Page 39 of Jax

"Alright, let's set this bad boy up," Jax declared, setting down his backpack and tent.

"Never put up a tent before. You'll have to show me how," Mia confessed, looking at the tent with a mix of curiosity and trepidation.

"No problem. The key is to take it step by step," Jax reassured her, unrolling the tent and laying out the instructions. "Here, you hold this pole while I secure it to the ground."

"Got it," Mia replied, holding the pole steady as Jax drove the stake into the earth.

They worked together until the tent stood tall and proud.

"Look at us, professional campers now," he teased.

"Thanks to you, Daddy," she said, her eyes sparkling.

The orange glow of the setting sun bathed the campsite in a warm, golden light as Jax prepared to make a fire pit. He was determined to create an atmosphere that would make Mia feel safe and secure, while also igniting the spark between them.

"Need some help with that?" Mia asked, stepping up beside him, her eyes filled with curiosity.

"Sure, little one," Jax replied, his heart swelling at her eagerness to participate. "We need more firewood. Think you can help me find some nice dry twigs and bark?"

"Absolutely, Daddy," she said, nodding enthusiastically.

They set off into the woods together, searching for dry branches and twigs that would burn well. Jax appreciated how easily Mia took to this new environment, adapting without hesitation.

“This must all be so new for you,” he said.

“Mmhmm. I used to dream of being outside. Away from the city. Free to do what I wanted.” As their hands brushed against each other while gathering wood, he felt a surge of electricity pass between them. Their eyes met.

"You think this will be enough?" Mia asked, her voice a little breathless from their unintentional touches.

"Almost," Jax answered, trying to keep his own composure. He couldn't help but sneak glances at her as they worked, admiring the way the fading sunlight caught her green eyes, making them seem almost luminescent.

"Here, this should do it," Mia said, handing Jax a bundle of branches.

"Perfect," he murmured, his gaze lingering on her just a moment longer before turning back to the fire pit.

As Jax carefully arranged the wood and kindling, he found himself lost in thoughts of Mia—her resilience, her beauty, and her vulnerability. He wanted to take care of her, protect her, and show her what true love could be.

Shit.

That was a powerful thought.

A week ago, he was glued to his computer screen, completely out of touch with real life. Now, he was here, feeling big feelings in the wilderness.

"Hey, watcha thinkin' about?" Mia's voice broke through his reverie, bringing him back to the present.

"Nothing much," Jax lied, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Just about how great it is to be here with you. How all of a sudden, life can change entirely."

"Same here, Daddy," Mia replied.

“All it takes is something to light a spark.”

He plucked a match from the box and lit it with a satisfying fizz. As he held it to the kindling, they held each other’s gaze. It only took a moment for the heat to build and the fire to bloom.

Jax got the tent comfortable and cozy with mats and sleeping bags, then set up his simple cooking equipment and began cooking some chicken in barbecue sauce.

Mia leaned against a nearby tree, watching him with a curious gaze.

"Did you always know how to cook?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

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