Lost But Found | ✔️ - Chapter 23: Chapter 23

Not Just a Game
Jaxon
Jaxon had been in plenty of high-pressure situations before.
Fourth-quarter, game on the line, defense closing in—he knew how to handle that.
But this?
This was different.
Because right now, he wasn't staring down a defensive line.
He was staring at an eight-year-old kid who looked at him like he was somebody worth looking up to.
Liam's grip on the football was awkward, his stance a little off, but Jaxon didn't care. He wasn't trying to turn the kid into a pro. He just wanted him to have fun.
"Alright, bud," Jaxon said, kneeling beside him again. "This time, keep your feet planted, step into the throw, and aim for me."
Liam nodded, determination set in his small face. He took a deep breath, shifted his feet, and launched the ball.
It still wobbled, but it made it to Jaxon's hands this time.
Jaxon grinned. "That's what I'm talking about!"
Liam let out a laugh, bouncing on his toes. "Did you see that, Ava?"
Jaxon turned instinctively, already knowing where she was—sitting on the back steps, arms crossed, watching them with something unreadable in her expression.
She nodded, her lips twitching slightly. "Not bad, kid."
Jaxon smirked, tossing the ball back to Liam. "You hear that? High praise from the cheer captain herself."
Liam grinned, puffing out his chest. "Think I could be a quarterback one day?"
Jaxon crouched down, ruffling his hair. "With that attitude? Absolutely."
Liam beamed.
And just like that, something inside Jaxon shifted.
This wasn't like messing around with his teammates. This wasn't like tossing a ball with his little cousins at family cookouts.
This was different.
Because this was Ava's little brother.
And Jaxon was realizing—too fast, too real—that he cared.
Not just about making sure Liam had fun.
But about this. About them.
Ava exhaled, standing up. "Alright, quarterback. Time to wrap it up before Liam starts thinking he's getting recruited."
Liam pouted. "One more throw?"
Ava gave him a look, but before she could answer, Jaxon smirked. "Tell you what—how about we make a deal?"
Liam perked up. "What kind of deal?"
Jaxon crossed his arms. "If you promise to listen to your sister and do all your homework this week, I'll teach you how to throw a perfect spiral next time."
Liam gasped dramatically. "Next time?"
Jaxon chuckled. "Yeah, bud. Next time."
Ava stiffened, but Liam wasn't paying attention.
He just grinned and held out his pinky. "Deal."
Jaxon locked their pinkies together. "Deal."
Liam cheered, grabbing the football and running back inside.
And just like that, the backyard got quiet.
Jaxon turned, expecting a sarcastic remark from Ava, but she wasn't smirking.
She was watching him.
Really watching him.
Like she didn't know what to do with the fact that he was still standing there.
Like she didn't know what to do with the fact that he wanted to be.
Jaxon took a step closer. "What?"
Ava swallowed, looking away. "Nothing."
He tilted his head. "That didn't look like nothing."
She let out a slow breath, crossing her arms. "Liam likes you."
Jaxon smirked. "I am pretty likable."
Ava rolled her eyes but didn't argue.
Jaxon studied her for a second, the tension in her shoulders, the careful way she was holding herself—like she was waiting for him to leave.
And maybe before, he would have.
But not now.
Not when he'd seen what he'd seen.
Not when he knew she was the one raising her little brother, the one making sure he had someone to look up to, someone to rely on.
And definitely not when he knew how hard it was for her to let people in.
So instead of walking away, he took another step forward, closing the space between them.
Ava's breath hitched, but she didn't move.
Jaxon lowered his voice. "I like him too, you know."
Ava's jaw tightened. "Yeah. That's the problem."
Jaxon frowned. "Why?"
She exhaled sharply, shaking her head. "Because Liam gets attached. And people leave."
Jaxon felt something tighten in his chest.
He didn't know everything about Ava's past yet, but those words?
Yeah. He knew what they meant.
And maybe it was reckless, maybe it was too much, too soon, but he said it anyway.
"I'm not leaving, Carter."
Ava blinked, her lips parting slightly, like she wasn't sure she heard him right.
Jaxon took a step back, giving her space.
"Tell Liam I'll be back for that spiral lesson," he said, turning toward the door.
And just before he left, he glanced back.
Ava was still standing there.
And for once in Ava's life she had found someone who wouldn't leave her.