Chapter 3

The first real shift happened during a hurricane warning.

Outer Banks storms were brutal and unpredictable. Rafe, typically controlled, became a whirlwind of preparation. Batteries checked, emergency kit assembled, windows boarded. JJ moved with a different energy – calm, almost dangerous, like the storm itself.

"We need to evacuate," Rafe announced, his voice tight.

JJ was securing outdoor furniture, his movements precise despite their apparent casualness. "Not leaving. We've got a plan."

Lily watched between them, sensing the tension.

Their evacuation argument was less about safety and more about something deeper. Years of unresolved history, of being on opposite sides, bubbling just beneath the surface.

"I'm not letting anything happen to her," Rafe said, his hand unconsciously touching Lily's shoulder.

JJ stepped closer. Close enough to see the slight tremble in Rafe's hand. Close enough to feel the heat between them.

"We protect her. Together," JJ said softly.

Their emergency plan was a military-level operation. Rafe's meticulous planning met JJ's street-smart survival skills. Waterproof bags. Multiple communication devices. A predetermined evacuation route with three backup plans.

During the storm, huddled in a safe location, Lily nestled between them, something shifted.

JJ's hand rested near Rafe's. Their fingers almost – but not quite – touching.

"We make a good team," JJ whispered.

Rafe didn't pull away. Didn't argue.

Outside, the hurricane raged. Inside, something equally powerful and unpredictable was brewing.

Lily's birthday party was nothing short of controlled chaos.

Rafe had created spreadsheets. Actual, color-coded spreadsheets for party planning. Menu options, entertainment schedules, dietary restrictions of seven-year-olds – everything was meticulously organized.

JJ's contribution was pure spontaneity.

"We're doing a pirate theme," he announced, rolling in with a massive treasure chest filled with costume props, water guns, and what appeared to be at least three different types of foam swords.

"Absolutely not," Rafe deadpanned. "I've already ordered personalized unicorn-themed decorations."

Their argument was interrupted by Lily. "Can we do BOTH?"

Pope, Sarah, Kiara, and John B. arrived early to help. They watched the two men with barely contained amusement as Rafe and JJ negotiated party details like a married couple.

"Organic fruit skewers?" Rafe suggested.

"Pirate ship cake!" JJ countered.

Compromise: A unicorn pirate cake that was equal parts elegant and ridiculous.

When the school friends arrived, the party transformed. Six- and seven-year-olds don't care about aesthetic perfection–they care about fun. And JJ and Rafe were determined to provide maximum entertainment.

Rafe supervised a treasure hunt with military precision. The clues were laminated. He mapped out the paths. He wouldn't let any child get lost.

JJ created obstacle courses, turning the backyard into a playground of imagination. Water balloons mysteriously appeared. Foam sword battles erupted.

"Is this normal?" one of Lily's classmates whispered to another.

"I think so," another replied, watching Rafe meticulously cut sandwich triangles while JJ did ridiculous pirate voices.

The pinnacle came during cake time.

"Make a wish!" they both shouted in unison, then looked at each other and burst out laughing.

Lily, crowned in a unicorn pirate hat (another compromise), looked radiant.

Pope leaned over to Sarah. "They have no idea, do they?"

Sarah just smiled. "Oh, they're falling for each other. They just don't know it yet."

As the party games continued, Rafe and JJ moved around each other with a synchronized rhythm. One would anticipate the other's next move. A juice box here. A band-aid there. A shared look of pride when Lily laughed.

Their family was messy, complicated, and perfect.