“I’ll stay a bit longer. I’ll see you both back here on New Year’s Eve.”
“Of course,” I said quickly. “You should be with your family.” I looked down as Lucas hugged him. “Thank you for everything.”
As Taylor drove us away, my chest felt heavy. I looked back and saw Caleb waving to Lucas, who waved back enthusiastically.
I didn’t look away until he disappeared from view.
29
NYAH
Isurprised Lucas with a new bike I’d hidden behind my dresser. His shriek of joy filled the apartment, bright and unrestrained, and for a moment, everything felt light. Elle and Donna came over later with their families, and as gifts were opened and pictures were taken, I smiled and laughed along, but a hollowness took root in my chest.
It felt like a part of me was missing.
A part I had left behind at the mansion.
The past few days had forced me to think about what I was feeling with Caleb. I didn’t want to be another woman on his list. He never made me feel like one, but he also didn’t say where I stood.
I had learned long ago that assumptions were dangerous, and I’d dealt with too much to ever let myself fall into that trap again.
I needed certainty.
Caleb was incredible with Lucas, with his nieces and nephews. I’d seen it with my own eyes. I still needed to be sure of his feelings—for me. Just as much as I needed to be sure Jeremy would never find me.
I called Alex for an update. He reassured me that nothing had changed since our last conversation, but I scheduled another practicesession with Tyrone anyway… and another visit to the shooting range. I couldn’t afford complacency.
Work kept me busy, but on the thirtieth of December, Caleb’s text lit up my phone—and warmth spread through me instantly.
CALEB
Don’t bring anything for Lucas or you besides your jammies and comfy clothes for the next day. Everything is taken care of. See you soon!
On New Year’s Eve, Caleb’s surprise unfolded perfectly. All the husbands took the kids for the day while the wives were treated to a spa date. Taylor picked up Elle, Donna, and me from my place and drove us straight there, where the rest of the girls were already waiting. The pampering loosened something in me—laughter came easier, conversation flowed, and for a few hours, I let myself simply exist.
When we returned to the mansion to get ready, I opened the gift Caleb had bought me.
My breath stilled.
The champagne gold sequined dress was stunning.
We were ready in less than half an hour, and soon we were climbing into the limo, excitement buzzing through us.
By the time we arrived, butterflies filled my stomach. At the ballroom entrance, I ran my fingers down the bodice of the dress, checking for wrinkles. When I stepped through the glass doors, I saw Caleb and Lucas waiting.
Both of them wore black-and-white tuxes.
Caleb’s neatly trimmed stubble made my pulse stumble. I walked toward them in silver stilettos, suddenly acutely aware that my eyes were level with his lips.
“You were definitely worth the wait,” he murmured, leaning down to kiss my cheek. “You look stunning.”
Heat rushed to my face. “You look pretty smashing yourself.”
Lucas tugged at my hand. “What about me, Mama?”
I smiled and crouched slightly. “You look very handsome too, sweetheart.”
Holding Lucas’s hand, I slipped my arm through Caleb’s, and together we entered the lobby. His parents were already busy ensuring everything was perfect. Caroline came over after greeting them, and I was genuinely happy to see her. Our conversation flowed easily until I noticed Caleb’s uneasiness when he joined us.
