Reconciling

ELLA'S POV

The room was alive with the sound of laughter and inside jokes that only people who've known each other forever can understand. And honestly? I didn't remember the last time I laughed this hard with Jason's friends—our friends now, I supposed. The ones who once played the role of stupid boys with even dumber bets… now turning into uncles-in-training who were lowkey obsessed with my baby.

I watched Max and Dylan crouched over my belly like it was some ancient oracle. Every time my baby kicked, they acted like it was a sign from the heavens.

"He kicked when I said 'Uncle Max,'" Max pointed out smugly, reclining on the floor like he'd just scored a goal.

"Yeah?" Dylan rolled his eyes. "Well, he kicked harder when I said 'Uncle Dylan.' Clearly, he already has a favorite."

Jason snorted. "Or maybe he was kicking in protest."