Page 211 of Triplet Babies for my Ex's Best Friend

The second she sees me, her face changes. “Oh, Addy.”

That’s all it takes.

My face crumples.

“No,” I say, which is useless, because I’m already crying again.

Luci drops everything onto the chair and reaches the bed in three strides. She climbs halfway onto it like visiting hours and medical equipment are merely suggestions, wrapping both arms around me carefully.

“I’m here,” she says into my hair. “I’m here. I’ve got you.”

That makes it worse. Because I’ve been trying very hard not to feel alone, and the second I’m not alone anymore, every bit of effort collapses like wet cardboard.

I sob into her hoodie. “I’m pregnant.”

“I know.”

Of course she does. Because Ethan called her to come here. Because he… can’t? I’m not sure.

“And he left me…” I wail.

“He went home to Oliver.”

“I know.”

“Do you?”

I hate that question because yes, I do know. I know Oliver needed him. I know Diane couldn’t keep him all night. I know Ethan is a father before he is anything else.

And that’s part of why I lo…

Nope.

No.

Not finishing that sentence in a hospital gown.

“I know,” I whisper. “But it still hurt.”

Luci softens immediately. “Of course it did.”

“I wanted him to stay, and then I hated myself for wanting it because Oliver needed him, and Oliver’s five, and I’m twenty-eight and technically know how to operate a microwave and pay taxes.”

Luci brushes hair back from my face. “You were scared.”

“I am scared.”

“I know.”

“No, Luci. I’m really scared.” My voice breaks. “I don’t have a job if this goes badly. I live in his house. I take care of his son. His wife died. His company is exploding. My ex is somehow involved in all of it like a cursed LinkedIn goblin. And now I’m pregnant.”

She sits on the edge of the bed, holding my hand. “Okay.”

“Okay?”

“Not okay like it’s fine. Okay like we’re going to take the giant flaming pile of chaos one piece at a time.”

“I don’t think chaos should be flaming.”