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[brklynbxby]

Nate let out a low groan, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as her fingers danced up his thigh. “Shit, Harmony…” he muttered, eyes flicking toward her for just a second — enough to catch that wicked little smile that always messed with his head. “Keep touching me like that and we’re not even making it home,” he said, voice thick with need, one hand tightening on the steering wheel as the other shifted gears a little more aggressively than usual. His heart was thudding now, not just from the teasing, but from how badly he missed this — missed her. His foot pressed a little harder on the gas, not reckless, but definitely eager. He reached over between shifts, fingers brushing her thigh in return, warm and possessive. “Hope you’re not too tired, baby. I’ve got a lot of time to make up for.”

Rhett grinned wide, that boyish sparkle lighting up his eyes as he shot her a sideways glance. “Ohhh, all your tricks, huh? Damn, here I was thinking I already got the deluxe package,” he teased, one hand resting casually on the steering wheel while the other drummed against his thigh in time with the music. When she looked back at Harper, his chest gave a little ache — the good kind — the kind that came when something just fit. “Hey,” he said gently, eyes back on the road but his voice low and sincere. “What matters is that Harper sees you. And she does. She talks about you like you hung the damn moon after that charm.” Then, with a crooked grin creeping back in, he added, “And between you and me? Her dad’s pretty smitten too.” He let the silence hang for a beat, then couldn’t help himself — “But, uh, don’t go getting too cocky, alright? I still haven’t seen these world-famous tricks.” Rhett winked, glancing in the rearview mirror to check on Harper, then back at Ivy with a little tilt of his head.

Nate let her words sink in, a slow smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as he watched the way her eyes lit up when she talked about Ivy. There was something sacred in that kind of bond — the kind built brick by brick, steady and enduring, the kind you never question. And the fact that she’d trusted him enough to step into that circle, to share a little piece of the world she'd built with Ivy? That didn’t go unnoticed. Not by a long shot. “You know,” he said, nudging her playfully with his elbow, “I had a feeling maybe she had a spicy side to her” He chuckled, then shook his head, the smile deepening. “She got moves in the bedroom? Is that what you mean? Because now I’m picturing how you found that out and I’m struggling to concentrate on this road” he smirked.

Rhett grinned, the kind that stretched slow and lazy across his face, eyes crinkling at the edges as he watched her switch so effortlessly into mother-mode. It was adorable — like, heart-thudding, stupidly attractive adorable — and he wasn’t about to pretend otherwise. “Okay, but like… who gave you permission to be this attractive while doing bedtime logistics?” he teased, voice low and playful as he leaned in just a little. “You’re over here talking about tucking Harper in and making food, and I’m just trying not to propose.” He glanced toward Harper, who was now fully snuggled into her bear, her eyelids at war with gravity, and his expression softened even more. “You’re good with her” he added, more quietly now. “Like… really good. I can tell she already loves you. Which is either amazing or terrifying. Still deciding.” Then, smirking again, he bumped his shoulder against hers.

[brklynbxby]

Nate let her words sink in, a slow smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as he watched the way her eyes lit up when she talked about Ivy. There was something sacred in that kind of bond — the kind built brick by brick, steady and enduring, the kind you never question. And the fact that she’d trusted him enough to step into that circle, to share a little piece of the world she'd built with Ivy? That didn’t go unnoticed. Not by a long shot. “You know,” he said, nudging her playfully with his elbow, “I had a feeling maybe she had a spicy side to her” He chuckled, then shook his head, the smile deepening. “She got moves in the bedroom? Is that what you mean? Because now I’m picturing how you found that out and I’m struggling to concentrate on this road” he smirked.

Rhett grinned, the kind that stretched slow and lazy across his face, eyes crinkling at the edges as he watched her switch so effortlessly into mother-mode. It was adorable — like, heart-thudding, stupidly attractive adorable — and he wasn’t about to pretend otherwise. “Okay, but like… who gave you permission to be this attractive while doing bedtime logistics?” he teased, voice low and playful as he leaned in just a little. “You’re over here talking about tucking Harper in and making food, and I’m just trying not to propose.” He glanced toward Harper, who was now fully snuggled into her bear, her eyelids at war with gravity, and his expression softened even more. “You’re good with her” he added, more quietly now. “Like… really good. I can tell she already loves you. Which is either amazing or terrifying. Still deciding.” Then, smirking again, he bumped his shoulder against hers.

“Yeah, it was a really lovely conversation,” he said with a smile, the memory playing back in his mind. Each topic they’d touched on resurfaced with clarity—what they discussed, what he learned from it and the rare sense of ease that came with it. It wasn’t just idle small talk; there was space for sincerity, for depth, if he ever needed it. In a world where trust was a scarce commodity, meeting someone who felt genuine was quietly disarming. “They seem to complement each other well,” he added with a chuckle. “Think she’s got the stamina to keep up with him?” When she thanked him, he glanced over, his smile widening instinctively. “I can’t take any credit for that baby, that was entirely Rhett’s doing.”

As Ivy’s hand slid to the back of Rhett’s neck, a quiet groan escaped him—half pleasure, half surprise, like someone finding the last fry at the bottom of the bag. He tilted his head back into her touch without hesitation, fully basking in their effortless spark. “I genuinely can’t think of anything better than heading back and doing absolutely nothing,” he said with a lazy grin. “We could cook together if you're up for a little culinary chaos—or, if you’d prefer to get your MasterChef groove on solo, I’ll gladly stay out of your way and pretend not to snack on everything before it’s done.”

[brklynbxby]

“Yeah, it was a really lovely conversation,” he said with a smile, the memory playing back in his mind. Each topic they’d touched on resurfaced with clarity—what they discussed, what he learned from it and the rare sense of ease that came with it. It wasn’t just idle small talk; there was space for sincerity, for depth, if he ever needed it. In a world where trust was a scarce commodity, meeting someone who felt genuine was quietly disarming. “They seem to complement each other well,” he added with a chuckle. “Think she’s got the stamina to keep up with him?” When she thanked him, he glanced over, his smile widening instinctively. “I can’t take any credit for that baby, that was entirely Rhett’s doing.”

As Ivy’s hand slid to the back of Rhett’s neck, a quiet groan escaped him—half pleasure, half surprise, like someone finding the last fry at the bottom of the bag. He tilted his head back into her touch without hesitation, fully basking in their effortless spark. “I genuinely can’t think of anything better than heading back and doing absolutely nothing,” he said with a lazy grin. “We could cook together if you're up for a little culinary chaos—or, if you’d prefer to get your MasterChef groove on solo, I’ll gladly stay out of your way and pretend not to snack on everything before it’s done.”

Nate glanced in the rearview mirror as Harmony settled beside him, her fingers laced with his. The warm silence between them buzzed with something soft and grounding. He exhaled, one hand on the wheel, the other never letting go of hers. Up ahead, Rhett’s car pulled out first, tail lights blinking before easing into the road. Nate fell in behind, matching his pace. He was quiet for a moment, eyes flicking between the road and the car ahead. Then, almost absently, he murmured, “I’m glad I got to speak to Ivy today. She’s lovely, isn’t she.” It wasn’t just small talk. He meant it. That hug… the way she held on like she meant it — that didn’t happen with just anyone. Not in his world. His thumb brushed against Harmony’s hand. “Rhett’s lucky,” he added after a beat, more thoughtful this time. “You can tell she gives a damn. About you. About all of it.”

Rhett’s hand rested casually on the steering wheel, the other reaching into the backseat to blindly pass Harper her little stuffed bear. “There you go, monkey,” he said without looking. “Don’t say I never give you anything.” Harper giggled, already halfway into an imaginary game involving the bear and a leftover straw. Rhett just shook his head and smirked. He cast a glance at Ivy in the passenger seat. A moment passed. Then another.“Are we genuinely getting pizza?” he asked, softer than his usual teasing tone.

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Nate glanced in the rearview mirror as Harmony settled beside him, her fingers laced with his. The warm silence between them buzzed with something soft and grounding. He exhaled, one hand on the wheel, the other never letting go of hers. Up ahead, Rhett’s car pulled out first, tail lights blinking before easing into the road. Nate fell in behind, matching his pace. He was quiet for a moment, eyes flicking between the road and the car ahead. Then, almost absently, he murmured, “I’m glad I got to speak to Ivy today. She’s lovely, isn’t she.” It wasn’t just small talk. He meant it. That hug… the way she held on like she meant it — that didn’t happen with just anyone. Not in his world. His thumb brushed against Harmony’s hand. “Rhett’s lucky,” he added after a beat, more thoughtful this time. “You can tell she gives a damn. About you. About all of it.”

Rhett’s hand rested casually on the steering wheel, the other reaching into the backseat to blindly pass Harper her little stuffed bear. “There you go, monkey,” he said without looking. “Don’t say I never give you anything.” Harper giggled, already halfway into an imaginary game involving the bear and a leftover straw. Rhett just shook his head and smirked. He cast a glance at Ivy in the passenger seat. A moment passed. Then another.“Are we genuinely getting pizza?” he asked, softer than his usual teasing tone.

Nate’s chair scraped quietly as he stood, the sound barely noticeable over the low hum of the room. He didn’t say anything at first — just reached for Harmony with that gentle steadiness that always made her feel safe. His hand found the curve of her back as she shifted to rise. One wrapped around hers, the other warm and firm on her lower back, guiding her up like she was something precious. His fingers lingered, just enough pressure to help without crowding her. The way his thumb brushed the edge of her spine was more intimate than anything he could've said aloud.

Rhett leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, a smirk tugging slow at his lips. “Oh, yeah,” he said, catching Ivy’s look and nodding toward Nate and Harmony. “Don’t let us stop you. Honestly, if Harper’s in bed early tonight, I wouldn’t mind the same plans.” His tone was casual, but his eyes had that soft edge — the kind that only showed when he looked at Ivy. “Something warm and cheesy of our own, huh?” He sent Ivy a lazy wink that made her roll her eyes, though her smile betrayed her. As they walked out together, Nate leaned in close to Harmony, his breath warm at her shoulder, his hand never once leaving her. “I got you,” he whispered against her hair. As they reached their cars, Nate made sure to give Ivy a cuddle, kissing her hair as he did so before moving to give Rhett a hug too.

[brklynbxby]

Nate’s chair scraped quietly as he stood, the sound barely noticeable over the low hum of the room. He didn’t say anything at first — just reached for Harmony with that gentle steadiness that always made her feel safe. His hand found the curve of her back as she shifted to rise. One wrapped around hers, the other warm and firm on her lower back, guiding her up like she was something precious. His fingers lingered, just enough pressure to help without crowding her. The way his thumb brushed the edge of her spine was more intimate than anything he could've said aloud.

Rhett leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, a smirk tugging slow at his lips. “Oh, yeah,” he said, catching Ivy’s look and nodding toward Nate and Harmony. “Don’t let us stop you. Honestly, if Harper’s in bed early tonight, I wouldn’t mind the same plans.” His tone was casual, but his eyes had that soft edge — the kind that only showed when he looked at Ivy. “Something warm and cheesy of our own, huh?” He sent Ivy a lazy wink that made her roll her eyes, though her smile betrayed her. As they walked out together, Nate leaned in close to Harmony, his breath warm at her shoulder, his hand never once leaving her. “I got you,” he whispered against her hair. As they reached their cars, Nate made sure to give Ivy a cuddle, kissing her hair as he did so before moving to give Rhett a hug too.

Nate’s eyes softened the moment Harmony called him her husband like it was the only word that had ever made sense. His smile tugged slow at the corners of his mouth, that familiar smug grin that always showed up when she said something that absolutely ruined him in the best way. “Slipped out, huh?” he repeated, voice low enough that it was meant only for her. “Well… guess you gotta wait and see if I get my knee dirty for you.” His hand found hers beneath the table, thumb brushing slow over her knuckles like a quiet promise. It was obvious that it was inevitable. Once he’d worked through his trust issues, he was sure it wouldn’t be far off from happening. He was ready to wed her during the pods but the world had other plans for him.

Then she turned to Rhett with that teasing spark in her voice, and Nate snorted at the back-and-forth. His eyes flicked to Rhett and Ivy, a small smile playing on his lips at the way Rhett leaned closer to the girl without even realising. But the moment Harmony leaned in, the moment her breath warmed his ear and those words spilled out, Nate’s entire body responded like a lit fuse. His jaw clenched in a way that only she’d notice.“Baby” he whispered, eyes darkening instantly as he turned toward her, gaze locked on her. “You can’t just drop that in public unless you’re trying to get us arrested.” His lips brushed her earlobe as he murmured, “Sex first. Then pizza. Then sex again. For digestion purposes of course...” When Ivy spoke up, Nate didn’t even flinch. He rose to his feet suddenly, all casual and unbothered as he shot Ivy a grin. “We’re just talking about carbs,” he said smoothly, glancing back at Harmony with that unmistakable glint in his eye. “She’s craving… something warm and cheesy.” And then, without shame, he added under his breath just for Harmony, “Pretty sure I’ve got a stuffed crust situation for you right now.”

[brklynbxby]

Nate’s eyes softened the moment Harmony called him her husband like it was the only word that had ever made sense. His smile tugged slow at the corners of his mouth, that familiar smug grin that always showed up when she said something that absolutely ruined him in the best way. “Slipped out, huh?” he repeated, voice low enough that it was meant only for her. “Well… guess you gotta wait and see if I get my knee dirty for you.” His hand found hers beneath the table, thumb brushing slow over her knuckles like a quiet promise. It was obvious that it was inevitable. Once he’d worked through his trust issues, he was sure it wouldn’t be far off from happening. He was ready to wed her during the pods but the world had other plans for him.

Then she turned to Rhett with that teasing spark in her voice, and Nate snorted at the back-and-forth. His eyes flicked to Rhett and Ivy, a small smile playing on his lips at the way Rhett leaned closer to the girl without even realising. But the moment Harmony leaned in, the moment her breath warmed his ear and those words spilled out, Nate’s entire body responded like a lit fuse. His jaw clenched in a way that only she’d notice.“Baby” he whispered, eyes darkening instantly as he turned toward her, gaze locked on her. “You can’t just drop that in public unless you’re trying to get us arrested.” His lips brushed her earlobe as he murmured, “Sex first. Then pizza. Then sex again. For digestion purposes of course...” When Ivy spoke up, Nate didn’t even flinch. He rose to his feet suddenly, all casual and unbothered as he shot Ivy a grin. “We’re just talking about carbs,” he said smoothly, glancing back at Harmony with that unmistakable glint in his eye. “She’s craving… something warm and cheesy.” And then, without shame, he added under his breath just for Harmony, “Pretty sure I’ve got a stuffed crust situation for you right now.”

“Poor ace doesn’t know the shopping trips he is about to be dragged along to” Nate murmured with a crooked smile, his hand tracing slow circles over the curve of her belly. The tenderness swelling inside him felt almost unbearable, a love so large it pressed against his ribs, tight and luminous. It hovered on the brink of tears, though he held them back. Those would come later, undoubtedly the moment he held their son for the first time. And then, almost imperceptibly, she slipped, her sentence brushing against a word. Husband. His brow arched, amusement flickering in his gaze before it settled into a knowing smirk. “Husband, huh?” he echoed, catching the word as if it had been intentionally thrown. Her lips met his before she could respond, but the warmth lingered. “So that’s where your mind’s been,” he teased softly, his tone light — though the question settled deeper. Had she truly been thinking of that future? Had they both?

Across the table, Rhett caught the glint of hot chocolate crusting at the corner of Harper’s mouth. He wiped it gently with his thumb, instinctive and easy. “Nate’s a cutie,” he said with a lopsided grin. “Not sure about the other one though,” he added, jerking his chin toward himself with mock suspicion. But beneath the joking tone, something quieter stirred. He glanced at Ivy, not long, just enough, and felt the shape of that hope forming in his chest. A future like that. He wasn’t quite ready to say it aloud for the both of them, not yet. But he hoped the same kind of love would be waiting for him too at least if it didn’t end up being for him and Ivy as a couple.

[brklynbxby]

“Poor ace doesn’t know the shopping trips he is about to be dragged along to” Nate murmured with a crooked smile, his hand tracing slow circles over the curve of her belly. The tenderness swelling inside him felt almost unbearable, a love so large it pressed against his ribs, tight and luminous. It hovered on the brink of tears, though he held them back. Those would come later, undoubtedly the moment he held their son for the first time. And then, almost imperceptibly, she slipped, her sentence brushing against a word. Husband. His brow arched, amusement flickering in his gaze before it settled into a knowing smirk. “Husband, huh?” he echoed, catching the word as if it had been intentionally thrown. Her lips met his before she could respond, but the warmth lingered. “So that’s where your mind’s been,” he teased softly, his tone light — though the question settled deeper. Had she truly been thinking of that future? Had they both?

Across the table, Rhett caught the glint of hot chocolate crusting at the corner of Harper’s mouth. He wiped it gently with his thumb, instinctive and easy. “Nate’s a cutie,” he said with a lopsided grin. “Not sure about the other one though,” he added, jerking his chin toward himself with mock suspicion. But beneath the joking tone, something quieter stirred. He glanced at Ivy, not long, just enough, and felt the shape of that hope forming in his chest. A future like that. He wasn’t quite ready to say it aloud for the both of them, not yet. But he hoped the same kind of love would be waiting for him too at least if it didn’t end up being for him and Ivy as a couple.

Rhett leaned back in his chair, the low hum of conversation around them fading under the sound of Harmony’s laughter. He caught the glint in her eye as she teased him and pretended to clutch his chest like he’d been shot. “Uninvite me? Wow. So this is the betrayal I get after I offered to DJ your baby shower with a playlist that slaps? Rude.” He shot Ivy a mock glare as she kissed his cheek. “You’re siding with Harper now?” He turned to his daughter with mock betrayal. Then he leaned back and added with a dramatic sigh, “Fine. I’ll just show up uninvited with a tray of sausage rolls and a Bluetooth speaker blaring Spice Girls, see how long you last without me.”

Nate chuckled under his breath, eyes still on Harmony as she lit up at the mention of fairy lights. “Baby, if you make a list, we both know you’re going to end up in IKEA for five hours and come home with everything but fairy lights.” As she guided his hand to her bump, his teasing melted into something softer. His palm stilled over the flutter, and his smile deepened. “Hey, little guy,” he murmured, thumb brushing gently. “You warning me your mum’s about to order ten thousand fairy lights?” He looked back up at Harmony, his voice quiet. “I can’t wait to meet him.” Then, “For our family to grow.”

[brklynbxby]

Rhett leaned back in his chair, the low hum of conversation around them fading under the sound of Harmony’s laughter. He caught the glint in her eye as she teased him and pretended to clutch his chest like he’d been shot. “Uninvite me? Wow. So this is the betrayal I get after I offered to DJ your baby shower with a playlist that slaps? Rude.” He shot Ivy a mock glare as she kissed his cheek. “You’re siding with Harper now?” He turned to his daughter with mock betrayal. Then he leaned back and added with a dramatic sigh, “Fine. I’ll just show up uninvited with a tray of sausage rolls and a Bluetooth speaker blaring Spice Girls, see how long you last without me.”

Nate chuckled under his breath, eyes still on Harmony as she lit up at the mention of fairy lights. “Baby, if you make a list, we both know you’re going to end up in IKEA for five hours and come home with everything but fairy lights.” As she guided his hand to her bump, his teasing melted into something softer. His palm stilled over the flutter, and his smile deepened. “Hey, little guy,” he murmured, thumb brushing gently. “You warning me your mum’s about to order ten thousand fairy lights?” He looked back up at Harmony, his voice quiet. “I can’t wait to meet him.” Then, “For our family to grow.”

Rhett smirked, resting an elbow casually on the back of Ivy’s chair as she wiped Harper’s cheek. “Oh, there better be plenty of food,” he said with exaggerated seriousness. “I’m bringing a five-year-old and an appetite the size of a planet. You’re feeding both.” He gave Ivy a playful nudge with his knee. “And hey, if she’s offering cake, I say we at least taste test a few bakeries, for research purposes. You know. For science.” Nate chuckled softly, his thumb brushing slow circles over Harmony’s thigh, grounding and gentle. “She means it,” he said, his voice warm with pride as he looked at her. “She’s been planning this thing in her sleep. Woke me up the other night mumbling something about fairy lights and lemon drizzle.” He leaned in, pressing a kiss to her temple. “But if anyone can pull off something perfect, it’s her.”

Rhett leaned forward slightly, grinning. “Just don’t burn yourself out, Harm. You’re already carrying a whole human and now you wanna bake a three-tier cake and whatever else you have in mind?” Harper, now licking frosting off her fingers, looked up and added cheerfully, “daddy says you can’t eat cake for dinner but I say that’s silly.” Rhett gave a dramatic gasp. “Harper! That’s classified information! Don’t expose me like this in front of the respectable people.” Nate then took a forkful of the red velvet cake and dangled it in front of harmony’s mouth for her to take a bite of.

[brklynbxby]

Rhett smirked, resting an elbow casually on the back of Ivy’s chair as she wiped Harper’s cheek. “Oh, there better be plenty of food,” he said with exaggerated seriousness. “I’m bringing a five-year-old and an appetite the size of a planet. You’re feeding both.” He gave Ivy a playful nudge with his knee. “And hey, if she’s offering cake, I say we at least taste test a few bakeries, for research purposes. You know. For science.” Nate chuckled softly, his thumb brushing slow circles over Harmony’s thigh, grounding and gentle. “She means it,” he said, his voice warm with pride as he looked at her. “She’s been planning this thing in her sleep. Woke me up the other night mumbling something about fairy lights and lemon drizzle.” He leaned in, pressing a kiss to her temple. “But if anyone can pull off something perfect, it’s her.”

Rhett leaned forward slightly, grinning. “Just don’t burn yourself out, Harm. You’re already carrying a whole human and now you wanna bake a three-tier cake and whatever else you have in mind?” Harper, now licking frosting off her fingers, looked up and added cheerfully, “daddy says you can’t eat cake for dinner but I say that’s silly.” Rhett gave a dramatic gasp. “Harper! That’s classified information! Don’t expose me like this in front of the respectable people.” Nate then took a forkful of the red velvet cake and dangled it in front of harmony’s mouth for her to take a bite of.

Nate’s lips tugged into a grin the moment Harmony looked up at him like that — pouty and wide-eyed. “You missed me? I was gone for like... five minutes.” Still, there was no hesitation as he moved to take the seat beside her. Rhett let out an exaggerated sigh, standing with a dramatic stretch like he’d just been asked to give up a throne. "Fine, fine. Take your man back," Rhett muttered, smirking as he slid over to Ivy’s side again. Without missing a beat, he threw his arm over the back of her chair and leaned into it like he’d been there the whole time. “I wasn’t getting weird. You were just finally noticing my charm,” he quipped across the table, already reaching for his brownie and breaking off a hefty corner like it owed him money. Nate chuckled, settling in and immediately resting his hand on Harmony’s thigh under the table — a quiet, grounding touch he knew she always noticed. “Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere,” he murmured near her ear before brushing a quick kiss to her temple. His fingers laced with hers as they rested on her leg.

At the mention of a baby shower, his brows lifted, and he turned to look at her properly. Her hopeful expression softened something in him, and he nodded slowly, already picturing it — the people they loved in one space, celebrating something good, something that was finally theirs. “I think that sounds perfect,” he said, his voice warm and certain. “My parents, friends, these two…” He glanced over at them. “Assuming Rhett’s not too weird to attend.”

“I heard that,” Rhett said through a mouthful of brownie, pointing a finger at him but still smiling. “I’ll come if there’s more of this.” Beside him, Harper was silently working her way through a cake pop with serious focus, her legs swinging under the table. She didn’t say a word — didn’t need to — the frosting smudged across her cheek said enough. Nate laughed quietly, glancing around the table at all of them. For once, everything felt calm. Normal. Like family. He squeezed Harmony’s thigh. “Let’s do it. Two weeks. It’ll be good.”

[brklynbxby]

Nate’s lips tugged into a grin the moment Harmony looked up at him like that — pouty and wide-eyed. “You missed me? I was gone for like... five minutes.” Still, there was no hesitation as he moved to take the seat beside her. Rhett let out an exaggerated sigh, standing with a dramatic stretch like he’d just been asked to give up a throne. "Fine, fine. Take your man back," Rhett muttered, smirking as he slid over to Ivy’s side again. Without missing a beat, he threw his arm over the back of her chair and leaned into it like he’d been there the whole time. “I wasn’t getting weird. You were just finally noticing my charm,” he quipped across the table, already reaching for his brownie and breaking off a hefty corner like it owed him money. Nate chuckled, settling in and immediately resting his hand on Harmony’s thigh under the table — a quiet, grounding touch he knew she always noticed. “Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere,” he murmured near her ear before brushing a quick kiss to her temple. His fingers laced with hers as they rested on her leg.

At the mention of a baby shower, his brows lifted, and he turned to look at her properly. Her hopeful expression softened something in him, and he nodded slowly, already picturing it — the people they loved in one space, celebrating something good, something that was finally theirs. “I think that sounds perfect,” he said, his voice warm and certain. “My parents, friends, these two…” He glanced over at them. “Assuming Rhett’s not too weird to attend.”

“I heard that,” Rhett said through a mouthful of brownie, pointing a finger at him but still smiling. “I’ll come if there’s more of this.” Beside him, Harper was silently working her way through a cake pop with serious focus, her legs swinging under the table. She didn’t say a word — didn’t need to — the frosting smudged across her cheek said enough. Nate laughed quietly, glancing around the table at all of them. For once, everything felt calm. Normal. Like family. He squeezed Harmony’s thigh. “Let’s do it. Two weeks. It’ll be good.”

Nate watched her as she turned, his steps slow behind hers at first — like he was giving himself a second to hold onto the weight of what she’d just said. Her words had wrapped around something tight in his chest, loosened it. A small, playful smile curved his lips then, trying to lift the mood just like she had. With that, he headed back into the warmth and noise of the café — where the heavy stuff could wait, and today could still be sweet.

Rhett saw it in her — the way her voice thinned out around his name, like it hurt just to ask. That sharp, spiraling panic sitting just behind her eyes, clawing for answers. He opened his mouth, ready to dodge the truth again, but the sound of Ivy and Nate’s footsteps cut through the moment like a blade. Without thinking, he slipped a hand to the small of her back and leaned in just a little so only she could hear. “Relax,” he murmured, his voice low and easy. His fingers gave a light, reassuring press before he eased back and flashed her one of his crooked smiles — not mocking, just Rhett — his way of keeping her from drowning in it all. Then, more gently, with a shrug like this was nothing but background noise. “She didn’t say anything about you. She was too busy being her usual cryptic self — you know, dramatic pauses, weird eye contact, all very villain monologue energy.” He saw her start to speak, so he quickly added, softer this time, “Look, if she knew anything, she didn’t say. And if she does? It changes nothing. You’re here, Harm. With us. With me. That’s what matters, yeah?” Then, nodding toward Ivy and Nate with a theatrical sigh. “Now please, can I eat my brownie?”

[brklynbxby]

Nate watched her as she turned, his steps slow behind hers at first — like he was giving himself a second to hold onto the weight of what she’d just said. Her words had wrapped around something tight in his chest, loosened it. A small, playful smile curved his lips then, trying to lift the mood just like she had. With that, he headed back into the warmth and noise of the café — where the heavy stuff could wait, and today could still be sweet.

Rhett saw it in her — the way her voice thinned out around his name, like it hurt just to ask. That sharp, spiraling panic sitting just behind her eyes, clawing for answers. He opened his mouth, ready to dodge the truth again, but the sound of Ivy and Nate’s footsteps cut through the moment like a blade. Without thinking, he slipped a hand to the small of her back and leaned in just a little so only she could hear. “Relax,” he murmured, his voice low and easy. His fingers gave a light, reassuring press before he eased back and flashed her one of his crooked smiles — not mocking, just Rhett — his way of keeping her from drowning in it all. Then, more gently, with a shrug like this was nothing but background noise. “She didn’t say anything about you. She was too busy being her usual cryptic self — you know, dramatic pauses, weird eye contact, all very villain monologue energy.” He saw her start to speak, so he quickly added, softer this time, “Look, if she knew anything, she didn’t say. And if she does? It changes nothing. You’re here, Harm. With us. With me. That’s what matters, yeah?” Then, nodding toward Ivy and Nate with a theatrical sigh. “Now please, can I eat my brownie?”

Nate blinked, hard, as Ivy’s words wrapped around him like a balm he didn’t know he needed. He stared down at their joined hands, silent for a long moment, jaw working like he was trying to hold something back—but he didn’t. He let it wash over him. Let himself feel it. “Ivy…” he said quietly, voice rough with emotion. “That means a lot coming from you, I know how close you are now. And how much you mean to her, so thank you. I don’t always feel like I’m getting it right. Most days, I’m just scared out of my mind that I’ll do one wrong thing and she’ll disappear. Not leave—just… shatter. And I wouldn’t know how to put her back together if she did.” He reached up and rubbed at his face with one hand, then looked at her again with that raw openness he rarely let anyone see. “And hey, you and Rhett? You’re not far off. You’ve got that thing already.” He let the silence settle again for a moment, then shook his head with a low chuckle. “Crazy how we all got so tangled up in this mess. But if loving her—if fighting for her—is the one thing I get right in this life… I can live with that.” And with that, he stood, holding his arms out to Ivy as he did so, an invitation to a hug. Something he needed to give her in this very moment.

Rhett grinned at her tease, that familiar spark lighting in his eyes like it always did when she threw him shade. “Disgusting? Disgusting?” he gasped, mock-offended. “Excuse me, but I showered yesterday, thank you very much. And for the record, I am a delight. Ask literally no one.”He nudged her knee lightly with his own, his voice dropping just a notch. “And don’t lie. You live for me. I’m like emotional caffeine. Annoying, addictive, keeps you going even when you wanna throw something.” But when she looked up again — serious now — Rhett’s smile faltered just a little. He shifted, eyes flicking down briefly before meeting hers again, the teasing gone. “She was just being... Ella. Running her mouth. Trying to stir the pot — acting like she suddenly wants to play Lover of the Year.” He rolled his eyes, the irritation in his voice real, even if it wasn’t the full truth. “Probably wants me back, who can blame her?”

[brklynbxby]

Nate blinked, hard, as Ivy’s words wrapped around him like a balm he didn’t know he needed. He stared down at their joined hands, silent for a long moment, jaw working like he was trying to hold something back—but he didn’t. He let it wash over him. Let himself feel it. “Ivy…” he said quietly, voice rough with emotion. “That means a lot coming from you, I know how close you are now. And how much you mean to her, so thank you. I don’t always feel like I’m getting it right. Most days, I’m just scared out of my mind that I’ll do one wrong thing and she’ll disappear. Not leave—just… shatter. And I wouldn’t know how to put her back together if she did.” He reached up and rubbed at his face with one hand, then looked at her again with that raw openness he rarely let anyone see. “And hey, you and Rhett? You’re not far off. You’ve got that thing already.” He let the silence settle again for a moment, then shook his head with a low chuckle. “Crazy how we all got so tangled up in this mess. But if loving her—if fighting for her—is the one thing I get right in this life… I can live with that.” And with that, he stood, holding his arms out to Ivy as he did so, an invitation to a hug. Something he needed to give her in this very moment.

Rhett grinned at her tease, that familiar spark lighting in his eyes like it always did when she threw him shade. “Disgusting? Disgusting?” he gasped, mock-offended. “Excuse me, but I showered yesterday, thank you very much. And for the record, I am a delight. Ask literally no one.”He nudged her knee lightly with his own, his voice dropping just a notch. “And don’t lie. You live for me. I’m like emotional caffeine. Annoying, addictive, keeps you going even when you wanna throw something.” But when she looked up again — serious now — Rhett’s smile faltered just a little. He shifted, eyes flicking down briefly before meeting hers again, the teasing gone. “She was just being... Ella. Running her mouth. Trying to stir the pot — acting like she suddenly wants to play Lover of the Year.” He rolled his eyes, the irritation in his voice real, even if it wasn’t the full truth. “Probably wants me back, who can blame her?”

Nate let the silence stretch a little longer after Ivy’s words settled. They hung heavy in the air, but not in a bad way—more like a weight that had been waiting to land somewhere safe. He didn’t look at her right away. Just stared down at his hands, fists clenched in his lap, like he was holding something in that he couldn’t quite name. Then he breathed out, slow and shaky. “…You’re right,” he said finally, voice low. “We do need help. I know we do.” His throat tightened as he forced himself to say the rest. “I’ve never loved someone like this before. I don’t even think I knew I could. And that should be enough to fix things, right? It feels like it should be.” He rubbed his hands over his face, like maybe he could wipe away the frustration clinging to his skin. He looked over at Ivy then, eyes rimmed with unshed emotion. “I’ll do it. Therapy. Whatever it takes. I’d walk through fire for her, Ivy, but this—the fear, the second-guessing—I know it would eventually kill us” There was a pause. And then something darker flickered in his expression, a helplessness he rarely let show. “But I don’t know how to protect her.” His voice cracked on that last word. “Not from the stuff I don’t know fully about. Not from ghosts or shadows. Not from whatever the hell this gang is that’s got you so scared you won’t even say a name.” He held up a hand before she could answer, not to silence her—just to make sure she knew he wasn’t blaming her. “I’m not pushing. If you say it’s dangerous, I’ll back off. But I need you to know how it feels to sit here useless and already defeated. To want to keep her safe and not know how. To feel like a man who's supposed to shield her from the world but doesn’t even know which way the damn threat is coming from.” His hand dropped into his lap again, heavy. “I just… feel useless. And that scares me more than anything. Because if I’m not strong enough to protect her, what the hell am I even doing?” He looked at Ivy again, the edge in his voice softening into something almost boyish. Vulnerable. “I understand why you won’t tell me anymore. Just… tell me I’m not failing her” he asked as he looked back over his shoulder as harmony placed her hand on Rhett’s cheek. And even that simple act turned his stomach. They needed help. Before it burnt them to the ground.

Rhett grinned the second her hand touched his cheek, the kind of grin that was equal parts comfort and mischief. “Well,” he said, voice low but teasing, “without me, you’d be completely unprotected from spontaneous treehouse relocation plans and unsolicited beard updates.” he leaned in a little, conspiratorially. He paused, letting the silliness settle between them like a blanket, warm and welcome. Then, softer, “But seriously? You’d be doing what you always do. Carrying the world on those tiny shoulders and still somehow managing to make space for everyone else.” His eyes held hers, something more serious flickering just beneath the surface now. “But lucky for you… I’m not going anywhere. Candle-making cult and all, I’m in.” He bumped her forehead lightly with his, his voice a soft murmur now. “And for the record? You don’t ever have to thank me for loving you.” Then, after a beat, he pulled back just enough to smirk. “But if you did want to thank me properly, I accept baked goods. Preferably shaped like boobs”

[brklynbxby]

Nate let the silence stretch a little longer after Ivy’s words settled. They hung heavy in the air, but not in a bad way—more like a weight that had been waiting to land somewhere safe. He didn’t look at her right away. Just stared down at his hands, fists clenched in his lap, like he was holding something in that he couldn’t quite name. Then he breathed out, slow and shaky. “…You’re right,” he said finally, voice low. “We do need help. I know we do.” His throat tightened as he forced himself to say the rest. “I’ve never loved someone like this before. I don’t even think I knew I could. And that should be enough to fix things, right? It feels like it should be.” He rubbed his hands over his face, like maybe he could wipe away the frustration clinging to his skin. He looked over at Ivy then, eyes rimmed with unshed emotion. “I’ll do it. Therapy. Whatever it takes. I’d walk through fire for her, Ivy, but this—the fear, the second-guessing—I know it would eventually kill us” There was a pause. And then something darker flickered in his expression, a helplessness he rarely let show. “But I don’t know how to protect her.” His voice cracked on that last word. “Not from the stuff I don’t know fully about. Not from ghosts or shadows. Not from whatever the hell this gang is that’s got you so scared you won’t even say a name.” He held up a hand before she could answer, not to silence her—just to make sure she knew he wasn’t blaming her. “I’m not pushing. If you say it’s dangerous, I’ll back off. But I need you to know how it feels to sit here useless and already defeated. To want to keep her safe and not know how. To feel like a man who's supposed to shield her from the world but doesn’t even know which way the damn threat is coming from.” His hand dropped into his lap again, heavy. “I just… feel useless. And that scares me more than anything. Because if I’m not strong enough to protect her, what the hell am I even doing?” He looked at Ivy again, the edge in his voice softening into something almost boyish. Vulnerable. “I understand why you won’t tell me anymore. Just… tell me I’m not failing her” he asked as he looked back over his shoulder as harmony placed her hand on Rhett’s cheek. And even that simple act turned his stomach. They needed help. Before it burnt them to the ground.

Rhett grinned the second her hand touched his cheek, the kind of grin that was equal parts comfort and mischief. “Well,” he said, voice low but teasing, “without me, you’d be completely unprotected from spontaneous treehouse relocation plans and unsolicited beard updates.” he leaned in a little, conspiratorially. He paused, letting the silliness settle between them like a blanket, warm and welcome. Then, softer, “But seriously? You’d be doing what you always do. Carrying the world on those tiny shoulders and still somehow managing to make space for everyone else.” His eyes held hers, something more serious flickering just beneath the surface now. “But lucky for you… I’m not going anywhere. Candle-making cult and all, I’m in.” He bumped her forehead lightly with his, his voice a soft murmur now. “And for the record? You don’t ever have to thank me for loving you.” Then, after a beat, he pulled back just enough to smirk. “But if you did want to thank me properly, I accept baked goods. Preferably shaped like boobs”

Nate stayed quiet for a long moment after Ivy finished, his eyes fixed on a crack in the pavement, as if all the pain he’d been trying to carry had found a home there. His jaw clenched once, then released, but still he didn’t speak. The wind moved gently around them, brushing past as if even it didn’t want to interrupt. When he finally looked at her, there was no anger in his eyes—just something quieter, something that hurt far worse. “I haven’t stopped fighting,” he said, voice low and thick, as if every word had to be forced through the tightness in his chest. “Not even when she told me the truth about that night.” He let out a breath, unsteady and sharp, his hands pressing together between his knees. “Do you know what it’s like to look at someone and see your entire future? To build a life in your mind with them, a home, kids… all of it, only to have it shatter in seconds?” His voice cracked slightly, but he kept going. “And even after the lies, after the betrayal, I still couldn’t walk away. I tried so damn hard to tell myself I deserved better. But none of it mattered. Because I love her. God, I love her more than I have words for.” He paused, swallowing down the ache in his throat. “I wake up every morning next to her and remind myself not to doubt. I hold her hand and fight the voice in my head that says, ‘What if she does it again?’ I battle it every single day. Because I believe in us. Because I see how hard she’s trying. And I’d rather drown in this fight than ever know what it’s like to live without her again.” He glanced back through the window, where Harmony sat with Rhett, her smile small and tired but still there. “I’m not giving up on her. But you have to also understand… it’s not easy. It’s a thousand invisible wounds reopening every time she’s late coming home or flinches when I ask where she’s been. I hate that doubt lives in me now.” Nate looked away, forcing down the tears welling in his eyes. “But I’ll keep choosing her. I’ll keep building this life, brick by fucking brick. Because I meant every word I said when I told her she was it for me.” His voice softened, almost a whisper now. “So I get that you’re trying to look out for her but you don’t need to ask me not to give up on her, Ivy. I already made that choice. What I need is for you to trust that I have her best interests at heart and I will never give up on her. No matter what may come our way, we’re a team.”

Nate sat in silence for a moment, his elbows braced against his knees as he stared out at the passing cars, his thoughts running far ahead of them. Eventually, he turned his head, casting a glance over his shoulder toward Ivy before straightening and shifting to face her more directly. His voice, when it came, was low and deliberate. “What else do you know about these men?” he asked, each word weighted with quiet urgency. “I need everything you’ve got, Ivy—every name, every detail. Whatever you’re holding onto… I need you to give it to me.”

Rhett didn’t answer right away. He just sat there with his arm still wrapped around her, letting the weight of her words settle into the silence between them. His expression softened, the usual spark of mischief dulled by the ache in her voice. He gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze, pulling her just a little closer as if his presence alone could shield her from the world outside the café window. “Hey,” he murmured, tipping his head to catch her eyes. “You don’t have to do it on your own, alright? You’ve got people in your corner now. Me. Nate. Ivy. Hell, even Harper’s a tiny little bodyguard in sparkly trainers.” He offered her a faint smile, hoping it might catch in her chest and remind her she wasn’t alone in the fight anymore.“Ella,” he said with a small scoff, “who knows what she wants? Jealousy? To fuck with my head? All I know is I’m not playing her games.” Then he turned more toward her, the teasing edge in his tone softening into something quieter, more serious. “I see how hard you’re trying,” he said. “And I know it feels like you can’t get a second to just enjoy your life how you should. But Harm… you deserve to breathe. You deserve happiness, and love, and a boring life where your biggest worry is what takeaway to order on a Friday night.” He hesitated, his voice dipping into something rougher, something a little more vulnerable. “You’re allowed to be tired. Just don’t give up, yeah? The world’s a mess, but you’ve got people who’d burn it down for you. So rest if you need to. Lean on us. But don’t let go.” He announced, “And if it all goes to shit,” he added, closing his other hand around hers on her lap, “we’ll just pack up, grab Harper, and go live in a treehouse in the Scottish Highlands or something. I’ll grow a beard, Nate can become a farmer, Ivy can do hiking trips and you can make candles or something. Peace, guaranteed.”

[brklynbxby]

Nate stayed quiet for a long moment after Ivy finished, his eyes fixed on a crack in the pavement, as if all the pain he’d been trying to carry had found a home there. His jaw clenched once, then released, but still he didn’t speak. The wind moved gently around them, brushing past as if even it didn’t want to interrupt. When he finally looked at her, there was no anger in his eyes—just something quieter, something that hurt far worse. “I haven’t stopped fighting,” he said, voice low and thick, as if every word had to be forced through the tightness in his chest. “Not even when she told me the truth about that night.” He let out a breath, unsteady and sharp, his hands pressing together between his knees. “Do you know what it’s like to look at someone and see your entire future? To build a life in your mind with them, a home, kids… all of it, only to have it shatter in seconds?” His voice cracked slightly, but he kept going. “And even after the lies, after the betrayal, I still couldn’t walk away. I tried so damn hard to tell myself I deserved better. But none of it mattered. Because I love her. God, I love her more than I have words for.” He paused, swallowing down the ache in his throat. “I wake up every morning next to her and remind myself not to doubt. I hold her hand and fight the voice in my head that says, ‘What if she does it again?’ I battle it every single day. Because I believe in us. Because I see how hard she’s trying. And I’d rather drown in this fight than ever know what it’s like to live without her again.” He glanced back through the window, where Harmony sat with Rhett, her smile small and tired but still there. “I’m not giving up on her. But you have to also understand… it’s not easy. It’s a thousand invisible wounds reopening every time she’s late coming home or flinches when I ask where she’s been. I hate that doubt lives in me now.” Nate looked away, forcing down the tears welling in his eyes. “But I’ll keep choosing her. I’ll keep building this life, brick by fucking brick. Because I meant every word I said when I told her she was it for me.” His voice softened, almost a whisper now. “So I get that you’re trying to look out for her but you don’t need to ask me not to give up on her, Ivy. I already made that choice. What I need is for you to trust that I have her best interests at heart and I will never give up on her. No matter what may come our way, we’re a team.”

Nate sat in silence for a moment, his elbows braced against his knees as he stared out at the passing cars, his thoughts running far ahead of them. Eventually, he turned his head, casting a glance over his shoulder toward Ivy before straightening and shifting to face her more directly. His voice, when it came, was low and deliberate. “What else do you know about these men?” he asked, each word weighted with quiet urgency. “I need everything you’ve got, Ivy—every name, every detail. Whatever you’re holding onto… I need you to give it to me.”

Rhett didn’t answer right away. He just sat there with his arm still wrapped around her, letting the weight of her words settle into the silence between them. His expression softened, the usual spark of mischief dulled by the ache in her voice. He gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze, pulling her just a little closer as if his presence alone could shield her from the world outside the café window. “Hey,” he murmured, tipping his head to catch her eyes. “You don’t have to do it on your own, alright? You’ve got people in your corner now. Me. Nate. Ivy. Hell, even Harper’s a tiny little bodyguard in sparkly trainers.” He offered her a faint smile, hoping it might catch in her chest and remind her she wasn’t alone in the fight anymore.“Ella,” he said with a small scoff, “who knows what she wants? Jealousy? To fuck with my head? All I know is I’m not playing her games.” Then he turned more toward her, the teasing edge in his tone softening into something quieter, more serious. “I see how hard you’re trying,” he said. “And I know it feels like you can’t get a second to just enjoy your life how you should. But Harm… you deserve to breathe. You deserve happiness, and love, and a boring life where your biggest worry is what takeaway to order on a Friday night.” He hesitated, his voice dipping into something rougher, something a little more vulnerable. “You’re allowed to be tired. Just don’t give up, yeah? The world’s a mess, but you’ve got people who’d burn it down for you. So rest if you need to. Lean on us. But don’t let go.” He announced, “And if it all goes to shit,” he added, closing his other hand around hers on her lap, “we’ll just pack up, grab Harper, and go live in a treehouse in the Scottish Highlands or something. I’ll grow a beard, Nate can become a farmer, Ivy can do hiking trips and you can make candles or something. Peace, guaranteed.”

Nate stayed standing for a moment, the bench at his side but untouched. His hands slid into the pockets of his jacket, shoulders rising with a slow breath before he exhaled through his nose, steadying himself. His gaze drifted out toward the street before he looked down at Ivy—measured, unreadable, but not cold. “I get it,” he said quietly. “I do. You care about her. I respect that.” He paused, the sounds of the café muffled behind the door, the silence between them almost companionable—if not for the tension strung tight just beneath it. “But what you said in there?” He nodded back toward the window, his tone calm but edged. “Asking if we’d had a fight—in front of her, in front of friends, Rhett’s kid... that wasn’t okay.” He let that sit for a second. “You don’t know me,” he continued, voice even but firm. “So you had no idea what kind of reaction that would’ve pulled. Put us both in a corner there.” His jaw shifted slightly, like he was pushing something back, holding it in. Finally, he sank onto the bench beside her—not too close—and ran a hand over his face before resting his elbows on his knees. “I’m not angry,” he clarified after a beat, more gently now. “But I am protective. And I’ve worked hard to make sure she knows she’s safe. So yeah… I didn’t love how you came at it. But I’m listening.”

He saw the crease in Harmony’s brow, the worry tucked just behind her eyes, and the dramatics dropped away. He got up from across the table and slid into the seat beside her without a word, his presence easy, familiar. One arm draped around the back of her chair, and after a second, he let it rest lightly on her shoulders, giving a gentle squeeze. “She didn’t really apologise, no. I mean, said everything but. Gave me that smile—you know the one, like she’s trying to sell me knockoff perfume in a dark alley. Like she still had any right to after everything.” He gave Harmony a sidelong look, lips twitching. “Said shes basically been stalking me.” He shook his head, his tone more amused than bitter. “But honestly? I was mostly just focused on not letting her crawl back into my head.” He nudged Harmony gently with his elbow. His voice softened as he glanced out the window, toward where Nate and Ivy sat. “I don’t know what she’s trying to stir up, but I’m not playing that game. Not when things are actually good.” Then, turning fully to Harmony, he gave her a grin, deliberately exaggerated to break the mood. “But how are you? Talk to me.”

[brklynbxby]

Nate stayed standing for a moment, the bench at his side but untouched. His hands slid into the pockets of his jacket, shoulders rising with a slow breath before he exhaled through his nose, steadying himself. His gaze drifted out toward the street before he looked down at Ivy—measured, unreadable, but not cold. “I get it,” he said quietly. “I do. You care about her. I respect that.” He paused, the sounds of the café muffled behind the door, the silence between them almost companionable—if not for the tension strung tight just beneath it. “But what you said in there?” He nodded back toward the window, his tone calm but edged. “Asking if we’d had a fight—in front of her, in front of friends, Rhett’s kid... that wasn’t okay.” He let that sit for a second. “You don’t know me,” he continued, voice even but firm. “So you had no idea what kind of reaction that would’ve pulled. Put us both in a corner there.” His jaw shifted slightly, like he was pushing something back, holding it in. Finally, he sank onto the bench beside her—not too close—and ran a hand over his face before resting his elbows on his knees. “I’m not angry,” he clarified after a beat, more gently now. “But I am protective. And I’ve worked hard to make sure she knows she’s safe. So yeah… I didn’t love how you came at it. But I’m listening.”

He saw the crease in Harmony’s brow, the worry tucked just behind her eyes, and the dramatics dropped away. He got up from across the table and slid into the seat beside her without a word, his presence easy, familiar. One arm draped around the back of her chair, and after a second, he let it rest lightly on her shoulders, giving a gentle squeeze. “She didn’t really apologise, no. I mean, said everything but. Gave me that smile—you know the one, like she’s trying to sell me knockoff perfume in a dark alley. Like she still had any right to after everything.” He gave Harmony a sidelong look, lips twitching. “Said shes basically been stalking me.” He shook his head, his tone more amused than bitter. “But honestly? I was mostly just focused on not letting her crawl back into my head.” He nudged Harmony gently with his elbow. His voice softened as he glanced out the window, toward where Nate and Ivy sat. “I don’t know what she’s trying to stir up, but I’m not playing that game. Not when things are actually good.” Then, turning fully to Harmony, he gave her a grin, deliberately exaggerated to break the mood. “But how are you? Talk to me.”

As Ivy reached them and set the money down on the counter, Nate offered her a faint smile. Ordinarily, he wouldn’t let a woman pay—an old-fashioned habit he hadn’t quite shaken—but he recognised this for what it seemed: a peace offering. So, he let it stand. He gently lowered Harper to the floor just as the staff slid the hot chocolate across the counter, a generous swirl of cream and marshmallows crowning the cup, followed by a small plate bearing her chosen cake pop. Listening to Ivy, Nate considered her words in silence for a beat, then gave a slow, measured nod. He didn’t want the afternoon marred by tension and awkward exchanges. What he wanted was for things to unfold without friction. Still, in just a few hours, enough had happened to leave the air thick. “Let me just take these and Harper back to the table, and then we can head out,” he agreed quietly, gathering the items with practiced ease. Harper darted ahead, her laughter trailing behind her as she rushed toward her dad. Nate followed at a steadier pace, weaving through the café's narrow gaps with a careful balance of grace and caution. Once he reached the table, he set everything down gently, then leaned in to press a reassuring kiss to Harmony’s forehead—a silent message that all was well or at least manageable. Without another word, he turned and began threading his way back through the tables. The soft chime above the door punctuated his exit as he stepped outside.

“What even was last night, seriously?” Rhett muttered, shaking his head in disbelief as he sliced into his brownie and took a bite. “One minute I’ve got my Crown Jewels stuffed into an elephant costume, and the next bam Ella walks in.” A dry scoff escaped him, equal parts amused and exasperated. “Do you know if she’s with that guy?” he asked, lifting an eyebrow as he reached for his coffee, trying—and failing—to sound casual.

[brklynbxby]

As Ivy reached them and set the money down on the counter, Nate offered her a faint smile. Ordinarily, he wouldn’t let a woman pay—an old-fashioned habit he hadn’t quite shaken—but he recognised this for what it seemed: a peace offering. So, he let it stand. He gently lowered Harper to the floor just as the staff slid the hot chocolate across the counter, a generous swirl of cream and marshmallows crowning the cup, followed by a small plate bearing her chosen cake pop. Listening to Ivy, Nate considered her words in silence for a beat, then gave a slow, measured nod. He didn’t want the afternoon marred by tension and awkward exchanges. What he wanted was for things to unfold without friction. Still, in just a few hours, enough had happened to leave the air thick. “Let me just take these and Harper back to the table, and then we can head out,” he agreed quietly, gathering the items with practiced ease. Harper darted ahead, her laughter trailing behind her as she rushed toward her dad. Nate followed at a steadier pace, weaving through the café's narrow gaps with a careful balance of grace and caution. Once he reached the table, he set everything down gently, then leaned in to press a reassuring kiss to Harmony’s forehead—a silent message that all was well or at least manageable. Without another word, he turned and began threading his way back through the tables. The soft chime above the door punctuated his exit as he stepped outside.

“What even was last night, seriously?” Rhett muttered, shaking his head in disbelief as he sliced into his brownie and took a bite. “One minute I’ve got my Crown Jewels stuffed into an elephant costume, and the next bam Ella walks in.” A dry scoff escaped him, equal parts amused and exasperated. “Do you know if she’s with that guy?” he asked, lifting an eyebrow as he reached for his coffee, trying—and failing—to sound casual.

Harper couldn’t help but dissolve into giggles, licking her lips as her eyes sparkled at the array of sweet treats before her. But the mood shifted sharply at Ivy’s question. Did you guys fight or something? Nate’s gaze tightened, his brows knitting together as he leaned back slightly. Even if they had argued, this wasn’t the time or the place—and it definitely wasn’t Ivy’s business to probe. The question sat heavy between them, unwelcome and out of place. But Nate didn’t bite. He was too exhausted, still raw from the chaos of the night before, and far too close to saying something he’d regret. So instead, he chose silence, lifting his drink and taking a slow sip, letting the warmth coat his throat and weigh down the urge to respond. Then, with a glance toward Harper, blissfully oblivious and grinning, he softened. “How about we go pick out your cake now, huh?” he asked with a gentle smile. “Bet we can convince them to pile on the marshmallows for your hot chocolate.” Before anyone could say another word, Nate slipped out of his seat and swept Harper up into his arms. Her giggle returned instantly, small arms wrapping around his neck as he carried her over to the counter. There, she began enthusiastically pointing at every dessert in sight—fingers tapping at the glass, eyes wide with indecision—before finally settling on a cake pop and a hot chocolate piled high with whipped cream and more marshmallows than any reasonable cup could hold.

Back at the table, Rhett swallowed hard, the weight of it settling in his chest. It wasn’t just Azriel who had shown up—Ella was with him. His gaze tracked Nate for a moment before flicking to Harmony, quietly waiting to see if she’d pick up the question or leave it to him. The silence answered for her. Clearing his throat gently, Rhett leaned forward slightly. “After you left, a girl from the show came by… and a guy she was with,” he began, keeping his tone light. But the next words stalled at the back of his throat. He wasn’t sure how much to say or if mentioning Ella and their tangled history would do more harm than good. Especially after what she’d said about Harmony. This wasn’t what he’d hoped for when he pictured catching up.

[brklynbxby]

Harper couldn’t help but dissolve into giggles, licking her lips as her eyes sparkled at the array of sweet treats before her. But the mood shifted sharply at Ivy’s question. Did you guys fight or something? Nate’s gaze tightened, his brows knitting together as he leaned back slightly. Even if they had argued, this wasn’t the time or the place—and it definitely wasn’t Ivy’s business to probe. The question sat heavy between them, unwelcome and out of place. But Nate didn’t bite. He was too exhausted, still raw from the chaos of the night before, and far too close to saying something he’d regret. So instead, he chose silence, lifting his drink and taking a slow sip, letting the warmth coat his throat and weigh down the urge to respond. Then, with a glance toward Harper, blissfully oblivious and grinning, he softened. “How about we go pick out your cake now, huh?” he asked with a gentle smile. “Bet we can convince them to pile on the marshmallows for your hot chocolate.” Before anyone could say another word, Nate slipped out of his seat and swept Harper up into his arms. Her giggle returned instantly, small arms wrapping around his neck as he carried her over to the counter. There, she began enthusiastically pointing at every dessert in sight—fingers tapping at the glass, eyes wide with indecision—before finally settling on a cake pop and a hot chocolate piled high with whipped cream and more marshmallows than any reasonable cup could hold.

Back at the table, Rhett swallowed hard, the weight of it settling in his chest. It wasn’t just Azriel who had shown up—Ella was with him. His gaze tracked Nate for a moment before flicking to Harmony, quietly waiting to see if she’d pick up the question or leave it to him. The silence answered for her. Clearing his throat gently, Rhett leaned forward slightly. “After you left, a girl from the show came by… and a guy she was with,” he began, keeping his tone light. But the next words stalled at the back of his throat. He wasn’t sure how much to say or if mentioning Ella and their tangled history would do more harm than good. Especially after what she’d said about Harmony. This wasn’t what he’d hoped for when he pictured catching up.

Rhett smiled back at the two girls on the table then back to Nate and for once he was happy with the choice he had made. It seemed easy now that this set up was right in front of his eyes, but back when Mia laid it on thick, he was blind to it. His eyes then flicked to the barista just in time to nod toward Harmony and Ivy at the table. “Two caramel lattes, slice of red velvet, and… a cheesecake,” Nate announced. The barista smiled, started punching it in. Once the barista lifted her head, he added his part. “Flat white with oat milk. And the pistachio torte.” He turned to Rhett. “You?”

“Americano. Black. No fuss,” Rhett grinned, “And a brownie.” Nate handed over his card before Rhett could even twitch toward his wallet. Rhett squinted. “Man, you don’t have to … but I’m not gonna say no to being treated.” Nate rolled his eyes but chuckled anyway, soft under his breath. Rhett leaned one elbow on the counter, watching the barista steam the milk. The hiss and curl of steam filled the small lull between them, the scent of espresso and sugar thick in the air. “So… How’s your hand?” Rhett asked, eyeing the raw bruises blooming over Nate’s knuckles. Nate shook his head and stuffed the hand into his pocket to avoid further questioning. “Yeah well, the kid had it coming.” And with that, Rhett nodded and knew not to push any further. It was bound to happen and Nate seemed a lot less wound up about things now that that was out of the way. But still, there was tension in the man’s shoulders—a tightness that hadn’t quite let go.

Their drinks and cakes were handed over in little bursts of warmth and clatter—the cups gently knocking together as they were set on trays, spoons tucked beside paper napkins, cake slices tilted slightly from the walk across the counter. Rhett grabbed the tray with Ivy and Harmony’s orders, careful to balance the plates at each corner, while Nate reached for the rest, steadying a coffee cup with one hand and hooking a thumb around the edge of the tray with the other. As they made their way back toward the table, weaving between chairs and brushing past the occasional jacket slung over the back of a seat, Rhett added under his breath, “You really think Harmony’s gonna finish that whole slice of cake?” The scent of warm caramel and coffee drifted up with every step. The floor beneath them creaked just faintly, and the distant hum of conversation buzzed around them like static. Nate’s lips twitched. “The pregnancy cravings and eating have been insane, but recently not so much so there might be a piece left for you.” Rhett smirked, eyes flicking toward the table. Nate stepped just ahead to make space, angling the tray gently down toward the table edge. Rhett followed, setting his down with a soft clink of cups and the unmistakable sweet scent of brownie rising up like a reward. He let out a little breath through his nose, barely a laugh, just a moment of quiet ease, as he slid the caramel latte in front of Ivy.