Page 117 of Bitter Arrangement

“He’s just like that. I mean, all tough on the outside, but when it comes to his family, he’s just a big softie.”

“Still hard to believe.”

We share stories from growing up for a little while, and Brenden tells me about his next job. It took him a while to get back into the heisting world after the way things shook out with Los Sombras, but all that’s a moot point these days. That cartel is a smoking ruin, all thanks to Black Mantis.

It’s good being an adult for a bit. I miss my baby fiercely, but I’m aware that I need time to be more than a mother. Maybe the wordmoreisn’t right—because I’m always a mother, now that Connor’s in the world. I’m just other things too.

Like a friend. A sister. A wife. A damn good thief, though my thieving days are in the past.

Cass comes out a little while later. She’s been staying over a few nights a week to help out, and I don’t know where I’d be without her.

“Serious question,” she says, giving me a hard look. “What are you doing with that basement?”

“Oh, god, I haven’t thought about it.” I frown back at the house. “It’s just a mess of parent stuff.” What was once my refuge has now become the playroom. Baby toys and other random junk are scattered all over the floor.

“You really have to reclaim it.”

“Didn’t know it was lost,” I say jokingly, since we all know the truth. I lost the basement battle to my sweet angel, Connor.

“Seriously, next week, you and I are going to renovate. We’re turning it back into the glorious oasis of ladyhood it once was.”

“Ladyhood?” Brenden asks. “Sounds exciting. I’ll help.”

“No men.” Cass gives him a hard stare.

My brother’s lips quirk like he’s about to accept a challenge. They have a moment where Cass stares him down, and eventually, Brenden blinks.

“Guess I’ll make other plans,” my brother says.

The two of them bicker back and forth while I think about Cass’s offer. In the end, I turn her down.

“But why not?” she asks.

“Because I don’t need to carve out my own space.”

“Sounds insane.”

“All this is my space.” I gesture around us at the backyard. String lights dangle from a vine-wrapped pergola. “And the baby will grow up soon enough. I guess I just don’t need to rush it.”

“Well, okay, if you’re sure.” Cass doesn’t seem convinced, but that’s okay. My life’s messy, but it’s a good mess. It’s a baby, lovely, warm sort of mess. I’m into the mess.

Alexan’s the last one to join, the monitor in one hand, and soon the table’s full of laughter and joy over the soft whirr of Connor’s noise machine.

My tribe is here. Cass, my best friend. Brenden, my brother.

Alexan, my husband, my light, my everything.

I sink into easy, happy bliss and have another glass of wine.