Page 158 of Hymns of the Broken

Macee pours herself another cup of coffee, eyes twinkling over the rim. “So, should I warn the guys to reinforce the bed frames around here, or is that only necessary when all three of you are in one place?”

I snort, snatching another piece of bacon. “Honestly, if anyone’s going to break a bed frame, it’s going to be Jace and his big ego—he takes up more space than a California king.”

Macee giggles, nearly choking on her coffee. “You think Jace and Ash have secretly broken a bed together? I mean, I know they’re always fighting, but that much sexual tension can’t be safe for the furniture.”

I fake a gasp, putting on my most dramatic voice. “Oh, for sure. Ash probably makes Jace do all the work, then blames him for the mess. And let’s be honest, Jace would pretend it was a wild animal attack to save face.”

We dissolve into laughter, shoulders shaking, the kitchen echoing with the sound. For a second, all the heavy stuff disappears, and it’s just me and Macee, swapping dirty jokes and pretending the world isn’t falling apart.

I nudge her. “So…any gossip from last night? Or is it just me making questionable life choices?”

Macee grins. “Girl, you’ve set the bar pretty high. Unless Jace and Ash snuck off for a secret rendezvous, I think you’re the reigning drama queen for now.”

I grin right back. “Good. Letthemtry to top that.”

I’m still grinning at Macee when Ash and Jace wander in, catching the tail end of our banter. Ash’s eyes narrow with that trademark mischief, and Jace’s smirk says he’s already plotting a comeback.

Ash grins, looking right at Macee. “You know, all you’ve gotta do is ask nicely.”

Jace leans in beside him, waggling his brows. “Yeah, Macee. Anything for a pretty face—bed frames, trampolines, egos…we break it all.”

Macee nearly snorts her coffee, cheeks going pink. “You two are ridiculous.”

I can’tresist shooting her a look. “I mean, Mace, you were the one wondering about all that tension. Maybe you should let them show you who can really top things around here.”

Ash bows, hand on his heart. “Anytime, sweetheart. My schedule’s wide open for private demonstrations.”

Jace adds, totally deadpan, “And if you want a referee, Sawyer’s got plenty of experience.”

Macee shakes her head, but she’s laughing now, a real, cheerful sound that makes the entire kitchen brighter.

I lean back in my chair, biting my lip to keep from laughing harder. “Careful, boys—she might take you up on it and leave you both in the dust.”

Ash gives a lazy wink. “That’s a risk I’m willing to take.”

Jace points at me, grinning. “Chaos follows you everywhere, Sawyer.”

And for a minute, it’s just friends, bacon, and the teasing that means you’re home.

We’re still laughing, the kitchen noisy with banter and the smell of bacon, when my phone buzzes on the table. I grab it, thumb already hovering over the screen, expecting another group chat meme or maybe Macee’s “emergency caffeine” alerts.

But it’s Jasper.

JASPER:“Meet me at the shooting range. Bring your hoodie. Trust me.”

I blink, pulse kicking up a notch, and glance over at Macee. She must see the shift in my face because she tilts her head, curious.

“Everything okay?” she asks, lowering her mug.

I nod, stuffing my phone in my pocket, trying to tamp down the nerves and excitement. “Yeah, it’s Jasper. Wants to meet at the shooting range.”

Jace grins. “Better not show him up, Sawyer. He’ll never live it down.”

I smirk, grabbing my hoodie from the back of the chair. “I’ll let you know who’s the better shot.”

Macee squeezes my arm as I head for the door. “Be careful, okay?”

I squeeze her hand right back. “I’m always careful. Mostly.”