Page 18 of Triplet Babies for Pucking Christmas

Just the brutal reality that I’m here, in Chicago, with no apartment, no plan, and no idea what comes next.

Chapter Seven

Savannah

My phone buzzes in my hand, and for a second, I consider ignoring it. But then I see her name flash on the screen, and I remember why I’m here in the first place.

Millie.The one person who might be able to help me salvage this shitstorm of a life I’ve landed in.

“Hey, Millie,” I answer, trying to sound upbeat like I’m not sitting here with my life crumbling around me.

“Savannah, hi! I just wanted to confirm we’re still on for today.” Millie’s voice is bright, but there’s a hint of stress behind it.

“Yeah, of course,” I reply quickly, trying to muster some kind of enthusiasm. “I’m ready whenever.”

“Well, slight change of plans,” she says, her tone softening. “Luna, one of my little ones, was unwell all night. Finn took herto the hospital this morning, so if you don’t mind, could you come to my house instead? It’ll be quieter, and we can still do the interview.”

I pause, feeling a pang of guilt for even thinking about my mess when she’s dealing with a sick kid. “Oh, sure. No problem. I’ll head over.”

“Thank you so much. I’ll text you the address,” she says, her relief palpable. “I really appreciate it, Savannah. See you soon.”

I hang up and stare at the phone for a moment, trying to steady my breathing. At least I have somewhere to go. Somewhere that isn’t this fucking curb.

The address pings on my phone, and I plug it into Uber. A few minutes later, I’m on my way, staring out at the passing buildings of Chicago, my thoughts scattered.

I barely register the drive as I think about everything that’s happened. How the hell did I end up here, scammed out of an apartment, stranded with nowhere to go?

The Uber pulls up to Millie’s house, and I blink in surprise.Gorgeousdoesn’t even begin to describe it. It’s the kind of place you see in magazines—tall, elegant, with a perfect lawn and at least four cars in the driveway.

I hesitate for a second, feeling out of place, but then I remind myself that I’m here for the interview. Focus, Savannah. You need this.

I grab my bags and step out of the car, staring up at the house. The front door swings open before I even make it to the porch, and Millie steps out, looking like some ethereal goddess in a flowy dress, her long hair loose around her shoulders. A massive dog bounds out beside her, wagging its tail.

“Savannah!” she calls, waving. “Come on in!”

I manage a smile and walk toward her, my nerves jangling. “Hey, Millie. Wow, your place is…incredible.”

Millie grins and pulls me into a hug. “Thanks! And this is Peanut,” she says, motioning to the dog, who immediately sniffs my legs and wags his tail harder. “He’s a total softie.”

I laugh, scratching behind Peanut’s ears. “Hey, Peanut. You’re a good boy, huh?”

“Come on in,” Millie says, holding the door open for me. “I’m sorry about the chaos today. With Luna not feeling well and everything, it’s been a bit crazy.”

“No, don’t apologize,” I say quickly. “I’m just grateful you’re still able to meet with me.”

As I step inside, I’m hit with the warmth of the place. It’s cozy but still somehow huge, with high ceilings and sunlight streaming in through big windows. There’s a mix of toys scattered around, and photos line the walls—pictures of Millie, her kids, and…two husbands? Wait, three husbands!

“Wow,” I murmur, taking in the family photos. “Your family…”

Millie chuckles. “Yeah, I get that reaction a lot. It’s a bit unconventional, but it works for us.”

Before I can respond, a tall man with dark hair and an easy smile walks into the room. “Savannah, right? I’m Chase,” he says, extending a hand.

I shake it, still a bit stunned by how perfect everything is here. “Nice to meet you, Chase.”

“And that’s Declan,” Millie says, pointing to another man, who’s coming out of what looks like a home office. He’s just as handsome as Chase, with a sharp jawline and an air of quiet confidence.

“Hi, Savannah,” Declan says with a nod. “Millie’s told us a lot about you.”

---