𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐎𝐆𝐔𝐄𝐒
and the Kooks
have no other choice than
living together, sharing
the same island. But this summer,
rivalries reached a peak, and
there's no going back.
In which Margot Maybank tries to fix her brother's mistakes, but not everyt...
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Outer Banks, Figure-Eight December 15th, 2028 7:44pm
"Shh, I know you're tired," I whispered to my baby.
Jude was a fussy baby, and even though I loved him with my whole heart, taking care of him alone almost all day long was exhausting. Rafe was a hard worker, he worked from eight in the morning until six at night, sometimes even longer, but I knew he did it for us. He didn't want me to work unless I wanted to, but I had to admit that, for now, staying home with my baby boy seemed much better than giving surf lessons.
For the last few years, I'd been working with John B and JJ, giving surf lessons and helping out at their surf shop, which I'd absolutely loved. I got to see my friends all the time, spend time with my brother, and surf all day long. But now, my life had changed. Nothing mattered more to me than my baby, and I wanted to spend as much time with him as I could.
As I checked my phone and noticed Rafe hadn't even texted to let me know he'd be home late, my blood boiled. I finished feeding Jude and went upstairs to lay him in his crib. But as I started walking away, he began screaming. Tears pricked my eyes. I was tired, nauseous, hungry, and furious with my husband, but I didn't want my baby to feel any of it.
I tried for a few more minutes to get him to sleep, but since he wouldn't settle anywhere except in my arms, I walked back downstairs, sighing. As I made my way to the couch, I heard Rafe come through the door and take off his jacket. I was rocking Jude on the sofa when he came over, pressed a gentle kiss to my head, and leaned in to look at his son.
"Hi," Rafe began. "You should try to put him to bed. He looks tired"
"Rafe, I already tried," I sighed.
"Then try harder," he told me, coldly.
I looked up at him. "Don't tell me what to do," I argued softly.
"Wait, are you really mad at me?" Rafe asked, his tone irritated.
I rolled my eyes, not responding, as he gently took Jude from my arms. Jude immediately began to cry. I hated acting this way with Rafe, but I was too tired to argue, and he needed to understand that Jude wasn't just my baby—he was ours. I knew my husband worked hard and had long days, but I didn't expect to struggle so much.
Maybe I was an awful mother.
Rafe went upstairs with our screaming baby while I sat on the couch and broke into silent sobs, making sure he wouldn't hear me. After a few minutes, I heard Jude's cries subside, and Rafe returned downstairs. He stared at me as I quickly wiped my tears away. He was so handsome in his dark blue suit with a crisp white shirt underneath. He smelled incredible, and I was so in love. But I was also utterly exhausted.
"I think he's asleep," Rafe said.
"That's good," I replied softly.
He sat down beside me on the couch, loosening his tie and relaxing a little before crossing his arms over his chest. If he weren't my husband, I would've been jealous of his wife.
