“Jesus, will you two keep it down?” Ryan’s teasing voice cuts through the air as he strides into the kitchen. He pulls Leo into a brotherly hug, clapping him on the back. “Welcome back, man. Did you guys have a good time?”
Yeah, it was great,” Leo says, surveying Ryan with a grin. “It’s good to see you with your clothes on, mate.”
Ryan smirks, leaning casually against the counter. “Well, don’t get too comfortable—I can’t promise they’ll stay on for long… If I’m lucky.” He waggles his brows in my direction, earning an eye roll from me and a chuckle from Leo.
“Maybe just keep the handcuffs upstairs next time, yeah?” Leo says.
Ryan laughs, not missing a beat. “Oh, don’t worry—they’ll stay upstairs. Vivian’s already called dibs. Pretty sure she’s got big plans for them.”
Leo raises an eyebrow, his grin widening. “You really don't think we already have our own?”
“Can we not talk about the handcuffs while I’m in the room?” I teasingly interject. “I just managed to get over the embarrassment.”
Ryan steps behind me, planting a kiss on my cheek. I turn to meet him, giving him a proper kiss on the mouth.
“What are you doing up this early?” he asks, settling a hand on my shoulder. “You hate waking up early.”
“Oh, I couldn’t sleep,” I reply pointedly, raising an eyebrow. “Kept reliving a nightmare involving you, handcuffs, and certain people walking in.”
Ryan laughs, sliding into the stool next to me. “Sounds like a good time to me.”
I laugh as the three of us settle into a comfortable rhythm. Mostly, I listen while Ryan and Leo talk, but it’s nice—watching Ryan in his element with his best friend, and getting to know Leo better.
By seven, the sound of footsteps catches our attention, and Vivian appears, Isla in her arms.
“Morning, my Loves,” Leo says, crossing the room to greet them both with a kiss.
Vivian smiles, setting Isla in her highchair. “Morning, everyone.” She gets Isla settled while Leo moves to the espresso machine to make her a coffee.
As soon as Isla is happily munching on her breakfast, Vivian walks over, slipping her arms around Ryan and me for quick hugs. “Good morning, you two. Cooper, I need the link to that cop uniform. That’s going to be my birthday gift for Leo this year.” She winks, earning a laugh from Ryan and a groan from me as I shake my head.
“Oh my God,” I say laughing. “Are we ever going to stop talking about this?”
Vivian grins, not missing a beat. “Oh, honey, we walked in on Ryan in his underwear, handcuffed to the railing. This story’s going to have legs.”
Ryan laughs again, nudging my shoulder. “She’s right. It’s a classic. You should be proud.”
“Proud?” I shake my head, though I can’t help laughing.
Vivian stands next to Leo, nudging him playfully as their gazes lock. “Should we tell them?”
“Now’s as good a time as ever, babe,” Leo says.
I glance at Ryan, who’s grinning at the two of them. “Are you two finally getting married?” Ryan guesses, his tone teasing.
Vivian shoots him a pointed look, shaking her head with a grin. “I’m pregnant.”
“Ah, congratulations!” Ryan and I say in unison, our voices overlapping.
“And…” Vivian continues, looking at Leo expectantly.
“And…” Leo says, grinning as he reaches for Vivian’s hand. “We’re getting married.”
Ryan jumps out of his chair. “Yes!” he shouts, his excitement filling the room. He pulls Vivian into a hug, then Leo. I follow suit, wrapping them both in warm congratulations.
“Ah, Viv, now when I call you Leo’s wife, it’ll actually be true,” Ryan says, running a hand through his hair and laughing. “Seriously. I’m so happy for you both.”
“And…” Vivian says again, her tone teasing.