, but knowing that you will be the one raising my boys, being the one teaching them to be the best them they can be, that is what comforts me and lets me know that this is the absolute most important thing that I have ever sacrificed in my life. Sacrificing my freedom so our boys can be raised by their remarkable Mother is the only choice that will not ruin their lives. And the future of my family is my #1 priority. You and those boys come first from now on. I thought that is what I was doing all along, but now looking back I can see how much influence my Mom and even Clay had on my decisions. Even how they manipulated me to make me think I was doing what was best for me, when in reality it was always what was best for them or what they wanted. I will never let that happen again. It will always be you and me deciding what is best together, as a family, from here on out. We will face everything together. I am just so sorry that it took me so long to open my eyes and see how much I was hurting my family."

Tara smiled sadly at Jax, "You're right, from here on out we decide everything together. But you're also wrong, you do make me a better person too." At Jax's skeptical look, Tara put her hand up to stop him from interrupting her and continued, "No, you had your time to speak; now you have to listen to me. I had no life for the 10 years we were apart. School, work and home. That was my whole life. I was miserable. You not only make me the happiest version of myself, but you pull me out of my shell. You allow me to be the real me without fear of what anybody else will think of me. You taught me what unconditional love is. I may have helped save Abel's life, but you gave him life and allowed me to be his Mother. Without you I would not have my sweet, loving, little boy who is a carbon copy of his Dad in looks but somehow 100% my personality. Or my amazing little Thomas, who each and every day does something else that is 100% his Daddy. My little boy who challenges any limit I give him. The older he gets the more I think he should have been a Jackson Jr. He is such a mini Jax in every way possible. You make me better, not only because you make me happy, but because you made me a Mom. You gave me the family I always longed for. You have made all my dreams come true. And of course I know how much you love me, cause I love you just as much in return. Just like I told you back then, we were always meant to be together. It's you and me against the world, always."

Jax pulled Tara back into his side and whispered, "Always" back to her.