Sophie accepts hers, then pauses, glancing at it for just a second too long.
Before she can react, Marcus is already at her side with Maeve, taking the glass from her and replacing it with a fresh one from the bar.
Sophie narrows her eyes up at Marcus, but before Sophie can talk, Maeve claps her hands together, beaming. “Because Auntie Sophie can’t drink alcohol anymore!”
The entire table goes still.
Sophie closes her eyes, exhales sharply. “Marcus.”
Olivia gasps so hard I think she might inhale her entire drink. Willow’s jaw drops.
“You’re PREGNANT?!” Willow practically screeches, grabbing Sophie’s arm like she’s about to shake the truth out of her.
Sophie groans, rubbing her temples. “Well. There goes myplan of telling you all like normal people.”
“I KNEW it!” Olivia practically bounces on the spot. “I had a feeling! Last week you turned down sushi. SUSHI, Sophie. I should have called it then!”
I give her a hug. “How far along are you?”
Sophie blushes. “Eleven weeks.”
Sophie shoots Marcus a glare. “This is your fault.”
Marcus arches a brow, completely unbothered. “Of course, it’s my fault. I did, after all, have unprotected sex with you. I feel like that’s where it all started.”
Sophie gapes at him. “Marcus!”
Marcus smirks, looping an arm around her waist and pulling her against him. “What? Actions have consequences, baby mama.”
Willow snorts into her champagne. “Wow. Romance is truly alive and well.”
We all dissolve into laughter, and I take a step back, watching them, watching this moment, this night.
Everything around me feels perfect.
My mum steps up beside me, watching the chaos unfold with a small smile. She pulls me aside, her gaze lingering on Ben, who’s still carrying Maeve while making casual conversation with the mayor.
Mum sighs, nudging me gently. “He fits here, you know.”
I glance over at Ben again, who’s already looking at me, like he knew I’d turn to find him.
“Yeah,” I whisper. “He does.”
She nods slowly, her expression softening. “He makes you happy.”
“He does,” I say quietly, warmth swelling in my chest.
Mum smiles, her hand squeezing my arm. “Good. That’s allthat matters.”
She hesitates for a beat, then adds, “You know… I was worried about leaving. About the cafe. About you.”
I turn to her, but she’s already watching Ben again, her voice quieter now. “You’ve got Jess taking on more shifts, the cafe’s thriving… you’ve really built something special here. But part of me still feels guilty about going.”
I smile softly, nudging her. “Mum, you don’t need to worry about me. I’ll be fine. Honestly, everything’s running smoothly, and you’ve earned this. Go. Enjoy it. You’ve spent your whole life looking after everyone else, it’s your turn now.”
She hesitates, eyes glistening just a little. “It’s just… a round-the-world cruise. Me and the girls. I still can’t believe he did that.”
I laugh, my chest tightening with emotion. “Of course he did. You deserve it.”
