Scarlett begins crying, and Tyler stands to grab her from Jerry. “She might’ve pooped,” Jerry whispers.

Tyler chuckles, then makes a face. “Yeah, I think you’re right.”

“Do you want me to take care of it?” Gemma asks.

“Nah, I got it, babe. Finish your food.”

When he’s out of sight, Gemma leans in. “Sometimes, he still gags. It’s hilarious because, at this point, I’m completely immune.”

“Looking forward to my superhero skill of smelling shit and not throwing up,” I say with a laugh.

“You heard it from the lady herself, Archer. The rest is up to you,” Katie says, and Noah chuckles.

My cheeks heat as Archer squeezes my thigh again.

He smirks. “Might be able to make that happen.”

“Oh my God. If it were up to all of you, I’d be pregnant before the end of the year,” I exclaim.

“Would that be a bad thing?” Archer asks, and I contemplate his question.

“You’re pregnant?” Tyler exclaims when he returns, holding a freshly changed Scarlett. Belinda swipes her from his arms.

“No!” I blurt out. “That’s how rumors get started!” I look around the room, repeating myself to make sure everyone hears my answer. Though it might still spread around, it’s a rumor I wouldn’t mind. Archer would make a great dad, and if I’d like to eventually have kids with someone, it’d no doubt be him.

The subject is changed, and Archer leans in and whispers in my ear, “You’re blushing.”

I grin and lick my lips. “And it’s all because of you.”

Monday morning comes quickly, and I couldn’t be happier to be at work. Sure, sometimes it’s so busy I don’t have time to think, but I love it. If I’ve learned anything while being on bedrest, it’s how much I enjoy my job. Not being at the boutique was pure torture.

After I open the shop, customers flood in as usual. A few more months are left until summer arrives, but it’s already starting to get hotter outside. Right now, the store is still covered in pastel-colored clothes, but in a few weeks, it will be full of colorful neons.

Before lunch, we get a quick break, and it gives me a chance to chat with Dana. It’s been a while since just the two of us have worked together.

We start folding a pile of crumpled shirts, and I take the opportunity to ask questions. “How have you been lately?”

“I’ve been doing great. Reading a lot. Hanging out with my new roommate.”

“Oh, you found someone to finally move in?”

She smiles, but it doesn’t quite meet her eyes. “Yeah, it was by luck, honestly.”

“I bet you’re relieved. I know you’ve been looking for someone for a few months.”