Page 134 of Triplet Babies for my Ex's Best Friend

Despite the dizziness, the nausea, the fact that my life currently feels like it was plotted by a woman with a wine problem and access to romance tropes, I’m happy tonight.

Really, stupidly happy.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Ethan

I'm nota man easily overwhelmed by noise.

Air traffic, boardrooms, investor calls, a malfunctioning system under pressure… these are all environments that function on a certain level of intensity.

This morning, however, I find myself in the kitchen at eight a.m. observing Luci Clarke operate at a frequency that suggests either exceptional energy levels or a complete disregard for volume control.

Possibly both.

“And then, no, listen, if you put snacks in the cockpit, you solve at least fifty percent of emotional instability mid-flight. I’m telling you, this is a business opportunity.”

Oliver, seated at the island with cereal, nods as though she’s presenting a viable industry shift. “That’s what I said.”

“Exactly,” Luci says, pointing at him excitedly. “Visionary.”

Captain is beneath her chair, receiving what appears to be unauthorized pieces of toast.

Addy is standing at the counter, one hand wrapped around a glass of water, watching the scene with the expression of someone who's both accustomed to this and faintly exhausted by it.

The energy is different. Louder, warmer, slightly unstructured in a way that should be irritating. But it isn’t.

“Good morning,” I say.

Addy glances up first. “Morning.”

There’s a brief pause.

It’s still there, that line we drew, holding for now.

Luci turns immediately. “Ethan. Hi. You survived the night.”

“I did.”

I move toward the counter, reaching for coffee. Addy shifts slightly to give me space, and we’re standing close enough that I’m aware of the exact distance between us again.

“Coffee?” she asks.

“Yes.”

She hands it to me without looking directly at me.

“Plans for today?” I ask.

Oliver looks up immediately. “Park.”

“That wasn’t a question,” I say.

“It is now.”

Luci leans forward. “We should go. I want to see Chicago properly. And by properly, I mean with snacks.”

“That isn't a requirement for walking.”