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“So,” I said carefully, “if I climb the tree in this dress, everyone in this backyard will be able to see my underwear.”

Holden considered this gravely.

Zephyr wasn’t listening; he was trying to see if he could lick his own elbow.

“So, you just climb a little,” Holden decided. “Not all the way. We won’t look up.”

“That’s very noble of you,” I said, biting back a laugh. “But how about I leave the tree-climbing to your mom this time?”

Holden made a face. “Mom said no. She said she’ll do it later.” He drew out the word like it was code for “never.”

Of course she did.

Evie appeared at my elbow like I’d summoned her. She was flushed, too, dark hair pulled up in a messy knot, T-shirt already sporting three mysterious stains and a smear of barbecue sauce.

“I said later, not never,” she said, nudging Holden with her hip. “And only if you eat more than air and sugar in between climbs.”

Holden huffed and stomped his foot. “Daaad,” he yelled, already sprinting toward the grill. “Come climb the tree with us!”

Aiden, overhearing, sighed in theatrical resignation, handed his spatula to Simon, and let himself be dragged away by two small human hurricanes.

As he passed us, he mouthed help me.

I grinned and lifted my cup in salute.

Beside me, Evie let out a breath and massaged the bridge of her nose.

It was a tiny thing, that gesture. But there was a guilty little twist around her mouth that snagged my attention.

I turned to face her fully. “Okay,” I said. “What is that?”

“What is what?” she asked, all innocence.

“The lip bite,” I said. “The guilty face. The way you’re looking at me like you stole my favorite sweater and shrunk it in the wash. Spill it, Evie.”

She shook her head. “It’s nothing. This is your day. You’re here, you look gorgeous, I’m not⁠—”

I squinted my eyes and really looked at her. Her face was fuller than when I’d last seen her. She was glowing. Again.

“Dammit, Evie,” I cut in, soft but firm. “Don’t tell me you’re pregnant and afraid to share such joyous news with me.”

Her face crumpled.

She nodded once, choked on a little laugh-sob, and then burst into tears.

“Oh, honey,” I said, abandoning my tea to wrap both arms around her.

She clung to me, shoulders shaking, trying to laugh and cry at the same time. “I didn’t want to hurt you,” she managed. “I’ve been trying to find the right way… the right time… but there isn’t one, and then you walked in looking healed and I just couldn’t… I can’t…”

“Hey.” I squeezed her tighter, then pulled back enough to look her in the face. Her eyes were red, mascara threatening to make an escape. “Listen to me. You being pregnant? That doesn’t hurt me. Not even a little.” I swallowed around the truth. “I love you. I love Aiden. I love those two little tree goblins you two created. Of course I’m happy you’re adding another one.”

Her chin trembled. “Really?”

“Really,” I said. “If anything, I’m offended you thought I’d be mad at you for giving me another niece or nephew to corrupt with manga and sugar.”

A watery laugh escaped her. “You’re sure?”

“Evie,” I said solemnly, “I am thrilled. Like, obnoxiously thrilled. I might crochet the baby a hat you’ll hate.”