Page 16 of Seal the Deal

“You ever had a s’more before, Charlie?” Jake asks as he adds a piece of chocolate and a graham cracker to his marshmallow.

I shake my head, still marveling at the idea. “Nope, first time.”

“Well, I’m about to blow your mind.” He reaches into his backpack, pulling out a small container.

“Brownies?”

He winks, breaking off a piece and adding it to the s’more before handing it to me. “Trust me, this takes it to the next level. I call it a Mega S’more.”

I take a bite, and the combination of gooey marshmallow, chocolate, and brownie melts together in my mouth. “Oh my God, this is incredible,” I mumble.

He chuckles. “Told ya. My gran used to make the best brownies. She always said a brownie could fix anything.”

“Smart lady.” I glance at him, touched by the small glimpse into his life.

“Yeah, she was,” he agrees, a bit wistful. “Made these every summer when I was kid. I’ve been trying to perfect her recipe ever since,” he pauses for a moment, then flashes me a smile. “So, what do you think? Are you a fan of the Mega S’more?”

“Officially a fan,” I say, wiping a crumb from my lip. “You gonna share the recipe with me?”

Jake shakes his head, a playful glint in his eyes. “Nope, that’s a family secret. Only special people get the recipe.”

I nudge him playfully. “Special, huh? I’m not special enough?”

“Maybe one day,” he teases, popping the rest of his s’more into his mouth. “For now, you’ll just have to enjoy the perks of my secret stash.”

I roll my eyes, laughing. “Fine. But don’t be surprised if I figure it out myself.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less,” he says with an easy grin.

***

Charlie - Present Day

It’s Monday, and instead of diving into client work, I’m elbow-deep in brownie batter.

I’m still sorting life admin since our move, especially for the kids. Today, I’m interviewing a nanny, hoping she’s the answer to the stability we need. If she has any reservations about working with my little angels, hopefully these brownies might make her reconsider.

I love my kids fiercely, but they can be spirited. Right now, they’re in the living room watchingFrozen,singing “Let It Go” at the top of their lungs while tossing popcorn around like it’s snow. The kitchen smells of rich chocolate and melted butter, mingling with the faint hint of popcorn from the other room.

Sighing, I feel a pang of guilt as I wonder if they’re acting out just a bit because of all the changes. Moving across the world, starting over—it's a lot for anyone, let alone a six and three-year-old. I wanted this fresh start for us, but it means they’ve lost familiar faces, familiar routines. It's hard not to second-guess myself sometimes.

“Mama, are brownies ready?” Meadow’s voice pipes up as she scampers into the kitchen, hair tousled and cheeks flushed.

“Almost, honey bee,” I say, smiling as I gently pick a few pieces of popcorn from her hair. “What’s the rule about throwing food in the house?”

She looks at me with those innocent blue eyes. “Only when Olaf sings.”

I try to keep a straight face. “No, the rule is no throwing food, even popcorn. So go tell your brother to help clean up before our guest arrives, okay?”

“Okay, Mama!” She scurries back to the TV room, and I hear her ordering Noah to help clean up, her tiny voice so full of authority that I have to stifle a laugh.

I turn back to the kitchen, the smell of brownies filling the space, a small comfort amidst the chaos. Baking has always been my solace. A way to gather my thoughts, to feel grounded. It’s my space, something Alex never understood. I can still hear him scoffing, telling me I should be spending my time doingreal jobs. Probably things like cleaning his laundry.

But standing here now, batter in the bowl and memories of Jake’s campfire brownies in my mind, I feel more myself than I have in years. It’s funny how something as simple as baking brownies can remind me of the girl I used to be and the dreams I had before the kids; before Alex and his indifference.

My phone buzzes on the counter, the screen lighting up with Zoe’s name. I quickly grab the phone and answer, setting it on speaker.

“Hey, Charlie!” Zoe’s voice is as bubbly as ever. “Quick question—how’s the brownie situation?”

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