Page 161 of Seal the Deal

“She trusts me, with everything. Because Ishow up, I listen. And I love her the way she’s always deserved to be loved. And you? You couldn’t even watch your own kid for an hour.”

He lets the words hang between them, watching as Alex’s cocky facade begins to crumble. My eyes drop to his hands, watching his fingers clench like he wants to throw a punch, but knowing he won't stand a chance against Jake.

Jake tilts his head, studying him like he's already dismissed him as any kind of opponent. “So yeah, we’re good together. We fit in every way you never could. Because she’salwaysbeen mine.”

He steps back, lip curling in his signature sneer. “You really think you’re going to replace me, Jake?”

Before Jake can answer, I step forward. “Stop it, Alex. You lost Noah yesterday. The only reason he’s safe is because Jake was there to clean up your mess. Again.”

Alex’s face twists into something ugly, his glare sharpening on me. But before he can retort, Jake’s right there, voice eerily calm.

“You think this is about replacing you?” Jake’s words slice through the air. “I’m not trying to be their father. They already have one—he’s just never around when it matters. But here’s the difference: what we have isn’t temporary. It’s real, and I’m not going anywhere. So next time you wanna compare notes? Remember you lost them. And I’ll be keeping them forever.”

“Well then,” he mutters darkly, face pale. “We’ll see how this goes in court. I’ve got lawyers lined up—”

“You wanna talk lawyers?” Jake steps takes one step closer, nearly nose to nose. “I’ve already spoken to mine. Trust me, you won’t win this. You’ve gotnothingon me. Waste your time and money if you want.”

Alex stiffens, realizing he’s in over his head. He’s not just up against me, he’s up against Jake, too. And Jake doesn’t lose.

“This isn’t over, Jake.”

Jake’s eyes don’t leave his. “It is for you.”

Alex’s gaze flicks between us before he mutters, “See you in court.”

“Get out,” Jake says, his voice carrying an edge he means every word. “Before I forget the kids are in the next room.”

As soon as the door closes, I release a long breath, my body trembling with adrenaline. I turn to look at Jake, who’s already moving toward the living room, his anger fading into something softer as he kneels to scoop Meadow into his arms.

“You’re not going anywhere, Little Lightning,” he says, brushing a tear from her cheek. “You’re stuck with me forever, okay?”

Meadow snuggles into his chest, her fingers gripping his shirt. “Jake,” she sniffles, “you stay forever?”

Jake smiles, kissing her head. “Forever and ever.”

Noah, who’s been watching quietly, suddenly speaks up. “You should just marry Mum, Jake.” He says it so matter-of-factly, like it’s the simplest solution in the world.

I freeze, eyes widening as the air shifts, tension dissolving into amusement. Noah looks completely oblivious to the weight of his words, but I feel them settle deep, pressing into my ribs like a truth I wasn't ready to hear out loud.

Jake’s slow grin spreads across his face as he meets my eyes. There’s a teasing glint, but beneath it, something steadier. Like a promise.

“Oh, don’t worry bud, I’ve got plans.”

A breathy laugh escapes me, shaking loose some of the pressure still gripping my chest. I make my way back to the kitchen, leaning against the counter, calming the aftershocks of adrenaline in my veins.

Less than a minute later, Jake's hands find me. One sliding to the small of my back, the other curling around my hip. His touch is grounding, like reassurance wrapped in warmth.

“You okay?”

“More than okay.” I let him see the mischief flicker in my eyes. “That was hot as hell.”

Jake raises an eyebrow. “Yeah? The doorframe, or me telling him off?”

I press my lips together, tilting my head. “All of it,” I whisper. “But I think the doorframe’s going to need some attention.”

His grin turns wicked, lips brushing my ear. “I don’t think that’s the only thing that needs some attention…”

I glance toward the living room, where the kids are still engrossed in cartoons. “Jake, the kids are right there.”

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