I laugh nervously. “I mean, I have a vlog?”
“Pssh! A vlog? You’re Plus Size Life with Esme and a Van!” she squeals, grabbing my hands like we’re old friends.
I stare at her.
Stunned.
“You know her?” Sammy asks, amused.
“She’s amazing,” Aella says. “I bought that bonnet you reviewed—you know, the one from that stay-at-home mom in Detroit?”
My jaw drops.
“Yes! Oh my God, yes!”
“It changed my life,” she says earnestly.
And just like that, we’re talking.
Laughing.
Connecting.
Like the world isn’t spinning out of control around me.
Like I didn’t just get married thirty minutes ago.
Like everything is right.
“Honey,” Sammy cuts in gently, “we’re gonna be late.”
“Oh! Right,” Aella says, glancing at him. “We’ve got tickets to see Nathan Thorn.”
“I love him,” I blurt out.
She grins. “Same.”
Both men frown at us like we’ve just spoken another language.
We roll our eyes in perfect sync and laugh.
It’s easy.
Effortless.
And when we say our goodbyes, I feel lighter than I have in years.
Like maybe—maybe—this life I built?
And the one I almost lost?
Can exist together.
Can work.
Can be something real.
Benji’s hand tightens in mine as we head toward the elevators, his thumb brushing over my knuckles.
