Page 125 of Seal the Deal

I catch Charlie’s eye over my shoulder, seeing the gratitude in her expression. She’s thankful I stepped in, but all I can think about is getting Noah out of this shit show.

As we climb the stairs, I feel Alex’s eyes burn into my back, but I couldn’t give two shits. My job right now is to protect Noah, not use him as some pawn.

Once upstairs, I kneel to Noah’s level. “You okay, buddy?”

His head dips, and he shrugs. “I don’t think Dad likes me much.”

The words of his small voice hit hard, pulling me back to my own past. I see myself in him—in the way his voice wavers, in the way he shrinks under the weight of what he just said. That hollow ache of wondering why you’re not enough. The memory is visceral, clawingits way back from a part of me I’d thought I’d buried. I won’t let him feel like that. Not ever.

“Hey,” I say. “Look at me.”

He hesitates but eventually lifts his tear-filled eyes to mine, so heartbreakingly small and unsure.

“You’re important, Noah. You matter so much more than you ever know. And if anyone makes you feel different, they’re wrong. Okay? They’re dead wrong.” My voice wavers, and I take a breath, willing myself to stay steady for him. “You’re smart, and kind, and brave. Anyone would be lucky to know you. And I’msoglad I get to be someone who does.”

He looks at me, uncertain for a moment. Then his lip quivers, eyes flicking between mine, searching for something—hope, reassurance, anything to cling to. And then he breaks. His little face crumples as he stumbles forward, wrapping his arms around me like I might disappear.

I freeze as the force of his trust seeps into me, but then I pull him in, holding him close. My hand moves to the back of his head, smoothing his hair as he buries his face in my chest, his small body trembling against mine. I close my eyes and just breathe, the weight of his body solidifying something in me. A protectiveness like no other.

I’ve always known I cared about these kids, but this is different. This feeling is embedded into the very bones of who I am. Who I want to be for them. I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve this kid’s trust, but I know one thing with absolute certainty: I’ll never break it.

“I’ve got you, buddy,” my voice cracks a little. “Always.” I clear my throat, hoping he doesn’t notice. But he squeezes me tighter, like he knows exactly how important this is.

When he pulls back, I ruffle his hair, trying to ease the mood. “Let’s get those teeth brushed.”

He nods, and as we head toward the bathroom, I make a silent vow. I willneverlet this kid down. I’ll be there for him, for Charlie, for Meadow. No matter what Alex does, no matter what happens.

I’ll protect them.

***

We’ve all said goodnight to the kids, and I’m the last to come downstairs. I close Noah’s door quietly. He fell asleep fast, curled up with his stuffed shark, safe and sound.

As I head down the stairs, the tension hits me like a wall. It prickles at the back of my neck and sets my jaw tight. When I step into the living room, Alex is sprawled out on the sofa, one arm draped lazily over the backrest, that smug grin plastered across his face.

It’s the kind of look that makes me want to knock him out cold. Charlie stands by the kitchen counter, arms crossed, her face tight with frustration.

I walk up beside her, my palm instantly finding the flat of her back. holding back the urge to tear into him. I need to stay calm for Charlie—this isn’t about me.

"You don’t have to act so defensive, Lottie," Alex sighs, his tone dripping with condescension. "I’m just trying to be here for my kids."

Charlie closes her eyes slowly like she’s holding back a storm. Another deliberate dig. He knows exactly how to push her buttons, and it’s infuriating.

“Still calling her Lottie?” I say. “Cut the crap.”

Alex barely acknowledges me, but the corner of his mouth twitches like he’s pleased he got under my skin. He keeps his eyes on Charlie, ignoring me like I’m just background noise.

"I’m in town for business, Lottie. It makes sense that I’d see my kids. That a crime?”

Inhaling a slow breath, her voice is measured when she replies. "A heads-up would’ve been nice, Alex. You can’t just show up whenever it suits you. We agreed."

He shrugs, leaning further back into the couch. "I don’t see the problem. I’m their father, it’s not like I’m some stranger."

I push off the counter, stepping closer, my eyes locked on him. "Maybe not, but you sure act like one."

His eyes finally flick to mine with a flash of irritation, but he doesn’t bite. Not yet. Instead, his voice turns softer, smoother—more manipulative.

"Listen, I just want to spend time with them. What’s the harm?"

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