Page 102 of Seal the Deal

I tip her chin up, meeting her eyes, feeling something fierce and unshakeable rising inside me. Every part of me aches to tell her, to show her, just how wrong he is.

“He doesn’t get to control that anymore. You’re stronger than that, and I swear to you Charlie girl, you’re so damn worth it. I’ll remind you every day. No one’s ever making you feel that way again.”

She stares at me, eyes shining. I lean down, capturing her lips in a kiss that’s soft but filled with everything I feel—pride, love, and a fierce need to protect her from anyone who tries to hurt her.

She wraps her arms around my neck, holding me close. “Thank you,” she whispers, her voice laced with something that goes beyond words.

“For what?”

“For being here, for being you.”

A surge of resolve rises in me as I stroke a tear from her cheek. This woman in my arms deserves the world and everything I have to give.

“If being me means I get to be here with you, then I’m all in.”

Her eyes glisten as she gives me a soft smile, and her next words—simple but so profound—bring me right back to a moment under starlit skies, to the words I’ll never forget.

“I’m glad you exist,” she whispers.

And just like that, she’s turned my world upside down again. But unlike last time, when we were too young to understand the magnitude of this connection, I pull her in and kiss her. Slow and tender, a promise, a vow. I know I’ll have to tell her soon.

She’s it for me, and I’ll be damned if anyone lets her doubt it.

Chapter thirty-two

What’s the point of half-assing it?

Jake - 12 Years Ago

The kitchen is quieter than usual, the chaos of meal prep finally winding down. I’m scrounging around, hunting for a snack, when I hear it. A soft, melodic voice drifting from around the corner.

Curious, I follow the sound, slowing my steps as I near the dishwashing station. And there she is. Charlotte, sleeves rolled up, hair tied back, belting out a song like she’s on stage at Madison Square Garden.

It takes me a second to recognize it: “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls. Not exactly my go-to, a bit too sappy for my taste. But the way she’s singing it, I’m captivated.

Charlotte’s completely in her own world, voice growing stronger as she hits the chorus, a dish brush in one hand like it’s her microphone, hips swaying slightly to the rhythm.

I lean against the doorframe to watch. She’s always been a mystery, this mix of strength and softness, and right now she’s showing a side I haven’t seen before.

The song swells, and she turns, spotting me standing here. But instead of stopping or looking embarrassed, she grins and doubles down on her performance, raising her imaginary mic and belting out the lyrics with even more passion.

I let out a laugh, shaking my head. “You’re really going for it, huh?”

“Of course!” She grins, eyes bright with mischief. “What’s the point of half-assing it?”

I chuckle, moving closer until I’m leaning against the counter beside her. “Not a fan of half-measures, are you?”

“Nope.” She keeps singing but gives me a wink. “Especially not when it comes to this song. You’ve got to reallyfeelit.”

I watch her, a strange mix of admiration and amusement bubbling up. “I dunno, Charlie. It’s a bit… I don’t know… sappy?”

She pauses mid-lyric, narrowing her eyes at me in mock offense. “Sappy? Jake Brooks, you just don’t get it.”

I raise an eyebrow and cross my arms. “What exactly am I not getting?”

“The lyrics, obviously. It’s about being so in love with someone that you never want to leave them, about wanting them to trulyseeyou.”

I blink, caught a little off guard. I’d never given the song a second thought—just another radio hit. But hearing her say it, I wonder if I’ve missed something.

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