Page 21 of Seal the Deal

I feel my cheeks heat up, but I play along, pretending to consider it seriously. “What, like your sidekick?”

He shakes his head. “More like a partner. I bring the thunder, you bring the flash.”

“Lady Lightning, huh? I like it.”

Jake smiles, clearly pleased with himself as he extends his hand to me. “Captain Thunder and Lady Lightning, partners in crime. Saving the camp one kid at a time.”

I take his hand, feeling the warmth of his grip as I grin. “Deal.”

***

Charlie - Present Day

Today’s been busier than I expected. The interview with the new nanny, Nina, went well. She jumped right in, hosting Meadow’s dolly tea party and swapping space facts with Noah. It’s a relief to finally find someone who clicks with the kids. And best of all, she’s local, so she knows all the best spots to introduce them to their new city.

After Nina left, I braved the grocery store with the kids. Everything feels different here, even basic things like groceries. The kids did well, despite the store’s size—though Meadow treated me to an epic meltdown in the cereal aisle. I did my best to stay calm, but the stares from other adults were piercing. It’s hard enough managing a meltdown without feeling like the entire store is silently judging you.

With my hands braced on the kitchen island, I take a long breath, savoring the calm as the busy afternoon fades into evening. Noah’s absorbed in his latest LEGO creation in the living room, while Meadow is happily coloring at the dining table, tongue poking out in concentration as she carefully fills in the lines. She’s completely forgotten about her earlier meltdown—and that’s how it should be. But after moments like that, I do miss having someone there to tell me I’m doing okay. A partner in crime who’d get it, pour me a glass of wine, and tell me I’m not alone in this.

I’m still pottering in the kitchen, debating what to do for dinner, when my phone buzzes on the counter. I wipe my hands on a dish towel and glance at the screen. It’s an unknown number. I hesitate for a moment before picking up.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Charlotte? It’s Jake. Jake Brooks.”

The deep timbre of his voice slides through the phone, familiar yet startling. It’s been years, but somehow it still feels like coming home. I stand a little straighter, gripping the phone tighter. “Oh, hey, Jake. How are you?”

“I’m good, thanks. I, uh, got your number from Zoe—hope that’s okay? I wanted to ask you about something.”

My heart does a little flip. “Sure, what’s up?”

“Well…” He pauses, and I can almost hear him gathering his thoughts. “I’ve got this charity event coming up, and I thought… well, your brownies were a hit at the meeting today. Tasted veryfamiliar,” he pauses, waiting for me to react.

My stomach dips.Shit.I clear my throat, thankful he can’t see my cheeks heating. But before I can conjure a reply, he continues.

“So I was wondering if you’d be interested in baking some for my event.”

I blink, caught off guard by the request. “You want me to bake for a charity event?”

“Yeah, exactly.” His tone is lighter now, like he’s relieved to have asked. “It’s a big event I’m passionate about, and I think your baking would be a perfect addition. We could use something like that to make the day extra special for the kids.”

His words wrap around me, unexpected but welcome. I love the idea of helping out, especially if it’s for a good cause. “Um, wow… okay. That sounds great, Jake. I’d love to help out. When do you want to discuss the details?”

“How about now?”

“Now?” The surprise is obvious in my voice, earning a soft chuckle on the other end of the line.

“Yeah, if you’re free. It’ll be easier to talk in person.”

I glance around, hyper-aware of the toys and the mess that comes with two young kids. But this is us, our everyday life. If he wants my brownies, he’ll have to handle a little bit of chaos. “Uh, sure, I guess that works. The kids are here though, so it’s a bit… lively.”

“That’s fine with me,” he replies, his tone light. “I’ll see you in a few?”

I agree, ending the call before I can overthink things, especially how he knows where I live. Zoe’s doing, no doubt. I stare at my phone for a second, processing what just happened. Jake Brooks is coming over. To my house. Right now.

I do a quick, frantic clean-up, picking up scattered toys and stashing the last few groceries in the pantry. I’m still tidying when the doorbell rings, and Meadow, as eager as ever, beats me to it.

“Mama, someone’s here!” she calls out as she flings open the door.

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