“We thought he’d never propose,” Sisi said, smirking. “Took him long enough.”

“He’s never had a proper family. Commitment is unknown territory for him,” I explained. “But everything’s going to be okay now that we have each other. I can’t wait for the ultrasound. I’ve been dying to see what the baby looks like.” I looked down at my swollen belly, and my heart flooded with pride. I was going to be a mom in twenty-four weeks or so. Motherhood had always been a foreign concept to me. My own mother was never particularly affectionate; she was always too busy for me. When she learned that she was going to be a grandmother, and that the father was Ryder, she nearly fainted. But, no matter how terrifying parenthood seemed, I knew that with Ryder by my side, I could do anything. No matter what problems and challenges lay ahead for us, I was certain they’d be child’s play considering what we had already been through.

“How do you know you can trust him?” Rach asked, stirring her smoothie with her straw. “Considering his past and all?”

“How do you know you can trust Kieran? It’s the same thing,” I said. “I believe in him, and I believe he’s capable of good. He just needed to forgive and learn to trust and love again. Ryder is different now. More relaxed, more comfortable in his own skin.”

“So how does it feel to be married, with a baby on the way? I still can’t believe you two eloped,” Terri said. She leaned over and grinned. “Can I feel the baby?”

“We didn’t want a big, elaborate wedding,” I explained, sitting back in my chair. “But we’ll have a small get-together with friends at the end of the month.”

“When do you find out the sex of the baby?” Terri asked, resting her hand on the baby bump.

“Next month,” I replied. “But we might keep it a secret.”

“That’s no fun. I want to know, so I can plan the shower,” Rose chimed in. “I did Rach’s shower, and you loved it, didn’t you, Rach?”

“We never even got to throw you a bachelorette party,” Sisi added. “Is it too late to do one now?”

I laughed. “You guys!”

“Seriously, though, ladies, Sisi, Rach, and now Cally are all married with kids,” Rose said. “Terri, it’s just you and me left. Who’s getting hitched next?”

“Definitely not me,” Terri said. “I’m not even dating anyone right now.”

“I have a hot co-worker who—” Rach began.

“No thanks. Last time you set me up, I ended up walking home two miles in the rain, wearing stilettos. I do not trust your taste in men,” Terri said. “Besides, I love being single. Nothing wrong with that.”

“You’ve always been super independent, Terri,” Rach said, “but think of how cute your babies will look!”

“That’s if I even find a man willing to make one with me,” Terri said. “It’s slim pickings out there. Besides, it’s not like I’m dying to procreate or anything. I don’t think I want to get tied down by a screaming, pooping tiny human being right now.”

“Don’t worry, I’m sure your very own bad boy will come along soon enough and sweep you off your feet,” I said, winking. “In the meantime, you can babysit whenever you want in about seven months’ time.”

“You’re also free to babysit Jacob whenever you want, if you catch baby fever,” Rachelle said. “God knows I’m sleep-deprived and could use a breather.” Rach’s baby boy, Jacob, was almost a year old now, and Kieran was the proudest dad on the planet. I couldn’t wait to see the look on Ryder’s face when he held his own baby for the first time.

“Oh, my kids love their Auntie Terri,” Sisi added. “They’re always asking about you. You’re always welcome to take them out for a weekend.”

“So, what’s your type? We’ll keep our eyes peeled for you,” I said. “Tall, dark, and handsome? Nerdy? Athletic? Filthy rich?”

“I don’t like bad boy types,” Terri said, sipping her coffee. “I just need someone emotionally stable, mature, and employed. Is that too much to ask?”

“So, someone boring?” Rach and I said at the same time. We looked at each other and laughed.

Terri laughed too. “Girls, there is nothing wrong with wanting some stability in my life.”