“I’m glad you’re okay. I’m happy for you and my brother.” He blows out a breath, and his face softens into an expression I’ve never seen him wear before. “I’m sorry for going behind your guys’ backs and telling Cohen. I was in shock, unsure of what to do. As an employer, I know shit that happens out of work might not be my business, but also as an employer, I care about my employees—even with as standoffish as I am. I also know how much you mean to my brother, and if someone was hurting you, I wasn’t sure how much further they’d go. So, I called Cohen to ask for advice, knowing that he’d call Maliki because that’s the kind of guy he is.”

“It’s okay,” I reply with all honesty. “You did the right thing.”

Silas whips around, a spatula in his hand. “Does this mean you and baby Callahan are together?”

“It sure damn does,” Lincoln says loud and clear as he enters the kitchen. With swift steps, he comes up behind me, wraps his strong arms around my waist, and places a gentle kiss on my ear. “Hi, baby.”

“I’m swooning,” Georgia says. “Seriously swooning.”

Same, Georgia. Same.

A blush caresses my cheeks as everyone stares at us.

This is what I originally wanted from Lincoln.

This is what I wanted all those times I joked around with Lincoln but never thought I’d get.

His hands on me.

His mouth on me.

Him claiming me in front of everyone, making me feel wanted, making me feel like I could get a man who wouldn’t turn his back on me.

Silas grins. “I like it. Another couple breaking through our only friends rule.” He shakes his head. “Now, we’re waiting on Grace and Finn.”

“And then you and Lola,” Georgia adds.

“Nah, Lola and I will be the only two who stick to the just friends pact.”

“I wasn’t aware we’d made a pact,” Georgia replies.

“No, we did. In the beginning, Cohen said things were to stay strictly platonic between us and you and your friends.” He shrugs. “Cohen made the rules, and we were supposed to follow them.”

“Yeah, well, too bad Cohen doesn’t make our rules,” Georgia says with a frown. “And I’m going to kick his ass for telling you that.”

“And speak of the devil,” Silas calls out when Cohen, Jamie, and baby Isabella walk into the room.

Cohen has his tiny daughter wrapped in his arms, her head resting on his shoulder as he holds her tight.

My mind wanders to when Lincoln will be a father—how he’ll hold our baby, how he’ll love it, how we’ll be as parents.

Whoa, getting way ahead of yourself there, Cass.

I can’t help it. I want everything with him.