Dear Ex Wife Please take me back by The Every Woman

ATHENA

Ariana bounds toward me, practically glowing as she throws her arms around my neck.

"God, you smell like eucalyptus and baby shampoo. I hate how much I missed you," she says, planting a loud kiss on my cheek before pulling back and giving

me a once-over.

"Wait... what's going on? Why are we here? And why do you look like you're about to go to bed?"

I laugh.

Trust Ariana to roast your outfit no matter what you wear. These are the days when I miss Sloane the most. They'd go head to head as they argue about her love for bright colors and crazy combinations.

I open my mouth, then close it again.

"I... don't know," I admit honestly. "Alex and Rayen said it's a surprise. That's all I know."

Before she can press for more, Giana groans dramatically as she climbs out of the car with Ryan's help, her hand pressed to her lower back.

"Ugh, I swear my back is conspiring against me today."

Alex raises a brow. "Your back hurts because you've been glued to the couch watching Korean dramas for three days straight."

Giana scoffs, straightening with all the sass in the world. "Excuse you, I'm old. I deserve peace, comfort, and beautiful Korean men on my screen. What's your problem?"

Alex shakes his head as he walks towards her and leans in to kiss her cheek. "Then we'd better hurry so you can get back to the next episode before you miss out." The sarcasm in his tone is loud enough to earn him a glare from Giana.

"I swear you're lucky I love you."

All the words being spoken fade away as the French doors swing open.

I freeze as a familiar figure walks out.

Eli.

And right beside him is Luca, lan, Noah, Isabelle... all of them.

My jaw drops as my heart slams into my chest like a punch.

"Happy Mother's Day!!" they shout in unison, beaming as they step aside to reveal the grand foyer.

Mother's Day?

Wait.

What?

The twinkling lights. The giant floral arch. The glowing candles. The long

Gifts. Cards. Ribbons.

while

I forgot.

it

even know what day

doing cartwheels as the realization

I'm in freaking sweatpants.

rage now overtaking awe. I grab his wrist and pull him aside, my heart pounding

him into the shadowed corner near the staircase. "You let me walk into this looking like a tired raccoon in pajamas while everyone else looks

mouth twitches, he's

That smug idiot.

a raccoon

blaze in

be embarrassed? Is that what

steps in closer,

shifts as he cages me in against the wall, one hand beside my head, the other gently brushing a strand of hair behind my

is low,

Besides, you're tire,d there is no need for you to wear things that will exhaust

how to

minty breath fans across

My mouth opens.

Then closes.

I've lost all

My brain short-circuits.

rapidly, heat blooming in my chest and

move his face even closer when my common sense hits me in one blow

else is and

Day. I'm sorry I forgot to bring you a gift. I'll make it up to you both." I say

Day, baby. No worries, I know how crazy it has been for you the past

of headaches," Giana says, glaring

I join the rest in celebration, and the shock keeps piling up as I notice the center is

and I fall to my knees so I can hug him as he gives

kiss to his forehead and smile through the lump forming in

baby. It's

still crouched on the floor, hugging