Chapter 11 - Sonya

It’s a perfect day for a drive, with the sun bright but not too hot, the kind of early autumn day that feels like a treat after the sweltering summer. Jack’s at the wheel with one hand casually draped over the steering wheel while the other rests on the armrest between us. Fiona’s cooing happily in her car seat, and her tiny feet kick in time with some tune only she seems to hear as I watch the world blur by outside the window, trying to ignore the nervous flutter in my chest.

We’re headed to Jane and Reiner’s place, and I should be excited—Jane’s my best friend, and I haven’t seen her much since moving in with Jack. But all I can think about is how easily Jane reads me, how she always knows when something’s up, and I’m not sure I’m ready to explain why living with Jack has become… complicated. Not that anything’s happened—well, nothing I can’t pretend didn’t happen. But I can’t stop thinking about the way Jack looked at me the other night, that moment of almost-kiss between us.

“Hey, you good?” Jack’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts, and I glance over to find him watching me out of the corner of his eye with a curious tilt to his lips. “You’ve been quiet.”

“Yeah, just… thinking,” I reply, forcing a smile that feels a little too tight. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen Jane. Looking forward to catching up.”

Jack nods, but there’s something knowing in his expression, like he’s picking up on the tension I’m trying so hard to hide. “She’s missed you. Reiner keeps telling me how she’s been complaining about me stealing her favorite brunch buddy.”

I laugh, and the sound is more genuine this time. “Well, it’s not like I’ve been having the time of my life babysitting you.”

Jack grins the easy, carefree smile that always manages to soften the sharp edges of my mood. “You know you love it. What’s not to like? Free food, free rent, and you get to hang out with this charming face every day.”

“Charming is a stretch,” I tease, though my cheeks warm under his playful gaze. “But Fiona’s a definite perk.”

Jack glances at Fiona in the rearview mirror, his smile softening in a way that tugs at something deep inside me. I’ve watched him with her, the way he’s always there to soothe her cries, the way he beams when she reaches for him, tiny fingers clutching at his shirt. It’s a side of Jack I never expected to see, and it’s messing with my perception of him in ways I’m not sure I’m ready to admit.

When we pull up to Jane and Reiner’s house, I’m out of the car before Jack’s even turned off the engine. I wave at Jane, who’s waiting on the porch with a wide, welcoming smile. She rushes down the steps to meet me, wrapping me in a hug that’s just a little too tight, but in the best way.

“About time you made it over here!” Jane says, pulling back to look me over like she’s checking for signs of wear and tear. “I swear, I was starting to think Jack had you locked up or something.”

“Very funny,” I reply, rolling my eyes but grinning. “I’ve just been busy. You know how it is.”

She laughs, but there’s a flicker of something in her eyes—curiosity, maybe? Suspicion? It’s hard to tell with Jane. She’s got this knack for digging up secrets without even trying. “Busy with what, exactly? Because from what I hear, Jack’s got you playing house more than anything else.”

“It’s not like that,” I say quickly, but Jane’s smirk tells me she’s not buying it. “I’m just helping out with Fiona. Jack’s been working a lot, and someone’s gotta keep things from falling apart.”

“Right,” Jane says, drawing out the word like she’s savoring the taste of it. She nudges me playfully. “But you’ve gotta admit, it’s kind of cute, isn’t it? Jack playing daddy. Who would’ve thought?”

I glance back at Jack, who’s busy unbuckling Fiona from her car seat, cooing at her as she babbles back at him with wide, trusting eyes. It is cute, but that’s not something I’m ready to say out loud, not even to Jane. “Yeah, he’s… different with her,” I admit. “He’s trying, and she seems happy. That’s all that matters, right?”

Jane raises an eyebrow, and her smile turns sly. “You’re dodging, Sonya. Come on, spill. Is there something going on between you two?”

“No!” I protest a little too forcefully. “Jack’s the same arrogant guy he’s always been. We’re just coexisting, that’s all.”

Jane snorts. “Sure. And I’m the queen of England.”

I elbow her in the arm, but my laugh is half-hearted. “Seriously, Jane. It’s not like that. Jack and I… we don’t get along like that.”

“Like that?” Jane echoes, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “So, you’re saying there’s a way you do get along?”

I sigh, trying not to let her see the flush creeping up my neck. “I mean, we’re not at each other’s throats. We bicker, but it’s not… I don’t know. It’s not mean anymore.”

Jane studies me, and her teasing smile fades into something softer, more thoughtful. “You know, it’s okay if things change. People grow, even guys like Jack. And if he’s stepping up for Fiona, maybe he’s stepping up in other ways, too.”

I look away, my gaze landing on Jack as he finally makes his way over with Fiona in his arms, her tiny hand wrapped around his thumb. He looks so at ease with her, like this is exactly where he’s meant to be, and for a moment, I let myself believe it, too. But then I remember who Jack is—the playboy, the guy who never takes anything seriously—and I force myself to stay grounded.

“Maybe,” I say quietly, more to myself than to Jane. “But it’s Jack. He’s not… he’s not who I’d—”

Jane cuts me off with a knowing smile. “Not who you’d what? Settle down with? Fall for? Sonya, it’s okay to let your guard down. Not every guy is your ex.”

I flinch at the mention of my past, the reminder of why I came to Green Lake in the first place. “I’m not falling for anyone,” I insist, my voice firm even as my heart skips a beat. “Especially not Jack.”

Jane just laughs, looping her arm through mine as we head inside. “Keep telling yourself that. But just remember, it’s okay to let someone in. Even if it’s the last person you expected.”

Inside, the house is warm and familiar, filled with the comforting scent of freshly baked cookies. Reiner’s in the kitchen, and he waves us over with a flour-covered hand, grinning like he’s part of some inside joke I’m not in on.

“Hey, Sonya!” Reiner says, tossing a cookie in Jack’s direction as we join him. “Good to see you out of the house. I was starting to think Jack had you on house arrest.”

“Please,” I groan, taking a cookie and munching on it to avoid the topic. “You two are terrible. You know that, right?”

“We’re not wrong,” Reiner jokes, his gaze shifting to Jack, who’s settling Fiona in a high chair with a kind of practiced ease that makes my chest ache in a way I’m not prepared for. “How’s it going, Jack? You surviving this whole dad thing?”

Jack laughs, wiping a smear of cookie off Fiona’s cheek. “Barely, but Sonya’s keeping us both in line. Can’t complain.”

I roll my eyes, but there’s a flutter of something in my chest that I can’t quite ignore. It’s easy to pretend that nothing’s changed when I’m talking to Jane, but seeing Jack here, fitting in so seamlessly with my friends, it’s harder to convince myself that he’s still the same guy I’ve always written off.

As the afternoon passes, I watch Jack with Fiona, with Reiner, and even with Jane, and I realize that maybe there’s more to him than I’ve been willing to see. He’s still Jack, still the guy who drives me up the wall with his cocky grin and flippant attitude, but he’s also the guy who’s stepped up in ways I never expected.

Jane’s words echo in my mind, and I push them aside, focusing on Fiona’s giggles and the easy laughter that fills the room. This is all it needs to be—an afternoon with friends, nothing more. But as I catch Jack’s eye across the table, his smile warm and genuine, I can’t help but wonder if I’m lying to myself.

After we wrap up at Jane and Reiner’s, I assume we’re heading straight home. Fiona’s been a little fussy since we got here, and it’s about time for her nap. But when I glance over at Jack, he’s got that look on his face. The one that says he’s got something up his sleeve.

“We’re not going home, are we?” I ask, raising an eyebrow as he secures Fiona in her car seat.

Jack flashes me a quick grin. “Not yet. Thought we could take Fiona to the park for a bit. It’s a nice day, and she could use some fresh air. Plus, I’ve been cooped up in the shop all week. Could use the break.”

I hesitate, glancing at Fiona, who’s watching us with wide, curious eyes. “Are you sure? She’s been a little cranky, and I don’t want her to get overtired.”

Jack shrugs, sliding into the driver’s seat. “A quick stroll won’t hurt. Besides, she usually loves the park, right? And if she gets tired, we’ll head home. No big deal.”

I chew on my lip, but there’s no real argument left in me. Fiona does love the park, and I could use a little sunshine myself. “All right,” I relent, settling into my seat. “But if she starts fussing, we’re out of there.”

“Deal,” Jack agrees, throwing the car into gear and pulling out of Jane and Reiner’s driveway.

The drive to the park is short, and soon enough, we’re wandering down the paved paths with the warm sun on our faces. Fiona’s nestled in her stroller, kicking her legs happily as she takes in the sights around her. It’s peaceful, the kind of afternoon that feels like a small escape from the chaos of everyday life.

Jack pushes the stroller, and I fall into step beside him, enjoying the rare moment of quiet between us. There’s no bickering, no teasing—just the sound of birds overhead and the distant chatter of other park-goers. I find myself glancing at Jack every so often, surprised by how easily he fits into this scene. He’s not the careless guy I used to think he was, and watching him dote on Fiona, it’s hard to remember why I ever thought he wasn’t capable of this.

As we round a bend in the path, though, my good mood sours instantly. Standing by one of the park benches is Tanner. He spots us before I have a chance to steer us in another direction, and I can already see the smirk forming on his face.

“Jack! Didn’t expect to see you here,” Tanner calls out, his voice laced with that annoying, mocking tone I’ve come to associate with him. “Playing daddy daycare, huh?”

Jack’s grip tightens on the stroller. He forces a smile, but I can see the tension in his shoulders. “Just spending time with my daughter, Tanner. What’s up?”

Tanner saunters over. His gaze moves to me and then back to Jack. “Man, look at you,” he says, shaking his head like he’s witnessing some great cosmic joke. “Never thought I’d see the day. Jack Thomas, all domesticated with a kid and—” His eyes linger on me, and I resist the urge to smack that smug look right off his face. “—and a nanny. Bet you’re loving that. Hope you’re a better nanny than you were a waitress.”

Jack’s jaw clenches, and he moves to stand between me and Tanner like he’s blocking him from view. “Knock it off, Tanner. We’re just here to enjoy the park. No need to be a dick.”

Tanner holds up his hands in mock surrender, but his grin doesn’t falter. “Whoa, hey, no need to get touchy. I was just saying. I mean, I figured if you were going to hire a nanny, she’d at least be hot. This one looks like she wouldn’t know a good time if it hit her upside the head.”

My face burns, and I can feel the words bubbling up. But before I can snap back, Jack steps in. “Watch it,” he warns, his voice low and deadly serious. “Sonya’s not just ‘the nanny,’ and I’m not putting up with your crap today.”

Tanner’s eyes widen at the tone, but he doesn’t back down. “Whoa, didn’t mean to hit a nerve. Just curious how long you’re planning to keep playing house. Must be nice, though, having her around for… company.” His grin turns sleazy, and I can’t help but bristle at the implication. “But there are some she-wolves more in your league I’m sure would be thrilled to play the part.”

“Excuse me?” I cut in, my voice sharp. “I’m standing right here, you know. And I’m not some prop in Jack’s life for your entertainment. I’m here for Fiona, and that’s it.”

Jack’s hand lands on my shoulder, a silent gesture of support that’s both calming and grounding. “Tanner, you’ve said enough. Sonya’s helping me take care of Fiona, and that’s something I’m grateful for. More than you’d understand. I haven’t even heard from you since I found out I had a kid. So, why don’t you take your bullshit somewhere else?”

Tanner snorts, but there’s an edge of discomfort in his expression now, like he wasn’t expecting Jack to stand his ground on my behalf. “Whatever, man. Just saying it like it is. Good luck with all… this.” He waves a hand vaguely at Fiona and me before turning on his heel and striding off down the path.

I watch him go, and my heart is pounding with a mix of anger and something else—something like gratitude. Jack didn’t have to step in like that, didn’t have to defend me or stand up to Tanner, but he did. And that means more than I know how to express.

Jack’s still watching Tanner’s retreating figure when I reach out, giving his arm a light squeeze. “Thanks,” I say quietly, and my voice is tinged with the relief I can’t quite put into words. “You didn’t have to do that, but… thanks.”

He glances at me, and there’s a softness in his eyes that makes my chest tighten. “Yeah, I did. Tanner’s an asshole. And you deserve better than that crap. I should’ve stood up for you in the bar before just like that.”

I nod, letting the moment linger between us. Jack’s never been the knight-in-shining-armor type, but there’s something undeniably protective about the way he’s standing there, all tense and serious. He might be an arrogant jerk sometimes, but there are glimpses of the man underneath, and those are the moments that make me start to question what I thought I knew about him.

We start walking again, and the tension slowly eases as the park returns to its usual peaceful hum. Fiona’s babbling resumes, filling the quiet space between us, and I find myself stealing glances at Jack, wondering what else I’ve missed in the years I’ve known him. He’s not the guy I thought he was—reckless and indifferent. He’s something more.

As we make our way along the path, I realize something’s shifting, like the easy lines I’ve drawn around Jack are blurring, the boundaries fading into something new and unfamiliar. And it scares me, the way my heart speeds up when he looks at me, the way his touch lingers even after he’s let go.

I’ve spent so long thinking I had him figured out, that I knew exactly who Jack Thomas was. But as we walk side by side, I realize that maybe I was wrong. Maybe there’s more to Jack than I ever imagined. And maybe that’s not such a bad thing.