𝗠𝘆 𝗘𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲 ⇉ 𝗝𝗝 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗸

𝘭 𝘺 𝘪 𝘯 𝘨

ARIELLA COULDN'T shake the worry gnawing at her. Pope had run off, no one knew what was going through his head. She kept glancing around, hoping to catch a glimpse of him, her heart heavy with concern. The uncertainty of his whereabouts cast a shadow.

But then, there was a loud gasp that broke her out of her thoughts. Ari turns her head to see Mrs. Heyward staring at her and Cora Lynn, eyes lighting up and full of adoration.

"Hey, momma H." Ariella smiles shyly, swaying back and forth with Cora Lynn in her arms.

The woman hasn't seen her son's best friend in so long, and the baby brought a glimmer of joy. She calls out to her husband. "Bobby! Come over here, you have to see this!"

Heyward, always a father figure to Ari, hurried over, thinking something was wrong. His face softened at the sight, "Ari, is this—."

"Cora Lynn Maybank." Ariella walks towards them, giving them a better view of the bundle of joy in her arms. "Isn't she the most precious thing you've ever seen?"

"That she is." Mrs. Heyward coos down at Cora Lynn, falling in love with the baby's gorgeous blue eyes.

Heyward's eyes filled with adoration as he reaches out gently, his large hands surprisingly tender as he touched the baby's tiny fingers. "Well, would you look at that, a little miracle."

"Our little miracle." Ariella mutters, glancing back at JJ, who now stood behind her.

Cora Lynn really was their little miracle.

Pope's mom stood beside him, her eyes shining with joy. "Isn't she just perfect?"

They both gazed at the baby, completely captivated by her innocence and beauty. Clearing his throat, Heyward looks to JJ, his eyes hard and stern. "JJ, you better hold them close and take good care of them."

"Yes, sir. Never letting them go again." JJ nodded, understanding the gravity of Heyward's words.

"You're not going anywhere." Mrs. Heyward says firmly, her eyes twinkling. "We've got a lot to catch up on. You three are staying for dinner."

"You know I can never miss out on your cooking anyway."

Cleo was put on baby duty as JJ and Ari were busy helping Pope's mom set up the table for dinner. The girl didn't mind, she would happily watch over the baby. Cleo hasn't been around a lot of babies, but she knew a calm baby like Cora Lynn was very rare.

JJ and Ariella worked seamlessly, passing plates and utensils, arranging everything just right. The air was filled with the delicious aroma of food cooking on the grill, making everyone's mouth water.

"I appreciate the help, you three." Mrs. Heyward smiles at them thankfully.

"You know I ain't missing Mrs. Heyward's cooking."

"The best cook in the OBX." Ariella compliments, joining her by the grill.

"You flatter me." Mrs. Heyward rubs her arm gently. "But where is my derelict son? He's usually here by now."

"I'm sure he'll be back any second, Mrs. Heyward." Cleo assures, though they all share a subtle look. The worrying and panic only grew.

JJ grins as he attempts to sneak a piece of food piece off the grill. Just as he reached for it, both Ari and Mrs. Heyward smacked his hand away in perfect unison. He laughs, holding his hand as the two women give him a scolding look.

JJ goes around the grill, wrapping an arm around Ari's shoulder's, giving her a big kiss on her cheek. The sight makes Mrs. Heyward smile widely. In the beginning she thought it was only young love and they were fooling around, but it was the exact opposite.