Page 135 of Triplet Babies for my Ex's Best Friend

“It is for me.”

I consider it.

The morning is clear, and the city is manageable at this hour. Oliver would benefit from the space, Captain from the movement, and, if I’m being honest, removing Luci’s energy from the apartment may preserve structural integrity.

“Fine,” I say. “We’ll walk.”

Oliver beams.

Luci claps once. “Perfect. I love a field trip.”

Addy exhales softly. “This is going to be insane.”

“Structured pandemonium,” I correct.

She gives me a look. “That isn't the same thing.”

“No,” I say. “But it’s close enough.”

Millennium Park in the morning operates on a different frequency than the rest of the city.

The skyline still frames everything, but the edges are softer, the movement less aggressive. People exist here without urgency for a few hours before the day pulls them back into it.

Oliver runs ahead immediately, Captain beside him, both of them moving with the kind of unfiltered enthusiasm that makes control unnecessary, with Addy holding the leash, being dragged along at a rapid pace.

I fall into step beside Luci.

She studies the space briefly, then the buildings beyond it, then me. “So, Pilot Strong, what’s your deal?”

I glance at her. “My deal?”

“Yes. Your whole… situation.” She gestures vaguely in the direction of the apartment, the skyline, the concept of me as a person. “You’re rich, you’re intimidating, you have a kid, a dog, and a tragic backstory. I need context.”

“There’s no context.”

She nods to herself as if that confirms something. “Mm. Yeah. That tracks.”

We walk a little further.

Ahead of us, Addy laughs at Oliver who’s saying something that clearly makes no sense and perfect sense at the same time.

Luci watches them. Then looks back at me. “So what’s your deal with her?”

I swallow discreetly. “She works for me.”

She snorts. “Oh, we’re doing that version of reality? Fun.”

“It’s the accurate version.”

“Sure,” she says easily. “And the Titanic just had a minor scheduling issue.”

I don’t respond.

“You like her.”

Direct. Unembarrassed. Luci weaponizes honesty the same way Addy uses humor, casually and with alarming precision.

I keep my attention on the path ahead. “That’s not relevant.”