Page 33 of Falling for You Again

“And you were okay with that?” I ask Tam.

“Of course I wasn’t, not at the time.”

“But you’re still together.”

“Because we love each other.” Shae reaches for Tam’s hand. “She more than made up for it when she booked us a room on the Cape.”

Tam kisses Shae. “We both love our work and each other. It’s about communication and balance.”

“Balance is bullshit.”

Emi blinks at my outburst. “Meli.”

“Actually, she’s right,” Tam said. “It’s impossible to give equal amounts of devotion all the time. There’s a lot of give and take. A good partner will give you a nudge when you’re hyperfocused on one thing too long.”

“She isn’t shy about nudging me away either. We don’t want to smother each other,” Shae adds.

“I can’t balance. Multitasking for me is a joke. I can’t even walk and talk on the phone at the same time.” Emi tries to lighten the mood.

“Same,” Shae agrees.

“Yeah, but what are the chances of finding a partner that perfect? We’re talking lottery odds, am I right?” My parents aren’t perfect. They bring their marital troubles to work. I’m sure they bring their work troubles home. There’s no separation, the lines too blurred. Uncle Bear has never found the perfect partner, let alone tried to look for one as far as I know. Paul definitely wasn’t perfect for me. We couldn’t balance my work with his family. “That’s why I’m never getting into another long-term relationship. I don’t want anyone distracting me from my woodworking. That’s what I really love.”

“That’s so sad.” Shae pouts.

“Pitifully sad,” Tam agrees.

“Why? I’m happy.”

Emi frowns at me, a dubious crinkle between her brows.

“Aren’t you lonely?” Shae asks. “I’d be lonely.”

“I have you guys.”

Emi’s frown deepens.

“Well, I’m my happiest when I’m with you.” Shae gazes moon-eyed at Tam and displays their linked fingers.

“And we’re going to be even happier soon.”

“Should we tell them?”

“Yes, let’s,” Tam says.

“Tell us what?” Emi asks.

“We’ve picked a baby daddy,” Shae announces.

“We’re going to be mommas,” Tam says.

Shae squeals and claps.

“That’s wonderful!” Emi exclaims, truly happy. She pours another round of prosecco and we raise our glasses. “To new family additions.”

“And promotions,” Tam adds.

Shae and I look at each other. “Who got a promotion?”

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