“I can’t—”
“You can.” Cole crouches in front of me. “Rachel, you’ve been carrying all of this alone, the job loss, the fire, the custody battle. Let us do this for you. Let us take care of you for one afternoon.”
“It’s too much money—”
“It’s not.” Theo squeezes my hand. “We want to do this. You deserve to feel pampered. You deserve to walk into that courtroom tomorrow feeling like the queen you are.”
My eyes burn. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Say yes.” Marco’s voice is gentle. “Say you’ll let us take care of you the way you deserve.”
I look at the three of them. These men who’ve become my family, my safety, my home. Who’ve stood by me through everything, who’ve fought for me when I couldn’t fight for myself.
“Okay.” I take the card. “Yes.”
***
The spa is everything I didn’t know I needed.
A hot stone massage that melts every knot in my shoulders. Facial that makes my skin feel like silk. The hairstylist shapes my auburn hair into soft waves that frame my face perfectly. The nail technician gives me a simple manicure. Short, practical, but polished. Toes painted a deep burgundy that makes me feel feminine and strong at the same time.
By the time I’m done, it’s almost seven. I catch my reflection in the salon mirror and barely recognize myself. Not because Ilook different, but because I look relaxed. Happy. Like a woman who’s taken care of instead of one who’s barely holding it together.
I drive home feeling lighter than I have in months.
The house is dark when I pull up, not abandoned dark, but intentionally dim. Soft light glows from the windows, warm and inviting.
I walk in and stop in the doorway.
Candles. Everywhere. On the mantle, the coffee table, and the kitchen counter. They cast dancing shadows on the walls, fill the air with vanilla and something woodsy—no, something warm. The dining table is set with actual plates, not our usual mismatched collection. Wine glasses catch the candlelight. And in the center, a bouquet. Wildflowers mixed with roses, purple, pink, and white.
Cole is in the kitchen, stirring something on the stove. Theo’s setting out silverware. Marco’s pouring wine into the glasses with precision and care.
They all look up when I walk in.
“You’re beautiful,” Cole says quietly.
I can’t speak. Can’t do anything except stand there with tears building in my eyes.
“Hey, no crying.” Theo crosses to me, grinning. “You’re going to mess up that fancy facial.”
“What is all this?” My voice cracks.
“This is how we treat the woman we love.” Marco hands me a glass of wine. “This is what you deserve. Every day, but especially tonight.”
“We wanted you to feel good before tomorrow,” Cole adds. “Wanted you to know that no matter what happens in that courtroom, you have this. You have us.”
The tears spill over. I can’t stop them.
Cole pulls me into his arms, careful not to spill my wine. “You’re going to win tomorrow. You know that, right?”
“I don’t know anything.” I press my face into his chest. “I’m terrified.”
“Then let us take the fear away. Just for tonight.” He tilts my chin up. “Let us show you how much we love you.”
I look at each of them. Cole with his steady blue eyes. Theo with his warm smile. Marco with that intensity that makes me feel seen down to my bones.
“I want you,” I whisper. “All of you. Together.”
