Page 66 of Single Mom's Navy Seals
He beams proudly, his little chest puffing out as he sits up even straighter. Cocoa seems unfazed by the additional confidence; her steps slow, even as Cole guides her in a small circle around the fenced area.
Ava relaxes more visibly with each step Cocoa takes, her shoulders finally dropping entirely. Liam’s expression softens as he watches her, his thumb stroking absentmindedly against the fabric of her dress. Seeing them together like this is a relief. Everything about this moment feels right, as if we’ve finally found our footing after weeks of cautious navigation.
After several more careful circles around the pasture, Eli wraps his arms around Cocoa’s neck, whispering heartfelt thanks against her warm, silky coat. Cocoa patiently allows his enthusiastic embrace. Then, Cole helps Eli slide down off Cocoa’s back.
“She likes me,” Eli declares solemnly as he steps back. “She said so.”
“She definitely does.”
Eli hurries back toward us, his face flushed with exhilaration. Ava kneels down to his level, reaching out to brush his hair off his forehead.
“Did you have fun, baby?”
“So much fun!” Eli exclaims happily, throwing his arms around her neck. “Did you see me?”
“I sure did,” Ava replies, her voice filled with quiet pride. “You were amazing.”
Eli turns to me, beaming brightly. “Thanks, Jax!”
“Anytime, kiddo,” I respond, giving his hair an affectionate ruffle. “You’re a natural up there.”
Eli looks at Liam last with a shy expression. “Did you think I did good, Liam?”
Liam crouches down, meeting Eli’s gaze directly. His voice is gentle yet filled with sincerity. “You did perfect, buddy. I’m really proud of you.”
Eli’s eyes shine with happiness, and he throws his arms around Liam’s neck, hugging him tightly. Liam hesitates only briefly before returning the embrace fully, the affection clear on his face.
As Eli pulls back, Cole returns Cocoa to her pasture mates, securing the gate. Eli races ahead, chattering about his new skills and how brave Cocoa was. Ava walks beside Liam, a small, private smile on her lips. I fall into step next to Cole, bumping my shoulder against his.
“Nice job with Eli,” I say quietly. “He really trusts you.”
Cole shrugs modestly, glancing down briefly. “He’s easy to love.”
We walk for a moment, letting the peace of the morning settle comfortably around us. Ahead of us, Liam reaches out to take Ava’s hand, entwining their fingers together. She doesn’thesitate or pull away, offers him a warm, shy smile, accepting his touch naturally.
“I still can’t believe we’re really doing this,” I say to Cole, gesturing toward Ava and Liam ahead of us. “It feels too good to be true.”
Cole smiles faintly, nodding in agreement. “Yeah. But we deserve good things, Jax. All of us.”
I watch as Ava laughs softly at something Eli says while Liam stares down at him with a soft expression I only ever see for two people.
“Yeah, I’m thinking you’re right.”
Cole and Liam exchange a few quiet words as we near the barn. Liam turns to Ava, placing a soft kiss on her temple. “We’re gonna walk Eli back to the house. You okay here for a minute?”
Ava glances between them and me, her brows lifting in curiosity. “Yeah, of course.”
Liam smirks just a little and nods. “We’ll see you soon.”
As the others head off, I slow my pace, hanging back until it’s just Ava and me in the middle of the open pasture. A gentle breeze rustles the grass, warm sun pouring over us. I shove my hands in my pockets and glance sideways at her.
“You know…” I begin, voice low. “Last night meant more than I can say.”
She turns to face me, her fingers toying with the hem of her sundress. “It meant a lot to me, too.”
“I’m not just talking about the sex, Ava. It was... something else, something real. Like finally breathing after being underwater fortoo long.” I reach out, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “And I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since.”
Her lips part, but no words come out. I step closer, my hand sliding to the small of her back. “You stayed with us. You didn’t run.”
