Page 107 of Three of a Kind

“See,” Noble murmurs close to my ear. “The mind has a way of making everything seem more catastrophic than it really is.”

I nod, running my hand over my stomach.

Holy shit.

Libby knows.

She might not fully comprehend it yet, but I no longer feel like the weight of the world is constantly sitting on my chest.

I’m not built for deception. And keeping this huge secret weighed on me more than I liked to admit.

Chapter Thirty

Brooklyn

Ifinally get around to opening my last gift. It’s a soft cable-knit blanket, and I love it. The day passes lazily. Noble tries to work on his laptop, but it gives him a wicked headache that we can all feel through the bond. Gunner pushes for him to take a break, which leads to me napping with Noble for an hour or two during Libby’s afternoon nap.

Beatrice is still at the house, but she mostly leaves us to the bottom floor, while she stays in the bedroom she was given on the second floor.

Maverick and Gunner run to the store and grab chicken and hot dogs for the grill. Bless has an incredible back porch, although the yard is tiny.

The guys bring back bubbles for Libby, and she runs around the small grassy area, blowing bubbles for Nova and Haze to pop.

It all feels very domestic.

Except, I’m worried about Lennox.

Being involved with Thorne would have led to nothing but pain and heartache. Or maybe I’m unfairly judging the guy by association, but anyone who can stomach being around Avan is bad news.

Not to mention the pang that hits my chest anytime I think about Bless. She’s one of the strongest people I know. Hearing that she let someone get away with busting her lip hurts my heart.

Logically, I understand her goal. She’s playing the long game and letting the little stuff slide, but I’m over it all.

Bless and Stacia get back from wherever they went this afternoon, and they do eat with us, but they leave again.

Libby is a sweaty mess, so I give her another bath before bedtime. She’s clearly worn out from playing all day, since she doesn’t fight me at all when it’s time for bed.

Gunner and Maverick decide to take the dogs for a run together, so I curl up at Noble’s side to snuggle with him.

He rolls over to face me, palming the back of my head. “Do you feel better now that Libby knows?”

Nodding, I run my fingers over his chest as he starts to purr. “I do. I appreciate you guys supporting me through that. Not to mention all the gifts.”

Them buying Libby her own courting gifts makes my chest all warm and fuzzy. Or that could be Noble’s calming energy and the vibration of his purr.

“I think I’ll feel safest when we’re in Virginia,” I admit. “Are you comfortable with that? I heard you own a house in California…” I don’t know how to admit that I don’t love the thought of being so far away from Lennox. At least being on the East Coast would give me some comfort.

“I’ve seen pictures. It’s a nice house. Huge backyard.” He smirks. “A shitload of space and so many trees. I hear you can water your grass any day of the week.”

“I’m serious. I want you to be happy too.”

“One day soon, you’ll realize I’m happiest where you are.” He brushes his lips over mine, and my heart races.

I move to Libby’s bed before falling asleep. It’s late, like middle of the night kind of late, when I wake up, needing the restroom.

Gunner’s warmth frames my back while Libby lies in front of me.

I take the easy way out and climb over her. Once I’m done with the bathroom, I head back into the bedroom. A huge part of me wants to crawl back under the covers, but my stomach gurgles.

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