I give them a dramatic pause, and of course they take the bait.

Gemma: and? And? AND?

Everleigh: We had the most amazing sex of my life and…

Katie: You squirted, didn’t you?

My cheeks heat, and I swallow hard, thinking about how he solved my body like a jigsaw puzzle and knew exactly what I needed.

Everleigh: You know way too much about me. But hell, wouldn't you? That man is pure perfection! But that’s not all that happened. I told him I’d fallen for him, and he confessed he was in love with me too.

Gemma: Omg! I knew it! I’m so happy for you two. Y’all are literally perfect together.

Katie: Finally! I knew you’d get your happily ever after!

Archer brings in Sassy, then fills her food dish. He speaks to her sweetly, bending down to pet her head as she starts eating.

Everleigh: I’ve never felt this way about anyone before, and I hate that I have to keep it on the down low, which means NO TELLING TYLER!

Gemma: That’s not fair! What if I slip?

Everleigh: Please, Gemma. Please promise you won’t. It would cause more problems, and I’m dealing with enough right now.

Gemma: I can’t lie if he asks. That would be wrong.

Everleigh: Listen, I pinky promise to tell him as soon as the time is right. He’s a worried mess.

Katie: Don’t take too long to tell him, Ev. Gemma’s a blabbermouth.

Gemma: Hey! He’s my husband. I can’t lie!

Katie: HA! Guess that means we need to start planning another wedding?

Gemma: Might as well stop taking your birth control…for Scarlett’s sake. She deserves all the cousins!

Katie: LMAO!

Everleigh: Alright, you two have clearly lost it now. BYE.

“What’s so funny?” Archer asks as he takes a seat next to me.

I shake my head. “My friends are ridiculous, that’s all.”

“You’re lucky to have them. I wished I had close friendships like that when I was younger. Living here, being with you, and working at a place that doesn’t make me miserable…it’s like a dream come true.”

“That makes me so happy. And I’m glad you’re here too. I know things have been rough, but it’s gonna get better. I don’t want you to worry about me.”

“I can’t help that. I can’t lose you, babe. It would destroy me.”

I press a soft kiss to his lips. “I can’t lose you either.”

The next morning, I roll over and see a dozen roses on the nightstand.

I sit up and find a note.

Happy Valentine’s, baby. I love you so much and can’t wait to spoil you all weekend.