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And it was obvious how much Bentley believed in it.

“That’s,” she began, unsure how to choose her words, “also a really long time to hope someone figures out that you think they’re some kind of inevitability.”

“He’s one of my best friends. It took me a long time to get over the fear that if we did become . . . something . . . and it went badly, that he might not be my friend anymore. And then I might lose all my friends. For someone who isn’t very good at making friends on his own, that’s terrifying.” He looked up at her with a shrug. “But I did eventually get over it. And sometimes a man must wait for what he wants.”

“Does Eli even know you . . . like men? He has me helping him find a boyfriend almost every time we’re together.”

“I’m bi, and honestly, I have no idea. It’s not something I’ve hidden, but he’s, you know. Oblivious. He’ll get there though. I think soon too.”

Molly didn’t know what to do with this tremendous show of faith sitting at her kitchen table like it was the simplest thing in the world. Her chest felt heavy with the gravity of it, pinned by an inexplicable force.

Even if she didn’t really believe in that kind of thing, there was something oddly comforting about being in the presence of someone who did. Something like faith by proxy.

Bentley cleared his throat and swept the cards from the table in one fluid movement, heart-to-heart clearly concluded. He redirected Molly’s attention to the jewelry box still sitting between them.

“Speaking of oblivious, here’s a little something you maybe should have asked about ages ago. It’s freshly polished,” he said. “Just in time.”

Molly swallowed, her breath and her words snagged on the lump in her throat. Her focus narrowed to the small box on her table.

“I take it that’s . . .”

“It is,” Bentley confirmed, tipping back in his chair with a hand dangling toward the floor. To Molly’s surprise, Pawntès skulked from beneath the table and rubbed his head into Bentley’s palm.

“And why are you in possession of what I suspect to be my wedding ring?”

“Seemed prudent to be prepared.”

With a sigh, Molly prompted him. “Because . . .”

“He’s taking you on a date tomorrow, isn’t he?”

“But how did you even get it?” Molly asked.

“Justine stole it. He’s been keeping it in his bedside drawer.”

Molly shouldn’t have been surprised, but her eyebrows shot up regardless.

“No boundaries, any of you. You’re all wildly out of line.”

“I knocked.” He lifted a calm eyebrow, surveying her. “I would also like to point out that I am, in fact, returning your purloined possessions.”

“And I’m sure you had no idea it was being stolen to begin with.”

“Semantics.”

“Unbelievable.” Molly huffed when she glanced at the clock. “And now I’m going to be late for work.”

“You’re the boss. And I’m sure your business partners won’t mind,” Bentley said.

“Out.”

“Before I go,” he began, “if you did feel so inclined to engage in a little kindness for Aster’s benefit, it would mean a lot to him to see you wear it tomorrow. Which is a request straight from Eli. He couldn’t stomach the sincerity, so I’m here on his behalf.”

Overwhelmed, Molly didn’t have the capacity to respond. She ushered Bentley out of her apartment, thanking him for his vulnerability in the same breath she considered the feasibility of having her locks changed.

Aster’s bowl of taffies sat empty on the counter. He left it there, and Molly did too. She knew what they were waiting for.

She jumped when his hands found her shoulders, mouth dropping a kiss on the top of her hair.