Jackson leaned lazily against a rock, half-dozing, half-watching the scene in front of him.
Three women and a dog splashing in the lake—it was chaos, laughter, sunlight, and water all tangled together. Bethany shrieked as Miracle sent a spray of water straight into her face, while Lily and Lisa couldn’t stop laughing.
Jackson smiled faintly and muttered under his breath, “Sometimes, I think even the dog’s luckier than me.”
He wasn’t wrong. He wanted to join them, to forget survival for a while and just play—but he knew if he stepped in, the girls would immediately stiffen up. They’d never be able to relax with him there. And honestly… it would be awkward as hell.
So instead, he found a smooth rock, used it as a pillow, and let the warm breeze lull him into a rare, peaceful nap.
——
Do
