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“How far along are you?” I asked, glancing at her tiny stomach.

“Twelve weeks. I’m not due until mid-October.” She bit into the sub and sighed. “This issooogood, Nessa. I could probably wolf down two whole subs right now.”

We all laughed.

“Elena.” Kiera wiggled her eyebrows. “Wanna share your news with us?”

All heads turned to her.

“I’m pregnant too.” She beamed and placed a hand over her belly.

“What is going on?” Vivian got up from her seat to give Elena a hug. “Everyone’s pregnant!”

“Not everyone.” Audri, Michelle, and Natalie lifted their hands in unison.

“I’m so happy for you.” I embraced her and gave her an extra spring roll from my plate. “You need it.”

“Thanks!” She grinned. “And you’ll get to meet not only one buttwobabies!”

My mouth dropped open. I couldn’t even imagine two babies growing inside one stomach.

The entire room exploded with cheers and laughter.

“Seems like you’ve been busy porking.” Kiera laughed and almost choked.

“Same to you,” Elena retorted.

“He loves this!” Kiera exclaimed and moved her hips, bumping into Natalie, who sat beside her.

I hadn’t laughed like this in so long.

Excitement bombarded the space. There wasn’t room for anything but laughter, friendship, and food.

“Is everything okay here?” Orion and Attikus stepped into view at the open double doors. “We heard a commotion from the other side.”

“We’re fine, babe.” Elena smiled.

“Congratulations on your growing family!” We all rose and took turns embracing him.

“We’ll find Forrest later for hugs,” Audri said. “I can’t wait to be an auntie to so many kids!”

Attikus met my eyes, and I knew what had just happened in the other room. He’d told his boys about us. I didn’t know how that understanding entered my mind. It was as though he was communicating with me telepathically.

The way he looked at me also said we needed to talk later. This was strange. I’d never been able to communicate with another man in this way. He could probably tell me stories about his life, fears, and wishes all just by looking at me.

Could he tell from my expressionthat I planned on sharing our fake marriage news with the girls? The answer burst in me when I was laughing with them. These girls were the closest friends I’d ever had. Friendships didn’t exist for me because my life was too complicated to explain it to them. But right now, I felt at home—safe enough to share my vulnerabilities.

I offered Attikus a warm smile, and he gave me the same. The men left, and we returned to the lounge.

A thrill coursed through me as I was about to share myself with these girls. I was part of their inner circle, and that meant a lot to me.

I’d shouldered enough burdens without having anyone to talk to. When the isolation and loneliness became too much, I poured the pain into the paintings. But I didn’t feel isolated or lonely.

After a few minutes of eating, I learned Elena was having fraternal twins, a boy and a girl. She’d have her hands full. Kiera was having a boy.

The conversations about future baby showers drifted. Then the room went quiet. I glanced up from my plate of food, and all eyes were on me.

“So, tell us.” Michelle piled her brown curly hair into a messy bun and looked at Natalie. “You got it?”