I head back downstairs and stop by the bathroom to wash my hands, taking a moment to breathe while Charlotte finishes up with the kids.
Everything tonight has been a whirlwind, exactly as she promised. But it feels right. Even in the chaos, there’s a warmth here that I love.
Back in the kitchen, I find Charlie pulling out a bottle of wine from the fridge. There’s a tension in her shoulders, like she’s still processing the evening. She doesn’t hear me approach, so I place my hands on her shoulders, kneading slowly. She jumps slightly, but then stands there, letting me work out the tension in her muscles.
“You okay?” I ask softly, pressing a kiss to her neck.
She chuckles, though there’s weariness there. “I’m fine. This is just… life.”
I smile, releasing her as she turns to me. “Wouldn’t change it for anything.”
She sighs, offering me a glass, but I shake my head.
Taking a small sip, she studies my face. I smile serenely back at her, and brace for the hit. I know her. I know exactly what she’s going to say. This is where she’ll tell me that this is too much for me to take on.
“You don’t have to pretend, you know. It’s okay if this is a lot.”
Bingo.
“It is,” I admit, my fingers trailing up her arm. “But I like it.”
She swirls her wine, processing my words. “You say that now, but what about when it gets harder?”
“Charlie girl, the easy parts are great, but I’m here for all of it.”
She looks down into her glass, doubt flickering in her eyes. “I don’t want you to feel obligated because of the kids.”
I place my hand over hers, stilling the motion of the glass. “Charlotte. I’m here because I want to be. Not out of obligation, but because I care about you—and them.”
She meets my gaze, her eyes softening. “I’m trying to believe you,” she whispers. “But it’s still scary.”
I nod, understanding her fear. Cupping her cheek, I brush my thumb up her jaw to her earlobe. “I know. Life’s messy, and this isn’t easy for you. But I don’t wanna be anywhere else, or with anyone else.”
A small genuine smile appears, her defenses lowering. We stand there for a moment, just enjoying the quiet after the storm. Then I lean down, pressing a tender kiss to her lips. When I pull back, I let my eyes coast over her face, savoring her.God, you’re beautiful.
“So, about Thanksgiving…”
Her smile fades slightly, but I give her hand a reassuring squeeze.
“It’s just a holiday,” I say. “A chance for us to spend time together with everyone there, Zoe too.”
She sighs, still torn. “It’s not just the holiday Jake, it’s everything. I’m a package deal. My life isn’t simple, and there are a lot of highs and lows. I need to know that you’ve thought this through.”
“Trust me, I’ve thought about this a lot. I know it won’t always be easy, but I want you and the kids to be a part of my life, and I want to be a part of yours.”
She lets out a shaky breath. “Okay,” she finally says. “We’ll go to Thanksgiving.”
Relief and warmth wash over me. “You know, you could make this a little easier by just admitting I’m irresistible.”
Charlie laughs, her eyes twinkling. “Oh, is that what I’m supposed to do?”
I nod. “It’ll be fun. I promise.”
She takes another sip, still smiling. I watch her for a beat then reach for the glass, taking it from her hands and setting it down.
“Come here.”
Her breath catches slightly as I reach for her, my fingers brushing back her hair, lingering at the nape of her neck.
