Farmhouse Bed Using Lag Bolts

Hello Everyone! I've started on the Farmhouse bunk beds for my little guy. (Twin over Full)
I have on Headboard on the go, however I ran into some trouble and gave up last night quite upset.
I decided to attach the 4x4 posts with lag bolts for added strength. The trouble is I don't have a 6+foot bar clamp to clamp it together and so I couldn't get the lag bolts to pull tight to the panel.There's a very noticeable gap between the panel and the post.

HELP!

Thanx in advance...

Nancy in Ontario

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