Page 85 of Single Mom's Navy Seals
I move through the dim room, grabbing a small duffel bag and filling it with essentials—clothing, toiletries, cash tucked into a hidden pocket. Each quiet movement feels heavy, painful, the weight of betrayal settling deeply into every careful action.
Tears slip down my cheeks as I pack, my heart breaking further with every gentle reminder of the trust now shattered. When the bag is finally packed, I zip it shut and slip toward the closet, tucking it away behind coats and shoes. Out of sight, ready for a quick escape.
Returning to bed, I curl around Eli’s small body, holding him against me. Tears continue to fall silently, soaking into my pillow as exhaustion pulls me into sleep.
Morning comes, sunlight illuminating the small room. I wake early, careful not to disturb Eli’s peaceful sleep. I slip from the bed, preparing myself mentally for the difficult task ahead.
Padding downstairs, I find the three of them already gathered in the kitchen, talking over cups of coffee. When they see me, concern fills their expressions immediately, the sincerity cutting through me.
“Ava, you alright?” Liam asks, stepping forward.
I force a soft, pained smile, clutching my abdomen. “I woke up feeling awful,” I murmur, voice strained. “Cramps hit me out of nowhere. I think I started my period. I don’t know what happened, but it’s bad this time.”
Jax immediately steps forward, brows furrowing with concern. “What can we do to help? Tell us what you need.”
I glance toward them, masking my true intentions beneath quiet discomfort. “Honestly, I’m just craving chocolate, maybe some Advil, and one of those heating pads. But I don’t think we have any of that here.”
Cole immediately nods, expression decisive. “I’ll run into town right now. Chocolate, Advil, heating pad—anything else?”
I pretend to consider, eyes thoughtful. “Maybe some ginger ale? That might help settle my stomach.”
Liam steps forward, his voice steady and calm. “I’ll go with you, Cole. We’ll get everything Ava needs.”
Relief fills me immediately, though I mask it behind a gentle, grateful smile. “Thank you both. I really appreciate it.”
“Just relax, baby girl. Let us take care of you.”
My heart tightens at his words, the affection clear in his voice. It takes everything in me not to break down completely right then and there.
“Thanks,” I whisper, closing my eyes for a brief moment.
As Cole and Liam gather keys and wallets, stepping from the cabin, I feel gentle relief settling into my chest. Having them both leave is exactly what I needed—Cole and Liam are far too observant, their quiet attention risking the discovery of my careful plan.
The cabin door closes behind Cole and Liam, their quiet footsteps fading down the porch steps. My heart beats resolutely, a gentle sense of purpose filling me. I glance toward the stairs, then toward Jax. My mind spins, calculating how best to navigate this constructed lie. Taking a steadying breath, I meet Jax’s gaze, forcing a gentle smile.
“I’m still feeling off,” I say, touching a hand to my forehead. “I think I’m going to go lie down again, okay?”
Jax immediately nods, stepping closer with a concerned expression. “Sure thing. You need anything else?”
“No,” I reassure, shaking my head. “I just need some quiet rest. Eli’s still upstairs, so I’ll go up and keep an eye on him.”
Jax’s eyes soften, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Alright. Holler if you need anything.”
I climb the stairs, forcing myself to stay calm, masking my racing thoughts and pounding pulse. Reaching the bedroom, I slip inside, closing the door behind me. Eli is curled up comfortably, breathing deeply. I sit down beside him, watching him sleep, guilt twisting through my chest.
Time moves as I wait, listening closely for any sign of distraction from Jax downstairs. Eventually, I hear his quiet footsteps heading toward the kitchen, followed by the gentle clinking ofdishes and cabinets opening and closing. My breath quickens, knowing this is my opportunity.
I slip from the bed, stepping across the room to the window. It’s old, warped from the years, but thankfully opens without a sound. Peering outside, I notice with relief that the distance down isn’t very far—the old cabin’s floors are short, meaning the drop is manageable. Steeling myself, I slip through the window, landing onto the dry ground below, a gentle cloud of dust rising beneath my feet.
Quickly, I rush toward the breaker box around the back of the cabin, my heart pounding with determination. The rusted metal creaks as I pull open the panel, revealing aged, exposed wiring and dusty old breakers. My hands shake as I pull at a few exposed wires, disconnecting them, then flipping a few breakers off.
Almost immediately, the cabin’s lights go out, plunging the windows into darkness. Relief fills me, knowing this distraction will occupy Jax enough for me to finish my preparations. Carefully, I move swiftly back toward the cabin, climbing back through the window and closing it behind me.
As I slip back into bed beside Eli, footsteps sound swiftly on the stairs, and Jax rushes into the room. His brows furrow, concern clear on his face.
“Ava, you okay?” he asks, moving closer. “Power just went out downstairs. Did you notice anything up here?”
I feign careful confusion, sitting up, rubbing at my eyes. “I was just lying here. What happened?”
