I kneaded my hands together, fretting to myself as I tugged on the hem of my shirt. Tonight would be our last night together as a group before the kids came home. I was trying to convince myself that it was just another night, not a turning point in our relationship. I hesitated with my hand over the phone, but I didn’t want to bug Jenna yet again. She had been my wailing wall all summer, my cheerleader through every step of this relationship, and I couldn’t have been more grateful. I knew what her advice would be; it would be the same that she had given me from the beginning. Let myself be happy. How could it be so hard to determine what would make me happy when the words themselves were so simple?

I felt like such a fool for diving into this relationship and throwing my heart into the waters as well, unable to hold myself back and simply enjoy the physical aspect the way that Jenna seemed to. Maybe it was because it had been so long since I had dated, or because I had never before had a casual relationship. My only partner before this summer had been Ian, and that had ended in marriage. I had no practice with casual or with keeping my emotions separate. Even if I had that ability though, I wasn’t quite sure I would have been able to manage to do it in this instance. Alex’s innate sweetness tugged at my heartstrings, he had the ability to genuinely care about not only those he was close to but everyone around, despite the pain he had experienced. Max’s gentle humor and his ability to make every moment we were together fun, to make me feel connected and like family from the very beginning, was a combination I couldn’t have resisted. Troy’s cocky attitude covered up an extremely gentle man who would do anything for those he loved, who was educated and intelligent, an inspiring conversationalist; and the way he slowly lowered his shields to show me more of himself was enough to make me want to hold him and never let go.

Despite my intense conversation with Alex a few nights before, I wasn’t convinced that a continuing relationship would be what all three of them wanted. I knew it would be easier if one or two of them decided they had changed their minds, that they agreed things would get too complicated and we would be better off as friends. I also knew if that was their decision I would end up crying my heart out over it. I shook myself, trying to throw off the blanket of depression that was coating me so that I could simply enjoy tonight without anything hanging over my head. I straightened the purple cotton of my shirt and rubbed my hands against the denim on my thighs before heading next door.

“Em!” Max’s greeting was warm and enthusiastic as he scooped me up, twirling me rapidly before placing me back on the ground. I enjoyed the feeling of the world still spinning as I brushed a kiss over his lips. “Missed you.” Those words were softer, meant only for me, and I couldn’t resist brushing another kiss across his lips.

“Missed you too.” I headed forward to where Troy lounged on the furniture, his arms opening for me as I climbed into his lap.

“Emmie.” My name almost seemed a plea before he took my mouth with his, his hand cupping the back of my neck as he deepened the kiss, clearly content to linger over my mouth.

“Hi, Emily.” Alex’s greeting was quiet as I pulled my lips from Troy’s. Troy didn’t try to hold me on his lap, though I could see by the tightening of his fists he had to fight the urge to. Instead, he let me go to his friend.

“Alex.” I wrapped my arms around him, drawing him against me, letting my hands rub and soothe at the tense muscles of his back while he held me tighter. Things were different between us now that his secret had been revealed. Far from being a detriment to our relationship, the emotional toll it had taken on the both of us seemed to have moved things forward for us.

I brushed light kisses along his neck as I felt him relax into me, happy to see the smile gracing his mouth when I pulled from his arms. “What’s the plan for tonight? Are we going somewhere?” I asked as Troy snagged an arm around my waist, tugging me back onto the couch with him and making me giggle.

“Talk first, then eat.” Troy’s words were simple as he nuzzled at the sensitive skin of my neck. I felt my heart drop into my stomach, and my hands grew clammy as I tried to subtly rub them against my shorts. Max and Alex took their places in the circle and a part of me warmed, enjoying the four of us being together.

“If we’re going to talk, you probably need to stop nipping at my neck.” I tried to sound stern, but despite the nerves, the play of Troy’s tongue and teeth across the tender skin on my throat was having an effect. Troy chuckled and pulled away, and I immediately wanted to pull him back. “Ok, so, let’s talk.” The words were lame, but I was completely out of my element.

“Alex told us what he shared with you.” Max glanced at Alex who nodded. “About his past, about how he feels for you; how we all feel for you.” I squirmed slightly as I shrugged.

“He said you were all interested in continuing our relationship,” I admitted, unwilling to mention Libby now. Troy and Max nodded as if affirming this.

“He also said that it seems the hesitance is on your end, and on how you present this relationship to your kids,” Max continued, leaning forward to draw me in. It made me catch my breath when my playful Max was serious and logical, commanding the attention of the room.

“I’m not hesitant, exactly.” I hurried to explain, still struggling to find the words that would help them to understand. “I just don’t know how to present this relationship to the kids.”

“Why should you have to?” Max asked, raising an eyebrow in challenge. I gaped at him, unable to form words. “Hear me out.” He raised a hand to forestall my speech. “We all care about you greatly, or we wouldn’t be in this situation. However, it’s only been a few months.” I considered his words and nodded my agreement. Sometimes it seemed like these three had been in my life forever, not just a few short weeks.

“I may not have children of my own, but I am friends with people who do.” Max kept his eyes trained on my face, and I tried to do the same, though I wanted to glance at Alex, to try and reassure him through the pain I knew this conversation was bringing him. “I am quite aware it’s not uncommon for single parents who date not to introduce their partners to their children for some time, especially introducing them as a romantic relationship. Your divorce hasn’t been finalized for very long, the children are just getting back from California, and the summer hasn’t even ended yet.”

Troy snorted and turned my chin so my gaze met his. “Max is being long winded, per his usual. We’re saying we want to keep things going. We’ll meet the kids when and if you’re ever ready for that, at least as your partners. For now, we’d like to continue to date you. We’ll do so at my place or Max’s so that we’re not right on top of the kids. Would your sister be potentially willing to babysit?”

I opened and closed my mouth, struggling for a moment. How could they have simplified everything so easily? “I mean, I’m sure she wouldn’t mind babysitting. I just…” I trailed off, my eyes going to Alex as I tried to sort things out in my head. His smile was soft, his eyes gentle as he reached out to give my leg a reassuring squeeze. “They already know Alex, and enjoy him. I’m sure they’re still going to want to hang out with him. They like having a male figure in their life.”

“If you’re willing, I’ll continue to play ball with them.” Alex’s words were soft. “They already know me as a friend and neighbor, and I hope that will continue, no matter what happens with us. I adore your children, Emily.” I stroked a hand down his cheek, soothing the pain that was welling up in his eyes.

“We can meet them casually as well when you’re ready,” Max offered. “We hang out at Alex’s a lot as it is. We’ve seen your children out in the past when we’ve stopped by, but hadn’t known you or wanted to interfere. When you’re ready, we can start playing with them when Alex does. Let them get to know us through Alex, rather than through you. Hopefully, they’ll withhold any negative judgment on us.”

I nodded, slow and thoughtful. I didn’t know why I hadn’t thought of any of this. They made it seem so simple. We continued with things in a different strain than we had through the summer, sure. We could no longer have sex wherever we wanted or flex our schedules as much, but single moms dated. Our situation may be different with the three of them, but it was fairly early to tell the kids anything at all, no matter how attached I already felt.

“If you’re ever ready to discuss what our relationship actually is with them, we can. There’s no hurry for it. We can get some more time together, more time getting to know your kids, more time seeing how we fit into your day-to-day life rather than this dreamy summer we’ve had.” Troy was straight to the point, as always. “All we’re asking is that you not give up on us yet. None of us are willing to back off, and we want to see what a longer relationship has to offer.”

“I think it’s a good plan,” I admitted, the stress that had been hounding me for days finally easing off my back, releasing my mind from its oily grip. I couldn’t help the sigh of relief as I sagged into Troy’s arms, my head resting contentedly on his shoulder. “I can’t believe you guys came up with all of this. I’ve been wracking my brain for days. It seemed so impossible to act as just friends; it seemed like we would be lying. I don’t understand how, when you lay it all out like that, it seems so simple.”

Max shrugged. “You’re an author. You tend to look at what-ifs and worst case scenarios. We’re looking at the present. I’d like to assume that all of us are friends first, no matter what.” I nodded my agreement, unwilling to leave the shelter that Troy’s body provided. “Then it isn’t a lie. It’s up to you if you wish to tell you your children you’re dating again, of course.” I considered for a moment, trying to think it through without becoming dramatic.

“Jenna wouldn’t tell them.” I started slowly, considering it. “She’s been on me to get out and socialize. If they ask, I may tell them since I hate lying to them. I doubt they would though. They’ll be excited to spend time with Jenna, and she’s watched them before when I’m working or running errands or going to the doctor.” I shrugged slightly. “If I asked Brooke to watch them, I’d get question after question. She adores Jenna, though.”

“Good.” Max nodded decisively, leaning back. “We’ve still got cell phones, so we’ll stay in constant contact. Don’t be afraid to send pictures.” He wiggled his eyebrows at me, and I rolled my eyes.

“Sometimes the words are simpler when they come from someone else,” Troy whispered in my ear as Max and Alex began to debate the benefits of Chinese versus pizza. “Those children are your life, and you’re already tied up in knots with everything that’s going on. We just wanted to help you see that you didn’t have to look so far ahead.” Troy paused for a moment, before brushing a kiss against my ear. “I like knowing you want to see a future with us though. I see one too.” His last words were so quiet I almost thought I imagined them, and I froze. He chuckled, his voice deep and rich, brushing another kiss over my throat before turning to cast his vote for food.