I manage a tight grin. “I’m good, thanks. Just order a second one and drink it for me. Hell, have the bartender make it a double so you can really taste the tequila. I love it when a cocktail puts some hair on your chest.”

“Still missing your liquor?” Eva asks with a smile.

“You have no idea,” I reply, picking up my menu. “Although, I have to admit it felt really nice waking up this morning fresh as a daisy. I miss drinking, but I don’t miss the hangovers.”

I don’t mention that masturbating to Greyson’s adorable drunk texts contributed to this morning’s freshness. When I woke up to eighteen texts from him, I thought for sure someone either died and/or Luke Rodgers’ barn burned down.

It was a pleasant surprise to find a sweet little confessional instead. I was flattered—and turned on—by the fact that he was thinking about me. And I’m happy for him that he’s trying to quit smoking. Personally, I was always more of a social smoker than anything. Every once in a while I’ll crave a cigarette. But it’s one of the few things I’m glad I had to go cold turkey on once I found out I was pregnant.

Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside to think we’re both trying to clean up our acts for Charlie Brown.

Greyson really is trying.

“Feeling better, then?” Gracie asks.

“Much. I’m turning that corner into my second trimester, and I can definitely tell the difference. I’m starting to have more good days than bad—nausea isn’t as constant, and the fatigue isn’t nearly as crushing as it’s been.”

Eva eyes me over her menu. “Well, you look great.”

“Yeah,” Olivia says. “You look happy.”

“Thanks. I’m finally starting to feel like myself again, which I’m super grateful for. I will never, ever take for granted having the energy to get through the day without wanting to die and/or cry. Feeling good is a gift.”

Gracie arches a brow. “Anyone in particular helping you feel that good?”

“Hey,” I shoot back, grinning for real now. “I am perfectly capable of feeling myself on my own, thank you very much.”

“I know. But having someone who participates in you feeling yourself is icing on the cake.”

“Before we get into feeling ourselves while feeling up other people, can we talk baby business for a minute?” Olivia pulls a notebook out of her bag and uncaps a felt-tip pen. “I know it’s early. But I want to make sure we’re fully prepared for baby Lassiter-Montgomery’s arrival when the day comes.”

My grin broadens into a smile, even as I feel a familiar lump forming in my throat. I was just saying how I can finally make it through the day without crying. But I wasn’t counting happy tears in that tally.

“Y’all are too sweet. You don’t have to do anything, really.”

“Of course we do,” Eva says, grabbing my hand and giving it a squeeze. “We’re your village, and we take that duty seriously. I’m going to be the best auntie ever.”