Page 122 of The Logic of Loyalty

A warm glow lights up in my chest at her words. “I fully believe that you would have been fine without us.” I finish dicing the tomato and slide it into the giant salad bowl.

“I could shake you for keeping everything you were going through to yourself while you helped me through mine.”

“I—”

“I know what you’re going to say, and I get it. I appreciate that you were looking out for me, but I’m happy to be here for you.”

I pause my chopping and smile at her. “Thank you, friend.”

“You’re welcome, friend.”

We hug again, then get back to work, finishing up the prep for our big dinner. I try not to think about Trevor’s morning. He sent me a short, cryptic message when he left one job to make it to the other. Justin is served. I want to ask who the hell Justin is, but I’m worried he already explained it to me.

We finished prepping, and I throw the baked pasta into the oven so I can freshen up. Becky changes into an adorable dress she brought with her. I’m wearing a dress with a scandalously low back, but I’ve covered it with a cardigan. It’s more for later.

Twenty to five, the doorbell rings, and I rush over to open it for Sonya, while Bethany and Jacob trail slightly behind her.

Sonya squeals and throws her arms around me. Her enthusiasm is disarming because we’ve only had a few weeks to get to know one another, but when the boisterous small woman leans back and palms my cheeks in her small hands, I see she’s completely genuine. “So you are pregnant! I thought I noticed a cute little belly, but I didn’t think that I knew you well enough to say anything about it.” She lightly squeezes my cheeks. “You are an adorable pregnant woman, Paige Whitaker.”

I smile in her hold. “Thank you, Sonya Hall. I think you might simply be an adorable woman.” She drops her hands from my cheeks and covers her own.

“Well, that means a lot coming from a beauty like you.”

Becky shoulders her way past me to stand in front of the two women. My son slid past while my face was being held. “Yeah, okay, we are all gorgeous. Now, bring whatever food you brought to the kitchen.” Sonya nods, then skips to the kitchen to do just that, when Becky turns her attention to Bethany. “Hello, again! I need to tell you, that coffee you made me? Perfection. I need to add it to my lineup.”

“Oh, I⁠—”

“Come in, come in. I’m blocking your way, I know.”

Bethany shakes her head as she enters the house, giving me a look. “Are they always like this?”

“I’m starting to think so, yeah. Well, I already know that Becky is usually like this.”

“How about you do less talking about me where I can hear you, and more⁠—”

A loud crash comes from the kitchen, followed quickly by a loud, “I’m okay!” From Sonya. Becky rushes back to the kitchen, cursing under her breath while Bethany remains standing in the entry beside me.

“I think I like them.” She whispers to me.

My cheeks hurt from smiling so much. “I think I like them too.”

My friends. My found family.

Vicky had plans she couldn’t get out of, and Jacob gave me a fake cough and said he was sick, so he’s sleeping in his room. More likely playing video games. I tug on my dress again and fiddle with the salad bowl, only for Becky to smack my hand.

“Ouch!”

“Stop fiddling. Food and you both look edible.”

Sonya giggles, and I sigh. We’re waiting for the men to get here. Carter and Trevor both messaged us around five, so we know they’ll be here any minute.

“Why am I nervous?”

“I’m nervous too.” I reach out and grab Becky’s hand.

We have the table set, food out, and are waiting in the living room when the front door opens. First in is Trevor. His smile is massive when he sees me, and he doesn’t look at anyone else when he walks up and takes my hand. “Hey, baby.” I stand and wrap my arms around his middle. When I release him, he grabs my hand. Searching my eyes, he gives me three squeezes. I love you.

He greets Sonya and his sister, then runs upstairs to check on Jacob.