Audacious//JJ Maybank (Outerbanks)

Chapter 123

The sound of the crackling fire fills the air as we all sit around the bonfire on the beach. The warmth from the flames contrasts with the cool night breeze, and I find myself resting my head on JJ's lap, his fingers gently twirling my hair. His touch is comforting, grounding me in a way that nothing else can right now. It feels like peace, like we've made it to some semblance of safety, even if it's temporary.

"Next time we take a trip, we should maybe plan ahead," John B says, breaking the comfortable silence.

We all turn toward him, and Sarah grins. "Yeah, maybe a hotel next time," she says with a laugh, and I chuckle at the thought of what we've just gone through. A hotel does sound nice—comfortable, predictable.

"And a shower," Kiara adds, wrinkling her nose. "You definitely need one, John B."

John B throws his head back and laughs. "Yeah, I smell," he admits, but then adds with a smirk, "but you weren't the only one."

"True," Sarah teases, and we all burst out laughing together. It feels good—being able to laugh, to relax again after everything. We're all together, safe, and that's enough.

I let out a contented sigh, my fingers idly tracing the edge of JJ's jeans as I listen to the fire crackle. In this moment, it feels like home.

Home. All of us, we made a home—together. And somehow, even after everything we've lost, we found it again. I glance over at JJ, his gaze focused on the fire, but the warmth of his presence next to me feels like everything.

"Hey," JJ suddenly speaks up, breaking the peaceful lull. "You know what's a good name for a baby?" He grins, and I can't help but raise an eyebrow at him.

"JJ," he says with a mischievous smirk. "Goes both ways, actually."

I snort, and John B and Sarah exchange amused looks, both of them smiling at JJ's attempt at humor.

"What baby?" Pope asks, clearly confused, and everyone laughs.

"That's right," Sarah says, her laughter bubbling up. "You guys don't know yet."

John B takes Sarah's hand in his, his smile wide and proud. "We're having a baby," he announces, and the group goes silent for a moment, taking in the news. Then, Pope's eyes widen as he processes what John B just said, and before either of them can say anything, Cleo and Pope jump up from where they were sitting, running over to pull John B and Sarah into a tight hug. The group erupts into laughter and cheers, and I smile, so happy for them.

It feels like a moment of light in all the darkness we've been through. They've found joy in the chaos. They're going to be parents, and it feels right.

But as the excitement around John B and Sarah's news fills the air, I can't shake the feeling in my chest—the secret I'm holding. I haven't told anyone yet besidea Kiara and John B. Not even JJ.

I glance down at my stomach, pressing a hand to it, my heart a little heavier. JJ hasn't noticed yet, but I know that moment is coming. I can't wait to tell him. He's going to be scared again. He always is. But I know deep down, he's already a good father—he just needs to realize it.

For now, I don't want to take the attention away from John B and Sarah. They're so happy, so filled with hope, and I want them to have this moment. I want them to feel like they have something stable and certain in their lives, and for now, that means holding onto my own news a little longer.

I look over at JJ, his face lit up by the firelight, and I can't help but smile. He's already a good dad. I know he'll rise to the occasion again. For our family, for me, for our kids.

For now, though, I'll enjoy this moment with everyone around the fire. We're alive, we're together, and for the first time in a long while, we're looking forward to the future.