Nicole crossed the room and perched on the arm of the chair. “Don’t get upset, honey.” She stroked Kelly’s hair.

“I’m so fucking tired, Nic. I don’t want you to say yes because I made you feel bad. I’ll text Lucy and tell her it’s a no-go.”

“You’ll do no such thing.” The chair rocked as Nicole jumped up.

If Kelly hadn’t been strung so tight, she would’ve asked Nicole if she had ants in her pants.

With her eyes on Steve, Nicole pointed at Kelly. “Tell her.”

From across the room, he locked eyes with Kelly. His expression was gentle yet serious. “We have news of our own.”

Of course they did.

Kelly had been so self-absorbed she hadn’t stopped to ask how their day had been.

“Nicole and I have found a place to rent.” He lowered his voice, as much as a man with a deep voice could. “We want to live together.” Trailing off, he mumbled, “Just the two of us.”

Anguish written all over her face, Nicole dropped to the floor and hugged Kelly’s knees. “Please don’t hate me. It’s not a done deal. I refused to sign the lease until after we talked to you. I’d never abandon you, Kel.”

Finally able to breathe again, Kelly burst out laughing. Giddy with relief, she cackled like a madwoman. “Oh, my god.” She swiped her eyes. “Look at us. We’ve been friends for over a decade, yet we’re dancing around each other like delicate flowers. It’s about time you two got your shit together.”

If she was to be totally honest, Kelly had been expecting the news long before now.

Standing, Steve held his arms out. “Group hug?”

Ecstatic for her two best friends, Kelly leapt out of her chair and embraced them. “Love you, guys.”

The top of Nicole’s head tickled Kelly’s chin. “The answer’s yes,” she said.

“Oh. Did Steve propose?” Kelly asked, only half joking.

A sharp pain shot through Kelly’s backside making her flinch.

“Ow.” Kelly smacked Nicole’s pinching fingers away. “What was that for?”

“Because I love you. Now behave. The yes was to Lucy moving in.”

The universe, which had played a cruel trick on Kelly earlier in the day, was now forgiven. Hope flared in her chest that once again all was right in her world.

A megawatt smile lit up Steve’s face. He took Nicole’s hand in his.

Like a lovesick fool, Kelly pictured him dropping to his knees and proposing. That didn’t happen; the next best thing did.

“Now that worrywart is no longer worried, I’m going to whisk her away. We won’t be back tonight, so don’t wait up.”

He rubbed his chin, looking thoughtful. “Actually, after the day you’ve had, I suggest you head straight to bed as soon as Lucy gets here.”