SERIOUSLY-THE END

JESS

I walked out onto the newly built deck, Luke following close behind, carrying everything we'd need for the barbecue. The afternoon sun started to dip, casting a soft golden hue across the yard. The deck was a beautiful bridge between our two backyards now, linking everything we'd built together-physically and emotionally.

I stepped outside and inhaled deeply, the air sweet with the smell of freshly cut grass and the faint trace of charcoal from the firepit Luke and Josh were setting up. My gaze instantly found Laura sitting on the grass with her huge belly, her hand resting gently on her round stomach as she watched Emerysn run ahead with the ball.

My heart swelled with affection as I watched her run with all the enthusiasm in the world. She was glowing, so full of life.

Luke set down the cooler and grabbed a few beers, handing me a Mountain Dew. I gave him a soft smile as I sat down next to Laura. Her eyes glimmered with mischief as she glanced at me.

"How are you feeling?" I asked her, the words coming out softer than I intended.

Laura laughed, glancing down at her belly and rubbing it affectionately. "As good as I can. I'm just... ready to not be pregnant anymore." She leaned back slightly, her back resting against the arm of the chair. "But I know I'll miss feeling her SERIOUSLY THE END

something

remembering how it felt with

I heard the clink of bottles being opened and the scrape of chairs as Luke and Josh joined us. Josh handed Laura a bottle of water, then dropped into a chair next to her, cracking open a beer for himself and giving me a Mountain Dew. Luke slid

"You are not drinking? Are you pregnant?" I joked, and Laura feigned

What gave it away? Is it this massive belly that looks like I'm carrying triplets?" she laughs, and I almost choke on

to me. It was

too,

they both said in unison, their

to kiss my temple. His lips lingered there for a moment, and

you too," I murmured, squeezing his

12 01

SERIOUSLY THE END

288 Mouchers,

Josh were still grinning, basking in the joy of the moment. As Luke and I turned to look at the backyard, my eyes fell on the treehouse that had once been the

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