“What did I do to her?” I ask, hiding my face in her neck, savoring the smell of orchids and sandalwood, which always feels like coming home.

“You left. I was miserable and sad. She’s my best friend. That’s what besties do to people who hurt their friends.”

Guilt rushes from the bottom of my stomach. “I’m so sorry, Autumn.”

Her nimble fingers graze my unshaven chin. “I know you were feeling the same way.”

“I did. I was fucking miserable without you, and now I feel like a fool for doing that to us.”

“Don’t.” She places a finger on my lip. “Don’t downplay the pain and the rough life you’ve seen, Lukas. It’s made you who you are, and I love everything about you.”

Before I can reply, Chiara knocks with more force. “Are you guys done?”

“Let’s go meet your parents.” I get up from the bed, taking her with me.

“This feels so weird,” Autumn whispers as she puts on her bra and underwear.

“What does?” I hand her the light green pullover after putting on my T-shirt and jeans.

“Talking to my parents, especially Dad, after we’ve just had sex,” Autumn says as she ties her hair into a bun.

I chuckle. “Your parents know we have sex, babe. They aren’t stupid.”

“I know. But it’s different when you go and talk to them after you’ve just had sex. I feel like I should take a shower or something.”

I laugh at her cuteness. “You don’t have time. If you don’t open the door right now, your bestie will break it down.”

Chiara proves me right, because when Autumn opens the door, a fist lands on my wife’s head.

“Chi!” Autumn groans and I’m at her side immediately, glaring at her friend.

“I thought he’d open the door,” Chiara explains all the while throwing daggers at me.

Autumn shakes her head and walks out of the room. I follow her and Chiara, who asks something to her in a hushed voice, and Autumn shakes her head.

We finally reach the dining room, where Jasper, Laura, Suzie, and Mr. Big are sipping coffee. But I’m surprised to find Gavin sitting next to Minnie with a pie plate before him.

Suzie pours two cups of coffee for Autumn and me.

“Lukas, I hope you’re not upset with how everything happened tonight?” Jasper asks as I guide Autumn to the empty seat next to him.

I shake my head, because even with all the anxiety it caused me, I know in my core this was necessary. “I’m happy that Autumn knows me better than myself.” I twine my fingers with hers on the table.