Page 144 of When You Had Me Adapting

“Nothing,” Lacey recovers, sending her an apologetic look. “Just that she won’t be at Logan and Poppy’s next weekend. Right?”

“I didn’t know you couldn’t come,” Poppy says.

“Yeah, it’s my brother’s birthday,” Wren explains. “Sorry. I thought I mentioned it.”

“It’s okay.” Poppy offers her a smile. “How are you liking your new job, Jace?”

“It’s incredible,” I say. “I was nervous about having to manage people, but the group of photojournalists I’m overseeing are extremely talented and I can already tell they’re going to make my job a lot easier.”

“That’s great,” Enzo says. “So, are you traveling anytime soon?”

“No.” I shake my head. “There’s no need. Part of my team is currently down in Florida studying the sea turtles nesting there, and next week they’ll switch out with a few of the people who have been home. I’m working on setting up our next projects.”

“And you’re okay with that?” Logan asks.

I pull Lacey into a tight hug and kiss the top of her head. “Honestly, I don’t miss it at all. I’ll definitely have to do some small trips down the road, and those will be fun, but I know I made the right choice. I’m exactly where I want to be.”

Lacey squeezes me tight before letting go. The conversation continues and I let the happiness I’m feeling wash over me. There is a lot we need to do, but it can wait until tomorrow. For now, I want to enjoy our friends and my girl.

I clear my throat and everyone’s eyes shift to me. “I’d like to make a toast of sorts,” I begin. “I’m not very good at this sort of thing, but I wanted to say thank you for your help today.” I put my arm around Lacey’s shoulders. “It means so much to the both of us to have all of you here, so thank you for putting up with us the past few months. I’d like to think it was all worth it.” I raise my glass and everyone sips their drink.

We finish off the pizza and the last of the champagne before everyone leaves for the night. I close the door behind Tanner, the last of our friends to leave.

“Ready for bed?” Lacey asks, standing at the top of the stairs. Her leggings are gone and she’s wearing only my shirt.

“Where are we going to sleep tonight?” I ask.

“Come and see.” She smiles.

I walk up the stairs and into our bedroom. The bed frame and box spring are leaned up against the wall, and our mattress is in the middle of the room. To my surprise, it’s covered with sheets and a blanket. Two pillows sit at the head. Rose petals are scattered over the blanket. Fake candles are scattered around the room, giving the illusion of real ones.

“What’s all this?”

“I wish I could take the credit, but apparently it’s a housewarming gift from our friends.”

“They did this?”

She nods, laughing. “There’s even a note.”

“What does it say?” She hands me a folded piece of paper and I open it.

You’re welcome.

Love,

The Tortured Therapists Department and S.H.I.E.L.D.

“Bunch of assholes,” I laugh, setting down the note.

“Yeah, but they’re our assholes,” Lacey says smiling. I wrap her in my arms and pull her into me. Her body relaxes against mine. “You know I’m not very tired,” she admits, flashing me a wicked grin. “You?”

“Not one bit.” I pick her up, causing her to let out a shriek. Climbing onto the mattress, I lay her down.

“I love you, pixie.”

“I love you, too, J.”

EPILOGUE

---