Audacious//JJ Maybank (Outerbanks)

Chapter 92

{Rafe & The Cross}

As we lay there wrapped up in each other, the warmth of JJ's body soothing my worries, I felt a sense of peace that I hadn't experienced in what felt like forever. I rested my head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. For a moment, everything felt right in the world, despite the chaos that surrounded us.

After a while, JJ shifted slightly, propping himself up on one elbow so he could look down at me. "Hey, I've been thinking," he started, a serious note creeping into his voice.

I raised my head, curiosity piqued. "What is it?"

He hesitated for a moment, then continued, "I think I'm going to go try to get my old job back at the marina office." His brow furrowed as he spoke, a mix of determination and apprehension in his eyes. "I need to find a way to provide for this family we're making."

My heart swelled at his words, and a smile broke through the heaviness I had been carrying. "You really want to do that?" I asked, my voice thick with emotion.

"Yeah, I do," he replied, his sincerity evident. "I want to make sure we have what we need... for you and the baby."

A wave of affection washed over me, and I felt my eyes glisten with unshed tears. "I'm so proud of you, JJ," I said, my voice trembling slightly. "You're going to be an amazing dad."

He smiled back at me, and at that moment, I knew how much he wanted this, and how hard he was willing to fight for our future. "I don't want to let you down. I won't let you down."

I leaned up to kiss him, feeling the warmth of his lips against mine igniting a fire inside me. "I'll go with you," I said, breaking the kiss and looking into his eyes. "We can go together."

"Really?" His surprise was evident, but I could see the hope flicker in his gaze. "You don't have to—"

"I want to," I insisted. "I want to be there for you, and I want to be a part of this. We're in this together, right?"

He nodded, his expression softening. "Yeah, together."

"Then let's do it," I said, feeling a surge of excitement at the prospect of taking this step with him. "Let's go to the marina and show them that we're ready to make things work."

JJ grinned at me, his eyes shining with a mix of determination and affection. "You're the best, Jackie," he said, pulling me into a tight embrace. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

I nestled into his chest, breathing in the familiar scent of him—sunshine, saltwater, and a hint of engine oil. It felt like home, and I knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, we would face them together. We were building a life and a family, and I couldn't wait to see where this journey would take us.

After a moment, JJ pulled back and looked into my eyes, a mischievous glint sparking within them. "Alright, let's get going before I change my mind."

With a laugh, I nodded and slid out of bed, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. I was ready to take on the world with him by my side. As we got dressed, the uncertainty of our future hung in the air, but I felt a sense of hope blooming within me. Together, we could conquer anything.

As we stepped into the marina office, the familiar smell of saltwater and engine grease filled the air, but it felt different this time—heavier, somehow, with the weight of what was at stake. JJ walked in with a mix of determination and apprehension, his eyes scanning the space as if trying to anchor himself to the memories we had shared here.

"I'm back now," he said, his voice steady as he approached the desk. "So I'll make it up. I'll do anything—scrub boats, clean fish, pump fuel. Anything. I'm your guy. Except for the bathrooms, 'cause I've got a condition." He flashed a cheeky grin. "Like a gag reflex comes up."