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"I’m checking a few things first. If it needs more than I can do, I’ll tell you."

I put the keys in his palm, relieved he isn’t making me argue about letting him help. I’ve done enough of that. Sprinkles needed four tries to start yesterday, and pretending that doesn’t worry me isn’t getting my deliveries made any faster.

"Thank you."

"You’re welcome." He kisses me once more before letting go. "What else are you doing today?"

"Coffee, supplies, laundry. I’m down to underwear I don’t particularly like."

His eyes drop to my hips.

"Don’t get excited. There’s a reason it’s the last pair in the drawer."

"I could help you get rid of it."

I laugh. "I have no doubt you would love the task."

"Bring the laundry up when you get back."

"You’re offering your washing machine now?"

"Your underwear situation sounds serious. We should resolve it so you can spend more time out of clothing."

I’m laughing when my phone buzzes beside my bag.

Dan:Countertops a week from Tuesday. Appliance delivery is still on schedule for later this week. We’re on track for handover two weeks from today.

Twelve days. The same day as the Seattle vs. San Diego game.

I read it again before turning the screen toward Wolf.

"Good," he says. "You’ll have your kitchen back."

"Yeah."

He looks at me for a moment, then reaches past me for his coffee.

"I’ve gotten used to this one."

"So have I."

Neither of us says anything else about it. I finish my coffee, rinse the mug, and pick up my bag before I can spend the morning thinking about what I’ll do when I no longer have an excuse to come upstairs.

He kisses me goodbye, and I leave before he can make a list.

I come through Serendipity’s back door, passing racks of cinnamon rolls and two people packing them into boxes. Ellie’s office is empty, so I pull out my phone.

Me: Where are you?

Ellie: Up front. Come find us.

Us turns out to be a table full of women I recognize, along with one I don’t. Ellie spots me first and waves me over.

"There she is."

Natalia moves her bag off the empty chair beside her. Peyton is across from her with Cammy, and Penelope has a notebook open beside her coffee.

I set my bag down, suddenly aware I’m wearing Wolf’s hoodie.