“Of course not, silly.” Ava pulled her down onto the L-shaped sofa. The dark grey one she’d picked out with Chase when they first moved in that was now half covered in throw blankets, no doubt to catch most of the dog hair. She could picture Zeus being a couch-hog. “I just wanted to talk to you about something before everyone got here so it could be a private conversation.”
Ava slipped her tote-sized purse off her shoulder and fished out a pamphlet, but when Laurel went to take it, Ava held on so tightly Laurel feared it would rip. “What is this?”
“Before I tell you, promise me you’ll keep an open mind. And you’re not allowed to get mad. It’s my birthday, and I won’t allow it.”
“You would pull that card.”
“Humor me.”
Laurel turned her attention toward the kitchen, unsure whether she wanted Chase’s interruption or not. Whatever Ava had to show her felt serious. She was enjoying lighthearted fantasy over grave realities right now. But considering she was boxed in on the couch, she relented. “Fine, I promise.”
“My mom has a friend who is pretty high up the chain at an adoption agency.” Ava bit down on her bottom lip, watching Laurel, but giving her a few seconds to process. Desperately needed seconds, because her stomach dropped and tied in knots all at once. Laurel’s entire body felt ten degrees warmer. “I just want you tothinkabout it, Laurel. There’s absolutely no pressure. It’s just, don’t you think it’s crazy how you missed a signature and it took someone five years to find it? That sort of thing doesn’t happen in real life. That should’ve been caught within days of Jenkins submitting the paperwork. Your still being married to my brother isn’t some fluke. It’s fate, and you know it.”
Sweat beaded Laurel’s brow. Her throat was swollen shut, her words lodged there. All she could do was shake her head.
Ava cupped both Laurel’s hands in hers, her eyes gentle. “I won’t tell you what to do. I just wanted you to consider another option. Maybe you already have at one time, but think about it again. My mom’s friend can help cut through some red tape and speed up the process, but it’s a favor that can only be asked once. I’m guessing you’ve never discussed this idea with Chase, considering. Before you sign—”
“Thank you.” Laurel snagged the pamphlet from Ava but refused to look at it. She’d promised not to get upset, and she was going to keep that promise. But adoption was something she’d already considered and dismissed. It didn’t feelright. “I need some time,” she said carefully, biting back the words urging to escape but would only leave them fighting.
“I know. This isn’t something you have to figure out tonight.”
The doorbell saved Laurel from a complete meltdown. As Kinley, Ryder, and Rowdy charged inside, she slipped into the master bedroom and closed the door behind her. She needed a moment to catch her breath and ward off tears.So many tears this week!She wasn’t prepared for the overwhelming scent of Chase lingering in the air. One of cologne, smoky grill, and rugged outdoorsmen. She inhaled it, and it helped her find her calm center.
She shoved the pamphlet beneath a stack of books on the dresser. “I’ll come back for you later,” she told the folded glossy paper. Compartmentalizing her emotions, she breathed deep. Several minutes later, she felt composed and reached for the doorknob. But the door opened first, causing her to hop back in surprise with a squeak.
“What are you doing in here?” Chase’s eyebrow rose playfully.
“Got lost.”
He laughed, closing the door behind them. “Sure you did, Laurel.” When he drew her into his arms, she was helpless to fight it. The pull between them was stronger than any tide. She welcomed his kiss, drawing him down to her with both hands on his neck. Kissing Chase meant she didn’t have to think about anything too serious. Thinking aboutanythingwhile his lips made her toes curl and butterflies erupt in her tummy was impossible anyway.
“Wow,” Chase said when he finally let her come up for air. “Try to tell me you don’t want to stay married afterthat.”
Her gaze flashed to the stack of books, then to the door. “I-I shouldn’t have done that.”
“Liar.” He kissed her again, just to prove his point. Darn it if she didn’t melt into him a second time.
Faintly, she recalled they had friends in the backyard. Something about a birthday. It wasn’t until she heard a chorus of barking dogs that she was able to push her palm flat against his chest and create space between them. “We need to get back to the party.” She hated that her words were breathless and her fingertips tingling. She really missed being his wife, but that secret was hers alone to keep.
“After you.”
With a deep breath, Laurel emerged from the bedroom feeling as if she’d been doing something inappropriate. Never mind that they’d only been kissing and they were technically stillmarried. A smile tugged at her lips, and she gave up fighting it.
“There you two are,” Kinley said the second they stepped through the sliding-glass door and onto the deck. Zeus zipped up to her long enough for a quick head scratch, then darted after Rowdy. Elsie, the older golden retriever, watched the pair from the deck, heavily panting as if she’d had enough of play time.
Everything about this moment—the dogs playing, their friends gathered in couples around the deck, music softly playing, the aroma of burgers cooking on the grill—felt blissfully normal. This was what Laurel always imagined it would be like, except with some rug rats running around the backyard by now. With both her best friends getting married in less than two months, they’d be starting on their families soon, she suspected.
Ava’s gaze flickered to hers, a gentle smile sent her way.Adoption. Laurel wanted to believe it was the answer to all her prayers, but it still didn’t feel right. It didn’t feel right to rob Chase of his chance to have biological children when he still could.
“The burgers are ready,” Brayden called over his shoulder as he shoveled them into a heap on a plate.
Chase dropped his hand on her shoulder, startling her from her thoughts. “Smile. It’s a party, Laurel.”
“Let’s eat!” Ava announced. “Then we’re playing yard games.”
A couple of groans erupted.
“It’smybirthday,” she reminded them.
