Evie and Kate exchanged a look, a silent communication between women who had both ended up genuinely loving the men they'd married for less-than-romantic reasons.
"I'm happy for you," my sister finally said. "Rafe is a good man. He's been Liam's rock for years. He deserves someone who sees past the walls he puts up. And you deserve someone who treasures you."
The knot of tension in my chest loosened. "Thanks, Evie. That means a lot."
"Now," Kate interjected, "are we ordering food, or are we just going to mainline caffeine while Izzy badgers Cece for inappropriate details?"
"Both," Izzy said decisively, flagging down a server. "I can multitask."
We ordered an assortment of pastries and sandwiches, the conversation flowing easily from my revelation to updates on everyone's lives. Izzy charmed us with tales of her latest demanding client, an up-and-coming artist with more ego than talent.
"He wants me to display his work under special lighting that, and I quote, 'mimics the glow of Venus as seen from Earth during a solstice.' Like, what the actual fuck does that even mean? I have an art degree, not a PhD in astrophysics."
Kate's update was all about the domestic chaos involving Millie's latest obsession.
"First it was just Jimin, now Wooyoung has joined the mix. There are posters everywhere. I found one taped to the ceiling above her bed. The ceiling. I don't know whether to be impressed by her determination or concerned about her neck."
"At least it's just posters," Evie pointed out. "When Cece was her age, she tried to mail herself to Leonardo DiCaprio after Titanic. Mom found her inside a refrigerator box with three sandwiches and a change of underwear."
We all burst out laughing, drawing more looks from nearby tables that we studiously ignored.
"How's the pregnancy?" I asked Evie in desperate need to change the subject. "Besides the constant peeing."
Her face softened. "It's... incredible. Terrifying, but incredible. Liam talks to my stomach every night." She shook her head as a fond smile played on her lips. "He spends thirty minutes telling my belly about his day and playing classical music through headphones he's rigged up."
"That's adorable," Kate said.
"It is," Evie agreed. "Also, if this kid doesn't come out reciting Shakespeare and Mozart, I'm going to be very disappointed."
As our lunch wound down, I found myself overwhelmed with gratitude for these women. Each of us had taken such different paths, faced such different challenges, and yet here we were, united by love and friendship and the unshakeable belief that we had each other's backs no matter what.
"I love you guys," I suddenly blurted out. "Seriously. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Izzy slung an arm around my shoulders. "Getting sappy on us, Sutton? Or should I say, de Luca?"
"Shut up," I mumbled, but I leaned into her embrace anyway.
"We love you too," Kate said, reaching across the table to squeeze my hand. "Even when you drop bombshells about Vegas weddings and falling for your fake husband."
"Not so fake anymore," Evie added with a wink.
We paid the bill and said our goodbyes outside the café, with promises to meet again soon. As I walked back toward the penthouse, I pulled out my phone to text Rafe as promised.
Me: Heading back now. Lunch was good. The girls send their love (and Izzy sends inappropriate questions about your anatomy that I refused to answer).
His response came almost immediately.
Rafe: I'm flattered by Izzy's curiosity, but my anatomy is for your eyes only. Looking forward to tonight, but might be late. Father wants me to see a client out of town.
I frowned at the mention of his father, who I knew had been pressuring Rafe about our marriage.
Me: Everything okay?
Rafe: Nothing I can't handle. Miss you.
Those two simple words sent a flutter through my chest. I quickly typed back.
Me: It's been like five hours.
