My brothers best friend

Chapter 25: Jake's Growing Worry

Chapter 25

Jake's Point of View

The living room was quiet, save for the sound of the movie playing softly on the screen. Jack had insisted on watching Despicable Me tonight, and, honestly, I didn't mind. It was one of his favorites, and there was something about the way he laughed at all the same jokes, no matter how many times he'd seen them, that made it worth it.

Valerie was curled up next to me on the couch, a blanket draped over her legs. Jack was on her other side, his head propped up on a pillow he'd dragged from his room, his eyes glued to the screen. He looked content, his face lit up every now and then by the glow of the TV. Valerie leaned in closer, resting her shoulder against mine as she let out a soft laugh at one of the minions' antics.

I couldn't help but glance at her, the corners of my mouth tugging into a small smile. She looked... relaxed. Peaceful, even. It wasn't something I'd seen much of since she arrived. Her guard was always up, even if she didn't realize it. But tonight? Tonight, she seemed to let herself breathe.

Jack let out a loud yawn, and I chuckled softly. "Getting sleepy, bud?" I asked, keeping my voice low so I didn't disturb the moment.

"No," he mumbled, though his drooping eyelids said otherwise.

Within minutes, Jack was out cold, his small body curled into the corner of the couch. Valerie wasn't far behind. Her head slowly tipped against my shoulder, and her breathing deepened, steady and soft. I froze for a second, feeling her warmth against me. My pulse quickened, but I stayed still, not wanting to wake her.

The movie continued, the bright colors and cheerful music contrasting sharply with the quiet intimacy of the moment. I wasn't tired—not really. My thoughts were too tangled, too caught up in the feeling of Valerie resting against me, her trust implicit in the way she let herself drift off here, with me.

After a while, the credits began to roll, the screen dimming to a softer light. I shifted carefully, making sure not to disturb Valerie as I looked over at Jack. He was completely out, his face peaceful. I smiled to myself.

"Okay, kid," I muttered under my breath. "Let's get you to bed."

Gently, I scooped Jack up into my arms. He murmured something incoherent but didn't wake as I carried him to his room. The little guy barely stirred when I tucked him in, pulling the covers up to his chin. I paused for a second, watching him sleep. He had that look kids have when the world hasn't quite gotten to them yet, a pure kind of peace that was hard to come by.

I walked back to the living room, where Valerie was still asleep, curled up on the couch. She looked so small there, her face soft in the dim light. Something about seeing her like this tugged at something deep in me—something I didn't quite know how to name.

I hesitated for a moment, not sure if I should wake her or just let her be. But the couch wasn't exactly the most comfortable place to spend the night, and I couldn't leave her there. So, carefully, I leaned down and slid one arm under her knees and the other around her back. She stirred slightly, murmuring something in her sleep, but didn't wake as I lifted her into my arms.

She fit against me perfectly, her head resting against my chest as I carried her up the stairs to our room. It wasn't the first time I'd carried her, but this felt different. This felt... right.

When I reached the bed, I laid her down gently, pulling the blanket over her. She shifted, turning toward me, and for a second, I thought she might wake up. But then she settled, her breathing evening out again.

I stood there for a moment, just looking at her. I didn't know what we were—didn't even know if I could put it into words. But whatever it was, it felt real. It felt like something I didn't want to lose.