jarah oneshots❤️‍🩹

the brightest star

As the evening settled in, the three of them—John B, Sarah, and little Valerie—lay in the grass in their backyard, cozy under a thick quilt. The sky stretched above them, dark and endless, dotted with stars. Val, wide-eyed and curious, snuggled between her parents, her little hand resting in John B's. The air was warm, filled with the smell of earth and distant salt from the sea, and the familiar sound of waves rolling in from the shore created a soothing backdrop for their family moment.

"Daddy, the sky is sparkly," Val whispered, her voice barely above a hushed tone as she pointed a chubby finger up at the stars.

"It sure is, baby," John B said, giving her hand a gentle squeeze, a smile spreading across his face. Sarah, lying close beside them, looked over and watched as Val's gaze danced across the night sky, her heart swelling with love and pride for their little girl. Val's curiosity was infectious, and it reminded them both of the magic of childhood.

Then, Val's attention was drawn to a particularly bright, shining star—brighter than the others, standing out like a diamond against the dark canvas. "Look!" she gasped, her voice filled with wonder. "That one is so shiny!"

John B's eyes softened at his daughter's awe. He pulled Val a little closer, brushing her curls back from her face with tender care. "You've got a good eye, Val. That's a special star. It's called the North Star," he explained gently. "It's really important to me and mommy."

Val turned her head, her gaze now fixed on him, filled with the open curiosity only a child could have. "Why's it 'portant, Daddy?"

John B took a deep breath, glancing at Sarah, who nodded slightly, encouraging him to go on. "The North Star has always been there to help people find their way, even when they're lost or far from home," he said softly. "It reminds me and your mom of something important—that no matter where we are, we'll always be there for each other, guiding each other back home."

Valeries's hazel eyes grew wide, absorbing his words as she stared at the North Star. Her little hand drifted back to John B's, and he felt her warmth seep into him like sunlight. He glanced at Sarah again, and she smiled at him, a shared understanding passing between them.

"Val," John B continued, his voice as tender as the evening air, "did you know that sometimes people turn into stars when they go to live with God?"

Val tilted her head, pondering the idea. "Like an angel?" she asked, her serene innocence shining through.

"Yeah, kinda like an angel," he replied, his voice soft, emboldened by the love surrounding them. "A star is like a sign that they're always watching over you, even if you can't see them anymore."

Val's little brow furrowed as she took in the magnitude of what John B had just shared. "Do I know any stars, Daddy?" she asked, her voice almost a whisper.

John B swallowed hard, brushing a soft kiss to the top of her head. "You do, honey," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "There was someone very special who became a star before you were born. Uncle JJ. He was Daddy's best friend."

"He was very brave," Sarah chimed in, her voice soft as she wrapped an arm around Val's shoulders, pulling her in for a gentle squeeze. "He cared about you so, so much, Val."

The little girl's eyes widened, curiosity radiating from her as she turned the question back to her mother. "Where's uncle JJ?"

John B hesitated, collecting his thoughts that were tangled with memories. "JJ went to live with God in Morocco, just a little while before you were born," he explained. "He... he helped save you and mommy." he explained. "There was a huge storm, and Mommy fell off a boat. The waves were really big, and it was dark, but JJ jumped in to save her."

Val's mouth formed a little "o" of amazement, her eyes wide with wonder as she turned to Sarah. "You falled in the ocean, mommy?" she whispered.

Sarah nodded, squeezing Valerie a little tighter. "I did, baby. And JJ was so brave. He made sure you and I were safe, even though it was really scary."

John B brushed a tear from his eye, his heart aching but full. "And because he was so brave, we gave you a very special second name. Do you know what your middle name is, Val?"

Valerie's face lit up, her proud smile radiating joy. "Jay!"

John B chuckled softly, feeling bittersweet. "That's right, peanut. We named you Jay because of JJ. It's our way of making sure he's always a part of our family, even though he's up there, watching over us."

As Val stared back up at the North Star, her expression turned serious, reflecting the weight of understanding sometimes beyond her years. "So... uncle JJ's a star now?"

"Yeah, Val," John B murmured, his voice thick with love. "And whenever you look up at the stars, you can know that he's up there, watching over you and keeping you safe."

Val's gaze lingered on the North Star for a moment longer, and a little smile crossed her lips, comforting as if she had internalized the connection. She leaned her head against John B's chest, clutching his shirt tightly in her little fists.

"Goodnight, uncle JJ," she whispered to the sky, her voice soft and sweet, a simple act that seemed to resonate with the quiet universe above.

John B felt his heart swell with affection for both of his girls as he wrapped his arms around his little one protectively, feeling the warmth of Sarah at his side. The three of them lay there, together in the embrace of love and memories, gazing up at the stars, united in their bond.

As they settled into a comfortable silence, John B felt a wave of peace wrap around them. Each of them was comforted by the gentle presence of JJ above, shining down like a promise—a guardian angel—forever guiding, forever watching, forever part of their family.