Page 63 of Before Dawn

“Mikkel!”

Mara’s voice rang out from the hallway, full of surprise. I turned just as she stepped into the room, her eyes widening.

“I thought you were away.”

A grin spread across my face as I stood, pulling her into a hug. “I was. But I’m back now.”

I grabbed the two gift bags beside me and handed them to Mara. “The lilac one’s for your birthday, and the blue one’s for the baby shower. I’m sorry I missed both.”

She waved it off. “If you could’ve been there, you would’ve. And thanks for the gifts.”

Alex, standing beside her, studied her face. “You okay, angel?”

She yawned, rubbing her belly with a contented smile. “I’m fine. Just hungry. And my belly dropped.”

Alex’s head snapped up. “Dropped? Are you okay? Is the baby okay?”

Mara’s laughter filled the room, her eyes dancing with amusement. “Relax, babe. It just means my body’s getting ready for birth.”

Alex let out a breath, raking a hand through his hair. “Damn. Had me worried for a second.” He recovered quickly. “Alright, what do you want for dinner?”

She hummed, considering. “I don’t know.”

Alex was already reaching for his keys. “You want me to grab something? Or I can cook.”

Mara shook her head. “I’ll just DoorDash.”

Alex pulled out his Amex, holding it out to her. “Get whatever you want.”

She took it with a smile, eyes softening. “Thank you, baby. You spoil me.”

“That’s what I’m here for.” His voice was warm, genuine.

As Mara walked out, my phone buzzed.

Dill:I know you’re on a trip, but can I get a driver to pick up Azzaria in an hour?

Me:I’ll do it. I’m back.

Dill:You sure?

Me:Yeah.

I locked my screen and slipped my phone into my pocket. “Sorry about that. Dillon texted.”

Alex nodded. “Everything good?”

“Yeah, just a favor.”

He gestured toward his liquor tray. “You want a drink?”

“Sure.”

He poured whiskey into two glasses and handed me one. I took it with a grateful nod, the familiar burn grounding me back into the moment.

“How deep have you guys gotten?”

I shrugged, thinking it over. “Surface level. We’re becoming friends, getting to know each other.”

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