But then, just for me, his hand shifts to my lower back again and stays there.
Present and constant. The warmth of it seeps through the lace, like an anchor.
Like he’s reminding me I’m not alone.
We weave through the room, stopping briefly when someone important catches Julian’s eye. He introduces me with minimal information, always in the same tone.
“This is my wife, Lucy.”
Every time he says it, something in my chest tightens and then loosens in the same breath.
My wife.
I hate how much I want to believe it means more than it does.
I hate how much it makes me feel safe anyway.
A woman in emerald green touches my arm gently when Julian steps aside to greet a man he knows.
“You’re stunning,” she says, eyes kind. “And brave.”
I blink. “Brave?”
She smiles like she knows something I don’t. “This world isn’t kind to women who feel.”
Don't I know it.
Julian returns, his hand finding mine without thinking.
He doesn’t even look down when he does it.
He just… does it.
Like he forgot anyone else was watching.
And maybe he did.
We reach the Northwell table, and Theo is the first to stand, grin sharp and delighted. He looks like he lives for chaos, but his eyes flick over my face with something that feels like assessment, like he’s checking for cracks.
“Mrs. North,” he says with theatrical reverence.
I roll my eyes because it’s the only way to survive him. “Theo.”
He leans in, kisses my cheek, and murmurs, “You’re doing great. Welcome to the family.”
The familiarity of it catches me off guard more than his jokes ever do.
Elliot is next, polished, charming, already half in performance mode. Harper is with him, blonde and perfect, her ice-blue eyes flicking over me with that same quiet measuring gaze as the last event… but there’s something different now.
Less curiosity.
More… acceptance.
She smiles. It doesn’t feel weaponized this time.
“Lucy,” she says warmly. “It is so nice to see you again.”
I smile, surprised at the warmth I feel from her, and Harper’s smile widens like she’s pleased she earned it.
