I was doing my best to keep the children occupied while Jax was being transported to the hospital. Once he reached the local hospital, they managed to stabilize him. I had called before he arrived and the friendly staff promised to keep me updated on his progress, and if they planned to transport him. It was ten at night before I finally received a call. Jax had a minor heart attack.The local physicians were able to discover that Jax had a blockage in one of his lower valves in his heart. Unfortunately, they did not have a cardiologist on hand that could perform the surgery that he needed. Jax was going to be transported to a neighboring larger city where a cardiologist was already waiting for him. The nurse was patient and answered all my questions. She explained that they were going to transport him to the other hospital, he would undergo the surgery, and then the doctors there would determine when Jax could return home. Before we got of

The girls were ecstatic that I had solved the problem with Crystal. They were also overjoyed when I told them that Jax was coming home tomorrow. Levi and Shawn were not so happy about it, but we decided to enjoy our last night of peace. I ordered us pizza and we decided to play a few board games with movies on the television. I figured after the miserable week that everyone had that we deserved a night of fun.Jax called before the children went to bed. He spoke with Isabella; she bragged a little about how I got rid of Crystal. Once she was done on the phone Jax asked to speak with me. He asked me if I planned on being at the hospital tomorrow. I explained to him that yes, I would be there. I relayed everything that his nurse and physician had explained to me. Jax said that he was getting tired, so we got off the phone. Everyone decided that we should go to bed early. Tomorrow was a big day, Jax was coming home.I

The girls were very nervous before the visit with their mother. I installed a tracking application on Isabella’s cell phone. It would allow me to track where Crystal took the children. I ensured that they were fed before leaving. Jax stated that he was allowing Crystal to have the girls for only four hours. I argued that four hours was enough time to take them across state lines. Jax informed me that I was being paranoid, and that this was a matter to be handled between him and Crystal. Too soon the girls were whisked away, and I was left wrought with worry for their safety.I tracked the girls throughout the visit, pleased that Crystal was not leaving town with them. Both girls burst through the door with their arms filled with shopping bags. Helen was overwhelmingly in bliss. She hurried into the kitchen to tell me all about her visit with her mother. Evidently Crystal had taken the girls to several shops in town. She had bought Hel

When Jax had been admitted to the hospital I had taken a leave from my college classes. Once he returned to work part time, I had started my online classes again. I was able to keep up with the work, and quickly caught up on what I had missed. Now that Jax was back to work full time, I returned to college full time as well. Returning to classes also meant that I could return to group as well.I had formed warm acquaintances with most of the women at our group. Once you share the horrors of what you have endured with people, it is hard not to feel close to them. Upon my return I gave them the whole story of Jax’s ill health and why I had been away. I told them about Crystal and how she was back in their lives. I even told them about Helen and how the young girl now seemed to despise me. Jordan our group leader questioned whether Crystal was trying to use Helen to get back together with Jax. While that possibility had crossed my mind he

WARNINGThe following chapter contains acts of physical, mental, and sexual abuse. These acts may be triggers to some readers. Please continue with caution.Birthdays are supposed to be a celebration of being alive. It is a reflection of living another year, and the accomplishments that go with it. Some see it as a time for reflection, looking back on how much you have grown as a person. I truly believe that no one thinks that they are going to come face to face with death on their birthday. Fate is a tricky beast though and sometimes she has to bite you in order to push you over the ledge and into your destiny.I was abruptly awakened on my birthday to the feeling of Jax straddling me, and cold metal being pressed against my temple. My breathing stopped, in fact it felt as if time i