Page 63 of Laced With Secrets

“And the beanbag?” one of the movers asked, gesturing to the enormous charcoal-colored monstrosity being wheeled in on a dolly.

“Corner by the windows,” Dominic said immediately. He looked at me. “Plenty of afternoon sun.”

The movers set the beanbag down in the designated corner, and before they’d even fully removed the protective wrapping, Penny let out a delighted gasp.

“It’s glorious!” He breathed.

“Dibs on first test,” Jake called out, already moving toward it.

“Absolutely not,” Penny said, racing to beat him. “I’m Leo’s best friend. I get priority testing privileges.”

They both launched themselves at the enormous beanbag the moment it was unwrapped, landing with twin “oof” sounds and immediately sinking into the plush fabric.

“Oh my god,” Penny moaned. “This is what clouds feel like.”

“Room for one more?” I asked.

“Of course,” Jake said, scooting over to make space.

I settled between them, and the beanbag shifted to cradle all three of us perfectly. My hand drifted unconsciously to my stomach, my fingers splaying over the small bump.

“So this is it,” Penny said softly, his usual flair replaced by genuine emotion. “Your home with your mate.”

“Yeah.” The word came out thick with feelings I wasn’t quite prepared for. “This is it.”

Through the doorway, I could hear Dominic directing movers, Blake’s occasional corrections, and Marcus’ calm voice playing referee. The sounds of our life together being assembled, piece by piece.

“You know what this means, right?” Penny’s grin returned, wicked and knowing. “Jake and I get our own room at Blake’s now. Blessed, glorious privacy!”

“Not that I minded bunking with you, Jake,” he added hastily.

“No, same here,” Jake agreed. “Privacy will be nice.”

“You two are gonna keep staying at Blake’s then?” I asked, though I already knew the answer. “We have an extra guest room and there’s the baby’s room?—“

“Nope.” Penny said, making a distinct pop on the ‘p.’ “Gonna have to veto that.”

Penny and Jake exchanged a loaded glance.

“We can’t stay here,” Jake said quietly.

“Newly mated couples need their privacy,” Penny said. “We’ve been underfoot long enough.”

“At least I know you’ll both be safe at Blake’s,” I said. “Dominic said the FBI is still building their case against the Antonelli family’s Boston operations. Neither of you should go home yet.”

“I know. It’s just…” Jake’s voice dropped so low I had to strain to hear him. “I keep thinking about testifying eventually. About what I saw. About them finding me before the trial.”

“Which is why you’re staying put,” Penny said, reaching over me to squeeze Jake’s hand. “And why my moms are staying at that boutique hotel downtown.”

“Your moms are here?” I asked.

“Arrived yesterday,” Penny confirmed. “They wanted to stay at Vintage Vogue, but…” He hesitated. “What if someone thinks I’m staying there? What if someone decides to send a message? Dominic put them up at Le Papillon—that fancy place with the rooftop restaurant. They’re thrilled, actually. Much nicer than my cramped apartment.”

“Dominic just pulled out his black card and made it happen,” Jake added, a note of awe in his voice. “He and Blake both have one, you know?”

Penny suddenly bolted upright, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he nudged Jake. “Speaking of loaded wallets, tell Leo the good news!”

Jake’s entire face transformed, dimples framing a smile that reached his eyes. “I got the job! Assistant pastry chef at Giardino Segreto—it means ‘Secret Garden.’