“Oh my god, Scarlet. I’m so sorry.” Reece pulled her close and Scarlet leaned against her.

“There was no way for you to know she’d be here at this time of night.” Scarlet reassured her. “When you show up at people’s homes unannounced, sometimes you get a surprise.”

“Yeah, surprise!” Malachi grimaced, then ushered them into their condo before any other shit hit the fan.

Chapter 15

The last thing Reece expected to find sitting on her couch after a day of shopping with Sabrina was Malachi.

She froze in the doorway, bags hanging from both arms. “What areyoudoing here?” The words came out harsher than she’d intended and Scarlet frowned at her.

Malachi only shrugged and resumed his game. “It’sCall of Dutyday.”

“Oh.” She set the heavy bags on the floor, avoiding eye contact with Scarlet, who’d scold her for sounding so rude. But she hadn’t thought through the fact that he’d still come over every Friday and Tuesday to play games with Scarlet. If she’d known that, she might have stayed out longer. Having to see his face, hear his voice twice a week and knowing he wasn’t hers would be difficult. They’d all agreed to stay friends but maybe a clean break would’ve been better.

“Hey, Scarlet,” Sabrina said, pushing past Reece. When she spotted the couch inhabitant, she gave Reece a look then said, “Oh, hi, Mal.”

“Hey, Sabrina,” they both mumbled, keeping their gaze on the screen.

Reece had just explained the whole mess to Sabrina at dinner. She’d told her how she’d come to care for him and how much it hurt to lose him. And now here he was, sitting on their couch like he had so many times before – like the stray dog that just wouldn’t leave. Her chest started to ache.

Retreat!Her instincts screamed.

“What are you doing with all these bridal magazines?” Sabrina asked from the kitchen.

Was she going through her mail? “Picking out wedding stuff, nosy.”

Scarlet jumped in while pressing buttons furiously. “She’s been obsessed with weddings since she was a little girl. She’s picked out, like, a thousand dresses already. Haven’t you, kitten?”

She chuckled. “Yes. But I think I have it narrowed down to three.”

“Shouldn’t someone propose first?” Sabrina asked, coming into the living room, magazine in hand.

“You’d think,” Scarlet answered.

Reece flipped a hand in the air casually. “Details, details.”

Sabrina ran her fingers over the magazine cover longingly and frowned.

“Are you sad you couldn’t have a traditional wedding, Sabrina?” Reece asked her. She’d never thought of that before. It was hard enough for families to accept a lesbian relationship, but add polyamory to that and minds would be blown. It was asking a lot for people to not only accept it but to come to a wedding and celebrate it. No wonder Jude, Q and Sabrina had opted for a small commitment ceremony with only close friends.

After a moment, Sabrina shook her head. “No. Big weddings are a waste of money. Besides, if we want an excuse for a party, we have a million reasons with Zen.”

Reece sighed. “Yeah.” A wedding then a baby. It was the natural progression of things. Of course, they’d have to get creative about making a family. They’d talked about adoption before but they had to get through the wedding first, then a bigger house. “It’s complicated for you guys. I admire you. I definitely couldn’t skip a wedding and I have no idea how you co-parent with three people.”

Sabrina shrugged. “It’s not so bad. It’s kind of nice actually. The whole takes a village to raise a child thing. It’s really true. The more people that love Zen, the better.”

“Make sure you tell her I love her the most cause Auntie Reecey buys her the most clothes,” she teased.

Her friend laughed then handed the magazine over. “Speaking of that... Zen is probably still awake, waiting for Mommy to tuck her in. I should go.”

“Okay.” Reece reached out and hugged her friend.

“Bye, Scarlet and Malachi. Have fun with your little game.” She smirked and opened the door.

The two game addicts barely looked at her as they mumbled goodbyes. Reece spared a glance at her two Doms, er, two used-to-be-Doms then decided to make a quick getaway to her office. Just before she reached the door, Malachi called for her.

“Come play with us, Reecey.” He grinned when he used the nickname.