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I’ve worked with Natalie since she conceived the idea for her business back in college. I used to work for free, but since the company’s grown into a multimillion-dollar business, my salary is more than enough to live off in one of the most expensive cities in the world. Of course, my current lifestyle wouldn’t be possible without the monthly blank checks from my parents—money that eases the burden of their guilt for always traveling when I was growing up. I’m not going to deny them the pleasure even though I’m now twenty-six.

Without those checks, I wouldn’t be able to live in the apartment I do. “You have your party to worry about. I can make sure the necklace arrives on time,” I say.

“It will be fine. I’ll be in constant communication with the jeweler but thanks. I appreciate it.”

“Happy to help. You know me when it comes to diamonds. There can never be…” “Too many of the two main C’s—clarity and carats,” we say in unison, and break into a fit of giggles. Natalie has quite the collection of diamonds herself, so she understands my love of the sparkly gems.

“I have a surprise upstairs. Want to see?” she asks.

“Do you even need to ask?” This house is incredible and a great leg workout. The basement has a secondary living room and a home gym. The main floor is the kitchen, the living room, and the dining room. We’re already climbing the stairs to the second floor, which has the main bedroom and two spares. I glance up just as I hit the landing. The top floor has one empty room and a guest bedroom. I’ve slept up there a few times over the years when I was too tired or too drunk to go home. We’ve also had a few sleepovers when Nick is out of town. Slipping on our panda onesies and snuggling in for movies orFriendsreruns. I love those nights.

With my glass in hand, I ask, “What is it?”

“It’s called a surprise for a reason, Tate.” Her laughter permeates her words.

“Guess you have a point.”

One of the rooms on the second floor is her home office. STJ, the company, which stands for St. James—her maiden name—is housed in a great space in SoHo. It’s been slow, but she’s been making headway in moving everything out of the house. Sometimes we bring our work home if it’s going to be a late night, though, preferring to be here rather than in an office. It reminds us of old times when we were roommates still building this dream, wrapping gifts on the floor of our apartment, and honestly, it brings me comfort. With so much constantly changing in our lives, it’s nice to have something consistent.

She walks into the room, stops in the middle of it, and turns around. Staring at me with wide eyes and her hands clasped in front of her chest, she whispers, “Surprise.”

Gripping tightly to the stem of the glass, I dart my eyes from the sketched wall mural to the two stuffed animals on the new chair in the corner, from the creamy color palette to the shelves with a small collection of children’s books, and from the dresser to the crib.

“What happened to the office?” I ask, swallowing so hard that a lump gets stuck in my throat.

Her hands remain clasped, hope held inside by the look in her eyes. “I thought the one in SoHo was enough. And my furniture finally came in yesterday afternoon.”

“You’re really prepared.” Still taking it in, I turn back to her just as tears glisten in her eyes. I set my glass down on the changing table and rush to my friend. “What’s wrong?”

Worry wrangles her expression. “Tatum, look around.”

“I am.” I finally swallow down the lump, and ask, “You and Nick are trying to have a baby?”

“Nick and Iarehaving a baby. I’m pregnant.” Her words are whispered as she grips the side of the tall dresser.

Oh.

My.

God.

“Natalie,” I say, the breath knocked from me. My gaze dips to her middle. “What do you mean?” I catch the question just after voicing it. “I know what it means, but I . . . I didn’t realize you were trying.”

“I know. It was a shock for me and . . .” She walks to the window and looks into the backyard. When she turns back, she says, “I didn’t tell you because I didn’t know if I could. It took longer than we thought, and I started to lose hope.” Her smile returns. “When the test came back positive, Nick and I thought it was best to wait before telling anyone, just in case the worst happened. And then,” she adds shyly, “it just felt like something Nick and I were sharing, something just for the two of us. But now, saying it out loud, I feel as if I’ve betrayed you.”

“No,” I say, shaking my head. “Don’t think that. You didn’t betray me. You’re telling me now when it was right for you to share.” I bring her into an embrace, my eyes filling with tears as I realize what this means for all of us. “You’re having a baby,” I whisper, resting my head on her shoulder. “That’s amazing.” Leaning back, I look into her eyes. “I’m so happy for you and Nick.”

“You mean that?” We’ve been through crushes, heartbreak, drama, and life, but this is different. This is her bringing life into the world,our world.

“I do.” Though my chest feels tight, happiness fills my heart. “I remember you talking about being a mom when you were twelve. Your dream is coming true. How can anyone not be happy for you?”

“You’ve always been there for me. Now you’ll be here for my baby, too.”

“For every moment.” I smile so big my cheeks ache. “You’re going to be a mom, Nat. Guess our crazy days are behind us.”

Stepping back, she rubs her stomach. “I don’t know. This might be the craziest thing I’ve ever done.”

I laugh with her and then reach to cover her hand. “It just might be.” I’m not sure why I suddenly feel insecure, but I raise my chin and hold tighter to the happiness I feel for my friend.