After hanging up with Mia, Jade walked into the kitchen, where the three men were waiting. Thiago leaned against the counter, munching on an apple, while Enzo poured himself a glass of water. Milan was scrolling through his phone, but he looked up the moment Jade entered the room.
“Well?” Thiago asked, raising an eyebrow. “What did Mia say?”
Jade smiled, leaning against the doorframe. “She’s thrilled. She already called dibs on being the coolest aunt ever.”
Thiago grinned. “Typical Mia.”
Enzo smirked, setting his glass down. “So, have you wrapped your head around this yet?”
Jade hesitated, her hand unconsciously resting on her stomach. “Not entirely,” she admitted. “It still feels unreal. I mean, I’m going to be a mother. That’s… huge.”
“You’re going to be a great mother,” Milan said, his voice steady and confident. “You’re strong, compassionate, and resilient. This child is lucky to have you.”
Jade’s cheeks flushed at his words. “Thanks, Milan. That means a lot.”
“And you’re not doing this alone,” Thiago added, walking over to wrap an arm around her shoulders. “We’re in this together, 100%. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we’ve got you.”
Enzo nodded, his dark eyes softening as he stepped closer. “We’re a team, Jade. And this baby is going to be part of that team, too.”
Jade’s heart swelled as she looked at the three of them. “You guys are incredible,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “I don’t know how I got so lucky.”
Thiago grinned, giving her a playful nudge. “We’re the lucky ones, Jade. Don’t forget that.”
That evening, the four of them sat down for a quiet dinner. Thiago had cooked, as usual, preparing a simple but delicious meal of roasted chicken, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. The atmosphere was light and filled with laughter, the earlier tension replaced by a sense of calm excitement.
“To Jade,” Enzo said, raising his glass of sparkling water. “And to the incredible journey ahead.”
Jade smiled, raising her own glass. “To us,” she said. “And to this little one.”
***
Jade adjusted her coat as she stepped out of the cab, a crisp evening breeze brushing past her cheeks. Mia stood waiting outside the small, trendy bar they’d agreed to meet at, a wide grin already plastered on her face.
“There she is! The mama-to-be!” Mia exclaimed, throwing her arms wide.
Jade laughed, rolling her eyes as she hugged her best friend. “You’re going to milk this for all it’s worth, aren’t you?”
“Absolutely,” Mia replied, stepping back to look at Jade. “Come on, it’s not every day my best friend becomes a mother. Now, let’s get inside—I’ve been dying for a drink. Virgin for you, of course.”
The bar was cozy, its warm lighting and soft music creating the perfect atmosphere. They slid into a corner booth, and Mia immediately flagged down the waiter.
“I’ll have a margarita,” Mia said before turning to Jade with a mischievous grin. “And for the lady of the hour?”
“A virgin mojito, please,” Jade said, smiling at the waiter.
As they waited for their drinks, Mia leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. “So, how are you holding up? It’s been, what, a day since you found out?”
Jade sighed, though her lips twitched into a small smile. “It still feels surreal. Like, one minute I’m just Jade, trying to figure out my life, and the next, I’m responsible for a whole other human.”
Mia nodded knowingly. “It’s huge, but you’re going to be amazing. And let’s not forget you’ve got three ridiculously devoted men who are probably planning to bubble-wrap you until the baby arrives.”
Jade laughed, shaking her head. “You’re not wrong. They’re already treating me like I’m made of glass.”
“Typical,” Mia said with a smirk. “At least you know you’re in good hands.”
Their drinks arrived, and they toasted to Jade’s new chapter, Mia making a small speech about how she was ready to be “the coolest aunt ever.”
After their drinks, Mia clapped her hands together. “Okay, next stop: baby stuff. I saw a cute little boutique down the street, and we’re going. No arguments.”
Jade hesitated. “Isn’t it a bit early to start shopping? I don’t even know what I need yet.”
Mia waved her off. “Oh, please. This isn’t about practicality. It’s about browsing, imagining, and maybe buying a ridiculously cute onesie or two. Now, come on!”