Page 19

Chapter eighteen

You’re practically part of the furniture

Jake

W e pull into Charlie’s driveway, and I kill the engine but linger in the driver’s seat as Charlie gets Noah out. I can feel the weight of something unspoken—like we’re both waiting for the other to make the first move.

Once we’re all out, I hover near the front door as she finds her keys, hesitating as she unlocks it, unsure if I should follow her in or give her space. It’s been days since I’ve properly seen her, and it’s driving me crazy. Every part of me wants to be close, but I don’t want to push—especially not today, when everything feels so fragile. Still, leaving without making sure she’s alright isn’t an option.

Noah tugs on my sleeve, blissfully unaware of the tension between his mom and I. “Are you coming inside, Jake?”

I glance at Charlie, searching her face. Her hesitation is brief, and she quickly nods.

“Yeah, come in. You’re practically part of the furniture now.” Her voice is teasing, but her eyes have questions—uncertainty about us. Fuck that. I’m not letting you doubt this.

Inside, Noah practically launches himself onto the sofa, grabbing the remote. “Can we watch hockey? I wanna learn the rules!”

“Absolutely, buddy.” Settling next to him, I start flipping through channels until we find a game.

As the game unfolds, I explain the rules, pointing out plays and strategies. He’s never played hockey before—hell, he’s probably never even seen a game up close. The idea that I might be introducing him to something he could come to love fills me with a surprising sense of pride.

“You know,” I say, glancing at Charlie as she watches us from the kitchen, “we should get you some skates and take you out on the ice sometime. I can show you a few tricks. What do you think?”

Noah beams. “Yes! That’d be awesome!”

“And maybe,” I add, turning back to him, “if it’s okay with your mom, you could come to one of my home games soon. I’ll get you the best seats in the house.”

Noah’s face practically splits with excitement. “Really? Can I, Mum? Please?”

Charlie pauses from pulling things out of the fridge, a soft smile playing on her lips. “Sounds like a lot of fun. I’m sure we can make it happen.”

I linger on her, imagining them front and center at a game, wearing my jersey and cheering me on. The idea of them being there, making the game mean so much more… It’s something I want more than anything. “I’d love that.” I think I love more than just that.

As I sit with Noah, explaining the game, I glance over at the kitchen and notice Charlie distracted, her eyes glued to her phone. She steps around the corner as it rings, her posture tightening, and I catch the strain on her face. I try to focus on Noah’s questions, but something’s tugging at me, making it impossible to ignore.

After a beat, I make an excuse to Noah. “Just grabbing some water, buddy. Be right back.”

I step into the kitchen and grab a glass, catching the tail end of her conversation.

“Look, it was an isolated incident, Alex,” she says. “I don’t think you need to—”

“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 f ury 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 leav es, 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’m starved .” 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 b een 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.

My chest aches at the sight. I’ve never seen the kids so happy. They’ve needed this. And seeing Jake like this, so completely at ease, makes me realize just how much I’ve needed it too.

He glances up mid-sentence, catching me spying, and I feel heat creep up my cheeks. Instead of looking embarrassed, he just smiles at me, a look of understanding passing between us. He’s making himself part of this, whether I’m ready to admit it or not.

When the story’s over, I tuck Meadow in, brushing the hair out of her face. “Mama, I love Jake’s stories,” she mumbles sleepily as I pull the covers around her.

I smile, stroking her face. “Yeah, he’s good at stories, isn’t he?”

“Can he read me stories every night?”

I hesitate, unsure how to answer. “Well, that might be a bit tricky for him. But you know I can read them, too.”

“You’re not funny like Ja ke, Mama,” she says matter-of-factly, her innocent honesty putting me in my place.

A chuckle comes from behind me. I look back to see Jake leaning in the doorway with a grin. I glare at him, but his smile only widens as he walks over.

Crouching down, he whispers to Meadow. “I’m honored, Princess. I’ll read you stories anytime you want.”

My heart stumbles in my chest for two reasons. One, because of how naturally he cares for my kids. And two, because you can’t make promises like that to a three-year-old and not keep them. I find myself hoping he means every word because if I have to pick up the pieces, there’ll be hell to pay.

“Jake’s not here all the time though, honey bee. Sometimes he’ll be away, and sometimes he’ll be busy,” I add, needing them both to understand this might not be a permanent thing.

Jake turns to me, his eyes resolute, before turning back to Meadow. “We’ll figure it out, Princess. Promise.”

I wait until he’s wished Meadow sweet dreams and has gone back downstairs before quietly checking on Noah. He’s already half-asleep, curled up under the blankets, but there’s a peace about him now. Like he’s had a tough day but come out the other side, thanks to the love he’s received.

I close his door softly and head downstairs, my heart still racing from the sight of Jake with them. As I reach the bottom step, he’s there, waiting in the foyer, eyes on me and hands clenching slightly by his sides.

“Thanks for today,” I say softly, almost hesitantly. “I’m sorry that—”

Before I can finish, he’s closing the distance between us. I don’t have a chance to think as he crowds me up against the wall, tilting my face up to lock his eyes with mine. He takes a breath, like he's about to say something, but stops himself. Instead, his lips crash against mine in an urgent, hungry kiss.

He kisses me like he’s desperately trying to make me understand something. Like there’s something with words he can’t quite say right now. His hands tangle in my hair as he presses into me, and I can’t fight it anymore. I don’t want to. A low groan escapes him as he pulls me closer, his grip in my hair tightening, and I melt into him.

“Jake,” I whisper against his lips, my voice tr embling with a mix of need and hesitation.

He pulls back just enough to meet my gaze, his eyes dark and intense as he cups my jaw again. “Please don't doubt this, Charlie,” he murmurs.

So, I do what any respectable woman would do in this moment.

I surrender.