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Hunter shifts Theo in his arms and glances at Jake. “We narrowed it down to five. I highlighted the pros and cons.”

Lexi turns to me and mutters, “They’re comparing car seat designs again.”

Jake straightens up. “It’s not a joke. Safety specs matter.”

Cherry rolls her eyes. “They’re all crash-tested. You act like the baby’s gonna be in a Formula 1 accident.”

Jake’s eyes narrow in that dangerous way. “I’m not taking any chances with our kid.”

And just like that, Cherry’s whole face softens. “Okay, baby,” she says gently, and kisses his cheek.

Frankie makes a dramatic noise from behind me. “Swoon. They’re so annoying. Why don’t I have a man who cross-references infant product safety like it’s his side hustle?”

Hunter smirks. “You wouldn’t survive one date with me.”

“I’d die happy,” Frankie fires back without missing a beat.

Lexi laughs and slides her arm through Hunter’s. “He means that. Don’t tempt him.”

I stand there watching all of them—these powerhouse couples, glowing with affection and quick-witted banter, completely unafraid to show how much they love each other—and something in my chest pulls taut.

I want this.

I want Eddie here. With his hand in mine, his mouth brushing my ear as we laugh with friends, his eyes on me like I’m the only thing that matters.

I want the easy comfort. The deep love. The home and the family and the quiet certainty that the person you love is also your life.

But a voice in the back of my mind whispers:What if this isn’t where your story goes? What if he leaves, and nothing is the same after?

I shove it down.

Because right now, I’m part of this—invited in, wrapped up in the warmth of it. And that has to be enough for today.

“All right,” Cherry says, turning back toward the car. “Puppy secured. Husbands successfully admired. Back to operation: steam the sadness out of Laney’s bones.”

Jake kisses her again before opening the front door. “Try to relax. And call me if you need anything.”

Frankie’s already sliding back into the Audi. “Don’t worry, sugar daddy. We’ll take good care of her.”

As we pull away, I glance out the window.

Jake is rubbing Merlyn’s ears, and Hunter’s bouncing Theo gently on his hip as the little boy points at the car and babbles something that makes both men smile.

And my heart aches so beautifully, I almost forget to breathe.

30.Laney

The spa smellslike eucalyptus and heaven. Warm, humid air wraps around me the second we walk in, and the receptionist greets Cherry by name, which immediately makes me suspicious.

“This is your first time, huh?” I whisper as we check in.

Cherry smirks. “Please. I’ve been bribing them with overpriced body scrubs for years. These people would hide a body for me.”

Lexi rolls her eyes. “They’d help her hide a body.”

“I tip well,” Cherry says sweetly.

Frankie tosses his faux-fur-trimmed robe over one shoulder like he’s about to be interviewed by Vogue Scandinavia. “Tell them we want the steam room, the scrub room, the divine truth, and snacks. In that order.”