Page 33 of Single Mom's Navy Seals
My mother had never been in the picture—a one-night stand who’d dropped me at my father’s doorstep when I was barely a year old, a scribbled note and a few hundred bucks her only contribution. I’d spent years pushing away the ache her absence left. But the farm was different—that loss cut deeper, felt sharper. It was my childhood, my identity, my roots. Losing it tore away a piece of me I hadn’t realized was essential until it was gone.
I glance sideways at Ava, her attention fully captured by the horses as they sprint effortlessly across the landscape. Her eyes widen in wonder, lips parting softly as she watches them run. She looks down at her son and begins shaking his shoulders. Eli stirs, finally opening sleepy eyes. She grins at him and points at the window.
“Look outside, baby.”
“Woah, Mama,” Eli whispers, awed. “Are those horses?”
“Wild horses,” Ava confirms, a smile playing across her lips.
My chest tightens again, emotions swirling chaotically beneath my maintained exterior. Jax and Liam have been my brothersfor years, the SEALs providing me a sense of belonging I needed. I don’t regret choosing them, choosing that life. But staring at the wild horses, their freedom and grace reminding me of everything I’ve lost, I can’t help wishing there’d been a way to have both.
The car finally approaches a large cabin nestled in the heart of the sanctuary, the structure sturdy and inviting. Liam pulls to a stop, shutting off the engine and allowing silence to briefly settle around us. My eyes remain locked on the horses as they slow their gallop, watching us curiously from beyond the fence.
“Looks like home sweet home,” Jax announces, breaking the silence with his usual humor.
Eli’s excited voice fills the quiet as he chatters animatedly to Ava about the horses. He’s practically bouncing in his seat, firing off rapid questions about riding them and petting them, eyes wide with wonder. Ava listens closely, laughing as she brushes his unruly hair out of his face.
“Do you think they’ll let me pet them?” Eli asks, nearly breathless from excitement. “And ride them, Mama? Do you think?”
“I don’t know, sweetie,” Ava answers with a patient smile. “We’ll have to see. I’ve never been this close to horses either.”
Her admission draws my attention. For some reason, hearing her quiet confession makes something inside me stir protectively. Watching the way Eli beams up at her, I feel a sudden surge of irritation toward Randy. That worthless asshole has created a world of fear around a woman who deserves only safety and happiness. Ava shouldn’t have to constantly look overher shoulder, always ready to run. She deserves peace. They both do.
I open the door, stepping out into the dry heat. The sudden blast of warmth hits my skin immediately, sweat prickling uncomfortably along my back. Ignoring it, I cross toward the cabin, taking the porch steps two at a time. Without pausing, I slide my hand beneath the mailbox, fingers brushing against the texture of the masking tape I knew I was meant to find.
I peel off the key and unlock the door, slipping inside and closing it firmly behind me. My hand reaches instinctively to the gun tucked securely at my waistband. I methodically begin sweeping the house, each room searching for wires, bugs, hidden cameras, or unwanted intruders.
Room by room, my search turns up nothing suspicious. Only when I’m satisfied do I holster the gun, tension easing in my chest. It feels good, having something practical to focus on..
Stepping back outside, I’m immediately drawn to the sound of their voices. Ava and Eli have drifted away from the car, standing just a foot or two from the metal fencing. Eli is bouncing, excitement radiating off him in waves, pointing eagerly at the horses grazing nearby. Ava stands close behind him, a hand resting on his shoulder, smiling brightly.
Liam and Jax stride silently past me, each carrying an armful of our bags. Liam gives me a slight nod as he walks by, eyes sharp with silent acknowledgment. Jax follows close behind, giving me a quick grin before disappearing into the cabin.
My feet carry me toward Ava and Eli almost automatically. The two of them are lost in their quiet moment of awe, completely captivated by the majestic animals before them.
“Hey,” I say, not wanting to startle them. “It’s getting pretty hot out here. You two should come inside and get hydrated.”
Eli’s attention shifts immediately, eyes lighting up when he sees me. “Okay! Do you think Jax still has peanut M&M’s?”
“I bet he does,” I answer, fighting back a smile as he disappears into the cabin.
Ava turns toward me, the soft expression still lingering in her eyes. She cocks her head and studies me for a second, but doesn’t make a move to leave her spot. Then she turns her attention back to the horses grazing in front of her.
“They’re incredible,” she says. “I’ve never seen horses up close before.”
“Really?” I finally manage, voice rougher than I intended. “They certainly are something special.”
Her gaze meets mine, curious now. “You sound like you know horses.”
“I grew up on a farm,” I admit, feeling oddly vulnerable at sharing that small piece of myself. Ava’s eyes widen in gentle surprise, interest clearly piqued. “My father expected me to take over someday, but life had different plans.”
“Wow,” she breathes, genuine admiration coloring her expression. “I never would’ve guessed that about you.” She looks at me differently after that. Not surprised exactly, just... deeper. Like she’s starting to see more of me than what I usually show.
I shrug, trying to appear casual. “Not many people would.”
Ava hesitates, clearly debating her next words. “Do you ever think about going back? To that life, I mean.”
The sincerity of her question catches me off guard. I pause a moment, weighing the truth before responding. She steps a little closer, her arm brushing mine, the heat between us making the desert air feel secondary.
