Page 41 of Single Mom's Navy Seals
“Either way,” I argue, shaking my head, “I don’t want you risking yourself or dealing with their revenge for me.”
He grins, eyes glinting. “I won’t laugh again because I don’t want their attention again, but trust me, I’m cackling inside. Ava, the three of us? We have a skill set unmatched by anyone. I’ve taken on bigger fish than your dad, and no one’s ever caught me yet.”
He reaches out, his fingers brushing my chin, tilting it just slightly. “Put it out of your head. I’m telling you because I need to make sure it won’t hurt you when it happens. Not because I’m asking permission.”
He leans in even closer, his mouth just inches from mine. “I protect what matters to me, Ava. You matter.”
My lips part, a breath escaping. If he kissed me right now, I don’t think I’d stop him. My body leans toward his like it’s not mine to control.
Before I can even process what is happening, he raises his voice toward Eli. “Hey, buddy, you want to help me cook?”
He just winks as Eli races over, effortlessly shifting gears, while I sit there—still breathless, still reeling, and maybe, just maybe... already in too deep.
17
AVA
The darkness outside is calming in a way I haven’t felt in years.
I’m tucked into the big armchair near the window, knees drawn up to my chest, arms wrapped around them. The horses move in the pasture beyond, their shadows shifting beneath the silvery moonlight. I follow their movements with tired eyes, savoring this quiet moment to myself after a long, exhausting day.
Eli is asleep behind me in the bed, snoring. He had a pretty exciting day, especially after the great news he got. For the five days that we’ve been here, Eli has returned to the subject of the horses, his excitement barely containable. He wanted so badly to interact with them, but we weren’t sure what was allowed. Liam texted Morales the second day for more information about the sanctuary and what they could do with the horses.
It wasn’t until we were at dinner earlier that he finally got a response. Eli had nearly bounced out of his skin when Liam relayed that the horses were actually friendly enough to be petted and given treats, though they weren’t saddle-broken, so riding was only possible bareback.
“Can we go out and pet them now, Mama?” Eli had begged, tugging at my hand insistently, eyes wide and hopeful. “Just for a minute, please?”
“Tomorrow, baby,” I told him firmly, glancing at Liam, Jax, and Cole, who thankfully backed me up immediately.
“Your mom’s right, kid,” Jax had said, his voice warm and reassuring. “You’re tired tonight. Tomorrow’s soon enough. Horses aren’t going anywhere.”
The men’s firm agreement seemed to convince Eli, and he’d shifted gears, eager for bedtime. He’d barely finished brushing his teeth before collapsing onto the mattress, murmuring sleepily about seeing the horses in the morning.
I can’t blame him for being so fascinated with the horses. Neither of us has ever been around them before, and they are truly gorgeous. Hence why I love this room Eli picked out. It has a large window that faces the sprawling pasture, providing a perfect view of the horses. That is exactly why he chose it; his small hands pressed eagerly against the glass, his eyes wide with excitement.
Thankfully, the room is also free of the unsettling taxidermy that seems to haunt every other wall in the cabin.
It’s been a strange first five days here. Since we arrived, my body’s finally let go of survival mode, and I’ve felt the crash of years’ worth of exhaustion.
I would feel bad, but I am well aware that right now, Eli is not worried about spending all of his time with me. For the first time in his life, he has people outside of me, and I know it’s been exciting for him. I didn’t think I would find it so easy to trust them with Eli, but I have. Maybe I’m naive to go off of theirinitial vibes, but I don’t believe I am. I have a hard time believing that they are faking their connection with my son. With the way Eli is with them, after a week of knowing them, I finally feel convinced that I can trust them.
Eli trusts them, and kids have good intuition. Plus, I’ve known the whole time that Morales trusts them, and if that’s the case, why was I so determined to see bad qualities where there were none? I’ve finally accepted that it’s okay to let people in. It’s okay to trust people who show they can be trusted.
So, I let myself rest and it felt really good. But I’ve also spent every evening with everyone, and that’s also felt weirdly good. It’s nice to have sound in the house. When it was just the two of us, I never realized how quiet the house could get. Things are almost never quiet now. There are always footsteps, doors closing, voices, and Eli’s giggles. I loved it.
We’d all also started eating dinner together every night.
Now, alone and freshly showered, dressed in another oversized T-shirt and my most comfortable underwear, I stare out into the night. Watching the horses wander beneath the stars, I enjoy the sense of calm seeping into my bones. The knowledge that Eli is safely asleep just steps away and there are three people who would be here to defend us against Randy are luxuries I haven’t known in so long.
Yet beneath the relief, a quiet dread begins to gnaw at the edges of my newfound peace. Jax, Liam, and Cole won’t be here forever. No matter how protective and capable they are, this is a job to them. Eventually, they’ll return to their lives, their routines, and Eli and I will be left behind once again. That’s a truth that has begun to replace one of my biggest fears for the future.
Without them, and as long as Randy is still out there and breathing, everything will be uncertain.
I sigh, frustrated with myself for spiraling. Dwelling on it won’t change reality. My eyes flicker to the small digital clock on my nightstand. 2:14 AM. No wonder the house feels so oppressively silent. It’s pretty quiet at the moment, so I’d wager I’m the only one awake in the house.
My stomach grumbles, and I remember seeing a carton of chocolate ice cream in the freezer earlier. Comfort food is definitely calling my name.
Easing myself from the cozy armchair, I creep across the room to check on Eli. He’s completely out, sprawled comfortably across his side of the bed, little chest rising and falling evenly. My heart swells painfully with love and protectiveness. I tuck the covers more securely around him and slip silently from the room, closing the door softly behind me.
