🔥Through the flames🔥 -an Upstead story

Chapter 25:Balancing acts (part 1)

Hey guys I'm back with a new chapter but I just wanted to say thank you I can't believe we're already on chapter 25 I never thought anyone would like my book that I'd put out one chapter and it wouldn't get anywhere so I wouldn't do it again but I'm so appreciative of you all loving my book and showing so much support this chapter is really getting into the details of Jay becoming sergeant but I also wanted to add some cute moments so it's not so heavy so I hope you enjoy and without further ado here's Chapter 25
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Hailey leaned against the kitchen counter, the soft hum of the radio filling the air. She watched as Jay moved through the small space, cleaning up after dinner. A sense of calm washed over her after their long day together at the firm. They'd gone through plans, laid out schedules, and even shared a few laughs over takeout, but the tension in Jay's shoulders told her there was more on his mind.

"Hey," she said gently, nudging him with her elbow. "You're thinking about that exam again, aren't you?"

Jay sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah. It's hard to shut it off, honestly. It feels like I'm balancing ten things at once."

"That's why I'm here, remember?" she said, stepping closer and wrapping her arms around his neck. "To make sure you don't lose it on all ten fronts." She leaned up and pressed a quick kiss to his lips. "We're doing this together."

As the weeks rolled on, Hailey found herself both proud and worried. They fell into a rhythm—early mornings filled with study sessions for Jay, while she managed contracts and schedules for their new clients. She couldn't shake the feeling that the pressure was building.

Over the next few weeks, Jay and Hailey fell into a rhythm, each day blurring into the next. Mornings started early, with Jay pouring over the material he needed for his sergeant's review while Hailey reviewed contracts and schedules for their new clients at the firm. By mid-morning, they'd move into their office, tackling everything from potential security upgrades to preparing staff for high-profile clients. They were an efficient team—Hailey's attention to detail kept the firm on track, while Jay's experience with complex cases gave depth to their services.

One afternoon, in the middle of briefing a new client, Jay's mind began to wander, pulling him back to the exam. It was coming up in just a few days, and he felt an anxious churn in his stomach. Hailey noticed, placing a reassuring hand on his back as they wrapped up the meeting.

"You've been doing the work, Jay," she said softly when they were alone in the office. "You know you're ready for this."

"I don't know," he murmured, his gaze distant. "It's like... what if I get this, and it ends up being more than I can handle?"

Hailey moved closer, grounding him with her steady gaze. "If anyone knows what you're capable of, it's me. I've seen what you're like in the field and how you've led people through some of the hardest situations." She smiled softly. "This is just the next step. And when you need a break, you'll have me—and the firm—to come back to."

Jay smiled, some of the tension easing from his shoulders. "I'd be lost without you, you know that?"

"Oh, believe me, I know," she teased. "Now, let's focus on getting through this week—and I'm keeping that pop quiz you asked for on standby." She gave him a wink as they returned to work.

One afternoon, they sat across from Dr. Sanders, their therapist. The cozy office felt like a safe haven where they could unload their worries.

"Let's check in on how you both have been feeling about your progress," Dr. Sanders began, her voice soothing. "Jay, you mentioned some anxiety about the sergeant exam. How are you coping with those feelings?"