Chapter Ninety-Eight
Jake pov
The early morning light was just starting to seep through the edges of the heavy bedroom curtains, painting the dark room in quiet shades of gray and pale blue.
I woke up slowly, my mind clearing as the warm, heavy weight against my chest brought me fully awake.
Ava was fast asleep in my arms, her body curled small and soft right up against my side. Her head was resting on my collarbone, her soft breath hitting my bare skin in steady, rhythmic puffs. One of her small hands was tucked loosely inside my fingers, her legs tangled with mine under the thick blanket. She was still wearing my oversized dark sweater, the extra fabric draped over her shoulders like a cozy blanket.
I lay completely still on the mattress, refusing to move even an inch because I did
