Page 3 of Puck Me at Midnight

Spike nods, his expression unreadable. “Appreciate it. And, uh, thanks for coming early. The boys…” He trails off, running a hand through his messy hair. “They need someone who knows what they’re doing.”

I smile, trying to put him at ease. “That’s what I’m here for, but from what I can see, you are showing them that you’re here, and that’s all they really need.”

Charlie chooses that moment to toddle over and climb onto Spike’s lap, clutching his shirt like a lifeline. Spike wraps an arm around him automatically, his big hand dwarfing the little boy’sback. The sight makes my chest tighten, and I work to shove the feeling aside.

Sam interrupts by darting into the kitchen with a toy car in each hand, his eyes lighting up when he sees Charlie settled comfortably. “Can we play cars now?” he asks Spike.

Spike looks at me, and I nod encouragingly. “Go ahead. I can get started cleaning and organizing the kitchen. And Spike,” I add, glancing at him, “just enjoy the moment.”

He huffs a laugh, the sound low and warm. “Yes, ma’am.”

I get to work, tidying up the dishes in the sink and wiping down the counters. As I’m scrubbing a particularly stubborn bit of grime, I hear the boys’ giggles from the other room. The sound is infectious, and I find myself smiling despite the mess, the overwhelming schedule, and the weight of everything.

When I glance back toward the living room, Spike is sitting on the floor with the boys, a toy car in one hand and a lopsided grin on his face. Charlie is perched in his lap, clutching his sippy cup, while Sam is excitedly explaining the made-up rules of their game.

“Emma!” Sam calls out, waving a red car in the air. “Come play with us!”

I hesitate for a moment, glancing at the half-wiped counter. But then I see the hopeful look on Charlie’s face and the way Spike’s watching me like he’s curious to see what I’ll do. I dry my hands on a dish towel and make my way over.

“All right,” I say, sitting cross-legged on the floor beside them. “What’s the game?”

Sam grins, launching into a complicated explanation about racing tracks and crash points, while Charlie giggles and tries to mimic his older brother’s enthusiasm. Spike hands me a blue car without a word, and our fingers brush briefly. The touch is fleeting, but it sends a jolt through my body.

For the next half hour, we push cars across the floor, building imaginary highways and laughing at Charlie’s delighted squeals when his car crashes into mine. It’s messy and loud, but it’s also fun—more fun than I’ve had in a while.

Spike leans back against the couch, watching as Sam declares himself the race winner for the third time in a row. His expression eases, and for a moment, I catch a glimpse of something behind the tough exterior—a man who loves these boys fiercely, even if he’s still figuring out how to handle it all.

“Thanks for joining the chaos,” Spike says quietly, his voice low enough that only I can hear.

I glance at him, my heart doing that stupid fluttery thing again. “Anytime,” I reply, hoping he can’t tell just how much I mean it.

Chapter Three

Spike

I stand in the hallway, half-hidden in the shadows, watching Emma handle bedtime like she’s been doing it for years instead of a few weeks. Charlie, who usually takes forever to settle down, is curled up on her lap as she reads a book in her calm, soothing voice. Sam’s perched on the edge of the bed, hanging on every word.

It’s a scene I’ve seen before, but tonight it’s making me feel things I’m not ready to admit to myself. Emma understands the boys, their moods, and their quirks. Emma’s not just handling them; she’s connecting with them.

I cross my arms, leaning against the wall as I listen to her finish the story. Charlie’s already half-asleep, his little fingers clutching her sleeve. Sam’s eyes are drooping, but he’s fighting it, determined to stay awake just a little longer. When Emma tucks them both in, murmuring softly, a weight I didn’t realize I was carrying starts to lift.

But then my feelings shift into something else. Something complicated.

The truth is, Emma is so much more than I thought she’d be. I hired her because I needed someone to help, someone who could step in where I’ve been falling short. I didn’t expect her to be so much more. She’s caring, patient, and so damn beautiful. That last one? That’s the one I’m really trying to ignore.

I clear my throat as she steps out of the room, closing the door quietly behind her. She startles slightly when she sees me, her hand over her chest. “You scared me,” she whispers, a small smile tugging at her lips.

“Sorry,” I mutter, straightening up. “Didn’t mean to.”

“Everything okay?” she asks, tilting her head.

I nod, shoving my hands in my pockets. “Yeah. Just wanted to say thanks. You’re really good with them.”

Her smile widens, and for a second, I forget how to breathe. “They’re great kids,” she says simply. “You’re doing a good job with them, you know.”

I huff out a laugh, shaking my head. “Feels like I’m barely keeping it together most the time.”

“That’s parenting,” she replies with a shrug. “But they’re happy, Spike. That counts for a lot.”

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