Living the Dream

It was nearing three when Jax finally finished working on a car that had been towed to the TM that morning. His undershirt was wet and dirty, clinging to his body in the most uncomfortable way; his throat was begging for some liquid, preferably cold. Opting out of having a beer with Kip and two new prospects, Jax gulped down some water, changed out of the undershirt into a semi-clean T-shirt he found in the back room of the clubhouse, flung his kutte over it, and hopped onto his bike.

The day was hot, nothing unusual for the late June in Charming, but the dry air seemed to suck every ounce of oxygen from the atmosphere, leaving only dust to be inhaled. Jax couldn't wait to get home and take a shower, feeling the dirt, dust, and motor oil glued to his skin.

Before he headed home, Jax made a short trip to the Sons' ice cream shop to stock up on ice cream, since he remembered how last night his family finished off the last carton. Tara was in her last trimester in the middle of summer no less, and it was getting more and more difficult for her to go out on her own whenever she wanted to, especially when one of her cravings would kick in.

Jax saw no problem in him getting things from the store or doing things around the house as long as she got to rest. For Tara, however, it wasn't so great to just lay around doing nothing. Though Jax cut down on his time with the club now that things have gotten quieter and more legal, he still got to go outside and do whatever he wanted whereas she was tired all the time, her feet swollen and appetite being wonky. Their baby girl -Violet - had grown a lot over the past months so carrying her around in her belly was not an easy feat for Tara.

Jax tried to indulge her in everything, from food and drinks, massages, sex, orgasms to dates whenever she felt the least bit rested and in the mood for any of those, but there was only so much you could do in Charming, especially as a couple.

That's way he had a plan in mind, one that would hopefully give Tara some of that desperately needed change before the baby came, and him time to spend with her, alone.

As much as he loved their family and friends, it had been months, long, painful months since he had a single day alone with Tara and he missed them. Jax missed being just with her, having nothing else on his mind but Tara.

The club business was in the last stages of becoming legal, with various other means of income having been introduced over the last few months, aside from their brothels and Redwoody Productions. Those were doing better than before, especially since Tig became in charge of handling them. He always did claim to be the most verses in these matters than any of the other guys anyway. Jax only insisted on consent from all sides regardless what it was about and no underage sex in both businesses. No one was to get hurt and extra measures were taken to ensure compliance of the rules.

Then, there were a few betting shops set up around the town and a decently sized bar/club that welcomed patrons from different walks of life which worked 24/7.

Jax had a few more business ventures in mind. However, this sufficed for the time being, earning the club a decent income which could be allotted to all the members equally while still offering enough to put aside for any unexpected issues.

Tara had also ventured into the business waters, since she quit working as a teacher. It didn't feel right to her to stay on the job after she had started a relationship with one of her former student's parents, was now pregnant by him and was planning to marry him. Never the one to sit idlily, she partnered up with Chucky and Donna to buy out a closed hair and nail salon that was conveniently situated by the club's ice cream shop, and turned the space into an arcade with adjacent kids' corner called Serendipity. They invested all they had, holding nothing back and made a wonderful place where the town kids of all ages could come and enjoy with their friends.

The Sons helped renovate the place, working around the clock so the place opened way before it was scheduled. The kids' corner included a restaurant that offered healthy food, free Wi-Fi, a small library of children's books and overall an amazing experience to its visitors.

The trio was also planning on opening a community centre where kids could come after school and get tutoring lessons or learn some new skill. They lacked the capital for it though. The club offered to back them up but they refused, opting to wait to gather enough funds to do it on their own. Gemma was planning on helping them out anyway, both financially and with gathering volunteers for various programs they had in mind, so there was no need for club involvement.

Things with Abel, now a six-year-old, were better than ever. Now that his mind wasn't occupied with life and death situations and his working hours were somewhat fixed, Jax found more time to hang out with his son. He took him to the cinema, to the arcade, went on short trips to nearby towns, went camping and did so many activities together, just the two of them, that Jax sometimes joked Abel would get sick of him by the time he was ten.

Abel, on the other hand, basked in his father's attention. The bond between them was now stronger than before which in turn reflected in Abel's behaviour; he grew more confident and happier, having fewer and fewer moments in which he withdrew into himself. He enjoyed the company of other kids and even managed to make friends in school and in other places. Unlike before, when he would keep to himself, he was now the first to say hello and introduce himself to any new kid that came to the arcade and restaurant and offered to show them around.

He still adored Tara, more if it was even humanly possible. She came into his life at just the right time, bringing the kind of light with her that warmed the goodness in the little boy and made him feel even more loved and cared for. Tara wasn't the mother that gave him life, but she was the mother that gave his life all that his biological mother never did. She loved him with her words, her actions, the attention and care she showed him, with gentle words, encouragements, and the kind of upbringing that every child deserved.

And of course, Abel was madly in love with his baby sister and couldn't wait to take care of her, play with her and teach her everything he knew.

Life felt like one endless, joyful and perfect existence. There wasn't a day that Jax didn't thank god or whichever force controlled this universe for all the changes to his and his family's life that happened with Tara's arrival to this town.

And all he wished for now was some decent time alone with her without anyone interrupting them.

Their house was almost completed, with some small details to be added which is why they were still staying at Gemma's. He loved his mother, but it pained him, physically, to have to be on good behaviour all the time when all he ever wanted to do was be with Tara, have sex with her without fearing his mother or someone else interrupting them.

They were limited to Jax's old bedroom and it wasn't really exuding any kind of sensual vibes. It was basically a teenager's room and Jax was anything but. He often found himself complaining about the size of the bed, the mattress being uncomfortable, them not having enough room to store their things or move freely since all of Tara's possessions were moved from her old house into this room or the storage unit.

Gemma didn't complain, but he could see she wanted some peace and quiet of her own, especially now that she had a boyfriend. And Jax sure as hell didn't want to witness his mother's sex life any more than she wanted to witness his.

Tara teased him mercilessly about everything, especially when he would complain about wanting to 'sex her up' in the kitchen but knowing his mother would murder him on spot.

And though she seldom complained, he knew it wasn't all that comfortable for Tara either. The bed was indeed terrible and no matter how many cushions she used to prop herself on or put between her legs, her nights were restless. No to mention the stairs she had to climb up and down daily, in spite of hardly seeing them from her belly. She almost fell a couple of times, scaring everyone to death. Gemma's house didn't have any ground floor rooms and although they contemplated moving into the back room of the clubhouse at least for awhile, it was soon dismissed. The clubhouse was always loud; especially when they would throw parties, which was often. People drank, smoked, and talked freely - meaning they cussed and told dirty jokes all the time, which on its own wasn't that big of a deal, but when you are trying to raise a six-year-old in a healthy environment and give some respite to your heavily pregnant fiancée, it didn't seem at all suitable.

So, yeah, Jax really craved his and Tara's own space where they could do what they wanted, whenever they wanted, however they wanted. He wanted to be able to be with his son and soon-to-be wife in a place that actually felt like their home.

As he unlocked the door and got into Gemma's house, he noticed how quiet it was. Abel was probably at Donna's, hanging out with Ellie and Kennie. But his mother was supposed to be staying with Tara. Jax tried not to panic as he called out his Old Lady's name. The knot in his stomach loosened when he heard her reply, "in the back". Leaving the bags on the kitchen table, he rushed to greet her.

A wide grin spread across Jax's freckled and sun-kissed face as he approached her from behind. Leaning forward, he kissed her hot neck then pecked her cheek. He could feel her smile under his lips, her ponytail tickling his face.

"Hi babe."

Tara turned slowly, cupping his face and giving him a lazy, drawn-out kiss, fingers caressing his bearded jaw, eyes gleaming with glee. "Hey, you."

His stomach did summersaults every time she would look at him and Jax couldn't help but reach for another kiss, this time taking charge and making it dirtier than the one before, his hand holding her chin, the other one travelling down her cheek to her neck, over her breast where it lingered for a bit (just to tease her) before landing on her belly. He heard her gasp, breath hitching as she moaned his name against his lips.

When Tara opened her eyes again, she bit her lip and looked him up and down, her gaze remaining on his head, her nails gently scratching it.

"I really like this haircut." The comment had become a habit ever since Jax turned his blond bob hairstyle into a buzzcut. It was getting too long for his liking and not at all suitable for the summer heat.

Kneeling in front of her, arms crossed on the bench armrest, he gave her his trademark Teller smirk; the one that made all the girls swoon - including his Tara, no matter how hard she tried to deny it. "Tell me why again?"

He knew it, of course he did. He just wanted to see her blush, wanted to hear those words out of her pretty mouth and picture the scene when she said it.

Jax was hungry for Tara's approval, for anything she would say or do that would assure him she wanted him just as he wanted her. Or, you could say he was so horny for her all the time that provoking her ignited him even more.

Knowing him well, Tara smiled as she leant closer keeping the eyes contact briefly, lips brushing against his ear as she whispered, "It's something else to scratch me when you're eating me out."

At that, she gave his earlobe a gentle tug with her teeth, causing a loud groan to pass Jax's lips. Tara tried to withdraw quickly, a mischievous smile accompanying the amused look in her eyes but before she could do it, his hands reached for her once one, fingers digging into her thighs - not too tightly yet enough to prevent her from moving further away.

"I love," Jax started, rising up on his toes, face tilting towards Tara's neck, "when you say things like that." A wet peck landed on her skin, them Jax started licking and sucking her pulse point, making her stir and moan, tossing her head back and digging her fingernails into his shoulderblades.

"Jax, Gemma should be back soon."

Rolling his eyes, Jax reluctantly pulled away from her. Instead, he took her hands in his and kissed her knuckles, then the finger that held her engagement ring. He still got so fucking excited every time he saw it glimmering on her hand.

"You doin' okay?" he asked, searching her gaze.

Nodding, Tara huffed, waving her hand to cool herself, although in vain. "Yeah, I'm just... A bit tired and dizzy. I think it's the heat. The last couple of days have been awful." She put one hand on her belly and, readjusting on the bench, started massaging it.

Brows furrowed worryingly, Jax took her face in his hands, kissing her forehead. "Can I get you anything?"

"A glass of lemonade," Tara said, closing her eyes, a tender smile on her face as she fully savoured her fiancé's proximity. After a short pause, she added, "Gemma made it this morning, it's in the fridge. And maybe something to eat, but don't heat it up."

"Be right back." Obliging, Jax gave her a quick peck on the cheek then rushed to leave the ice cream in the freezer so it didn't melt.

In spite of the AC in the house it wasn't much better than the outside. The stale air seemed to be everywhere and sticking to everything. Taking the jug out of the fridge, Jax placed it on a platter along with two glasses on the counter. Then he made some sandwiches and a salad, and joined Tara on the backyard porch. Placing the platter on the table, he poured the lemonade to the brim, first to Tara then himself, and sat on the bench next to her.

It was scorching hot, the heat emanating from the ground making it all the hotter. Jax couldn't remember the last time it was like this. The grass was almost non-existent, burnt by the sun and the few rosebushes that survived were wilting though Gemma kept watering them in desperate hope of saving them.

While he was observing his mother's garden, Tara had already drunk a full glass of lemonade and started leaning over to pour some more.

Jax was immediately grabbing for the jug. "I got it."

Huffing, Tara replied somewhat annoyed. "I can do it. Just because I'm pregnant-"

Handing her the glass, Jax kissed her on the lips effectively interrupting her, "I know you can, but I want to do it for you. Anything for my queen."

Smiling, she shook her head and drank some more while Jax kept his eyes on her, trying to see if he could notice any more changes to her face and body.

It became a habit; after those wretched days they both spent worrying about their baby, their relationship and themselves. So far, the pregnancy had been nothing but a fairly smooth ride in spite of everything and though Tara took care of herself and everyone in their lives lent a helping hand whenever they needed it, Jax's hands still trembled, his mind still went into overdrive and his stomach tied in knots at even the slightest sign of discomfort his Old Lady showed. He didn't want to mention it to Tara so she wouldn't worry, but he couldn't help himself.

That fucker Kohn was over and done, the trial having ended a few weeks ago with a satisfying sentence. And though he would spend twenty-five years in prison, to Jax it wasn't enough. Not even the fate he himself wrote for Kohn, for as long as he would be locked up, couldn't provide him peace.

The only person he felt comfortable talking to about this was Opie, but not even his brother could help him get out of the wormhole. Then Jax did something he never though he would do: he sought out a therapist.

He spoke to Tara, vaguely, about what was bothering him and they figured that some professional help could be the solution, or that it could at least offer him a different perspective on his life. Although reluctant during his first few sessions, as time went by it got easier to talk and open up to dr. Pierce. He was kind but straightforward, aiding Jax in realising in what way the many tragedies and unfortunate events in his life shaped who he was and why he behaved the way he did. The sessions were still in their early months though.

Drawing Tara closer to himself, Jax leant his forehead against hers like he always did when he wanted to check if they were alright, if everything was as it should be between them. Her skin was warm and soft under his fingers, her breath fanning his face.

"You okay, baby?" Tara asked placing a hand on his cheek, her voice edging on worry.

"Mmhhm," was his only verbal reply.

Brushing his nose against hers, Jax grinned and lower his lips on hers, taking his time to enjoy the moment, to savour her. Kissing Tara was always so calming and intoxicating at the same time. She fed the good and the wicked parts in him, made him heal in ways no one before her could.

He wanted to get drunk on her; to drink up every single drop of love she would give him and store it deep inside his heart so that whenever he felt doubts about what he was doing he could remember he was doing it for her, because of her.

Sure, he was making changes way before she even knew a town named Charming existed, but it was Tara that pushed him to really dedicate himself to saving his club from the imminent death their illegal business was leading them into. The cogs were already working, but Tara's appearance in Jax Teller's life accelerated his plans. Not to mention it was Tara that made him see how his son was starting to pay the cost of Jax's decisions, starting from Wendy and their unfortunate story.

Never having anyone like that by his side, to really encourage him to do better for himself and those close to him, to defy the status quo, Jax loved her all the more for it. She was tough and loving and everything he ever wanted and needed from a partner. Tara stood by him and became an irreplaceable figure in his life that existing without her scared him to the bone.

After she had settled into his embrace with his arm draped around her shoulders, Tara spoke. "Should I ask where you've been?"

"Not stirring any trouble, Reaper's honour," Jax flashed her a cheeky grin, hand resting over his heart.

Tara gave him a side look, eyebrow cocked. They both laughed at that and some tension brought on by Jax's own internal struggles ebbed away.

"I promise." Jax reassured her and pecked her temple, fingers lazily tracing her arm. "Everything's going well for now. I don't want you worryin' for nothing."

Sadness crept into her tone when she confessed, taking his hand in hers and playing with his rings, avoiding his gaze. "And I don't want to visit you in prison with our kids. I- We can't go through that."

He understood her worries and it pained him she had to even contemplate such a situation. They already had Abel, and now with Violet joining their family… There was no chance in hell Jax would ever jeopardize his family, their future for anything. They were his priority – now and forever.

Ditching the lightness in his voice, Jax manoeuvred so he was face to face with his Old Lady. Cupping her face once more, their eyes met and he answered honestly, "You won't. Ever." Sighing, he shook his head, pinching the bridge of his nose, the minute unresolved issues bugging him nonetheless. "It's just taking a bit for the club to settle some business, but in a few days, it should be done." Intertwining his fingers with Tara's, he buried his nose in her hair seeking solace, maybe even protection from that other part of his life that so often threatened to level to the ground everything he was fighting for. He continued, "Chibs went down to Santo Padre to negotiate with the Mayans. If they accept, our gun and drug business will be theirs. My club will be clean and you won't have to worry anymore. None of us will."

Tara stirred in his arms, smoothing out the crease between his eyebrows, then drew their laced hands to her bump. "Then maybe you too can stop worrying for good and focus on our babies and us."

Not taking his eyes off her belly, Jax said, "Trust me, you guys are all I ever think about."

How he wished everything would just set itself for good already.

They sat in silence like that for awhile before Tara's stomach started grumbling, indicating she was hungry.

Wordlessly, Jax handed her the plate with sandwiches and let her sate her hunger as he went to take a quick shower to wash off the dirt and sweat that had accumulated on his body since that morning. He got dressed and ran down the stairs to return to his place on the bench next to Tara. He found her eating the last of the four sandwiches he had made, the bowl that had contained salad sitting empty on the table.

He loved seeing her like this – relaxed, just enjoying her food. She looked so cute in her flowy summer dress, her arms and legs on full display for him to feast on. His hands itched to touch her, to dive under that dress and stroke that sweet spot between her thighs, to bury his tongue into her and have her scream out his name.

Which is what he was about to do, his fingers slowly lifting the hem of the dress, but Tara slapped his hands away, chuckling.

"Jax, let me eat!"

"Sorry," he gave her his most innocent smile without removing his hands off her, licking then biting his lower lip before adding, "Can I have my turn after you're finished?"

A wicked grin appeared on his face then, that Tara just closed her eyes in fake exasperation at his antics and turned away from him to take another bite.

"Maybe."

Laughing, Jax let her finish the sandwich and poured her another glass of lemonade which she readily gulped down. He decided to present her his idea, which would give them a few days to spend together without anyone interfering.

"I was thinking we could take a few days off, go somewhere."

"You mean like a honeymoon?" asked Tara, surprised.

"Yeah," Jax replied, "when Violet comes, we won't have the time and I want to enjoy with you, at least for a few days."

Tara frowned slightly, as if pondering the idea. "What about Abel?"

Jax had an answer ready, having already arranged everything beforehand. "I talked to Gemma the other day. She'd stay with him, says she wouldn't mind."

"And the MC?"

"Got that covered too. Chibs's doing most of the heavy lifting anyway. He's been doing a decent job so far. Besides, I doubt anyone would dare complain I want to spend my time and be with my baby mama."

Tara's lips started to spread into a shy smile, before fully beaming. "So, we're doing it?"

"Only if you want to." He tucked some stray hairs behind her ear, feeling hopeful.

"Of course I do." Tara practically yelled out the answer, wrapping her arms around Jax's neck as much as her belly allowed and kissing him soundly as his hand wrapped around her neck, the other one now travelling up her dress without any obstructions from Tara.

She moaned into his mouth, body shivering under Jax's fingers that were kneading her plump flesh. Drawing him closer, she deepened their kiss as Jax's thumb brushed over her panties and she gasped at the touch just as he pushed the fabric to the side and cupped her.

"Jax," she breathed out, his lips moving to her neck and throat, his finger pushing gently into her wet entrance. She gripped his shoulders as it caressed her insides and pulled out, then dove again to repeat the move.

"Fuck, I want you so badly," Jax said against her skin, his eager tongue licking her pulse point and making her dizzy for a whole another reason.

"I-I," Tara spoke incoherently, thoughts all scrambled.

"Kids, I'm home!" Gemma yelled, effectively interrupting their make-out session.

"Fuck my life!" Jax exclaimed, huffing in annoyance, head resting on Tara's shoulder as he reluctantly withdrew his hand from under her dress. "This is why we need that honeymoon."

Giggling, Tara took his hand, indicating she wanted to get up and Jax helped her to her feet. Pulling him towards the house, she whispered, hoping Gemma wouldn't hear, "I haven't had my afternoon nap yet."

Gemma heard her though, her head peeking from the kitchen. "You kids can carry on with your shenanigans. I'll be at Nero's for the night." She winked at them but Jax just rolled his eyes in annoyance and ignored his mother, along with her awful joke "I'd say don't forget to wrap it but…"

Tara laughed and threw Gemma a grateful look while Jax ushered her, gently, up the stairs so they could continue what they had started.

He couldn't wait for that honeymoon.

(Howdy! What is this, you might ask. Another update? Why, yes, indeed. Thank you all for welcoming me back into the fandom. A week ago was the first time I read this fic in its entirety and not to toot my own horn, but damn it's good. I'm proud of myself for starting this journey seven years ago and even prouder I managed to come back to it. Your feedback - comments, private messages etc - have really given me the boost I needed and I can't thank you enough. I'm so incredibly glad that many of the OG readers I mentioned in the past chapter's note came back! I honestly missed you all so much. I'll be replying to your comments and messages this week :D I'm not sure when the next chapter will be up, but just know we ain't abandoning this train again. I think there should be about 3 more chapters, so yeah... we are in the finally stages of this epic tale, my friends. I hope you'll enjoy this chapter. Please, feel free to drop by my inbox or comment section and share your thoughts. 'til next time, xoxo)