Page 49

Chapter forty-eight

Loving him is the easiest thing I’ve ever done

Charlie - 3 Months Later

G lenwood Springs lies quiet, nestled between the towering Rockies and the steady rush of the Colorado River, its streets framed by the fresh green of spring. It feels worlds away from Denver, from the whirlwind of our busy city lives.

As we pull up to the house, a flutter of nerves settles in my chest. Meeting Jake’s mom isn’t just about saying hello, it’s about stepping into a part of his world he keeps carefully guarded. It feels like a privilege to visit this small town that holds pieces of Jake I’ve yet to know.

This is a gamble, but it’s something I haven’t been able to stop thinking about since the Storm made the postseason. Now, with the team heading into the final game of the championship series, I have to give this a try—surprising him with his mom at the game. After everything we’ve been through, he deserves this moment, surrounded by everyone who matters.

Noah’s been asking a million questions, and even Meadow is bouncing in her seat, clutching her stuffed unicorn.

I turn to them before we get out of the car, raising an eyebrow. “Remember, best behavior, okay?”

Noah nods seriously, while Meadow just giggles. “Okay, Mama!”

As we approach the door, I take a deep breath and knock gently. Noah and Meadow chatter excitedly behind me. No ah’s been telling Meadow all about the Stanley Cup, trying to explain how big it is.

“It’s the biggest thing in hockey,” he says, eyes wide. “Jake could win it all.”

Meadow however, is more focused on her new sparkly shoes. “Jake’s gonna win, and I’m gonna show him my shoes when he does.”

I can’t help but smile at their excitement, but a pang of gratitude hits me, one I’ve been carrying for months. It’s been quiet since Alex’s last stunt. True to form, he never followed through on his custody threats. Once he realized Jake and I were united and that Noah’s incident had been documented, he must have seen it for what it was: a losing battle.

Since then, he’s only made sporadic efforts to see the kids when he’s in town, and while I’ve kept the door open for him, he’s done little more than keep it cracked. I’ll never stop wanting more for them, but I can’t force him to step up. What matters is that we’re finally free to live our lives without Alex’s shadow darkening our happiness.

The door opens, and Alison Brooks stands there, her mouth forming a perfect ‘o’ of surprise. She’s smaller than I expected, with a quiet, understated elegance. Jake’s always said she keeps to herself, but her eyes soften the moment they land on the kids.

“Mrs. Brooks?” I offer her a warm smile. “I’m Charlie, and this is Noah and Meadow. I hope it’s okay that we’ve come to visit.”

For a second, she just stands there, then her eyes soften further. “Jake’s Charlie,” she says quietly.

“I know it’s probably a surprise,” I say. “But I’ve heard a lot about you, and I thought... maybe it’s time we met.”

There’s a brief pause, then she opens the door a little wider.

“Please, call me Alison,” she says, stepping aside. “Jake’s told me about you. All of you.” Her eyes flick to the kids again with a faint smile. “I’ve been hearing a lot about you two, especially.”

The kids bound inside, eager to explore, while I follow more slowly, watching Alison closely. She leads us into a warm, tastefully decorated living room. It’s not what I expected based on Jake’s stories. He’s clearly been taking care of her—the space feels like him in some ways: calm, tidy, everything in its place. But there are added comforts, the kind of room t hat invites you to sink in and stay a while.

“Can I get you something to drink?” she asks hesitantly, unsure of what to do with the sudden energy filling her quiet home.

“Water’s fine, thanks,” I say, sitting on the couch.

Alison brings over a tray with water, tea, and juice boxes for the kids. Noah and Meadow settle in quickly, pulling out their toys. Within minutes, Meadow takes a seat at Alison’s feet, gazing up at her with wide eyes.

“Do you like unicorns?” She holds up her stuffed animal.

Alison’s lips quirk into a small smile. “I think they’re magical.”

Meadow beams. “Jake got her for me. She’s my favorite.”

Her eyes soften further, and I see the emotion beneath them. She watches Meadow for a long moment, then glances at Noah, quietly fiddling with his action figures.

“You have beautiful children,” she says softly, her voice tinged with wistfulness. “They remind me of Jake when he was little.”

“They adore Jake,” I reply, smiling.

Alison nods. “He’s always been good with kids,” she says. “I always thought if things had been different… maybe I’d have done better with him when he was their age.”

I blink, surprised by the vulnerability in her words. There’s a quiet weight she’s carried for a long time.

“You raised a good man, Alison,” I say firmly. “He’s one of the best.”

Alison’s eyes remain distant as she watches the kids. “He’s always had a big heart, even when he didn’t show it. When he came back from camp all those years ago, I could tell something had changed. He mentioned you... briefly, of course. He was always careful about his feelings.”

The memory catches me off guard, and I smile softly. “That summer meant a lot to both of us.”

She looks at me, her eyes so reminiscent of Jake’s as they roam over my face. “Jake’s told me all about you,” she says quietly. “He speaks about you often. He clearly loves you very much, Charlie.”

My throat bobs. It’s one thing to feel Jake’s love; it’s another to hear it from someone else, especially his mom.

“Jake’s brought us together," I say softly. "We’ve built a life with him, and he’s made us whole.”

Alison smiles, but there’s a hint of sadness. “He deserves that. He’s always deserved that.” Her gaze drifts to Noah, flipping through a book on the table. “When he came back from camp, there was something different about him. For a while, he seemed calmer. Sadder, but in a thoughtful way. Like he’d met someone who made him see things differently.”

My heart skips at her words. It’s strange to think Jake was changed by that summer as much as I was.

“Of course, it didn’t last,” Alison continues with a soft sigh. “He was drafted not long after, and everything swallowed him up—the fame, the pressure. I watched him get caught in it all, and I… I wasn’t there for him like I should have been.”

I reach out, gently placing my hand over hers. “You’re here now. That’s what matters.”

Alison looks at me, her eyes watery, and she nods. “I suppose so. I just wish I could go back and fix things.”

Before I can respond, Meadow climbs onto the couch, snuggling into my side. Alison watches her, a wistful smile tugging at her lips.

“She’s got Jake wrapped around her little finger, doesn’t she?” Alison’s voice is lighter now, almost amused.

I laugh. “Completely. He can’t say no to her, even when he tries.”

Alison chuckles warmly. “I can imagine. Jake’s always been a softie, deep down.”

There’s a pause, filled only with the kids’ noises as they play. I glance at Alison, sensing an opening.

“I know it’s a lot to ask,” I begin gently, “but Jake’s about to play in the Stanley Cup Final, and I know he’d love to have you there.”

Alison’s eyes widen slightly, and she shifts in her seat. “The Stanley Cup…”

“It’s a big deal,” I continue, my voice calm. “It could be Jake’s last shot. I know it would mean the world to him if you were there.”

She remains quiet. I can see the hesitation, but also the resolve slowly forming. “I don’t know if I’d be any good at a big event like that,” she says with uncertainty.

“You wouldn’t be alone,” I reassure her. “You could stay with us. The kids would love to spend time with their grandma.”

Alison’s eyes widen at that name, but she doesn’t protest. And I have no doubt she deserves that title.

“And,” I smile, “I’ve got your mother’s brownie recipe—I’ll make some while you’re with us.”

She blinks. “Jake gave you that recipe?”

I nod. “On the last day of camp. He said it was the best thing his grandma ever made.”

She lets out a soft laugh, her eyes misting over. “I always thought he’d forgotten those little things.”

“No.” I shake my head, squeezing her hand. “He hasn’t forgotten. He’s proud of you, Alison. He talks about the things that matter to him. You matter to him.”

Her eyes brim with tears as she nods, her decision made. “I’ll come,” she whispers. “I’ll be there.”

I squeeze her hand again, relief and joy swelling in my chest. “He’s going to be so happy. And I’ll take care of everything. You won’t have to worry.”

Alison smiles through her tears and reaches out to embrace me. “Thank you,” she whispers. “Thank you for loving my boy.”

I hug her back, feeling the warmth of her words wrap around me. “Loving him is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”

When we pull back, the kids are watching us, wide-eyed. Meadow leans into Alison for a cuddle, and Noah sits down next to her, eager to hear what Jake was like at his age.

Alison’s face lights up as she starts telling them stories, her voice soft but filled with affection. I sit back, watching them, my heart full. I know this moment will mean everything to Jake.

He’ll have his mom there. For the first time in his career, he’ll have everyone he loves cheering him on .