Page 259 of Triplet Babies for my Ex's Best Friend

He guides me gently toward the kitchen.

I sit slowly on one of the stools, suddenly exhausted all over again.

Ethan moves around the kitchen quietly, pouring tea, adjusting plates, and checking that I actually eat.

The domesticity of it sneaks up on me.

This man has piloted jets through storms, runs a billion-dollar aviation empire, can probably buy islands on impulse, and right now he’s frowning at toast like it personally offended my nutritional requirements.

Warmth unfolds painfully in my chest.

“You really did all this today?” I ask softly.

His eyes lift to mine. “I needed you to know staying wouldn’t mean handling this alone.”

That does it.

My eyes fill instantly.

“Oh, sweetheart,” he murmurs.

And suddenly he’s there, one hand cupping my jaw, the other braced lightly against my hip.

I lean into him before pride can intervene.

“I’m hormonal,” I mumble against his shirt.

“I’m aware.”

“This is your fault.”

“Technically, partially.”

I laugh through tears.

His lips brush my forehead, and his breath catches, and I think that sound alone could keep me in Chicago forever.

Luci leaves after lunch.

There are approximately six hugs, three threats directed at Ethan, one whispered warning to me about “rich man emotional competence being suspicious,” and a dramatic goodbye from Oliver involving stickers.

At the elevator, she hugs me tightly. “You sure you want to stay?”

I glance back toward the penthouse.

Ethan is in the kitchen helping Oliver clean up spilled juice while Captain licks toast crumbs off the floor like a furry Roomba.

He looks up, our eyes meet, and for the first time since the hospital, I don’t feel like I’m standing on the edge of abandonment.

I feel wanted, protected, loved… terrified still, but not alone.

I look back at my sister and nod. “Yeah,” I whisper. “I think I want to stay.”

CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

Ethan

By six a.m.,I’m already at Strong AeroTech.