Page 72 of Seal the Deal

“They’re going to love it.” I grin. “You did great, Charlie.”

She returns the smile, a little shy but proud. “Wedid great. Couldn’t have pulled this off without you.”

I shrug, playing it cool, but inside I’m buzzing. The planning, the decorating, the skits we put together—it’s been a highlight of my summer. And the best part is I got to do it with Charlotte.

As the sun sets and the kids gather around, faces bright with anticipation, a surge of pride hits me. We did this. We created something special, something they’ll remember long after camp.

The night unfolds perfectly. Laughter, music, and surprises fill the air. Charlotte convinced a couple of the other leaders to perform a silly dance that had the kids in stitches. I can’t take my eyes off her, watching as she moves through the crowd, making sure everyone’s having a good time.

At one point, she catches me staring and walks over, nudging me with her elbow. “You look like a proud dad watching his kids,” she teases, her eyes twinkling.

I chuckle, shaking my head. “Nah, if I’m camp dad, that makes you camp mom. And I think we’re a little cooler than that.”

She nods. “You’re right. We’ve got nicknames for a reason, Captain Thunder.”

I smirk, crossing my arms. “Exactly, Lady Lightning. Best duo this camp has ever seen.

Her laugh is warm, her eyes softening as she looks out over party. “Yeah, I like that.”

We stand there, watching the kids dance, and toast marshmallows over the fire, their faces glowing in the flickering light. The air is filled with smoke and laughter, one of those moments I know I’ll carry with me for a long time.

“This is what it’s all about,” she says quietly. “Creating moments, making people feel special… like they belong.”

I nod, my chest whirring. “Yeah.”

When the kids head back to their cabins, Charlotte and I stay to clean up. It’s quiet now, the energy fading into a comfortable silence between us.

“Thanks for doing this with me,” she says after a while, her voice soft as she picks up a stray marshmallow stick. “It wouldn’t have been the same without you.”

“Anytime,” I reply, meaning it more than she probably realizes. “I’m always up for making something special.”

She looks at me, her expression thoughtful. “You’re really good at it, you know. Making people feel like they’re part of something.”

***

Jake - Present Day

The warmth of Charlie's hand in mine is something I don’t think I’ll ever get used to. As we walk back through to the kitchen, I steal a glance at her. She’s fit into my life so easily, like she's always meant to be here.

And damn, it’s hard to keep my hands off her when she’s all flushed from our little bathroom encounter. Any longer in there, and I would’ve kept my promise to bend her over the sink.

Laughter and the clatter of plates greet us in the kitchen. Claire’s checking on the turkey, and Tamara’s stirring something on the stove, her expression set with that familiar glint, the one that means she’s about to say something I’ll regret hearing.

“Well, look who’s back,” Tamara says, her voice dripping with playful sarcasm as she glances over her shoulder at us. “What were you two up to? Or should I not ask?”

I squeeze Charlotte’s hand before letting go to grab a dish towel. “Just soaking in the chaos of the day, Tam. You know how it is.”

“Uh-huh,” Tamara replies, her tone skeptical but amused. She turns back to her pot, but I don’t miss the glance she throws our way. “Soaking insomething, alright.”

Charlotte turns about three shades of pink before mumbling something about finding Zoe, leaving me to fend for myself. She’s always so composed, but I love knowing I’m the reason for that blush creeping up her chest.

“Tam, leave the poor girl alone,” Ryan says, walking in with a tray of drinks. “She’s already gotta deal with Walton trying to woo Zoe.”

Tamara snorts, turning off the stove. “Please. Chase wouldn’t know what to do with Zoe even if she gave him a manual.”

Ryan chuckles, handing out the drinks. “True. But it’s fun watching him try.”

I laugh, thinking about Chase’s hopeless attempts with Zoe. It’s a miracle she hasn’t punched him yet. She gives as good as she gets though, which makes it even more entertaining.

---