Page 44 of Seal the Deal

Jake turns to me, warm and a little serious. “You don’t have to thank me, Charlie. I wanted to do this. I loved every minute of it.”

His sincerity makes my pulse race, and I lean over to press a gentle kiss to his cheek. “Still, I appreciate it.”

He smiles at that, his eyes meeting mine in the dim light. There’s something unspoken between us—a promise, or maybe just an understanding that today was important. That this, whatever it is between us, is becoming something important.

***

Jake

“Should we get these two inside?” I nod toward the kids, still fast asleep in the backseat.

Charlotte nods, and we both quietly exit the car. I carefully unbuckle Noah and lift him out, cradling him against my chest. His head lolls against my shoulder, completely out cold.

As I carry him inside, his little arms wrap instinctively around my neck, and my heart swells with a fierce protectiveness I didn’t know I was capable of. This little guy, who’s already been through a lot, trusts me enough to hold him close. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly.

Noah stirs slightly as I walk up the stairs, his eyes blinking open for just a moment. “Jake?” he mumbles, his voice thick with sleep.

“Yeah, buddy. I’ve got you,” I whisper, making my voice as soothing as possible.

“Kay,” he breathes, his head dropping back onto my shoulder. Then, barely audible, he mumbles, “I like that you’re my Mum’s friend.”

I pause, overwhelmed by his sleepy words. It’s so simple, so innocent, but it settles deep in my chest. Because this isn't just about Charlie. It’s about all of them.

Once he’s tucked in bed, I linger for a moment, a quiet protectiveness settling in me. There’s something about this kid that hits me hard—maybe because I know what it’s like not to have someone there when they should be.

He deserves better. Someone who sticks around. Someone who gives a damn.

I ruffle his hair softly. “Sleep tight, buddy.”

When I step out, Charlie’s just coming out of Meadow’s room, gently closing the door. She gives me a tired smile, equal parts exhaustion and contentment.

“Thank you for helping me get them to bed,” she whispers, as if talking any louder might disturb the quiet.

“Thank you for letting me be a part of it,” I reply, just as softly.

I follow her back down the stairs and into the living room, and a comfortable silence settles between us. For a moment, neither of us says anything. The weight of the day, the significance of it all, lingers in the air. It’s not just about a fun day at the zoo or moments shared with the kids—it’s about what all of this means.

“Jake…” She stands there, wringing her hands with hesitation, and I feel compelled to put her mind at ease.

I take a step closer, my hand instinctively moving up to cup her face, thumb brushing gently along her cheek. “Charlie, I’m all in. Whatever this is between us, I want it. I’m not going anywhere.”

The words spill out before I can second-guess them, but I know they’re true. I’ve never felt this sure about anything. Seeing the way she looks at me now, with this mix of hope and vulnerability, only strengthens that certainty.

It might seem fast, but I don’t care. I just hope she feels the same way.

“I want this, too,” she admits, her voice barely above a whisper. But it’s enough. It’s everything.

I chuckle with relief, leaning in to press my lips to her forehead. “God, I’m glad you said that.”

She closes her eyes, and I feel her relax into me, the tension of the day finally ebbing away. It feels right, like this is exactly where we were always meant to end up—together.

“Stay…” she whispers, her voice soft but sure, looking up at me. “Just a bit longer?”

For a second, it knocks the air out of me, because I’m already so far gone for her. And if I stay, I know I’ll get to a point where I never want to leave. I search her eyes for any sign of doubt, but all I see is the same desire that’s been building between us all day.

“You sure?”

She nods. “I’m sure.”

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