Chapter 341: Teaching Her to Swim
Gabriel swam to the edge and vaulted effortlessly onto the pool deck.
“Sophia, give me your hand. Godfather will take you in,” he said with a smile.
“Mommy, I’m scared,” Sophia whispered, shrinking back.
“Come on—you’ll have a swim ring, and I’ll keep you safe,” Gabriel coaxed. Slowly she relaxed and reached for his hand.
Alison watched him guide the children into the water, but her own feet refused to move.
“Alison, give me your hand,” Gabriel called, extending his arm toward her.
“Gabriel, I… I’m still a little scared,” she admitted, flinching back.
“Why? I’ll protect you,” he promised, opening his arms wide.
She said nothing; her legs trembled on their own.
Then Gabriel moved closer. Without warning, he caught her by the calf and tugged.
Caught off guard, she screamed as she plunged into the water—drawing glances from nearby swimmers who couldn’t help staring at her startled grace.
In the water, Gabriel’s arms closed around her, and she clung instinctively to him.
Her fingers dug into his arms, terrified she might sink.
“See? The water’s only chest-deep. Stand up—you’ll be fine,” he said, smiling.
“Go watch the kids. I can handle myself,” she said, blushing furiously.
“Easy. Hold the swim ring,” he said, tossing it to her with a grin.
Alison slipped it on at once.
Sophia and Ethan splashed nearby as Gabriel swam over, guiding them toward the shallows where Alison waited.
He planned to teach all three of them together.
Once the lessons began, Alison proved the most nervous, stiff and awkward in the water.
“Alison, relax—inhale deep, exhale slow,” Gabriel coached patiently.
But her thoughts kept drifting away.
Her arms moved mechanically through the water.
Then a wild thought seized her. She ducked beneath the surface and cried out, “Jack, save me!”
She let herself sink deliberately, toes brushing the pool floor.
Gabriel sliced through the water to her side, caught her arm, and asked sharply, “Alison, what’s wrong?”
He hadn’t realised she’d called him Jack.
In the water, she clung to him, breathless.
Jack… why did you change your face, your voice?
She swore she’d find out the truth.
“Gabriel, the ring almost slipped off—I panicked and fell in,” she lied smoothly.
“Don’t be afraid. Just call my name and I’ll come for you,” he whispered, the tone so achingly familiar she grew surer than ever.
The children were already paddling about on their own.
Sophia sprawled on her float, pulling silly faces.
“Stop that, Sophia, or no bedtime stories tonight,” Alison warned.
“So what? Godfather, will you tell us a story tonight?” Sophia giggled, turning to Gabriel.
“Sure,” Gabriel said at once.
After another half hour, they finally came ashore.
“Drink some water. We’ll swim a little more, then head back,” Gabriel said.
“Godfather, will you have dinner with us tonight?” Sophia asked hopefully.
“No, I’ve got things to do this afternoon,” he said with a faint smile.
“Work on Sunday?” Ethan asked, frowning.
“Yes—Godfather’s got some overtime,” Gabriel said, handing Alison a bottle of water. “Here, drink.”
Alison took the bottle, tipped her head back, and gulped too fast. She choked, coughing until tears stung her eyes.
“Alison, wipe your eyes,” Gabriel said softly, passing her a small towel.
After a brief rest, the children were already itching to dive back in.
By the poolside, Alison and Gabriel sat across from each other.
“Working late today?” she asked quietly.
“No—just some personal things to handle,” he replied.
“Where are you staying these days, Gabriel?”
“Near the office—just a short walk. Why, planning to raid my place?” he teased.
“Not at all, Gabriel. Just… don’t go back to the Polar Bear Alliance, please,” she pleaded softly.