authors note; I'm sorry for the lack of updates. I'm just focusing on my Happy stories more but I promise I'll finish this one here one day, lol. I'll do a little time jump, I hope you guys don't mind! 🤎

ERIN SAT NEXT TO OPE on the couch, both engrossed in the movie playing in the background. Although, the brunette was more engrossed in her thoughts, her eyes just glued to the TV screen without concentrating on it while she picked at her nails.

"What is it, babe?" Ope ran a hand up and down her arm before he turned off the TV.

"Huh?" The older Peters' sister looked up at the giant biker, a little confused, smiling as she saw the sympathy in his warm gaze. "It's just about Caitlin. I have an idea how I could help her..but so many factors play a role that I don't know if I should even suggest it to her."

"Help with what? The surrogacy thing?", Ope asked, his attention now fully focused on his Old Lady.

"Yep", Erin sighed deeply as she turned to her boyfriend and rested her elbow on the arm of the couch, supporting her head with her hand. "They've been looking for the right surrogate for a year now, but somehow it just doesn't work out. I see how frustrated Caitlin isᅳ and I hate to see my sister like this."

"Yeah, Jax is struggling too", Ope grumbled thoughtfully, running a hand over his beard while eyeing his Old Lady closely. "But how are you going to help? Not much you can do, babe."

"Well..there is something", Erin trailed, scratching her temple as she became a little nervous. After all, she didn't know how Ope would react. "There was a surrogate who was actually an option, who Jax and Caitlin were happy with, but apparently there were problems with an egg donation. So I thought about donating an egg, so the baby would actually have our family genes and Jax could still be the biological father as planned."

While Ope let her words sink in and thought about them, Erin waited impatiently for an answer. They had only been together for a little over a year and who knew how he felt about itᅳ something like that wasn't just a small thing and Erin wanted to make sure that Ope was okay with it.

"So the kid would be yours, so to speak?", Ope asked with a raised eyebrow, his face still twisted in thought. "How would the whole thing even work?"

"Well, yes, but also not. It's just my egg that the surrogate mother will be implanted with, she will carry the child, so there's no danger of me suddenly getting any maternal feelings", she assured him with a small smile as she could see the relief in his eyes. "I would've about six or seven appointments at the clinic and I also have to give myself injections several times a day. And at some point I'll have a small procedure done and that's itᅳ there are no side effects. Only cramps or spotting can occur for a few days."

"That's a lot", Ope muttered into his beard as he ran a hand over his face. However, he liked the idea that Erin wanted to help, after all, he watched Jax' hopes fade a little more every day. "But the egg is only fertilized afterwards, right?"

"I know, and I want you to be honest if you have a problem with that." Because if he did, they would have to find a compromise or another solution. But Erin just wanted to help her sister. "Yes, exactly. And that also works without any physical contact between Jax and the surrogate mother."

"Yeah, yeah I know that", Ope nodded, his lips formed into a thin line. Watching her from the corner of his eye, he noticed Erin's were full of impatience as she chewed on her lip. "I mean, if it really doesn't have any side effects for you and you can help Caitlin and Jax with it, I have no problem with it."

"Really?" Erin's eyes immediately brightened, her smile stretching from ear to ear. When Ope just nodded in agreement, she threw her arms around his neck and slid onto his lap. "Thank you, you're the best!"

"Tell me something I don't know yet." A gruff laugh vibrated through Ope's chest as he wrapped an arm around Erin's slim figure and pushed some hair out of her face. "I love you, you know that?"

Erin smiled as she rubbed the tip of her nose against his, his beard tickling her chin. "Good for you, because I love you too."

With a tiny smile, he rubbed his hands up and down her thighs. "When are you going to tell them about it?"

"As soon as possible, after all, they both deserve to finally be able to add to their family", said the brunette with a shrug. "So first thing tomorrow morning. Maybe I'll stop by Caitlin's before work, Jax should still be there then."

"Probably, we're not at the clubhouse until tomorrow afternoon", Ope informed his Old Lady, tilting his head slightly to the side. "But the procedure won't change anything about your fertility, right?"

At his question, Erin looked at then giant biker, a little perplexed and taken back by his words. "No, it doesn't change anything. But..does that mean you're thinking about having more kids?"

"Maybe. Would that be a problem for you?" Curiosity and maybe a hint of hope flashed in Ope's eyes, making Erin's heart clench.

Oh boy, this was going to be a long, deep conversation. Erin loved Ope's kids and had never had a problem accepting Ellie and Kenny, but kids of her own? She wasn't so sure about that.

But for now, Caitlin and Jax' desire to have kids came first anyway.

ᅳ

CAITLIN SAT DOWN at the kitchen table with two cups of tea and joined her sister and Jax, the latter with a hot cup of coffee in his hand while he looked at the brunette expectantly and with some skepticism, wondering why she came by before work and wanted to talk to both of them.

"So what's going on? What's so important that it couldn't wait?", Caitlin asked, just as skeptical as Jax.

"I'm glad you're happy to have me here",  the brunette replied teasingly, shaking her head with a grin as Caitlin just rolled her eyes and Jax just chuckled. "I wanted to talk to you, both of youᅳ that's why I'm here."

Abel was already sitting in the living room and was busy playing with his new toys, so the adults could discuss the topic in peace. Even though Erin was nervous, she was also looking forward to telling the couple about her idea.

"Okay, go on",  the redhead said softly after she had leaned back in her chair. "We're listening."

"Okay", Erin nodded, her gaze wandering back and forth between Jax and her sister. "Let me explain everything first before you say anything, okay?"

"What is it, Erin?" Jax asked as impatience slowly caught up with him. Sliding into his seat, he reached under the table for Caitlin's thigh and placed his hand on it.

The redhead flashed him a weak smile, placing her hand on his before looking back at Erin, who took a deep breath before she began to speak and yes, Caitlin hadn't really expected that.

Her eyes grew with every sentence, and she exchanged one or two shocked looks with Jax. But a glimmer of hope also sat in the pit of her stomach the closer Erin came to the end of her words.

"Well, actually, that would be the perfect solution. You just have to agree to it", Erin finished after she had explained everything and told them the same she had told Ope yesterday, only a little more precisely.  "You don't have to decide right away and of course you can also say no, that's completely fineᅳ but I wanted to give you the chance to finally get closer to having another child."

"Iᅳ I..don't know what to say", Caitlin stammered, shock still written all over her face, as she clutched her cup with her free hand. The other hand squeezed Jax' hand as her gaze met his. "What do you think, baby?"

Just as overwhelmed as his Old Lady, Jax exchanged glances with the two women. "I mean, the idea is good. But it also has some disadvantages."

"Why?" Erin shook her head, slightly confused. "It would work the same as with any other egg donor."

"The procedure, yes", Jax agreed as he sighed and slid back against the back of the chair, running a hand over his slicked-back hair. "It's still your kid somehow, or rather, it's only possible thanks to you. You would see the kid several times a weekᅳ are you sure you're up for that?"

"Shit..right", Caitlin muttered in the background, the hope that had built up slowly fading. "I don't know if that's the best idea."

"Guys, stop." Erin slid her chair closer to the table, leaning over it slightly as she looked at them both intensely. "I'll be nothing more than the aunt, that's for sure. I never really planned or felt the need to have kids of my ownᅳ but you", her brown eyes bored into Caitlin's blue ones. "You always wanted a big family. Let me help, Caitlin."

The women looked at each other in silence, only the ticking of the clock and the noises from the living room could be heard while the sun slowly cast a warm glow over the kitchen.

Before Caitlin answered, she looked at Jax again. "I mean, it would be the perfect solution, don't you think?"

"I don't know, babe." A deep sigh escaped Jax's throat, his heart aching as he saw the desperation but also the hope in Caitlin's blue lenses.

The last few months had been difficult for both of them, especially full of stress. All appointments with women who could be considered as surrogates ended in chaos or in bitter disappointment, and on top of that they needed money for everythingᅳ money that they were slowly running out of.

Although they had financial and emotional support from the guys, Gemma and Clay and Caitlin's dad, the journey was slowly getting on their nerves, leaving both of them more frustrated than happy. And that had to end, but without the two of them having to give up their wish for another child.

"Jax, I promise you that I've thought about this enough", Erin told him, more serious than ever. "I'll be nothing more than the aunt. You and Caitlin are the parents, no one else."

Rubbing a hand down his face again, Jax glanced out the window for a moment, considering Erin's offer. His Old Lady was right, it was the perfect solution, maybe their only chance without loosing even more money. As much as he hated to admit it, if they would lose more money, he wouldn't be able anymore to take care of his family without touching Caitlin's money.

"And you're absolutely sure about this, Erin?", he asked once his eyes were back on the brunette, skepticism still etched into his features. "Because once this is set in motion, there's no going back. This baby will be ours."

"I swear", Erin repeated with her hands raised in the air, nothing but sincerity in her tone. "You just have to say yes, Ope's okay with it too."

"Okay, that's good." Much more relaxed than Jax, Caitlin leaned back a little and took a quick sip of her tea. Unlike her Old Man, she knew her sister and knew that she could trust Erin's words. "Thank you for your offer, Erin, you don't know how much that means to us", she added with a small smile, receiving one from Erin in return before the redhead looked at the blonde expectantly. "From me, it's a yes. But if you need more time, that's okay."

The last thing Caitlin wanted was to put pressure on her boyfriend or make him feel like he had to make the same decision just because of her, so as not to hurt her feelings. Even if it would be a small setback, Caitlin would accept a no.

But that didn't happen. Jax rolled his shoulders, his piercing blue eyes searching for Caitlin's, his hand squeezing thigh. "No, we're doing this together. We want this and we're both reaching our limits right now. You know your sister and if you trust this whole thing, I'll do too."

"Does that mean.." Caitlin's eyes widened as she swallowed softly. Now her heart was racing with excitement and anticipation. "We're doing it?"

The famous panty-dropping smile crossed Jax' face, already giving away his answer. "We're doin' it. I want to see our family grow, babe."

Caitlin's chair slid across the vinyl floors with a loud squeak before she plopped down onto Jax' lap a moment later and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, burying her face in the crook of his neck.

"I love you so, so much, Jax", she whispered against his skin, smiling as he shuddered as her hot breath hit his neck.

"I love you too, darlin'", he whispered back, chuckling softly as Caitlin looked at him with flushed cheeks. For the first time, her smile seemed genuinely happy again. "We're having our baby, I told you that from the beginning."

"I know." Her smile grew, especially when Jax planted a kiss against her lips. "And I can't wait."

"Well, it'll take a while." Erin chuckled softly as she turned her cup back and forth, watching the two exchange happy glances. "I guess that's a yes?"

"It is", Jax replied with a wink before nodding his sincere thanks. "We'll take care of all the costs once we get going."

"And if you need anything, no matter what, you come to us", Caitlin added almost sternly.

"Guys, slow down." Erin leaned back a little while exhaling loudly, her hands folded over her stomach. "I just have a few appointments at the hospital and a small procedure, the surrogate will take care of the rest anyway. Do you think you'll be able to reach the last one again? The one you liked so much?"

"Still, the appointments take time and cost money, and we'll cover that", Caitlin insisted, leaving no room for discussion. Sighing, she let her shoulders drop. "I don't know, but we'll definitely tryᅳ she was really great."

"Hey, and if not, we'll find someone else who's right for us, okay?" With his crooked index finger he lifted her chin before taking it between his fingers, kissing his Old Lady. "Everything will be fine, babe."

"Yeah, you're probably right", the redhead agreed before returning the kiss, enjoying the feeling of his lips on hers for a while. "If you say so."

"It will, Caitlin", Erin said, too, who could see her sister's doubts and fears before there were any signs. "I'll call the clinic later and make the appointment and you try to reach the surrogate mother."

"Thanks Erin", Caitlin said sincerely before turning back to Jax and placing a hand against his cheek, biting her lower lip in thought. "I have to leave for work, can you maybe take care of it?"

Jax patted his girlfriend's hip, answering her question with a nod. "Sure, I'll take Abel to daycare and then try to reach Jasmine."

"Thanks baby." Caitlin pecked his lips one last time as he pulled her closer to him before she slid off his lap and grabbed her bag from the kitchen counter. "See you tonight?"

Jax nodded as he also stood up and rubbed Caitlin's hip as he passed her. "Yeah, but it might get a bit late. Don't wait with dinner for me, babe."

"Okay. Be careful, please", the redhead hummed. As she was about to leave the kitchen to say goodbye to Abel, Jax pulled her back by her wrist and stole another kiss from her lips, a longer, more passionate one this time.

"Jesus, get a room", Erin murmured amusedly as she stood up and slung her own bag over her shoulder. "We have to leave, Eliana is probably already waiting."

"Mhm..I'll be right there." Caitlin waved her sister off as she stayed in the kitchen with Jax, cooing and giggling, while Erin joined Abel for a moment.

"And you're sure you want that?" After another long kiss and still a little out of breath, the redhead placed her hands on Jax' chest, looking up at him. "I want us both to want that one hundred percent."

"I want that, Caitlin", Jax assured firmly as he let his hand slip behind her neck. Spreading his thumb forward, he let it slide over her cheek. "I want the whole package with you. Kids, marriage, a new house big enough for the kids and maybe a dog laterᅳ I want it all with you, darlin'."

Caitlin stared up at him, her legs feeling like jelly. "Marriage? A new house? You're serious about this, huh?"

"You're just noticing now?", the blonde asked teasingly, pulling her head closer so his lips hovered in front of hers again. With a slight grin, he brushed them against hers. "I want you to be my wife, so that everyone knows you're mine when they hear your last name."

"Just ask me, Jax", the redhead whispered, feeling like she was about to faint from excitement and her rapid heartbeat.

"Caitlin Peters", he began, his grin turning into a smile as he got down on one knee in front of her and took her hand into his. "I don't want to wait any longer. Will you marry me?"

"Oh my God." Caitlin sniffled quietly as tears of joy gathered in her eyes, her heart almost jumping out of her chest. "Of courseᅳ"

"Oh my God!! Are you shittin' me?" Erin couldn't contain her joy as she came back into the kitchen to finally get her sister to leave the house. "Shit, sorry! Answer him, go on", she told the redhead before folding her hands in front of her mouth to keep a squeal from falling from her lips.

Jax just chuckled, but his gaze quickly wandered back up to Caitlin. There was a lump in his throat even though he secretly already knew her answer. He had never taken that step before and after Tara he hadn't expected to ever fall in love like that againᅳ but the relationship with Caitlin was much stronger than the one with Tara ever was.

"Jesus Erin, you know how to blow a moment", she laughed softly, but her blue eyes quickly found Jax' again, the happiest smile on her lips. "Of course I'll marry you, handsome. So yes, I want to be your wife, nothing would make me happier."

"Yeah?" The grin was back on Jax' lips as he stood up and pulled the redhead flush against him, his hand resting on the back of her head as he pulled her into a searing kiss. Still surprised by what just happened, he pulled away with a deep chuckle and let his forehead fall against Caitlin's. "You're going to be the prettiest bride there ever was."

"Oh stop." With the softest giggle, Caitlin playfully smacked his chest, stealing another quick kiss from his lips. "We'll see. All I know is that I'm going to have the hottest groom."

"Okay, that's going in the wrong direction again." Chuckling, Erin pulled the redhead off the blonde after his hands had wandered to Caitlin's ass. "We have to work. But we're definitely going to celebrate this once you told everyone!"

"Okay, okay, sorry", Caitlin chuckled, definitely not ready to leave Jax behind nowᅳ but she had no choice. "I love you, baby."

"I love you too", Jax winked before fishing a cigarette out of his box, flashing Erin a grin. "Make sure my fiancée gets home safe later."

"I will. And you better get a ring to put on her finger so everyone knows she's off the market", Erin told him with a smirk before dragging her sister out of the house, leaving a chuckling Jax behind.

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