Page 65 of Single Mom's Navy Seals
“Yes!” Eli cheers, jumping up and down. “I’m gonna ride Cocoa! Can we eat fast, Mama?”
Ava laughs, ruffling his messy hair. “Okay, but you have to eat all your breakfast first.”
Breakfast becomes a casual affair, everyone making whatever they feel like eating. Liam tosses bread into the toaster, slathering on enough creamy peanut butter to feed a damn small army. Cole methodically prepares scrambled eggs and bacon, seasoning everything precisely. I opt for cereal because I’m not patient enough to cook anything this morning.
Ava moves around the kitchen gracefully, slicing fresh avocados and mashing them with practiced ease, spreading them generously onto thick slices of toast. For Eli, she prepares strawberry and cream oatmeal, dropping in extra sliced strawberries because she knows they’re his favorite.
I lean against the counter, watching Ava quietly. Something shifts inside me—warmth, pride, belonging. After last night, everything feels new, charged with possibility. I glance toward Cole and Liam, both watching Ava and Eli with similar quietintensity. I’m sure they’re feeling the same sense of fulfillment I am.
Eli finishes his oatmeal, hopping down from his chair and tugging at Cole’s arm impatiently. “Can we go now? Please?”
Cole chuckles, ruffling Eli’s hair affectionately. “Alright, buddy. Let’s go get Cocoa ready.”
Ava glances at me as Cole and Eli head outside. “You coming?”
Stepping forward, I take her hand in mine. “Wouldn’t miss it.”
She squeezes my fingers, and we follow Eli and Cole outside. Liam trails behind us, quiet satisfaction clear in his expression.
As we step out of the cabin and head toward the pasture, Eli practically skips alongside Cole, gripping his hand tightly.
The morning air feels clean and fresh, the lingering scent of hay and desert earth calming my thoughts. I catch myself smiling like an idiot, but school my expression into something more composed.
Cole unlocks the gate to the pasture, swinging it wide as Eli bounces eagerly on the balls of his feet. Cocoa waits patiently at the fence line, the mare’s gentle eyes focused on Eli. He hurries over to her, tiny hands reaching out to stroke her nose. She lowers her head, nuzzling affectionately against his palm.
“See, Ava?” Cole gestures toward them with a gentle, knowing smile. “She trusts him completely.”
Ava nods, a faint look of maternal caution still etched into her features. She folds her arms loosely, watching Eli closely. “I see that. But are you sure he’s ready for this?”
“Absolutely,” Cole reassures her. “I’ll be right next to him the entire time. Cocoa’s patient, and Eli listens well.”
Ava exhales, finally nodding again. “Okay, then.”
Eli looks back at her, eyes wide and pleading. “Can I get on now?”
Cole chuckles, crouching down beside him. “Slow down a minute, buddy. You need to let her smell you again and get comfortable first.”
Eli eagerly reaches out and lets Cocoa sniff his hand once more. She snuffles, ears twitching in relaxed curiosity.
“Good,” Cole praises, patting Eli’s back. “Now, I’ll help you up, okay?”
“Yes, please!” Eli bounces again, barely containing his excitement.
Cole lifts Eli onto Cocoa’s broad back. Eli settles, and his small hands clutch at her mane. His smile spreads wide, pure joy lighting up his face as he beams down at us.
“Look, Mama! I’m riding her!” he shouts, delighted and proud.
“You sure are,” Ava calls back warmly, her voice steady even as she shifts nervously beside Liam. Liam places a reassuring hand on her lower back, a silent gesture of comfort.
“I’ve got you, Eli,” Cole says, his voice steady and calming. He walks alongside Cocoa, one hand resting on Eli’s knee to keep him stable. “How’s that feel?”
Eli’s expression turns serious as he considers the question. “I feel tall. And really strong.”
I chuckle softly at his earnest tone, unable to keep myself from grinning. “You look strong up there, Eli. Like a real cowboy.”
Eli’s eyes widen in awe at the compliment. “Really, Jax?”
“Absolutely,” I confirm. “You’re doing great.”
