Page 55 of Single Mom's Navy Seals
COLE
Ilean back into the worn couch, stretching out my legs and trying to ignore the slight cramp that tugs at my lower back. Lounging isn’t exactly my preferred way to spend an afternoon, but Eli’s absorbed presence in the middle of the living room is enough of an incentive to stay put. The kid’s building some sort of elaborate block structure. His little brow is furrowed in concentration, tongue poking from the corner of his mouth. Occasionally, he pauses to inspect his work, then nods thoughtfully, satisfied with the progress.
Across from me, Jax lounges lazily in a chair, legs sprawled and one arm hanging loosely over the side. Liam occupies the recliner near the window, quieter than usual, eyes thoughtful as he watches Eli play. It’s strange to see him this way, so lost in his own mind, but then again, nothing about the past month has been ordinary.
We’ve been here a month. That realization hits me, and I shake my head, still surprised at how much time has passed. Ava’s upstairs—avoiding us, as usual. Ever since those kisses, she’s kept her distance as if the three of us carried some damninfectious disease. The only person Ava willingly interacts with these days is Eli. It’s understandable, I suppose, considering the complicated mess we’ve created around her.
“Hey, Eli,” Jax calls softly from his seat, a teasing grin on his face. “What are you building over there?”
Eli barely glances up, clearly annoyed by the interruption to his constructed masterpiece.
“It’s a spaceship,” he informs Jax solemnly, stacking another block carefully on top. “And it’s almost done, so shhhhh.”
Jax chuckles, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, buddy, carry on. I’ll stop distracting the master architect.”
Eli nods firmly, completely serious, and returns to his work. Liam shakes his head, amusement flickering briefly across his usually stern face. Even he can’t resist Eli’s charm.
Eli’s collection of toys has expanded considerably in the past few weeks, primarily thanks to Liam. Every time Liam goes into town, he comes back with something new for the kid—blocks, puzzles, little model cars. Jax and I have picked up the habit, too, grabbing small treats and toys whenever we venture into town. Anything to see Eli’s face light up when he receives them.
It’s strange, realizing how easily Eli has carved a permanent place in my heart. I never thought I’d find myself this attached to a child, let alone one I only met a month ago. But Eli’s sweet innocence, his boundless energy, his fierce attachment to Ava—it’s impossible not to love him.
I shift my gaze briefly upward, toward the staircase leading to Ava’s room. She's probably up there trying to avoid the inevitable awkwardness of interacting with us. It’s frustrating,knowing she’s intentionally distancing herself, especially when I crave her presence more than ever. But I understand her hesitation, her fear. Jax and I both kissed her, both made our intentions clear, and now we’ve unintentionally thrown her entire world into chaos.
Jax and I haven’t spoken openly about our feelings with Ava yet—not since our conversation with Liam. We silently agreed to wait, to give Liam time to come around. Ava deserves the whole truth, the entire package, not partial answers. Liam’s the holdout, stubbornly resistant to the idea of sharing, even if it’s painfully obvious he wants Ava just as badly as Jax and I do.
After a while, Eli lets out an exaggerated sigh, dramatically dropping a final block onto his elaborate spaceship. He leans back on his hands, examining his creation proudly before turning hopeful eyes toward us.
“Can we go outside now?” he asks, squirming with restless energy. “I want to go see the horses.”
Jax straightens up in his chair, clearly ready to go if asked. Liam looks tired but willing, already starting to push himself upright. But I shake my head at both of them, standing first.
“You two relax,” I say firmly, meeting their eyes in turn. “I’ll take him.”
Liam settles back in his chair without argument. Jax flashes me a quick, grateful smile before relaxing into his seat again.
“Come on, kiddo,” I tell Eli, stepping toward the door. “Let’s go get the horses some treats.”
Eli grins and springs to his feet, dashing toward the kitchen to retrieve the familiar box of sugar cubes we keep stocked for thehorses. Together, we step outside into the late afternoon sun and make our way across the dusty yard toward the pasture.
The horses are already waiting near the fence, drawn closer by the expected treats associated with Eli’s frequent visits. He runs forward, sugar cubes clutched in his small hand, excitement radiating from every step. I hang back, watching with a quiet satisfaction as Eli approaches his favorite mare—a gentle, chestnut-colored beauty he named Cocoa—and her foal.
“Hey, Cocoa,” Eli says, holding out his palm. “I brought you treats.”
Cocoa sniffs delicately at his hand before taking the offered sugar cubes, lips brushing against Eli’s palm.
“Come pet her, Cole,” Eli calls as he waves me over. “She’s super nice today.”
Smiling, I approach slowly. Cocoa eyes me warily for a moment before finally relaxing, allowing me to stroke her smooth neck. Eli chatters nonstop beside me, filling the quiet with excited descriptions of Cocoa’s personality and how big her baby is getting.
After a few minutes, Cocoa and her foal move away, returning lazily to the rest of the herd. Eli watches them go, his expression content, before turning back toward the cabin.
“Let’s go sit on the porch swing, Cole,” Eli suggests, already heading that direction without waiting for my response.
I follow, stepping onto the porch just behind him. We sit down together, the swing creaking softly beneath us. Eli’s quiet for a long moment. His little face is thoughtful before finally speaking.
“Cole?” Eli asks, glancing up at me with serious eyes. “Do you think maybe you or Liam or Jax could be my daddy?”
I stare at him, completely taken aback by the earnestness of his question. Words feel heavy and difficult to grasp, my throat tightening uncomfortably.
