A/N: For the reader's this chapter is for you, particularly Gianna. Enjoy!
The meeting was in five minutes. Clay called them all in for an emergency get together in the Chapel. His tone was serious. Omnious. Jax knew Darby had started a war, and like Opie had told him on the phone, this could only end in bloodshed.
As the VP, Jax was expceted to be seated in the Chapel already. He was given many odd looks as he stood, waiting outside. He nodded in greeting to his fellow SAMCRO members but there was something he had to do before he went in and sat down.
Tig just pulled up. He was taking off his helmet, and squinting from the sun, when Jax walked up next to him.
He had yet to tell Clay about his suspicions. He had to handle this his way.
Tig looked as surprised as the others to see Jax not inside.
"Am I early?" Tig said.
"No."
"Alright. Then what?"
"I know."
Silence.
"You know what Jax?"
"I know. Now we can do this the hard way or the easy way."
He began to pat Tig down for wires. Tig shoved him, hard.
"Get off me! Are you crazy?"
"I followed you two nights ago."
Tig blanched. His face turned pure white.
"Jax, you have no idea..."
"Then explain it."
Jax crossed his arms and waited.
"They have her Jax. But I wasn't gonna rat. I'm still finding a way to..."
"They have who?"
Silence.
"Who Tig?You're not going inside until you tell me."
"Fine." Tig looked down. "They have my daughter on drug and prostitution charges."
Jax exhaled. Shocked.
"So what now?"
"I havent been the best father but I've always been the best SON. Please, don't tell Clay"
"You have one day to come up with a plan."
"Hey!" Bobby screamed. "You're late!"
The two headed inside, the distance between broadening the silence until it became deafening.
"This is OUR TOWN!" Clay finished screaming. The guys cheered. The roars of their voices could be heard from the next county.
"We have Uncer, we have a plan, let's do this." Clay stood and they all followed.
He patted Jax on the back.
"I need you with me on this VP."
"I know." Jax said, lighting a cigarette.
"Good. Tomorrow night then."
They left, Jax nodded at Tig. It was all going down tomorrow night. Jax may never again be coming home, so he left and rode his bike to the only place he wanted to be. Where Tara was, and his baby.
They were staying in Clay and Gemma's spare guest house for now. The renovations had already been set to go. Money wasn't an issue. Gemma and Clay had already turned out the lights. Clay needed his rest for tomorrow. This could only get ugly from here on out.
This was a war that was a long time coming.
The house was dark. Only, a dim light in the living room was on. Tara was curled in a chair. She was asleep. An open book lay on her lap. Jax gently removed the hair that fell into her face.
God, how he loved her.
"Jax?" She mumbled, sleepily.
"Yea Tara. I'm home."
She was still mad at him, but she smiled none the less.
"I made you dinner." Her voice cracked. She was exhausted.
"Thank you."
Jax knew this may be the last night they spent together. Saddened, he fidgeted with the object in his pocket. It was small. But big enough to speed up his heartbeat.
"Sit up for a second?" He asked her. She did.
Rubbing her eyes, she watched him get down on one knee.
Shock woke her from her slumber. She began to breath in and out rapidly, panicked.
"Tara," He looked into her eyes with such tenderness it made her tear, "There was never a time when I can remember that my life did not revolve around you. In your absence, I fought myself, I yelled at myself but still your face, your laugh, your smile lingered in my thoughts and haunted me daily. The day you left I told myself that I didn't need you. That I was better off. But I didn't realize how wrong I was until you came back."
He paused. Clearing his throat. He couldn't believe how emotional this was making him.
"You are the only woman I see. No matter where I am or who I am with, it's you. My heart still skips a beat when you walk into the room. When I have you in my arms, and you get up to leave, all I want to do is hold you again. Because I am empty without you. Tara, I lied when I said you should leave and that I don't need you. I need you like I need air. I can't breath without you. I love you, always have, always will. Marry me Tara Knowles."
"Jax! Yes, yes a million times yes." She lept off the couch and through herself around him. They hugged for what seemed like an tried to remember every detail because this may be the last time they saw each other. Just when they finally got it right. The timing couldn't be worse.
Jax couldn't bring himself to tell her about tomorrow. Instead they made love. After, she was staring at her ring and giggling. She was telling him of all the plans she had to make. Jax stayed silent letting her believe that they had a future, even if they didn't.
On a sad note, this story is coming to it's conclusion soon. It has been a fun journey with everyone, but it's almost that time. I hope you enjoyed this chapter as I have enjoyed your reviews. The continuation, soon.
