“Completely,” Ariel agrees, grinning broadly. “And now that we’ve met you, I’d say our mission was a hit.”

“Mission completed,” Jordania echoes, flashing me a heat smile.

The sunshine of their smiles fills the room, creating a way of belonging I haven’t felt in years. As we sit in the lounge, our dialog is vigorous and animated, every girl sharing tales about Percival that unveil new layers of his persona.

“Do you know that Percival tried to begin a rock band when he was a child?” Ariel jokes, sipping her espresso. “He known as it ‘Percival and the Passionate Pumas.’”

“Passionate Pumas?!” I write on my cellphone, making an attempt to suppress a giggle. With each phrase they are saying, I really feel extra intrigued by this man I’ve solely simply begun to know.

“Yep,” Jordania chimes in, her darkish eyes glowing with mischief. “Morgan, his sister, informed us he even insisted on sporting leather-based pants daily, even if he may barely transfer in them.”

“Leather-based pants don’t sound very… breathable,” I sort shortly, my amusement rising.

“Belief me, they weren’t,” Rose provides, laughing on the reminiscence. “However that’s simply Percival for you—at all times aiming for the celebrities.”

“Talking of which,” Rose mutters, inserting a hand on her stomach. “This toddler has been giving me fairly the run for my cash these days.”

“Morning illness?” I write, providing her a sympathetic smile.

“Extra like all-day illness,” she sighs, rubbing her temples. “However it’ll be value it in the long run. I imply, take a look at what I’ve ready for me.” She beams as she exhibits us an image of Caleb, her cute toddler.

“Aw, he’s attractive!” I write enthusiastically, admiring the photograph. “You should be so excited to satisfy your new child.”

“Completely,” Rose agrees with a weary smile. “It’s simply… exhausting being pregnant, you understand? However so long as I’ve my ladies right here for help, I do know I’ll make it by.”

“All the time,” Ariel and Jordania chime in unison, their bond evident in each phrase they converse.

With daylight streaming in by the window, I catch a glimpse of Ariel playfully imitating Percival’s exaggerated swagger. Jordania and Rose take part, doubling over with laughter on the theatrics. The heat of camaraderie fills the room, and it’s contagious—I discover myself grinning ear to ear, my coronary heart swelling with affection for these newfound associates.

“Your brother-in-law is a personality,” I write, chuckling as Jordania offers her finest impersonation of Percival’s signature wink. “It’s good to see this aspect of him by all of you.”

“Belief me, Spencer, there’s by no means a boring second with Percival round,” Ariel replies, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “He could also be a little bit of a flirt, however he’s received a coronary heart of gold.”

“Talking of Percival,” Rose interjects, cradling her pregnant stomach, “I feel we’ve totally embarrassed him sufficient for in the future. What do you say we stick round for lunch?”

“Nice thought!” Jordania exclaims, her purple hair bouncing with enthusiasm. “Spencer, would you thoughts? We may order takeout.”

I pause for a second, contemplating their request. My culinary expertise go away a lot to be desired, however one thing about sharing a meal with these vibrant girls appears like the proper method to strengthen our blossoming bond.

“In fact!” I write, pleasure effervescent up inside me. “Let’s do it. I don’t prepare dinner, however I do know an incredible Thai place close by that delivers. How does that sound?”

“Scrumptious!” Ariel approves, her face lighting up on the suggestion. “I’ll seize the menu, and we are able to work out what everybody desires.”

As the ladies excitedly talk about their favourite dishes, I take a second to soak within the scene earlier than me: the sun-drenched lounge, the surprising firm, so welcome in my quiet world; and the prospect to study extra in regards to the enigmatic Percival Hills, who introduced us all collectively.

“Cheers to new associates,” I write on my cellphone, holding it up as a toast.

“Cheers!” They echo in unison, elevating their glasses and clinking them collectively. And with that, we settle in for a day of shared tales, scrumptious meals, and the start of one thing really particular.

Chapter Thirty-One

Percival

The second I open the door, a wave of laughter and the attractive aroma of meals washes over me. It’s a welcome change from the sterile air and tense environment of labor, making my coronary heart swell with heat. As I step inside, I spot Spencer within the kitchen, her inexperienced eyes glowing.

“Hey, you,” I greet her with a smile, feeling the exhaustion of the day dissipating with every step I take towards her.

“Hello!” she replies cheerfully, her lips curving into a large smile that mirrors my very own. “How was your day?”

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