𝗠𝘆 𝗘𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲 ⇉ 𝗝𝗝 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗸

𝘭 𝘰 𝘰 𝘴 𝘦 𝘺 𝘨 𝘰 𝘰 𝘴 𝘦 𝘺

"GENRETTE WASN'T kidding about this stash." Pope's voice carried to Ariella as she stepped out onto the back porch of the Maybank house, Cora Lynn perched on her hip.

Ariella had made a quick detour to pick up her daughter from her uncle's house before heading home. Even though Cora Lynn adores spending time with Noah, she couldn't bear to be away from her parents for too long.

The one-year-old always cries when she's dropped off, tugging at JJ and Ari's hearts, but they knew she was in great hands. Cora always had a blast with Wheezie, which made it worth it in the end.

This time, Cora Lynn came back with a little drawing she made of herself and all the Pogues, with the word "family" scribbled on top in a way that showed Wheezie had helped her as best as she could.

Cora Lynn was bursting with excitement to show it off.

As soon as they steps outside, Ariella sets Cora Lynn down, and the little girl immediately toddles as fast as her tiny legs could carry her, her feet tapping against the wooden floor.

She makes a beeline for JJ, who scoops her up and places her on his lap, showering her cheeks with kisses. Cora Lynn's loud giggles fill the air, making all the Pogues smile at the heartwarming sight.

She proudly shows JJ her drawing, a masterpiece only a toddler could create. "Dada, look!"

"It's absolutely beautiful, princess." JJ beams at her, the picture making him feel proud.

"Thank you, dada." She wraps her arms around his neck, planting a kiss on her father's nose.

Then, she slid off his lap and toddles over to Kiara, climbing onto her lap to show the picture to her, Cleo, and Sarah.

Ariella smiles at her daughter before settling into the empty spot between JJ and John B. JJ instantly pulling her into his side and gave her a quick peck on the lips.

Just then, Pope's voice brought them back to the ongoing conversation, grounding them in the moment. He motions to the book laid out for all of them to see. "In the captain's log, there's a secret compartment. Right here, behind the headboard in the captain's quarters."

"Are we still talking about this?" John B sighs, exasperation clear in his tone.

"JB, stop being so in your head for a moment." Ariella interjects, patting his back.

"Ari, the ship's been down there for 300 years. It's been salvaged, we know that."

"Doesn't this sound familiar to you?" Ariella tilts her head at her brother. "Does the Royal Merchant ring any bells?"

"T-That was different." John B remarks, his voice wavering slightly.

Ariella rolls her eyes. "We both know it isn't, JB."

"Come on." Cleo quips, sitting across from them. "Not gonna hurt to check."

"Yeah. It feels right." JJ snaps his fingers, pointing at Cleo before he pulls out a map, spreading it out for everyone to see. "We know where it is. It's right in this area."

"Except we don't know exactly where it is," John B retorts, skepticism lacing his words.

"Now that, we agree on." Ariella nods at her brother. "It's a suicide mission if we go out there absolutely clueless."

"What about the Coast Guard?" JJ questions, his arm going around Ari's shoulders. "I bet they know where it is. Plus I've heard coasties are quite chill, so we could probably just ask them."

Ariella hums softly, a smile creeping onto her face as she watches Cora Lynn waddle over to Pope, her tiny feet pattering against the wooden floor. The little girl's eyes sparkle with excitement as she thrusts her colorful drawing into his hands.