Page 108 of Seal the Deal

I blink, trying to remember what day it is. “Right. The cabin…”

Christmas at Jake’s cabin with the kids is the only thing motivating me to crawl out of this nest of self-pity. But right now, the idea of moving feels impossible.

“I brought you water and Tylenol.” He nods toward the nightstand.

“You’re a saint.” I reach for the water, gulping it down with the pills.

Jake’s about to say something when the door bursts open, and two little whirlwinds come charging into the room.

“Mama! Jake!” Meadow launches herself onto the bed with all the grace of a small elephant.

Noah follows, a little more composed, but just as eager. “Are we going to the cabin today?”

I sit up slowly, trying not to aggravate the throbbing in my head. “Yes, we’re going to the cabin today.”

Meadow notices Jake beside me and tilts her head curiously. “Did you have a sleepover, Jake?”

Jake chuckles, sliding his hand to rest on my back. “Yeah, Princess. I stayed over to make sure your mama was okay.”

Noah looks between us, then at me, concern in his eyes. “Are you okay, Mum?”

I wince, but Jake jumps in smoothly. “Your mom’s just tired from singing karaoke.”

Noah’s eyes go wide. “You sang?”

“Not just sang,” Jake adds, shooting me a playful grin. “Sherockedthe place.”

Noah and Meadow both giggle, and I groan, leaning into Jake’s side. “You’re never letting me live this down, are you?”

“Not a chance,” Jake replies, pressing a kiss to the top of my head.

Meadow climbs into my lap, her little face full of concern. “Are you okay, Mama?”

I smile down at her, smoothing her hair. “I’m fine, honey bee. Just need some more sleep.”

“No more sleep!” Noah protests. “We have to go to the cabin!”

Jake chuckles, standing and offering me a hand. “Come on, Charlie. Let’s get you fed and packed up. Then we can hit the road.”

I let him pull me to my feet, wobbling slightly as the kids run off, already chattering about the cabin.

Jake keeps his hand on my back as we head downstairs. “You know, if you wanna rest longer, I can handle the packing.”

I shake my head, fighting off the lingering hangover. “I’ll be fine. Just need caffeine and something to eat.”

“Greasy food and coffee, coming right up.”

The smell of bacon fills the air not long after, and the sound of the kids running around lifts my spirits. With a giant mug of coffee in hand, I slowly start to feel human again.

Jake keeps an eye on me, making sure I’m eating and drinking water, and every time our eyes meet, I see that warmth, that tenderness in his gaze that makes my heart thunder.

“I’m never drinking again,” I announce, popping a piece of bacon into my mouth.

Jake chuckles, leaning over the counter. “You say that now…”

I swat at him playfully, but let my hand rest on his head as my fingers tangle in his hair. “Thanks for looking after me last night.”

“Always,” he says, kissing my palm.

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