Page 97 of Off Season

Elliot is playing monsters with the kids. Jackson’s daughter, Isabela, although a bit older, still hangs on to his leg like a spider monkey as the dogs chase them, making them giggle and squeal.

When I suggested inviting everyone to England to celebrate his birthday, Ethan was nervous they wouldn’t want tocome. Because while the carefully constructed walls have come down, Ethan still worries he hasn’t done enough.

Sometimes it takes time to change deep-seated habits, but seeing him now, all bright-eyed and smiling widely, laughing with his closest friends, makes my heart swell. He may not think he’s come that far, but I know he has.

He might love quietly, but he loves fiercely.

But he wasn't the only one who had to get used to change.

The bakery is now one of the most successful bakeries in Chicago. Alex has taken a back seat, working more behind the scenes, and I started giving myself a break. Daniel is now the bakery manager, and Aria is with us full-time now they’ve finished college. They’ve taken over the commission orders, and we’ve added a few more members to the team.

Plus, when we started planning this trip, we decided to close the bakery for two weeks so Daniel and Aria could join us.

It’s been a big learning curve for me. I’m learning to put myself first and that it’s okay to have sad days, and with Ethan by my side, it’s been easier.

Alex twists the white gold band around his left ring finger. It’s still crazy to me that him and Blaine have been married for nearly a year now.

I hear him sniff, then let out a shaky breath.

“It’s wild, isn’t it? Not too long ago, it was just the two of us. We were barely keeping our heads above water, and now look at us. We’ve got this incredible family that keeps growing—hopefully more soon.”

For the last nine months, Ethan and I have been going through the process of surrogacy. We met Willow, who hasbecome one of our closest friends, but we haven’t succeeded yet. She keeps telling us not to give up, but I see Ethan becoming more and more withdrawn with each negative test. I wish there was something I could do, but sometimes you’ve just got to leave things for the universe to figure out.

I take a deep breath.

“Maybe. Hopefully.” I nod, not wanting to get my hopes up.

Maria Kendrick steps into the kitchen with Paisley on her hip, her other hand resting her growing baby bump. Since meeting her at Blaine and Elliot’s birthday party two years ago, Maria has become one of my best friends. She found out she was pregnant with Paisley shortly after we met, and seeing her blossom as a mom has been special.

“Ready for the cake?” She grins.

“Cake!” Paisley giggles, reaching out with grabby hands.

“I think so!” I grin.

Alex lights the candles, then I carefully pick up the cake from the counter and carry it outside.

Jennifer is the first one to spot me and begins to sing “Happy Birthday”. Everyone joins in, and when my eyes land on Ethan, he’s hiding his smile behind his hand. Those dimples I love so much pop in his cheeks more often now.

Placing the cake down on the table in front of him, I take the empty seat next to him.

“Make a wish!” Blaine hollers when the song comes to an end.

Ethan closes his eyes for a moment, then blows out the candles. We cheer and clap. Whistles pierce the air before the celebration is interrupted by Ethan’s phone ringing. He casts me a concerned look as he slips it out of his pocket.

Frowning at the screen, he angles it toward me. Willow’s name flashes on the caller ID.

“Answer it,” I say, trying not to let my panic show.

Ethan swipes his finger across the screen to answer, and everyone goes quiet.

“Hello? Willow? Is everything okay?”

I rub soothing circles on his back as he listens, the crease between his brows deepening, and then I see it. Relief washes over him, and tears begin to pool in his gorgeous brown eyes.

“Really?” he croaks. “It worked? Are you sure?” He looks at me with another dimple-worthy smile on his face, and my heart swells in my chest.

I cover my mouth with my hand, my own tears falling down my cheeks.

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