Page 117 of Seal the Deal

“You’re doing just fine without me, Lady Lightning.”

She rolls her eyes dramatically, grabbing Meadow’s hand again and twirling her in a circle as the song hits its big crescendo. Noah’s dancing around the tree, trying to copy Charlie’s ridiculous moves, and the whole scene is such a mess of happiness and chaos that I just sit back and soak up.

Later, when the kids are distracted with their new toys and Charlie’s in the kitchen, I find myself staring out the window at the snow-covered landscape. The Rockies are majestic in the distance, towering over the cabin, with the sun starting to dip behind the peaks.

It’s breathtakingly beautiful here. Quiet. Peaceful. And as I sit watching the snowfall softly outside, I feel the weight of the morning settling into my bones.

The kids, this cabin, Charlie—it’s more than I ever thought I’d have. Being settled or having a family should terrify me. I always thought I’d mess it up, that I wasn’t the kind of man who could make this work. My dad sure as hell didn’t show me how to be a father.

But sitting here, watching this life grow with Charlie and the kids, I know one thing: I’m not going to be like him. I’m going to be better, show up every damn day, no matter what it takes.

I hear footsteps behind me, and a second later, Charlie’s voice breaks through my thoughts.

“Hey, you,” she says softly, settling down right on my lap.

I pull her close as she hands me a mug. Taking a sip, I realize it’s cocoa with a splash of something stronger mixed in. “Eggnog?”

She smirks, leaning in to kiss my cheek. “You caught me.”

I laugh softly, tightening my arm around her waist. She’s still flushed from all the dancing, her cheeks pink and her hair a mess, but she’s beautiful. She always is.

With her on my lap, we both look out at the snowy landscape in comfortable silence. The kids are quiet inthe next room; everything feels still.

After a moment, I clear my throat. “I was thinking earlier... how different this all feels from when I was little.”

Charlie shifts slightly, resting her head against my shoulder. “Yeah?”

I nod, staring out at the snow-covered trees, running my fingers absently through her hair. “Christmas was always tense. There were presents, a tree, the whole setup. But it never felt like this—like warmth,” I say, my voice soft, feeling for the right words. “I guess I never really knew what Christmas was supposed to feel like until now.”

Charlie tilts her head up. “You deserve all of this, Jake. Every bit of it.”

I swallow, a need to get this out before I clam up. “I’m not gonna be like him,” I say quietly, my voice rough. “I won’t check out the way he did. I’m going to be there for them. For you. All of it.”

Her hand moves to my cheek, thumb tracing a soft line against my skin. “You already are, Jake.”

I take a deep breath, letting her words sink in. The weight of everything—my past, my fears, my hopes—it all feels so heavy sometimes. But sitting here with her, feeling her warmth against me, I start to believe it’s possible. That I can have this and not screw it up.

Charlie shifts in my lap, grinning at me, knowing I need a mood lightener. “By the way, nice touch with the jerseys. Subtle, Brooks. Real subtle.”

I chuckle, setting the mug down and pulling her closer. “What? We all need to match. It’s about team spirit.”

“Uh-huh.” She rolls her eyes. “No one’s ever accused you of being humble, huh?”

“Not when it comes to hockey,” I admit, brushing my lips against hers. “But when it comes to this,” I say softly, kissing her, “I’m the luckiest guy in the world.”

She smiles against me, and for a moment it’s just us, the snow falling softly outside, the warmth of the cabin wrapping us in a cocoon of quiet happiness.

Before I can say anything more, Charlie shifts slightly. "I um, wanted to talk to you about earlier...”

I tense for a moment, my heart stuttering as I remember that moment when Meadow flippedmy world upside down. It hit me hard, but I wasn’t sure if I should address it or let it slide.

“Yeah?”

Charlie pulls back just enough to watch me. “I just want to make sure you’re okay with it. I know it was unexpected...”

I let out a breath, running a hand through my hair. I’m caught off guard, half expecting her to tell me how she doesn’t think it’s right, or it’s too soon. But this is so quintessentially Charlie. To be checkingI’mokay with it, instead of telling me how she feels. She’s always in mom mode, always checking in on others first.

“Honestly? At first, I didn’t know how to react. But…” I pause, throat tight. “It meanteverything,Charlie.”

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