Page 64 of Triplet Babies for my Ex's Best Friend

Her expression shifts briefly. “It was easy.”

I suspect that isn’t entirely true, though the result speaks for itself.

I step back. “Goodnight, Oliver.”

“Night.”

Addy gives him one last look, checks that the night light is on, and slips out into the hallway with me. Captain, after a long sigh, gets up and follows at a less-than-dignified pace.

“You survived bedtime,” I say as we head to the kitchen.

She chuckles. “Barely. It was touch-and-go. There were negotiations. At one point, he implied I was oppressing him with hygiene.”

“That sounds accurate.”

She smiles. “See? This is why he keeps trying things. He knows his audience.”

I move toward the island, setting one hand lightly against the counter. “How was the rest of the day?”

She shifts her weight, and her face changes from playful to more focused. “Good. Better than good, actually.”

“Go on.”

“We needed food.”

I wait.

She lifts one shoulder slightly. “There wasn’t much in the house that made sense for him. Plenty of ingredients. Nothing child-specific.”

That tracks. Claire had handled most of those adjustments without involving me unless necessary. I rarely think about groceries unless the pantry is visibly empty.

“So we went out,” Addy continues. “There’s a café across the road. Brewed Awakening? Diane recommended it.”

“You went out?”

“Yes.” Then, before I can say anything, “And before you look like that, it was fine.”

“I don’t know what expression you mean.”

“The one where your entire face becomes a risk assessment.”

That's irritatingly close to correct.

She continues before I can respond. “He ate grilled cheese, had half a hot chocolate, and played with some other kids in the toy corner. I learned that he takes social adjustment better when food is involved, which, honestly, relatable.”

I study her. “And?”

“And what?”

“You’re leaving something out.”

Her mouth twitches. “I met someone.”

That lands oddly.

I keep my tone neutral. “At the café?”

“Yes. Sophie. She works there. Very nice. Strong opinions. Possibly clairvoyant.”