Page 57 of Seal the Deal

“Right. Isolated. Sounds like everything’s already falling apart over there, Lottie. Maybe if you weren’t so intent on playing account manager in Denver, our son wouldn’t be getting into fights at school. But no, you had to prove you could do it all.” Alex lets out a mocking laugh. “And now Noah’s paying the price.”

My fingers tighten around the glass as a surge of fury courses through me. Who the hell does this guy think he is? I keep my composure for her sake, but it takes every ounce of self-control not to storm over and grab the phone off her.

Charlotte’s shoulders slump, her voice barely steady. “Noah’s adjusting fine, Alex.”

Another low laugh. “Yeah? We’ll see how long that lasts.”

The line clicks, and she stands there, her expression shattered. She exhales slowly, pressing her phone to her forehead like it might hold her together for just one more second. Her head lifts slightly as she notices me, a flicker of embarrassment in her eyes. The anger inside me solidifies, quiet but unyielding.

I’m about to say something, but before I can say a word, Meadow charges through the front door like a burst of sunshine, Nina following close behind.

“Jake!” Meadow races over, throwing herself into me. “I missed you!”

I scoop her up with a laugh. “I missed you too, Princess. What have you been up to?” I meet Charlotte’s gaze over Meadow’s shoulder with a silent promise. He’s not getting in her head like that while I’m around.

Meadow babbles about her playdate and her new friend she’s made. I listen, hanging on every word, feeling something churn deep inside me. She’s grown attached to me in such a short time, but so have I.

Before long, Meadow’s up on the sofa with Noah, both of them hanging on my every word as we watch the rest of the game. I steal glances at Charlotte as she moves around the kitchen, her hands busy and shoulders slowly relaxing. She’s using the time to decompress from that phone call, no doubt—but I can’t stop watching her.

I want nothing more than to march over there, pin her against the counter, and kiss the stress right out of her. Feel her soft curves press into me as I remind her, with my hands and mouth, that she’s not in this alone.

***

Charlie

Once Nina leaves, I retreat to the kitchen to collect myself. Noah and Meadow’s excitement is contagious, and despite the tension coiled inside me from the call with Alex, I can’t help but smile as I watch them, happy and carefree. The worry etched into Noah’s shoulders from earlier is all but gone.

He seems so light, so thrilled to be discussing sports and planning activities. Meadow is just happy to be involved and in Jake’s presence. She’s always been a tactile kid, seeking cuddles and affection from those she trusts. The thought breaks my heart, because it’s not something she’s always received so freely.

I watch Jake wrap an arm around Meadow as she snuggles up beside him on the sofa, like he’s been doing it for years. Jake isn’t just filling a gap—he’s creating experiences my kids have never had. And he’s doing it effortlessly, like he was always meant to be here.I want you to be here.

I start making spaghetti bolognese, the kids’ favorite. The scent of garlic and tomatoes fills the air, mingling with their laughter from the living room. I glance over at them every few minutes, my heart thundering with each laugh and story he shares with them. But a small voice that sounds annoyingly like Alex, keeps whispering.This won’t last.

“Dinner’s ready,” I finally call out, setting plates on the table.

The kids come running, but Noah stops halfway, turning back to Jake. “You’ll stay for dinner too, right?”

Jake hesitates, glancing at me as if he’s unsure. “I don’t want to intrude…”

I quickly shake my head, the words spilling out before I can stop them. “You’re not intruding. Stay. The kids would love it.”

He smiles, a warm, genuine thing that makes my heart skip. “Alright, if you’re sure.”

But as he says it, the doubt creeps in. I don’t want him to feel obligated. “I am, but if you have other places to—”

“I don’t. I’mstarved.” His eyes lock on mine with a flash of frustration, like he’s daring me to second-guess him again.

The last word is pointed, and it’s true. It’s been days since we’ve seen each other, and my body aches for him in ways I don’t want to admit. I’ve been overthinking everything, over-analyzing every small moment, while Jake’s been waiting for an opening; waiting for me.

Dinner is filled with the kids’ chatter, but Jake and I are more reserved, both of us stealing glances at each other when we think the other isn’t looking.

As dinner winds down and the kids get sleepy, Jake surprises me again. “How about I read them a bedtime story?”

Noah and Meadow immediately light up, and I can’t help but smile. “That would be great,” I say softly, grateful for the suggestion.

After I get them ready for bed, Jake follows the kids upstairs to read. The house feels different tonight—warmer, more alive. I’ve been so focused on keeping everything under control that I didn’t realize how much we were missing.

When the dishes are done, I head upstairs to check on them. I stop just outside Meadow’s door, holding my breath as I peek inside. Jake is sitting on her bed, with Noah and Meadow snuggled up on either side of him, listening intently as he reads. He’s using different voices for each character, making them giggle and gasp at all the right moments.

---