Page 253 of Triplet Babies for my Ex's Best Friend

“Then why is she packing?”

Because I failed to make her feel safe. Because I froze. Because she is carrying three of my children and still thinks she might be too much to keep, and I let silence do what Bryce did with words.

I close my eyes and press my mouth to Oliver’s hair. “Because grownups get scared too.”

He hiccups. “Of suitcases?”

“Sometimes.”

“That’s dumb.”

A broken laugh slips out of me. “Yes.”

He pulls back, wiping his nose with his sleeve. Megan would’ve corrected him. Addy would’ve made a joke. I just let it happen because there are larger structural emergencies.

“Areyouscared?” he asks.

I look at the suitcase. “Yes.”

His eyes widen. “You are?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

Because I already lost one woman I loved. Because the last time my life changed this fast, it ended with a wreckage reportand an empty side of the bed. Because Addyissunshine and soft citrus and sarcasm in my kitchen. Because she hums terrible songs under her breath when she thinks no one hears. Because she made my son laugh again. Because she talks to my dog as if he has legal authority. Because she looked at the darkest part of me and didn’t flinch.

Because I’m in love with her.

The realization isn’t gentle.

I am in love with Addy Clarke.

And despite everything I convinced myself to believe, she was preparing to leave anyway.

“I’m scared,” I say carefully, “because Addy is important to me.”

Oliver sniffles. “Then tell her.”

If only life were as simple as my son makes it.

Maybe it is.

Maybe I’m the one who kept making it complicated because complications are easier to manage than truth.

“I will.”

“Now?”

Before I can answer, Captain appears in the doorway, stretching dramatically as if he’s been summoned. He trots in, sniffs the suitcase, and immediately tries to remove one of Addy’s socks.

“Captain.” He freezes with the sock in his mouth. “Drop it.”

He drops it onto Oliver’s lap.

Oliver gives a watery giggle.

Good.