Page 99 of Seal the Deal

“What…” I barely manage to find the words.

“I caught an earlier flight.” He steps forward, reaching out for Meadow. “I couldn’t just sit back and let you handle this alone.”

The relief that hits me is overwhelming, breaking through every wall I’ve spent years building. Tears I’ve been holding back threaten to fall, and I can barely breathe, let alone speak. “You… didn’t have to.”

“Yes, I did,” he says simply, wrapping an arm around me. “I didn’t want you to be alone in this, Charlie.”

The words sink in, both a balm and a reminder of how much I’ve been carrying by myself. I lean into him, feeling his warmth, his strength—things I never thought I’d need this much. He holds me, and for the first time in hours, I can breathe. Finally, I can breathe.

Jake presses a firm kiss to my forehead, then guides me inside. “Let’s see how she’s doing.”

I nod, willing back the tears as I move into the house. He lays Meadow on the sofa, his big hands gentle as he checks her temperature. “She’s still hot,” he says calmly. “Let’s try to cool her down.”

A mix of awe and relief washes over me as Jake scoops Meadow up, holding her close as he heads to the bathroom. He doesn’t hesitate, simply rolls up his sleeves and turns on the shower to a lukewarm spray. Then, without a second thought, he steps under the water fully clothed, cradling Meadow to his chest.

Something in me stills as I watch him, every doubt dissolving as his low, steady voice fills the bathroom. His words are soothing, a constant voice that draws me in. “It’s okay, Princess. I’ve got you,” he whispers close to her ear. “We’re going to make you all better, okay? You’re so brave. I’m right here, and I’m not going anywhere.”

Meadow’s small body shivers against him, but I see her gradually relax as the water cools her down. Jake continues speaking, his tone gentle. “You’re doing great, Meadow. Just a little longer and you’ll start feeling better. I’m so proud of you.”

I hover in the doorway, the cool tile pressing against my bare feet. I’ve never seen anyone do something so simple and naturally loving for my children. Jake holds her like she’s always been his, loving her like she’s his. Like he’s been doing this his whole life. And it pulls every fragile part of me into focus. He’s here. He came for us.

“I know it’s scary, sweet girl, but you’re safe.” His voice feels like an anchor in this storm of emotions. “You’re so strong, just like Mama. We’re going to make sure you’re okay.”

His gaze flicks to me. “I remember what you told me, Charlie,” he says quietly. “I get why this is hitting you so hard.”

The words stop me in my tracks, the memory rising unbidden. How I told Jake all those years ago about how helpless I’d felt watching my brother’s fever climb and not knowing if he’d be okay. It’s something I rarely shared, yet Jake remembers.

“You’re not alone in this, I’m here. I’ve got you.”

Tears blur my vision, his quiet reassurance unravelling the knot of fear in my chest. Of course he remembers. Even back then, Jake didn’t just hear things—he kept them.He kept me.

My phone suddenly buzzes from the hall, and Jake glances over with a nod. “Check your phone, it’ll be Dr. Hayes.”

I blink, exhaustion making everything feel slow as I grab my phone, confirming Dr. Hayes, Jake's private doctor, is en route. It dawns on me that he organized for him to come, making sure we’d have the best care. Every small thing he’s done in the past few hours stitches a part of me back together. I have someone here, someone who steps in when things go sideways.I’m not alone.

Jake steps out of the shower, his clothes soaked but his face calm. Meadow is still cradled in his arms, her small body now relaxed, fever finally easing.

“She’ll be okay, Charlie,” he murmurs.

The tears I’ve held back start falling as I take Meadow from him, wrapping her in a towel and holding her close. My heart finally slows. Relief floods in, quieting every last fear.

“Thank you,” I whisper, voice breaking. “For being here.”

Jake reaches out, his hand warm as he cups my cheek, brushing away a tear with his thumb. “There's nowhere else I'd rather be, Charlie girl.”

I look up at him, and everything I need to know is right there in his eyes. He’s my rock, my steady place to fall. For so long, I’ve convinced myself I could handle it all on my own. But this moment—this quiet, steady presence of his—undoes that. He’s here.

I think I love you.

Chapter thirty-one

Don’t go getting all sappy on me, okay?

Jake

I’ve spent my whole life balancing on a tightrope, trying to be everything for everyone. Teammate, leader, star player. But this is different, this is real. It’s not about winning games or making the right play; it’s about showing up, being the man they need me to be. The manIneed to be.

Dr. Hayes arrives, and his calm presence steadies the house instantly. “Let’s get her checked out,” he says.

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