Page 100 of Seal the Deal

Charlotte’s eyes flick to mine, her surprise still evident. She hadn’t expected me to call my own doctor. But I couldn’t leave this to chance. Not with Meadow.

I stay by their side, my hand on Charlie’s shoulder, grounding her as Dr. Hayes examines Meadow. His methodical approach helps settle her, but I can still see how tightly wound she is, still holding onto the day’s tension, struggling to keep it together.

“It’s a viral bug,” Dr. Hayes says after a thorough check. “She’ll need rest, fluids, and some meds, but she’ll be fine.”

Relief floods Charlie’s face, the tightness in her expression loosening. I squeeze her shoulder gently. “Thank you,” she whispers, her voice thick with emotion.

She looks at me, and for a moment I see every unspoken word.

I love you, too.

After Dr. Hayes leaves, we settle Meadow into bed. She’s still groggy, but the worst of it seems to be over. Holding Meadow’s small weight against me as I carry her, I realize just how much this little girl—and her mother and brother—mean to me.

We tuck Meadow in, Charlotte brushing a gentle kiss across her forehead, pulling the covers up. I stand back, giving her space but ready to step in if she needs me. Noah’s fast asleep, thanks to Nina, so Charlie peeks her head in to check on him before we head downstairs.

In the kitchen, the day’s exhaustion hangs between us. I make her a tea, needing to get something into her, realizing she’s barely even had water all day.

She leans against the counter, her gaze distant, as if she’s replaying the events of the day over and over. I want to reach through that haze, ground her in something real.

“You did everything right today,” I say, watching her carefully.

She doesn’t respond right away, just lets out a slow breath, her eyes falling to the floor. “I don’t know,” she mumbles, almost to herself. “It didn’t feel like I did.”

There’s a vulnerability in her voice that makes my heart ache. I step closer, placing a gentle hand on her arm. “Charlie, you did everything you could. Meadow’s okay.”

She finally looks up at me, eyes glazed with doubt. “I’ve always managed on my own. But today, I felt like I was failing her. Like I didn’t know what I was doing.”

Hearing that, protectiveness rushes through me. “You weren’t failing her. You were being a mom, doing everything you could to keep her safe. That’s not failing.”

She sucks her lower lip into her mouth, shoulders still tight with tension. “You showed up, and… I didn’t even know you were coming. Why did you come back, Jake?”

Because I love you more than anything.

I take her hands in mine, pulling her close. “I couldn’t stay away. I didn’t want you to feel like you were alone, not for this situation. I knew it’d be stressful for you.”

Her eyes search mine, and I see the realization settling—the moment she feels this is connection for what it is. That what we have is real, rare. That she might love me just as much as I love her.

A tear slips down her cheek, and I gently kiss it away. “You have no idea how much that means to me,” she whispers.

I lean in further, pressing a lingering kiss to her lips. When we pull apart, I catch the faintest hint of a smile on her face and rest my forehead against hers. “I’m here for you, Charlie girl.”

She looks up, a tired smile ghosting over her lips. “Don’t get all sappy on me though, okay?”

The corner of my mouth lifts. “No promises.”

***

We’re curled up on the sofa, the house finally quiet around us. Charlie’s head rests on my chest, and I hold her close, feeling the tension from today slowly dissolve. She’s drained, worn to the bone, and all I want is to keep her in this calm bubble.

I’m about to suggest heading to bed when her phone buzzes. She glances at the screen, fatigue clouding her face. “It’s Alex,” she says, almost to herself.

My gut tightens. I know she texted him earlier about Meadow, keeping him updated despite it being the middle of the night in New Zealand. He hadn’t replied, and it’s clear to me that he’s the type to ignore his own kids unless he’s looking for control.

I swallow back the brewing anger, but I know he’s about to push every button I have.

“Do you want me to leave?” I ask, but she shakes her head.

Good. I tighten my hold on her, brushing my thumb along her arm.

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