𝗠𝘆 𝗘𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲 ⇉ 𝗝𝗝 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗸

𝘨 𝘢 𝘮 𝘦

EARLY THE NEXT MORNING, the sun barely peeking over the horizon, JJ stood by the door, his face set with determination. Ariella, holding their daughter close as she fed her, she glanced up at him from time to time. She could tell he wanted to say something, he just didn't know how.

"What's going on in that head of yours, handsome?" Ariella wonders.

"I don't think you should tag along with me and John B today." JJ starts, his tone firm and gentle. "It's too dangerous, and I can't risk you and our girl getting hurt."

Ariella nods, her eyes softening as she reaches out and takes his hand. "I know, J. I agree. I'll probably meet up with Kiara and see what she's up to. Just be careful out there, okay? Stick with John B."

JJ squeezed her hand, bringing it to his lips for a light kiss. "Always."

His head drops down to kiss his daughter's forehead. "I love you both so much."

Ariella leans in, brushing a gentle kiss against his cheek. "We love you more."

JJ knelt down, placing another tender kiss on their daughter's forehead before standing up and giving Ariella one last embrace. With a final, lingering kiss on her lips, he turned and walked out the door, John B already eagerly waiting on him.

                            𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧.𖡼

Borrowing the HMS Pogue, Ariella went to pick up Kiara. Together, they decided to grab some food from a local beachfront restaurant for Kie's parents, and honestly, Ariella was starving as well. So, when Kie told her about the plans, she was more than happy to tag along.

When they arrived, Sally, one of the workers, saw them and squealed in excitement. "Ariella! It's been forever! And this must be the little Cameron!
She's adorable!"

Ariella tried not to wince at the use of the last name, she smiles, going to correct her. "Maybank now."

"What?" Sally gasps in shock, her eyes going to the ring around Ari's finger. It was the promise ring that JJ gave her, but Sally didn't have to know that. "That's great!"

"Thank you." Ariella's smile doesn't fall off her lips. She loved saying her last name was Maybank. It fit perfectly.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, they placed their order. As Sally walked away, Kiara looked at Ariella with raised eyebrows and a teasing smile on her lips. "You're a Maybank now?"

"Ariella Maybank. Doesn't it sound good together?" Ariella nudges Kie playfully, the two laughing.

"He needs to hurry up and put that ring on your finger already." Kiara exclaims.

Ariella nods softly. "As bad as I want his last name. I would wait forever if I have to. He's worth everything. Plus, we have so much stuff going on, when it happens it happens."

Kiara goes to respond, but a small coo from Cora Lynn, in her bassinet stroller, causes their attention to go to the now awake two month old. Ariella doesn't even get the chance to reach out for her daughter, Kie does first and at the sight, she couldn't help but to grin happily.

She loved watching the Pogues take care of Cora Lynn like if she was their own daughter. It was so heartwarming and special.

As they silently spoke, waiting on their food, Ariella's eyes wandered over Kiara's shoulder and she froze. There, sitting at a table, was Sarah. But what left Ariella at a loss for words was the fact that Sarah was with Topper.

Confusion washed over her. Why would Sarah be alone with Topper? What happened with John B? Why the fuck were they together at all?

Ariella couldn't help but feel a knot form in her stomach as she tried to make sense of the unexpected sight before her.