Andthishas been a long time coming.
Abigail swallows, throat bobbing as her gaze moves between each of us. Slowly. Intentionally.
I straighten first, pushing up from where I’d been leaning against the footboard of Linc’s bed. The movement draws her attention, her eyes flicking to me instinctively. I give her a small smile before Lawson moves next.
He reaches for the hem of his shirt and pulls it up and over his head in one smooth motion. His chest is solid and familiar, the same brand I wear on my chest on his. And when I look back at Abigail, I watch as she sighs with relief that he and I were the first to move. Because we’ve been here before, the three of us.
It feels familiar.
Then, Lincoln follows without a word.
He unbuttons his shirt carefully, each movement deliberate. No rush. No show. And when he shrugs it off his shoulders, I see Abigail’s breath hitch—just a little. His skin catches in the light, all quiet strength and restraint, and when he steps closer to the bed, it feels like he’s claiming his space.
Jasper’s last as he hooks his thumbs into the collar of his black T-shirt and pulls it free, tossing it aside carelessly. The motion is casual, but the way his gaze never leaves her isn’t. There’s something raw there. Something reverent. Like, even he understands this isn’t about speed or fire or losing control.
It’s about being seen.
Abigail’s chest rises and falls faster now, but she doesn’t back away or fold in on herself.
She stands tall, just like she did all those months ago when I met her outside that airport.
And that’s the answer any of us needs.
Lawson is the one who moves first.
Not because he’s the boldest or the loudest. But because he’s the anchor.
He crosses the room slowly, feet padding against the floor, and stops just in front of her. Close enough that she has to tilt her head all the way back to look up at him. Close enough that Isee her fingers curl tighter into her sleeves, resisting the urge to reach out.
Lawson lifts a hand, but doesn’t touch her yet.
He just hovers. Giving her space to pull away.
And even I find myself holding my breath in anticipation.
She leans in, barely an inch, and the moment his palm finally settles on her waist, I know.
This is it.
This is the fall.
The point of no return.
I watch as Lawson leans forward, his mouth eager to kiss hers, but smile to myself when she holds up a finger, stopping him in his tracks.
There she is. My feisty girl.
I curl my lips in as she leans to the side, allowing herself to look at all of us. “I swear to god, if a single one of you treats me like I’ll break, none of you will get any of this.” She turns her finger around and motions up and down her body.
Jasper snorts and holds up his hands. “As you wish, Red.”
A sinister smile crawls across Lincoln’s face. “You should know better than that by now, Sweetheart. I think you and I proved you’re anything but.”
Her smile grows, and she narrows her eyes at him before looking at me. “Message received loud and clear, Darlin.”
Then she stands up straight and looks back up at Lawson. “How about you, cowboy? Am I clear?”
He hums. The sound is low. Hungry. “Crystal.”
