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Luna sighs. “I’m gonna be honest. It was a struggle this morning. My bump is getting out of control, and this dress only just made it.” Her long, auburn hair curls around her shoulders as she breathes in and then back out.

“Yeah, I don’t think you can breathe in the baby,” Felicity laughs.

“Ugh, I have such bad water retention. Everything is swollen.” Luna throws her head back and groans. “And all I can think about is pickles.”

“On their own or as part of a wider meal?” Felicity laughs.

“No, on their own and straight from the jar. Zach tried to steal one the other day for his burger. I nearly impaled him with my fork.”

“I don’t think I have any cravings.”

“Just JJ’s cock,” Luna croons.

She’s not wrong.

Right at that moment, a knock on the door sounds, and a familiar female voice calls from the other side.

“Shit, that’s Claire, Jensen’s mom!” I whisper-shout. “Do you think she heard that last bit?”

“I don’t really think it matters if she did, babe.” Felicity points to my bump. “She already knows you’re not averse to his dick.”

“Shhhhh!” I exclaim, which draws a laugh from my two best friends.

“Come in!”

Claire steps into the room wearing a sage green two-piece suit and a cream hat. She looks stunning with her dark hair and striking features. I can certainly tell where her son got his looks.

“We’ll give you a moment.” Felicity and Luna step out of the room, closing the door behind them.

Since our engagement, I’ve spoken to Claire on Facetime and the phone more times than I have my own mother in a lifetime, but I've only met her a handful of times at games. At that point, I hated her son, and I’m pretty sure she knew it as well.

So, naturally, this feels more nerve-wracking than the thought of standing at the end of the aisle in an hour and exchanging vows I’d convinced myself I never would.

She steps closer, her eyes wide as she takes me in from head to toe. “Kate, you look…well, you look absolutely incredible.” She reaches into her purse and pulls out a tissue. “I’ve got a few of these on hand for today.”

“Thank you.” I pause. “I’m sorry we haven’t had much time to plan or speak before we got to this point. This entire six months has been surreal, but in the best way.”

She smiles warmly. “Kate, it really doesn’t matter if you’ve been dating my son for months or years. Couples move at their own pace, and when feelings are as strong as they are between you and Jensen, you just have to go with it.”

I huff out a laugh. “My feelings have always been strong, if not misplaced at times.”

She chuckles and steps closer, taking my engagement hand in hers. “I actually found the whole thing entertaining.”

“Wait, you did?”

“Yes! Here’s my cocky, flirtatious boy being brought to his knees by the one woman who couldn’t stand the sight of him. I don’t know what happened between you two, but it was sure funny to watch you put him through the wringer. I appreciate a strong woman with values, and that’s all I needed to know about you.”

I consider telling her what happened in Riley’s that night. But really, what’s the point? It’s just another part of our love story and journey to how we got here.

“Well, I hated that I wanted him too. I was convinced I had him all figured out.”

“Jensen Jones is for sure an enigma. Just like you, he takes a long time to figure out, but when those special few take the time to peel back the layers, they are often surprised.”

“Well, I sure am.”

Claire lowers her voice. “I’m really sorry your parents couldn’t be here today.”

I shrug. “I’m not sure I am.”