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“Absolutely.” Natalie rushed over to a table and grabbed an ivory shopping bag for me. She’d lightened her blonde hair, making her look like a chic movie star. “This is for you. The other girls already got their gifts.”

“Thank you.” I took the bag and pressed it to my chest, feeling grateful.

“Look at it, silly.” Michelle smiled.

I opened the bag full of clothes I could never afford. Natalie had a flagship shop downtown that showcased the latest fashions. I’d browsed it a few times when I needed inspiration. Her fabric had unique textures and colors.

“These are beautiful, thank you!”

“They’re the new Spring Collection. Wear them around and promote them for me.”

“Check out the special box!” Kiera waved an air-fried chicken wing that Michelle had brought.

I pulled out the ivory box with foiled designs, removed the lid, and gasped. “Oh, my gosh!” I flicked her a look as heat flushed my face.

Vivian got off the ottoman and kneeled on the rug in front of me. She’d braided her black hair, making me wish I’d done something different to mine. Then she plucked a cream lingerie set and held it up for all to see. “What a lovely set for the newly engaged couple.”

I stared at the lacy bra and teeny-tiny panties.

“That won’t cover anything,” I said as I picked up a soft baby-doll set that made my loins tighten. I’d never owned anything this provocative and had never imagined myself in them.

“They’re not meant to cover,” Natalie said. “They’re meant to entice and provoke.”

“Drive him crazy with them,” Audri said as she adjusted the pink hair claw in her dark hair.

Kiera blew out a heavy sigh and leaned back on the couch. Pregnancy had made her brown hair look so full and vibrant. “So tell us what’s going on with you and Attikus.”

“I can’t believe you’re engaged.” Michelle looked at my hand. “Where’s the ring?”

Oh. Right.

I hadn’t even thought about it. We’d never spoken about it. My mind had been on the contract, fine print, and trying to get Emmanuel away from me, so the ring wasn’t even in my thoughts.

“No ring yet.”

“What?” the girls all said at once.

Kiera leaped up from the couch. “I need to ask him why he didn’t get you a ring! It’s a token of love.”

“Don’t go!” I got up and grabbed her hand.

“You need to sit and calm down.” Michelle ushered Kiera back down. “You’re hyper. I don’t think that’s good for the baby.”

Audri laughed. “Keep the dessert away from her.”

“Get her some calming tea,” Vivian suggested.

“I don’t think that’s gonna help.” Elena laughed.

“Why areyouso calm?” Kiera blew out a breath.

“Maybe my body is in shock that two babies are growing inside me,” Elena replied.

Natalie turned to me. “So why did you stop Kiera?”

Where should I start?

“It’s complicated,” I said.