Page 97 of Seal the Deal

Jake nods, his gaze dropping to a sleeping Tommy. “That kinda thing sticks with you.”

“It does,” I murmur. The memory is still sharp, like it’s etched into my bones.

After a moment, Jake leans back in his chair. “You’re pretty amazing with these kids, you know? They love you.”

There’s a pause, and I can feel my heart beating faster at the way he’s looking at me. It’s a look that makes me feel special. Like maybe there’s more to me than just being the girl who’s good at taking care of everyone.

“Well, thanks,” I say, keeping my voice light. “But don’t go getting all sappy on me, okay?”

He laughs, the sound soft and warm. “No promises.”

***

Charlie - Present Day

The morning starts like any other. Rushed, chaotic, but manageable. I’m in the middle of reviewing a campaign proposal for an onboarding meeting when my phone buzzes.

“Hey, Nina, what’s up?” I ask, balancing the phone between my ear and shoulder while typing a quick email.

“Charlotte, I think you should come home,” Nina says, her voice tinged with concern. “Meadow’s not feeling well. She’s running a fever, and she’s really lethargic.”

My fingers freeze over the keyboard. Meadow was fine this morning, just a little tired.

“Okay,” I reply, my voice steady despite the sudden surge of worry. “I’ll be there soon. Can you keep her comfortable until I get home?”

“Of course. Do you want me to call a doctor?”

“No thanks, I’ll handle that. Just… keep her comfortable.”

I hang up, and take a breath. I’m used to handling things on my own, being the one everyone relies on. But the thought of Meadow being really sick sends a spike of fear through me. I grab my bag and rush out of the office, my mind racing.

As I drive home, the logical part of my brain tries to take over. It’s probably just a bug. Kids get sick all the time. But the what-ifs start creeping in. What if it’s something serious? What if I can’t manage this on my own?

By the time I pull into the driveway, my nerves are frayed. I rush inside, finding Nina in the living room with Meadow curled up on the couch, her little face pale and flushed.

“Mama,” Meadow whispers, reaching out for me.

I kneel beside her, pressing a kiss to her forehead. She’s burning up. “Hey, baby. Mama’s here. How are you feeling?”

“Not good,” she whimpers, and my heart breaks a little more.

I turn to Nina, her brow furrowed and lips pressed into a tight line. “Thank you for calling me. Will you be okay to pick up Noah from school later? That way I can stay with Meadow.”

“Of course, no problem,” she replies. “Do you need anything before I go?”

“No thank you, I’ve got it,” I say, more to myself than to her.

Nina gives Meadow a gentle pat on the head before heading out, leaving me alone with my daughter and my rising panic. I check Meadow’s temperature—it’s high, way too high. I give her some Tylenol, but it doesn’t seem to help.

I pace the room, my mind cycling through options. I could take her to the doctor, but the thought of sitting in a waiting room with a feverish child makes my skin crawl. I consider calling Jake, but I hesitate. He’s in a different city, likely in the middle of training. What would I even say? That I’m scared? That I feel like I’m failing?

I pull out my phone, my thumb hovering over Zoe’s number. But she’s out of town for work, and I don’t want to worry her. The weight of the situation presses down on me, the familiar burden of being the one in charge, holding everything together.

My phone buzzes, breaking through my thoughts, and I realize how tightly I’ve been gripping it.

Jake:Hey Lady Lightning, just checking in. How’s your day going?

I stare at the screen, my eyes flicking to Meadow. Jake’s been gone for over a week, and I miss him more than I’d thought possible. But I don’t want to burden him with this. He has enough on his plate.

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