Page 42 of Seal the Deal

Me:Hey, my sitter is sick. I don’t think I’ll be able to make our date tonight. So sorry

Closing my eyes, I hit send. My phone buzzes almost immediately—he’s calling. I pick it up, bracing for his disappointment.

“Charlie girl,” his voice is warm, but there’s a hint of concern. “You’re not flaking on me, are you?”

“No! I swear, I’m not,” I blurt, my words rushing out in my anxiety. “I really don’t have anyone to watch the kids. I’ve tried everyone, and I’m fresh out of options.”

He’s quiet for a beat, and I chew my lip, waiting for him to say it’s okay and we’ll try another time. But instead, his voice softens, full of understanding.

“It’s okay Charlie, I get it. How about this… I’ll come over to yours. We can still hang out, just the four of us. I’ll bring lunch, and we’ll make a day of it. Maybe take the kids somewhere fun.”

Surprised relief floods through me, and I feel a smile tug at the corners of my lips. “Really?”

“Of course. I’d love to spend the day with you and the kids. We can hit the zoo or the park, whatever they’re into.”

I smile, unable to help the warmth spreading through me at his willingness to adapt. “They’d love the zoo. That sounds perfect.”

“Great. I’ll be over in a bit. Don’t stress—this is all good. Okay?”

“Okay,” I breathe, the weight lifting off my shoulders. “Thanks, Jake.”

“Anything for you, Charlie girl,” he says softly before hanging up.

I stare at the phone for a moment, grinning like an idiot at the way he’s so understanding, so willing to be part of my life, kids and all. He’s not just tolerating them, but embracing them. And of course I should expect that, but it's still overwhelming how naturally he does it.

With Jake due any moment, the kids are bouncing with excitement. Noah's at the window, eagerly awaiting Jake’s arrival, while Meadow twirls around the living room, her giggles filling theair. I’ve calmed down, but when I hear Jake’s SUV pull up, my heart starts racing again.

“Mum, he’s here!” Noah shouts, darting toward the front door.

I open the door just as Jake steps out, looking way too good in a jacket, t-shirt and jeans, sunglasses on and his cap turned backward. Some of his dark brown hair flicks out underneath, and I wonder how he hasn’t been arrested yet for disturbing the peace.

He’s holding a brown bag of deli food in one hand and two stuffed animals peeking out from the crook of his arm. My heart does a flip at the sight—he’s brought lunch and something for the kids.

“Hey, guys!” he calls, kneeling down as Noah barrels into him.

“Jake!” Noah’s face lights up as Jake ruffles his hair. “What did you bring?”

“Something for lunch,” Jake says, glancing up at me with a wink that makes me weak on the spot. “And maybe a little something for you and your sister.”

He pulls out a lion with a soft mane and hands it to Meadow, who gasps with delight. “For me?” she whispers, her big eyes wide.

“For you,” Jake says, eyes crinkling with a smile. “Every zoo visit needs a lion.”

Meadow clutches the toy to her chest, glowing with happiness. “Thank you, Jake!”

Watching them, my heart swells. He’s so natural with them, so caring. It hits me just how different this is from what I’ve known.

“Hope you’re hungry,” he says huskily as he brushes past me, following the kids into the living room.I definitely am, but it’s not for lunch.

We settle down for a 'picnic' in the lounge, the kids chattering as they dig into the sandwiches Jake brought. Noah tells him all about his favorite animals, and Jake listens, asking questions and engaging with both of them like it’s the most fascinating thing in the world. Noah and Meadow are completely at ease, clearly adoring him.

At one point, Meadow spills her juice, and before I can react, Jake’s there calmly mopping it up with a napkin and reassuring her it’s no big deal. It’s a small thing, but he handles it with such care and understanding that my chest tightens.

When we finish eating, I glance at the clock. “We should probably head out if we want to make it to the zoo before it gets too crowded.”

Jake nods, already standing to help clean up. “I can transfer their carseats to my car, if you like. We can leave whenever you’re ready.”

I watch him move to get the kids’ seats, rooted to the spot. It’s such a simple gesture, but it means the world. He’s not just here for me, he’s showing me he’s here and thinking of them, too.

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