Page 67 of Hat Trick Daddies

We fall into a comfortable silence, both of us lost in our own thoughts. The idea of a future with Ally, of something solid and lasting, feels surreal. But it also feels…possible.

For the first time in a long time, I feel like we’re moving toward something real. Something that could change everything.

Nick raises his glass, breaking the quiet. “To Ally,” he says, his voice filled with quiet conviction.

I clink my glass against his, a grin tugging at my lips. “To Ally.”

CHAPTER TWENTY

Ally

A couple of weeks later,the golden light of morning filters through the sheers of my bedroom windows, casting soft streaks across my bedroom walls.

The shadows dance in the shape of the silhouettes of the branches outside. I groan as I roll over, my stomach twisting in knots.

Something doesn’t feel right.

My head is pounding, my body feels heavy, and an unsettling queasiness churns in my gut.

Stumbling out of bed, I make my way to the bathroom, the cool tile under my feet sending a slight shiver up my spine. The faint scent of lavender does little to calm the growing nausea.

As soon as I reach the toilet, it hits me, a wave of sickness so sudden and powerful that I barely have time to lift the lid.

Afterward, I sit back on the cold bathroom floor, my forehead pressed against the cool porcelain of the tub. “Great,” I mutter, my voice hoarse. “I’m getting sick.”

I shuffle back to the living room, wrapping myself in the soft cocoon of my favorite blanket.

The couch welcomes me with its familiar plushness, and I stare blankly at the TV, not really seeing the morning news scrolling across the screen.

Was it something I ate? My mind sifts through the past couple of days, but nothing stands out. The leftover stir-fry? No, that was fresh. The old lady coughing at the grocery store? Maybe. I sigh, pressing a hand to my still-churning stomach.

My phone buzzes on the coffee table, the screen lighting up with notifications. The group chat with the guys is active, of course.

It starts with Nick.

>> You good, Ally?

ThenTyler chimes in.

>> Yeah, Doc. Everything okay?

>> You guys must have a sixth sense. I don’t feel great. But I’m okay.

Brooks responds right away.

>> If you need anything, just say the word.

I smile, my heart swelling despite how awful I feel.

>> I’m fine, maybe just a bug. I’ll bounce back soon, don’t worry.

The responses come in rapid-fire.

Tyler >> I can bring you soup.

Nick >> No, let me bring her soup. Tyler always gets the cheap stuff.

Brooks >> You two are idiots. Ally, do you need medicine? Or anything?

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