Page 96 of Seal the Deal

“Exactly like that,” I laugh, adjusting the camera to capture all three of us. “Come on, Noah, let’s make Jake smile.”

Noah breaks into a grin, before the three of us pull our most ridiculous faces: Noah sticking out his tongue, Meadow with her bunny ears, and me puckering up with an exaggerated kissy face. We look ridiculous with hair mussed, still in pajamas, and completely unfiltered.

But we also look happy. Really happy.

I send the picture to Jake with a quick message.

Me:Good luck, Captain Thunder! We’re thinking of you ??

As soon as I hit send, a pang hits me, missing him already. But the thought of him seeing that picture, knowing we’re thinking of him, brings a smile to my face.

It doesn’t take long for my phone to buzz. I open the message to see a photo of Jake on the plane, sticking his tongue out and his eyes twinkling with mischief. He’s holding the phone close, his expression playful, but there’s something tender in the way he’s looking at the camera.

Jake:You three just made my whole damn morning ?? Missing you like crazy already. And now I get to flash my new screensaver at anyone who tries to sit next to me.

I laugh, imagining him with our silly picture as his screensaver. I show the kids the photo, and they both giggle at Jake’s silly face. It’s so Jake, and even with miles between us, it makes me feel close to him.

As the kids and I get ready to head out for the day, I take one last look at the picture on my phone. The three of us, messy and carefree, captured in a moment of pure joy. It’s a reminder that no matter how far away Jake is, no matter how complicated things might get, we’re building something special together.

Something worth holding on to.

Chapter thirty

You’re so strong, just like Mama

Charlotte - 12 years ago

The muffled sounds of laughter and singing drift through the infirmary window. It’s late, and while everyone else is probably roasting marshmallows or sneaking in one last game of capture the flag, I’m sitting here beside Tommy’s cot, trying to keep him calm as he dozes off to sleep.

“Shh, it’s okay,” I whisper, offering him a comforting smile as I tuck the blanket around him. “You’re safe. Try to get some rest.”

Tommy, the smallest in our group, finally closes his eyes and starts to drift off. Sick all day, his fever has only worsened his homesickness. My heart aches for him. I know how it feels to be away from home, even if this camp is just a summer adventure.

The door creaks open, and I glance up to see Jake standing there, looking rumpled and a little out of breath. His hair’s a mess, and he’s still in his camp leader uniform.

“Hey,” he says softly, walking over to where I’m sitting. “How’s the little guy doing?”

“Better,” I reply, keeping my voice low. “Finally asleep, but he’s still really homesick.”

Jake nods, concern crossing his face as he watches Tommy. “Yeah, it’s tough being away from home, especially when you’re not feeling well.”

I smile a little, appreciating that he gets it. “He just needs someone to be here with him. I don’t want him to feel like he’s alone.”

Jake glances at the clock on the wall and then back at me. “You’ve been here for hours. Why don’t you take a break? I can keep an eye on him.”

I shake my head, though I’m exhausted. “I’m fine. Besides, I don’t mind being here. It’s kind of nice, actually.”

He chuckles, settling into the chair beside me. “You’re too good, you know that? Most people would be out there having fun, but you’re in here playing nurse.”

I shrug. “It’s not that big of a deal. I just... I know what it’s like to be sick and scared.”

“What do you mean?”

I take a deep breath, toying with the hem of my hoodie. “When I was eight, my older brother got really sick. It started with a fever, just like this. My parents thought it was the flu, but it kept climbing. They didn’t realize how serious it was until it was almost too late.”

Jake’s brows knit together. “What was it?”

“Pneumonia. It hit him hard and fast. He pulled through, but it was close. Ever since then, fevers... they just put me on edge. Even when I know it’s probably nothing, I can’t help but worry.”

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