AHHHHH THIS IS SOOO AMAZING!!!

AHHHHH THIS IS SOOO AMAZING!!!

All I Wanted

Jake Seresin, known for his fearless maneuvers in the cockpit and his unwavering loyalty to his comrades, faced a dilemma that even the skies couldn't prepare him for. As a leading naval aviator, Jake had always been the one to push the boundaries, but now, it was his best friend, who needed a daring move. Best friends turned fake spouses.. What could possibly go wrong? Labels: ☆ cursing

☆ chapter 01: "just to relive the start" (01.22.24)

...

i'm back bitches :)

follow my library account here and turn on post notifications if you'd like to be notified when I post new works (and not my normal spiels). Or should I bring back a tag list?

I LOVE THIS!! ❤️❤️

In Case You Didn’t Know

Part 2

Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin x You

Summary: Jake struggles to ask for your help.

Warnings: 18+ MDNI (no smut in this chapter but there will be in future ones), mentions of teen pregnancy, adult language, etc.

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

“Charlie, we need to talk. I need you…r help.”

“Name it,” you reply.

You meant it too. You could never repay him or his family for everything they did for you and your mom.

Starting with your mom. You had been conceived on prom night, shortly after Lisa turned 18. Your sperm donor was the town’s golden boy who denied you were his and took off for college without looking back. Her parents wanted her to ‘get rid of it’ and kicked her out when she refused.

With $700 in cash, a suitcase, and her car, she drove west with California on her mind. Life had other plans though; her car broke down in the middle of Texas. The heat mixed with lack of water and abundance of stress brought her to tears, but then Ruth pulled up with a matching pregnant belly of her own.

Ruth and Tom helped Lisa find a job, a place of her own, and made her a part of their family by the time you came along. They helped raise you too.

“I don’t even know where to start,” he sighs, rubbing his temples.

“You had to eject and then were in the hospital, right? What did the doctors say?” You prompt, sensing there’s more but allowing him to leave out what he isn’t ready to share.

“Yeah. They wanted to send me for rehab at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton and I just…panicked and said I’d go home, not remembering that Ma and Dad are gone for another 2 weeks. I was fine with asking if you’d help me out with the physical therapy but this-“

“Will you stay with me and let me help you? There, I asked so you don’t have to,” you smile.

“That’d be great,” he laughs, squeezing your knee.

“Did you call your parents? Do they know?”

He shakes his head. “No. I’ll know they’ll turn right around if I did and you know how special this is for them.”

You nod. They were on a road trip, spreading some of Lisa’s ashes in the favorite places she and Ruth traveled to.

“Your mom is gonna tan your hide…and probably mine when she finds out you,” you sigh. “Did the doctor send your records? Orders? A plan of care?

“Yeah, in my bag,” he winces as he tries to sit up.

“I’ll get ‘em. What hurts? Leg? Shoulders?”

“Everything,” he sighs.

“Why don’t I get you in the tub and you can soak while I look at your records?”

“That sounds good.”

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

After feeding him and another round of NSAIDs, you hand him the crutches.

“The crutches are set too low,” you observe out loud.

“That doesn’t surprise me. I pretty much took them and ran.”

You shake your head.

“You’re a terrible patient,” you say as you guide him to sit at the edge of the tub.

“I know.”

“You better not pull that shit with me,” you tease as you kneel and begin to wrap the cast with plastic wrap.

“I won’t, I’ll be good for you.”

You gulp, hoping he doesn’t notice the flush rising to your cheeks.

“How’d you manage to get all the way here on a bum leg?”

“Rooster. He picked me up from the hospital, helped me pack, and then brought me to the airport. He sweet-talked TSA and they let him bring me all the way to the gate,” he laughs. “It got a little tricky when I landed but an older guy saw me struggling and brought my suitcase to the Uber. The driver took it out of the trunk when he dropped me off and was going to bring it to your porch but I insisted I was good. As you could see, I was not good.”

“No, you were not,” you agree, rising to help him stand and step into the tub. “Okay, now shirt off.”

“Yes ma’am,” he replies, pulling off his shirt and tossing it past you.

You can’t help but gasp at the deep bruising on each shoulder. “Oh, Jake.”

“It’s okay. So how…?” He trails off wondering how much of him you’re going to have to see.

“I’ll help you down if you can slip your shorts and underwear off like that?”

“Yeah, that should work.”

It’s a process but you do it and close the curtain to give him privacy and he drops his shorts out of the side.

“All set,” he says.

“Not a fan of underwear?” You tease.

“One less layer to try and pull on,” he replies.

You toss a washcloth over so he can cover up while you place a bath stool in next.

“It’s gonna be cold,” you warn once his leg is propped, turning the water on.

He hisses when the water touches him, but it warms quickly.

“A bath bomb? Really?” He asks as you drop one in.

“Yes, an Epsom salt bath bomb. Should help with the soreness.”

“Mmkay. Smells nice,” he sighs.

You leave to find the paperwork and turn the water off when you come back, sitting on the closed toilet lid.

“It looks like they want daily PT, a follow-up with orthopedics this week and…for you to see a counselor,” you say, reading the notes.

“Yeah, they think I have PTSD,” he says quietly behind the curtain.

“Okay well I can see if my counselor can take you on, she does virtual care. I will obviously take care of the PT, and I’ll ask Dr. Hayes if he’ll fit you in,” you say.

“I’m sure he’ll fit me in if you fit him in,” he mutters.

He almost sounds jealous.

“I’ve never ‘fit him in’. It was one date. He’s a great guy, it just…wasn’t right.”

He wasn’t right because he wasn’t Jake. Just like every other failed relationship.

“You see a counselor?” Jake asks, changing the subject.

“Yeah, I started after mom died, it’s helped a lot.”

“Good, yeah that’d be cool if she could see me. God this feels amazing. I don’t know the last time I took a bath.”

“Enjoy it. The hard work starts tomorrow.”

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

You throw a load of laundry in and start on supper while he relaxes.

“Charlie? Can you help?” He calls from the bathroom, frustration lacing his tone.

“What’s up?” You ask from the doorway.

“Every time I raise my arms to wash my hair I start sliding down,” he sighs.

“Hand me the shampoo.”

The groan he lets out when you massage it into his scalp is downright sinful and sends a shot of arousal straight between your legs.

“That good, huh?” You laugh, hoping he doesn’t notice the flush rising up your neck.

“Mmm,” he hums in agreement, and your eye catches the washcloth over his groin twitching.

“Sit up a little and I’ll get your back,” you tell him as you soap up your hands.

He obliges and his head drops forward with a heavy exhale as you wash his back.

“Feels good too,” he murmurs, sucking in a breath tensing when you get to his lower back, almost to the top of his butt.

“Sorry, does that hurt?”

“No, I’m uh…ticklish.”

“Your back is ticklish?”

“No, but my ass is,” he mutters, pink staining his cheeks.

“Interesting,” you laugh, scoffing when he gently splashes you. “I assume you can get the rest? Wouldn’t want to tickle you.”

He snatches the washcloth from your outstretched hand. “Yes. I got it.”

You laugh, closing the curtain to let him finish washing before handing him the detachable showerhead to rinse.

You manage to get him out of the shower with only one accidental view of his butt and no falls, but you’re just as wet as him now.

His eyes darken when he looks over your chest at the wet t-shirt clinging to your bra-less breasts.

“I’m uh…gonna go change. I’ll grab your clothes. Be right back!” You rush out as you close the door.

Your heart races as you pick some clothes out of his suitcase.

What is happening?

His phone is vibrating nonstop, so you bring it too.

“I’m decent,” he says when you knock.

“Here, I brought your phone too. It was buzzing like crazy.”

“Thanks, I’ll be out in a few.”

“Holler if you need me,” you say as you walk to your room, fanning yourself the whole way.

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

Jake ignores his erection as he unlocks his phone, realizing he forgot to let Bradshaw know he made it safely.

🐓: You make it okay?

🐓: Have you fallen and can’t get up?

🐓: ?

🐓: I’m about to text Charlie. Maybe I’ll ask her out too.

🐓: Dude. I’m actually starting to worry.

3 missed calls from 🐓.

Jake: Sorry man, I forgot. I’m exhausted.

Jake: Also, fuck off. Leave Charlie alone.

🐓: Glad you’re okay.

🐓: You finally gonna tell her how you feel?

Jake: I can’t. I can’t lose her if she doesn’t feel the same.

🐓: Pretty sure she does. I’ve seen the way she looks at you.

Jake: I don’t know…I just don’t know. Where would I even start?

🐓: Tell her how you called her name when you were about to die. Chicks dig sappy shit like that.

Jake: 🤦🏼‍♂️ and you wonder why you’re single.

•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•.•*•

A/N: Got a little bit of their families histories and why they’re so close. The tension is starting to rise ☺️

Let me know whatcha think!

Tagging:

@mamachasesmayhem

@its-the-pilot

@dizzybee03

@sweetwhispersofchaos

@shanimallina87

@blindedbythelightt

@getmyprettynameoutofyourmouth

@lexixstewart

@phoenix-rising-starbird-one

@mrsrobertfloyd5

@charmedkim

@k-k0129

@bellaireland1981

@hookslove1592

@amiets2

@nero4te

@eli2447

@atarmychick007

@vixenobrian

@86laura11

@hisredheadedgoddess28

@dempy

@angelbabyyy99

@buckysteveloki-me

@djs8891

@mizzzpink

I would love to be tagged!

You would liked to be tagged in my stories, comment, reblog or message me. I’ll be more than happy to tag you in them

SOOOO GOOD!!!

Home Sweet Home | Chapter 3. Reunions

Rhett Abbott x OC Reader

Summary: Sunny Pritchett decides to move back home, but without a reason why. Once she's back she runs into her childhood best, friend Rhett Abbott. Rhett seems very surprised to see her. Not only that, but he sees she has a small child on her hip. Will Sunny try to reconnect with Rhett and tell him the real reason you she's moved back. Or will her past come back and find her until everything blows up.

Warnings: Mental and Physical abuse, PTSD flashbacks, swearing, fighting.

Hello Beautiful People,

Sorry for the late post. I had some personal things to deal with. but I assure you all I will be posting new chapters on Wednesdays (hopefully). But back to the story baby!!

(Bold letters mean flashbacks)

7 years ago

Driving up to the Abbott Ranch was the most nerve wracking and terrifying thing you had to do today.

Stepping out of the car and walking up to the house, you're shaking with fear and scared about telling your bestfriend that you're leaving early to go to your dream school.You wish you didn’t have to go, but this is your chance to leave. Plus this is your chance to live your dream, and become a truly amazing artist. You could also try and convince him to leave with you,you loved him so much, more than he should already know. Maybe after you both leave, you can tell him how you really feel, how you want to be more than just friends. Both of you could finally make an escape. Live in peace. Live with the person you love. Hopefully that can convince him.   

“What do you mean you're leaving early?” Rhett says with his eyebrows pinched. “ The art program I got accepted into is starting early. I can’t miss this” you say. There's a pregnant silence between both of you. Not knowing what the other one is going to say to each other.

“So that’s just it, you're leaving me behind!” Rhett’s loud voice startles you, he’s never raised his voice at you until now.

"I'm not leaving you behind Rhett. I... I want you to come with me." You say with a trembling voice. Trying to keep your tears at bay. "It's just like we talked about. I can be in my art program, a-and... you can become a bull rider-"

"Stop! Just... stop Sun." he says in a defeated voice. "No, I'm not stopping, because a love and care about you and I don't want you to be stuck here too." You say with your chest heaving. You want to say more but your too scared now.

"I can't. You know I can't." you can tell he's getting more annoyed with you keep pressing him. But you need him to hear the truth." "You can leave Rhett. I'm sure your parents will understand." You try to plead with him. A beat passes. Then another.

"You're scared" you say. "You're scared to go out into the world. The only thing you want to do is stay on this damn ranch for the rest of your life and do nothing." You say and also trying to regain your breathing.

"Ya know what. Just go... Just go and leave everyone behind."

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Rhett knows how much this art program means to me. Why is he saying this?

“How could you do this to me. To us?"

He steps closer to you, you try and take a step back but he's faster., so now both of your chests are together, both heaving and trying to breath. You can smell the bourbon on his breath. He’s been drinking. He tries not to drink around you. It can go either way. He can be a goofy drunk, which he normally is when he's around you. Or he's an angry drunk. Wanting to start fights with random people he sees. Starts yelling and making more problems than he's already in. Now you can see which type of drunk he is tonight. You wish you didn't want to see this.

What you didn’t know he overheard his mom talking on the phone with your mom, about you leaving early for college. 

“What do you want me to do Rhett? Just stay here and be stuck with nothing to do? I don’t want that” I say with some anger laced in my voice.

“Ya know-” You interrupt him “R-Rhett you're drunk, don’t say anything you're gonna regret.”

“Just go! That's what you do, anyway just walk away like you always do. JUST LEAVING EVERYBODY BEHIND! YOU SELFISH BITCH!" Startled by his yelling, you finally let go and now have tears streaking down your face. You're too astonished to say anything else. How could someone you love to say the cruelest, and most horrid things to you. You back away from the porch and go to your car.

“Sun- I-I didn’t mean it... I swear you have to believe m-me.” He says back you in a weary voice also trying not to cry.

Without another beat you just look back at him and shake your head, with tears streaming down your face. Turning back, you get in your car and just speed away from the Abbott ranch. Looking back in your rearview mirror seeing an angry Rhett, kicking the dirt and walking back into the house. That’s the last you heard from Rhett. Abbott.

Until now.

Waking up on Sunday morning you feel a light weight on your chest. fluttering your eyes open and looking through your lashes, you see your precious baby tapping lightly on your chest. Then you fully open your eyes and you both are smiling ear to ear at each other. 

“Hi baby, how was your sleep?” you say with a groggy voice. and trying to snap out of your sleepy daze. “Hi mama, it was otay.” he says, rubbing his eyes.

Then sit up, and give him kisses all over his chubby face, which makes him erupt into a fit of giggles. You look over at the clock on your nightstand, it’s 7:30 am. You have a couple of minutes to stay in bed, keep having your snuggle party with your baby boy, then go downstairs, and be dragged all the way to church, where you are dreading to go.

A little bit later you finally get Ollie and you dressed. You put him in a t- shirt, and a cute little pair of baby blue jean overalls and put on your usual Sunday attire, and ready to go downstairs and hit the road. You walk into the kitchen with Ollie on your hip and see your mom, and dad talking at the table while drinking some coffee.

“Good Morning sleepyheads, are you ready to go?” she asked while grabbing Ollie and putting him in his highchair and getting food for him.

“As ready as I’ll ever be” is the only thing you can say while putting your diaper bag together, and grabbing everything you need to get ready.

As you walk up to the church with your parents you get nervous all of a sudden. Not only because you haven’t been to church in such a long time, and you need a lot of confession to be done. But also, you are dreading to see the one person you are trying to avoid as much as possible when you're back home.

When you first walk in you see Dept. Sheriff Joy. She greets you and your parents with open arms, and seems to be excited that you showed up. You knew that it was because she has a young daughter with her wife. But you aren’t mad at it at all, you want Ollie to have friends in his age range, this is a new start for him too. And he definitely needs this. The only thing that could make you happy was for your baby boy to have a good life. If he was happy, so were you.

While Sheriff Joy and you mom were making conversation, you and your dad make their way into the church out of the corner of your eye you spot Ceceilia Abbott, talking with her husband Royal. Almost acting in a serious manner when engaging with each other. But, you just keep walking and find a seat next to your dad.

During the service the preacher announces you return, in which everybody takes their eyes all to you. You become very annoyed but also anxious. You hate that everyone's eyes are on you. It almost feels like they are trying to pry every detail out of your body and soul. The only thing you can do is smile and wave at the people who have their cold, dead stare on you. Just waiting for this to all be over. When he returns to preaching, you can feel someone staring at you. You turn your head just a little, and you spot Rhett looking, but he turns away quickly and focuses back on the service.

(Rhett’s POV)

There are a million questions running through your head right now. Sunny moved back, she has a kid? Has she moved on? Why didn’t she tell me? You want to know more. But you’re afraid that you're gonna spook her, and she’s gonna run away. Like at the supermarket.

 The only thing you want to do is just hold her, hold her and say you’re sorry. You want things to be the same before everything happened, how she felt underneath your fingertips. How she used to smile and laugh when you said something that you didn’t think was funny. How she wasn't afraid to speak her mind. You just want that Sunny back. Your Sunny back.

The only thing on your mind is always her.

You just have to sit back and watch her live her life how she wants.

The only time she even looks at you is when she sees you staring at her. You look back to the preacher quickly, acting like nothing happened. Just pretending like you were nothing to her. Just some fuck up that had to ruin the only good relationship in his life.

You also see her with a small boy in her lap, snuggling into her chest dozing off. She seems like a good mom. Always taking care of people. So kind and compassionate with others. You just wish you could’ve had a future with her. Only I could dream.

(Back to your POV)

By the end of the service everybody is up out of their seats socializing and making small talk with others. You walk out to your car with your mom and dad. Only to be stopped by the Abbott’s calling you mom and dad’s names, trying to get their attention. First you see Cecilia and Royal, their coming up to your mom and dad talking.

Then you see Perry with a little girl, who you assume is his daughter. Your mom gave you updates on your little town, including the Abbott’s. She told you the oldest Abbott son Perry settled down, got married, and had a kid. But a couple years after his wife disappeared and never came back.

You felt bad for Perry, you also seemed like you were both in the same shoes. Not only being a single parent role, but also not having your partner by your side. Not really caring about the child. But in your situation, you had to leave or become beaten to death by a bloody pulp.

But snapping out of your thoughts you finally see the person you don’t want to see. Your eyes land on Rhett, and the same back at you. You both stand there in awkward silences wondering who's gonna break the ice first.

Rhett’s the first one to speak. “How have ya been?” he asks in a husky tone that runs a shiver down your spine. 

What you really want to say to him is “ Oh, ya know the past couple of years have been my absolute hell. I had to live and be in a relationship with an abusive asshole, who also doesn’t want to claim his own son. So, I had to run away without him knowing. Mind you I have to be here right now talking to someone who is supposed to be my best friend. But things have changed.”

The only thing you can say back to him was “I’ve been good.” Then you both fall back into silence, not wanting to say anything else to each other

The silence once again breaks between the two of you when Oliie waddles his way over to you with Sheriff Joy’s daughter. “Mama!I'm hungy,” he says. Out of the corner of your eye you see Rhett lift his lips up into a smirk. 

“You have a kid?” He asks. You turn back to him, now but you have Ollie on your hip.

“Yeah, this is my son, Ollie.”

“Ollie, this is my fiend Rhett, can you say hi?”

Rhett was taken back. He didn’t think you guys were friends after everything that you’ve been through. What he put you though. But he knew you were just trying to be polite  around your son.

you try to get Ollie to say hi but he hides inside your neck while you talk.

While your baby boy was on your hip, he was starting to slip out of your hold a little bit. So you put him on your hip. In the process it lifts your shirt up, just to expose a little bit of your skin on your stomach. You can see Rhett look down at the patch of skin that was exposed. He sees a big black and blue mark, it looks about the size of his hand. When you see him staring you tug your shirt down, pretending nothing happened.

You don’t want people knowing what your situation was. Especially Rhett. You knew Rhet growing up. You also know him to have a short temper. If he ever found out what Gabe had done to you. He would be a dead man.

Moving back here to Amelia County was a really good decision, you wanted to start anew for Ollie, and for yourself. You really couldn’t imagine Staying with with Gabe after what you had been through.

“Can I take you to dinner… so we can talk?” He asks you suddenly. “I don’t think tha-” “ Please Sunny, I just want to talk, I haven’t seen you in forever. I’ll take you to dinner, we’ll talk, and I’ll drive you straight home. No funny business.” He says, and also putting his hands up in surrender.

You're hesitant at first. Not really believing him for just wanting to talk. But it would be nice catching up with him. See how life’s been treating him. But who would watch Ollie? Your parents might have a prob-

“Sure, I’ll go. But straight to dinner and straight back home.”

Your thoughts were running so quick, you hadn't realized what was coming out of your mouth.

“Sounds like a date. I’ll pick you around 9?” He says with a curious look, and makes sure you won’t deny his request.

“Sounds good also, but let's make it clear, it’s definitely not a date.” You give him a quick smile and walk back to your car. But you were giving a smirk while walking away. You just don’t know that he’s giving one right back.

That’s what he loved about you, you always called on his bullshit. He just wished you were close again, having that amazing bond that on one else had. He can’t wait to see you tomorrow. Just like old times he thinks to himself.

On the other hand, you're thinking you don’t know what you got yourself into.

End.

(Here is some outfit inspo for Ollie and Sunny.😊)

Pinterest

Pinterest

Reblogs are always welcome. Unless you're under 18. I will block you. You all should be responsible. Also comment if you wanted to be added to the taglist.

Taglist: @callsign-magnolia @roosterforme @angelbabyyy99

dividers are by @saradika

THIS IS SUCH A GOOD STORY!!!

Ch. 2: Two weeks and Counting Down

Warning: Mention of miscarriage. Some chapters have sex.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction using characters from the Top Gun: Maverick world, trademarked by Paramount Pictures Corporation. I do not claim ownership of the characters and the world that I am borrowing.

The story and situation I am creating are a work of my imagination and I do not ascribe them to official story canon. This work is for entertainment only and is not a part of the storyline.

I am not profiting financially from the creation and publication of this story, but I do hope it gives you happy thoughts.

These stories are my own, so please do not take them and use them for yourself without my permission. If you see them somewhere else, please let me know. :)

You steered the Expedition off the main road, guiding it onto the lengthy driveway leading to your home.

Jake looked around, his curiosity piqued. "Where is this?"

"We're on the driveway to our house," you explained.

As you continued, trees bordered both sides of the driveway, creating a secluded path. Gradually, the tree line began to thin, revealing fencing on the left side as the landscape opened up to your property.

Jake's eyes widened in amazement as the log cabin emerged into view. You directed the vehicle toward the garage, which automatically opened, allowing you to smoothly park inside. As you switched off the engine, the garage door began to lower behind you. Opening the truck's door, you were greeted by the sight of Chuck standing in the doorway to the mudroom.

Turning to Jake, you offered a gentle, "Welcome home." Then, you stepped out of the truck, and Jake, taking in his surroundings, opened his door to follow suit.

In his early to late fifties, standing about 5'8" tall and dressed in Wrangler jeans paired with a flannel shirt, Chuck approached the Expedition. His white hair was just visible beneath a well-worn baseball hat. As he neared, he announced, "Dinner's ready, Y/N."

"Thanks, Chuck," you responded with warmth in your voice. Turning to facilitate the introduction, you said, "Chuck, meet my husband, Lieutenant Jake Seresin. Jake, this is Chuck." You made the introductions as Jake walked over to join you.

Chuck extended his hand, offering a respectful greeting, "It's nice to finally meet you, Sir."

Jake accepted the handshake. "Likewise," he said, his gaze briefly wandering around the garage.

"Chuck, there are 4 bags in the truck. Could you grab them and bring them to," you started, glancing at Jake for a moment. He met your gaze.

"The master bedroom," Jake concluded.

"The master bedroom," you repeated, directing your attention back to Chuck. "I'd like to give my husband a quick tour of our house."

"Of course, Doc," Chuck replied, ready to assist.

As Chuck busied himself with retrieving the bags from the back of the truck, you focused on Jake, seizing the opportunity to share more about the home he was returning to.

"The place is heated," you mentioned casually, then gestured towards a section enclosed by a barn-style door. "Over there's the workshop. Chuck's pretty handy with repairs, too."

Jake followed your gaze to the workshop area, his interest piqued. "That's good to know. I might have a thing or two that needs fixing," he said, a hint of curiosity in his tone.

You smiled, walking closer to the barn-style door to give him a better view. "We've got a decent setup. Anything from vehicle repairs to some basic carpentry. Chuck has been invaluable around here."

As you slid the door open, revealing the organized chaos typical of a well-used workshop, Jake stepped in closer, inspecting the array of tools and machinery. "Looks like you've got everything you need."

"Yeah, Chuck likes to keep things organized. Says it makes the work go smoother," you explained, watching Jake as he ran his hand over a workbench, inspecting the tools laid out.

He turned to you, a thoughtful look on his face. "I used to help my uncle in his workshop back when I was a kid. Taught me a lot about fixing things, making do with what you have."

"It's a valuable skill to have," you agreed, closing the distance between you two. "Especially out here. It's not like we can just run to the store for every little thing."

Jake nodded, his gaze lingering on a half-assembled engine on one of the benches. "Maybe I can help out around here, too. It's been a while, but I'm sure it'll come back to me."

"I'm sure he'd be into that," you said, catching the direction of his gaze which had settled on a partially assembled engine. "I believe that's from the tractor."

"Come on. There's so much more to see, and tonight you'll only get a glimpse of it." You began to lead the way towards the door that opened into the mudroom.

Jake followed you, his steps mirroring your own anticipation. As you reached the door to the mudroom, you paused, hand on the knob, and glanced back at him. "Ready?"

He nodded, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Lead the way."

Opening the door, you stepped into the mudroom, a well-organized space that immediately spoke of a home lived in and loved. The aroma of the outdoors mixed with the scent of clean laundry filled the air. You pointed out the various features, "Here's where the magic happens after a long day's work. Laundry, pet wash station, and plenty of storage. That bathroom is attached to the guest bedroom."

Jake's gaze wandered over the room, taking in the practical yet cozy setup. "I like it. It's... homey."

"That door over there takes you down the back porch steps and out towards the stables," you explained, moving towards the sliding barn door that would lead into the kitchen and living area.

The kitchen, living room, and dining room flowed together in an open concept layout, imbuing the space with a rustic charm.

Jake surveyed the surroundings, visibly mesmerized. "You built and planned all of this?"

"Yup," you confirmed with a sense of pride. "It was a lot of work, but worth every moment," you continued, watching as Jake absorbed the details of the space. "I wanted a home that felt welcoming, where every corner had a story or a purpose."

Jake walked over to the dining area, running his hand along the back of one of the chairs before turning to face you. "It's incredible. It has warmth, character… It's a reflection of us."

You couldn't help but blush at the compliment. "Thank you. I hoped to create a place that felt like a sanctuary, somewhere we could find peace and comfort."

He nodded, understandingly. "You've succeeded. It's more than just a house; it's a home."

Chuck descended the stairs, interrupting the moment with a practical inquiry, "Are you ready for dinner?"

You glanced at Jake, giving him the opportunity to respond.

"Yeah, I'm actually pretty hungry," he admitted, his attention shifting from the house's interior to the matter of dinner.

"Great," Chuck responded, his tone amiable. "I thought, considering the nights have been getting chillier, we'd have chili tonight." His suggestion seemed to perfectly suit the cozy, rustic atmosphere of the house.

"That sounds perfect," you agreed, pleased with the idea. "Chili is always a great choice for a chilly evening." You smiled at the unintended pun.

Jake chuckled. "Sounds good to me. I can't remember the last time I had homemade chili."

Chuck nodded towards you, "The dining room is all set for you."

"Thank you, Chuck," you replied, appreciating his attention to detail.

He then shifted his attention to Jake, "Is there anything in particular you'd like to drink?"

Jake gave a casual shrug. "A beer is fine," he responded, settling into the homely atmosphere.

"Coming up," Chuck acknowledged, before disappearing down a staircase to fetch the drink.

"Come on. This way to the dining room," you beckoned Jake, leading him to another area nearby.

As the two of you entered the dining room, the ambiance immediately struck you. Candles flickered softly, casting a warm glow in the dimly lit space, creating an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.

The centerpiece of the dining room was a large pine table, accompanied by matching chairs, all contributing to the room's rustic appeal. The wood's natural texture and the room's subtle, earthy tones created a sense of warmth and coziness, enhancing the intimate atmosphere set by the candlelight.

"You can sit wherever you like," you offered, gesturing to the table.

Jake looked around, then asked, "Where do you normally sit?"

You pointed to a specific chair. "When family is here, I sit at the head of the table."

"Then I'll sit next to you," he decided.

As you moved to navigate around Jake, he unexpectedly stepped in front of you, prompting you to stop and look up at him.

"Y/N…" Jake began, but his words were interrupted as Chuck re-entered the room, prompting you both to step apart.

"Here's your beer, Sir," Chuck said, extending the beverage to Jake.

Jake took the beer with a nod of gratitude. "Thank you."

"Dinner will be served shortly," Chuck announced, ready to bring in the meal.

"Great, thanks, Chuck," you replied, appreciating Chuck's help and timing as you sat down in the chair.

The interruption had momentarily paused your conversation with Jake, but as Chuck went back to the kitchen, there was a brief moment of silence between you two.

You looked at Jake, sensing there was something he wanted to say. "You were about to say something?" you prompted gently, encouraging him to continue.

Jake took a sip of his beer, gathering his thoughts. "I was just going to say… it's really nice here. You've done an amazing job with this place. It feels like a real home," he responded as he sat down in the chair to the left of you.

You smiled, touched by his words. "Thanks, Jake. That means a lot. I wanted to create a place that felt welcoming and comfortable."

The conversation was interrupted again as Chuck returned, this time with bowls of chili. The savory aroma filled the room.

"I'll leave you two to catch up," Chuck said and left.

Jake's gaze lingered on his wife, a mix of emotions swirling within him. Guilt crept in as he remembered how upset he had been when she chose not to quit school after their loss. It was a difficult time, and the distance that had grown between them in the past four years felt more profound in this moment of reflection.

He sighed, his eyes wandering over the dining room. Despite everything, he couldn't help but feel impressed by what you had accomplished in their time apart. The home you had built was a testament to you resilience and dedication. It was clear you had considered both their tastes and needs in its design, creating a space that was both a reflection of your strength and a potential haven for your shared future.

Jake's internal struggle was evident as he continued to observe his surroundings. The home spoke volumes about the person you had become in his absence. It was warm, welcoming, and meticulously crafted—a stark contrast to the empty spaces he had grown accustomed to in his military life.

Realizing the gravity of his past decisions and the impact they had on your relationship, Jake turned to you with a newfound sense of understanding and humility. "Y/N," he began, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability. "I've been thinking about everything...about us. I know I haven't been there for you like I should have, especially after...after our loss."

You looked at him, your eyes reflecting a mix of surprise and cautious hope. You could sense the sincerity in his voice, something you hadn't felt from him in a long time.

Jake continued, "I was wrong to expect you to put your life on hold. What you've done here, it's incredible. You've built a life, a home, and I... I want to be a part of it, if you'll have me."

There was a long pause as you processed his words. The pain and misunderstandings of the past few years hung heavily between them, but so did the love and shared history they couldn't deny.

Finally, you spoke, your voice soft but steady. "Jake, I've missed you. I've missed us. But we can't just go back to how things were. We need to rebuild, to learn about each other again."

Jake nodded, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "I agree. I want to do that. I want to understand you, to support you. I want us to be a team again."

You took a moment, collecting you thoughts before asking, "When do you have to go back?"

Jake answered, "I have two weeks until I have to go back."

Hearing this, you met his gaze with a determined look. "Then we'll make it the best two weeks we've got." Your voice carried a mix of resolve and hope, signaling a willingness to make the most of the limited time you had together.

Tags:

@buckysteveloki-me

@bellyliveslife

@tgmreader

@callsign-barbell

@86laura11

@dizzybee03

@kmc1989

THIS IS SOO GOOD!!!!

In Too Deep Masterlist

Jake Seresin becomes a Step Dad <3

Jake Seresin had sworn he was never going to be a father. He liked his life the way that it was, child-free, stress free and chaos free. Free being the key word. After falling for you, it becomes clear that Jake is in for an attitude adjustment, whether he likes it or not.

…

Prologue

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven