Page 69 of Open Net

She smiled and nodded. “That’s Eli.”

Grant, who was currently holding him, moved forward so Olli could see him.

“He looks like you.” Olli said in a hushed voice.

“Thank you.” She beamed.

That was her favorite thing to hear. She told me that as much as she’d loved her fiancé, seeing his true side when things got hard made her realize he wasn’t the right man for her. She was relieved Eli took after her with almost white blond hair and blue eyes.

Grant watched her as she spoke, like he was memorizing every word she said, every move she made. Maybe the crush went both ways. I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of my new friend ending up with someone as great as Grant. I never thought he would be the type to settle down, but I’d learned over the past few years that once a guy met the right woman all bets were off. I certainly never expected him to like children but there he was, a baby hog.

Olli cleared his throat. “Hey, Reese can I see my kid?”

Reese shook his head. “Get in line.”

Olli frowned. “Why don’t you get your own?”

Erik laughed. “Yeah, make me a nephew.”

“Don’t I get a say in that?” Chloe’s voice filled the hall. I turned to see her coming toward us with Kendall and Lucy.

Erik shook his head. “No, it’s been decided.”

Chloe rolled her eyes and snuggled up to her husband to get a look at Jackson. “How’s my perfect boy?”

Kendall introduced Lucy to Addison and they immediately began talking. I loved how easily Addison blended in with the group. It was like she was meant to be with us. I stole another look at Grant, and he caught me. I raised an eyebrow, but he pretended to ignore me and turned away.

I was meant to meet Addison for a reason. She’d already helped me so much, but maybe there was more to it. Maybe she needed me too. The matchmaker in me couldn’t wait to talk to the girls and see how we could set them up.

Finally, Olli got Jackson and I watched his countenance change. He relaxed and a smile emerged on his lips. I doubted he was aware of it.

It broke my heart that I was keeping this from him, but I knew I had to. At least for now.

Chloe wormed her way through the group and stood next to me. “Everything is set with the gala next week. I just need you to call the photographer and confirm he will be there at five sharp.”

I nodded and added a reminder on my phone. “I’ll make sure he’s there.”

Her eyes danced. “Do you have a dress?”

I shook my head.

“Emma!”

I dropped my gaze when everyone turned to look at us.

“It’s in one week,” Chloe whisper-yelled.

“I’m not going.” I whispered back.

“Why not?”

“Because things are strained right now. I can’t just smile and pretend everything is fine. I’m sure people will understand if I’m not there.”

She narrowed her eyes. “That’s ridiculous. You need to come.”

Actually, I didn’t. It wasn’t a requirement for me, just Olli. Plus, most people knew I’d just had a baby. They wouldn’t mind. I knew my absence would be most noticed by the team. I didn't want to make things worse, but I really didn’t feel like I had it in me to smile and pretend for the sake of the media.

“Emma, please?” she wheedled. “I know it’s a lot to ask, but I really want you there.”