Chapter 4: Under the Silver Moon

The air was electric with anticipation as Jon's face drew closer to hers. Jamie's heart pounded in her chest, and she could feel the pulse of the ocean beating in time with her own. She closed her eyes, her lips parting slightly in expectation of the kiss. But just as Jon's lips were about to touch hers, a loud shout pierced the night air. "Jamie! Jamie, is that you?" The voice was familiar, and Jamie's eyes snapped open to see Mark jogging towards them, a look of urgency on his face. Jon's expression changed from intimacy to surprise, and he released Jamie's hand, standing up to face Mark. Jamie felt a pang of disappointment, but she quickly stood up, smoothing her dress. "Mark, what's wrong?" she asked, trying to sound calm. Mark reached them, out of breath. "I've been looking all over for you. I need to talk to you about something." Jamie exchanged a glance with Jon, who raised an eyebrow. "What is it, Mark?" she asked again. Mark hesitated, glancing at Jon. "Can we talk in private?" Jamie's instincts told her that something was off, but she nodded. "Okay, let's go." As they walked away from the beach, Jon fell into step beside them. "I'll leave you two to talk," he said, his voice low. "But Jamie, can I see you again tomorrow?" Jamie's heart skipped a beat at the suggestion, but she nodded, feeling a spark of excitement. "I'd like that," she said, smiling up at him. Jon smiled back, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and then he turned and walked away, leaving Jamie and Mark alone on the beach. As they walked further away from the crowds, Mark's expression turned serious. "Jamie, I have to tell you something. Something that could change everything between us." Jamie's heart began to pound in her chest. What could Mark possibly have to say that would change everything? She felt a sense of trepidation, but she steeled herself, ready to face whatever Mark had to say. "I'm listening," she said, her voice firm. Mark took a deep breath, his eyes locked on hers. "It's about my family," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "And our future together."