Page 122 of Jax & Knox

Not by blood, but by choice.

They've been there for me through everything, the fear, the healing, the joy. They've held me when I cried. They've celebrated with me when I laughed. They've reminded me, over and over again, that I'm not alone.

"What about you, Ainsley?" Erica asks, pulling me out of my thoughts. "How are you feeling?"

"Good," I say honestly. "Really good."

"You look good," Scarlett says. "Pregnancy suits you."

"Thanks," I say, smiling.

Tessa leans forward, her eyes sparkling. "So… are the boys still as obsessed with you as they were two years ago?"

I feel my face heat. "Tessa⁠⁠—"

"Oh my God, they are!" she shouts, clapping her hands. "I knew it!"

Everyone laughs.

"They're… attentive," I say carefully.

"Attentive," Hadley repeats, smirking. "That's one way to put it."

"They worship her," Lucy says, grinning. "It's adorable."

"It's hot," Tessa corrects.

I bury my face in my hands, laughing. "Can we please talk about something else?"

"Nope," Tessa says. "This is way too fun."

After brunch, we hit a few shops downtown.

Lucy buys a onesie that says "Daddy's Little Biker" for her son. Tessa finds a leather jacket for toddlers and immediately buys it for her daughter. Hadley picks out matching outfits for the twins she's expecting.

I find a tiny pink dress with ruffles and lace, and I can already picture our daughter wearing it.

"She's going to be so spoiled," Erica says, looking over my shoulder.

"Good," I say. "She deserves it."

By the time we get to the nail salon, I'm exhausted but happy.

We sit in a row, our feet soaking in warm water, and just talk.

"Can I ask you something?" Erica says quietly, looking over at me.

"Of course."

"Do you ever think about… before?"

I know what she means.

Justin.

The fear.

The running.