Page 118 of Seal the Deal

Her eyes crinkle, and she reaches up to brush my hair back. “She loves you, Jake. You’ve been there for her in ways others haven’t. It’s natural for her to see you as that figure.”

I nod. “I just… didn’t want to overstep. I mean, I know I’m not her actual dad, and I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about it.”

Charlie’s smile is warm. “You’reher Jake. She sees you as someone who loves and protects her. That’s what matters.”

A wave of emotion hits me again. "You sure you’re okay with it?" I ask quietly, needing to hear it again.

“I’m more than okay with it,” she whispers. “I’m grateful for it.”

I swallow, letting her words sink in.

Charlie cups my cheek, bringing my gaze back to hers. “You’re their family, Jake… Just like you’re mine.”

I can’t reply; I know I’ll crack. So instead I lean in to kiss her deeply, hoping she feels everything I don’t say.

Chapter thirty-six

I’ll wear that title with pride

Charlie

Iknew this Christmas would be special, but nothing prepared me for Meadow’s innocent slip of the tongue.Dada.The word echoes in my head, stirring emotions I haven’t fully unpacked yet.

It’s been a short time since Jake entered our lives, yet he’s woven into our fabric in a way that feels like he’s always been here. The kids adore him. And I love him.

I love him.

The memory of telling him last night ripples through me. I meant it with every cell in my body, even though they trembled while I said it. But hearing Meadow call himDada? That’s different. It’s as if she’s voiced a future I barely dared to imagine—a future I haven’t let myself fully dream about until now.

I glance at Jake, sitting across from me on the opposite sofa. He’s relaxed but weighted, still processing everything. I’ve seen all the emotions flicker on his face today. Surprise, pride, and something deeper, a quiet resolution that fills my heart in the best way.

Meanwhile, the kids are oblivious, sprawled by the fire and surrounded by wrapping paper and toys. I want to freeze this moment—just us, tucked in this winter wonderland, safe and happy. But I can’t avoid the inevitable any longer.

I glance at the clock, and that familiar knot tightens in my stomach.

It’s time to call Alex.

“Alright, guys,” I say, trying to sound upbeat. “Time to call Dad.”

Noah groans, resting his head on the fluffy rug where he’s building a spaceship. “Do we have to?”

Meadow, on the other hand, bounces around with her doll. “We call Dada?”

“Yeah, honey bee,” I say, reaching for my phone. “Just for a few minutes, okay?”

I glance at Jake, who’s moved to an armchair out of camera view, his expression carefully neutral. But I know the signs: the tight jaw, restless fingers drumming his leg.

He hates this. And I hate it, too. I hate how it shifts the mood, how Alex still claims part of this day. But I also know Alex—possessive, controlling, always needing the upper hand. The last thing I want is unnecessary drama, especially on Christmas.

So Jake holds it in for me. For the kids. And I have to make the effort too, for their sake.

“I’m sorry,” I say quietly, meant only for Jake’s ears. “This won’t take long.”

He nods, frustration simmering beneath the surface. “It’s fine. Do what you need to do.”

Giving an apologetic smile, I turn back to the kids, open the video app and hit dial. The call connects, and Alex’s face fills the screen, smile wide and overly enthusiastic.

I know that smile. The practiced kind, the one he uses for business calls when he’s not really paying attention.

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